Executive Summary

• Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations have risen 44.5% for the month of July according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), with BEV registrations for light commercial vehicles rising almost 75%
• While BEVs are expected to claim more than a quarter (27.4%) of new car registrations, it is still well short of the 33% mandate target, says SMMT
• Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said reform of the ZEV Mandate was needed ‘alongside renewed commitment from all stakeholders to build consumer confidence’

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations have gone up 44.5% for the month of July after a ‘subdued’ July 2025, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) – but chief executive Mike Hawes has warned that positive figures ‘does not mean [it] is a market transforming of its own accord.’

The latest industry outlook expects 2.18 million new car registrations for 2026. While BEVs are set to claim more than a quarter (27.4%), this percentage is still ‘significantly’ short of the 33% mandate target, SMMT said.

Looking at electrified vehicle uptake specifically, plug-in hybrids were up 33.6% to take a 14.9% share of the market, with hybrids up 11.6% to account for 13.2% of the market. SMMT notes that last year’s figures for BEVs were comparatively poor due to buyers delaying switching until confirmation of full model eligibility for the Electric Car Grant (ECG).

Elsewhere, BEV registrations for light commercial vehicles in the UK have risen by almost 75% in July to take a record market share of 14.7%. According to SMMT, BEV registrations represented the best performance since August 2025 putting its year-to-date market share at 10.6%, the first time it has reached double digits. This, however, is still less than half the level needed to achieve the year’s mandated target of 24%.

“While zero-emission van growth is expected to continue outpacing the wider market, BEVs are anticipated to account for 11.5% of registrations in 2026, rising to 15.9% in 2027 – meaning uptake lags around two years behind mandate ambition, despite the vast choice of models as a result of manufacturer investment,” SMMT noted.

In a post on the SMMT website, Hawes put a substantial caveat on the announced numbers. He argued that anyone who suggests the figures proved the ZEV Mandate as working ‘ignores the reality facing those expected to deliver it.’ “Urgent reform of the mandate is therefore needed, alongside renewed commitment from all stakeholders to build consumer confidence,” wrote Hawes.

Hawes added that recent Department for Transport analysis underlined continuing concerns over the cost, availability, and reliability of charging. “Infrastructure has improved but not fast or evenly enough, with just one public charger for every 40-plus plug-in cars in the south east and north west compared with one for every nine in London,” wrote Hawes. “We need nationwide market transformation – yes, ‘in every postcode’ – for every driver, including those with specific needs, but that is not yet happening.

“Ambition matters, but delivery is essential. Government, industry and the energy and charging sectors must work together to ensure a just transition that is affordable and supports investment in UK automotive manufacturing,” added Hawes. “Without both, we risk undermining the very transition we are trying to accelerate.”

Image credit: Created with Magnific