Record EVs. But Are We on Track?
March 2026 has delivered the biggest month for electric vehicles in UK automotive history. According to data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 86,120 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered in March. This represents a 24.2% year-on-year increase and the highest monthly total ever recorded. Electrified vehicles as a whole, including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), accounted for more than half of all new car registrations for the month.
The overall new car market also performed strongly, with 380,627 registrations representing a 6.6% year-on-year increase. This was the best March and best single month since 2019. Growth was driven primarily by private buyers, with retail registrations climbing 10.1%.
Despite these record numbers, the sector is running significantly behind the government's mandated targets. The debate around whether those targets are achievable is now one of the most talked-about topics in the UK automotive industry.
What Is the ZEV Mandate?
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate is the UK government's regulatory framework for accelerating the transition to electric vehicles. Under the mandate, a rising percentage of all new cars sold by each manufacturer must be zero-emission each year. Targets are set to reach 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans by 2030, and 100% by 2035.
For 2026, the target is 33%. This means one in three new cars registered must be a battery electric vehicle. Manufacturers who miss their individual targets face fines of £15,000 per car short of the required number. Alternatively, they can purchase compliance credits from manufacturers who exceed their targets.
The Numbers Don't Yet Add Up
Despite the record March, BEVs captured just 22.6% of the market for the month and 22.4% year-to-date. Against a 33% target, the shortfall is substantial and continuing to grow. In 2025, EVs reached a record market share of 23.4%, which was still below that year's 28% target.
The SMMT has called for an urgent review of the mandate, arguing that the targets were set on assumptions that no longer reflect economic reality. The organisation highlights that battery costs are running 30% higher than predicted in 2021, while public charging costs and manufacturing expenses have also increased. EVs have not yet reached price parity with petrol and diesel equivalents.
SMMT Director General Mike Hawes stated that natural market demand will not deliver the rapid increase in market share required to meet these targets.
The Government's Position
The government is not yet prepared to soften the targets. The Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation confirmed that a formal review of the ZEV mandate will take place, but indicated early 2027 as the appropriate timing. This allows more data to be gathered to properly assess the situation.
At the same time, new government data on the Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (VETS) shows that manufacturers met their 2024 compliance obligations. This was achieved not through EV sales alone, but through a combination of CO2 credit trading, reduced emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles, and forward borrowing provisions built into the system.
Government officials argue that this demonstrates the mandate is working as intended.
What This Means for EV Drivers Right Now
While the policy debate continues, the practical situation for EV drivers is improving in several areas. In January 2026, the Department for Transport launched the ‘Get That Electric Feeling’ campaign. This highlights savings of up to £3,750 off the purchase price of a new EV through the Electric Car Grant, along with potential savings of up to £1,400 per year in fuel and maintenance.
The UK's public charging network now includes over 87,000 charge points. There is also a government commitment to deliver an additional 100,000 local public chargers in the coming years.
From 1 April 2026, the threshold for the Expensive Car Supplement, often referred to as the luxury car tax, increased from £40,000 to £50,000 for electric vehicles. This means EVs priced under £50,000 are now exempt from the additional £440 per year charge. The change also applies retrospectively to EVs registered from April 2025.
For drivers with electric cars priced between £40,000 and £50,000, this represents a saving of up to £2,200 over five years.
What Does This Mean for Charging Infrastructure?
As more electric cars hit UK roads, demand for reliable and convenient charging continues to grow. This applies to both home charging and public infrastructure.
For businesses such as hotels, golf clubs, restaurants, and workplaces, the case for installing EV charging has never been stronger. One in four new car registrations was already a battery electric vehicle in February 2026, and that proportion is expected to keep rising.
At Plug In Stations, we're helping businesses and homeowners stay ahead of demand with professional EV charger installation across the UK. Whether you need a single home charger or a multi-bay commercial installation, get in touch with our team to find out what's possible.
