Electric and plug-in hybrid cars were responsible for all the growth in the UK new car market during October, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
A total of 152,730 new cars were registered during the month, representing a 5.4% increase compared with October 2025. However, the most interesting part of the story is not simply that more cars reached the road. It is the type of cars drivers are choosing.
Almost one in three new cars registered in October was fully electric. Battery electric vehicle registrations increased by 32.7% to 48,858, giving electric cars a 32% share of the market.
Plug-in hybrids also enjoyed a strong month, with registrations rising by 30.1% to 22,898. They accounted for a further 15% of the market.
Put those figures together and electric and plug-in hybrid cars represented 47% of all new cars registered in October. That means almost half of the month’s new cars could be plugged in and charged.
It is a significant milestone for a market that looked very different only a few years ago. Electric cars are no longer limited to a small number of early adopters or company fleets. There is now a much wider choice of electric hatchbacks, saloons, family SUVs and premium models available to UK drivers.
The growth was not entirely driven by large fleets either. Registrations by private buyers increased by 4.1% during October, providing further evidence that more individual drivers are considering electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
Petrol and diesel registrations both fell during the month, while conventional hybrids also recorded a decline. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were therefore responsible for all the market’s overall growth.
For drivers considering their next lease car, the figures show just how quickly the choice is changing. Improvements in driving range, charging speed and model availability mean an electric car lease could now suit many drivers who may have ruled one out in the past.
A fully electric car will not be the right answer for everybody. Access to charging, typical journey length and annual mileage should all be considered before making the switch. Drivers without convenient home charging may find the experience less straightforward than somebody who can charge overnight on their driveway.
This is where a plug-in hybrid lease may appeal. A plug-in hybrid can complete shorter journeys using electric power while retaining a petrol engine for longer trips. However, drivers need to charge it regularly to make the most of its electric capability.
