Fleet registrations drive EV growth as SMMT calls for mandate reform

November 9, 2026

Electric vehicle (EV) registrations continued to rise in October, with fleet buyers accounting for almost 59% of all new car registrations, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The UK new car market grew by 5.4% year-on-year to 152,730 registrations, marking its 11th consecutive month of growth. Fleet registrations increased by 5.4% to 89,985 vehicles, while business registrations recorded a stronger 24.5% rise to 4,516.

The Jaecoo 7 topped the overall new car sales chart in October with 3,412 registrations, narrowly ahead of the Ford Puma with 3,369. The Volkswagen Golf took third place with 2,642 registrations.

As for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the Skoda Enyaq was October's top seller, recording 1,568 registrations. The Mini Countryman Electric came second with 1,494, followed by the Jaecoo 5 in third place with 1,465.

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations climbed 32.7% compared with October 2025, reaching 48,858 units and taking a 32% share of the market – their highest monthly share so far this year.

BEVs accounted for 26.6% of new car registrations in the first ten months of 2026, with 503,805 electric cars registered, up 30.4% year-on-year.

SMMT's latest outlook forecasts that EV market share will reach 27.2% for the full year, falling short of the Government's 33% Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate target.

As a result, the SMMT is calling for urgent reform of the ZEV Mandate, which comes as Government is set to adjust the targets this week.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, said: "Higher targets may force supply, but they do not create demand.

"The ZEV Mandate review must deliver substantive reform effective immediately to ensure we have a healthy market and an attractive pitch to investors."

For fleet operators, the figures underline the growing role of fleet purchasing in supporting EV adoption, while highlighting the importance of affordability, incentives and long-term policy certainty in accelerating the transition.