What do the figures show?
Autotrader published its October new-car market update on 23 October 2026. Electric cars accounted for 33.8% of all new-car enquiries on its site, the first time they have passed a third. Overall traffic to its new-car pages was flat on last year, while the number of new cars advertised rose 13%.
An enquiry is a buyer contacting a dealer about a car, not a sale. Actual sales are lower: according to SMMT figures for September, battery electric cars were 28.3% of new car registrations (99,199 cars), and 26.2% for the year so far. Under the zero emission vehicle mandate, the target for 2026 is 33%.
Which electric cars are buyers asking about?
| Most-enquired EV brands | Share of EV enquiries |
|---|---|
| BMW | 9.4% |
| BYD | 6.2% |
| Hyundai | 5.8% |
| Kia | 5.6% |
| Most-enquired EV models | Share of EV enquiries |
|---|---|
| BMW iX3 | 4.7% |
| Renault 5 E-Tech | 4.4% |
| Cupra Raval | 3.8% |
What it means if you are buying
- Discounts are still there. The average advertised discount was 10.2% across all new cars and 10.1% on electric cars, slightly lower than in September. Dealers have more stock than a year ago, which can help when you negotiate.
- Check the Electric Car Grant. Some new electric models qualify for a discount of up to £3,750 (band 1) or £1,500 (band 2), which the dealer takes off the price. Check the GOV.UK list of eligible cars before you buy.
- Work out the running costs. Compare charging at home with public charging using our EV charging cost calculator, and see our guide to petrol vs electric running costs.
- Remember the tax. Electric cars now pay vehicle tax. See our electric car tax guide and the plan for pay-per-mile tax from 2028.
- Considering nearly new? Used EVs sold fastest of any fuel type in October, in 25 days on average. Read which used cars are selling fastest, and always run a free MOT history check on anything over three years old.
The Autumn Budget on Wednesday 28 October may include changes for drivers. Read what to watch for in the Budget.
Questions drivers ask
What share of new car enquiries are for electric cars?
33.8% on Autotrader in October 2026, the first time electric cars passed a third of new-car enquiries.
What share of new cars sold are electric?
In September 2026, battery electric cars were 28.3% of new car registrations, according to SMMT, and 26.2% for the year to date.
How much discount can I get on a new car?
Autotrader says the average advertised discount on new cars was 10.2% in October 2026, and 10.1% on electric cars.
How many new cars will be sold in 2026?
Autotrader forecasts 2.21 million new car registrations in 2026, up 9.5% on 2025.
Sources
- Autotrader: New car market enters Q4 with momentum as intense competition and increased choice drive demand (23 October 2026)
- Finance Connect: UK new car demand holds firm as discounts remain above 10% (23 October 2026)
- electrive: UK posts strongest-ever month for BEV registrations in September (SMMT figures, October 2026)
- GOV.UK: Electric Car Grant
Facts checked against the sources above on 27 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
