Cars: Growth in EV demand stalls as sales fall short of government targets
UK buyers registered just over 90, 000 new cars in February, but electric uptake has stalled and remains well short of government ambitions. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders recorded 90, 100 registrations in the month, while battery-electric vehicles accounted for roughly one in four new sales and year-to-date BEV share sits at 22. 0%. The shortfall leaves manufacturers a long way from the 33% target set by the Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate.
Cars market in numbers
The industry registered 90, 100 new cars in February, the best February total in more than two decades. Battery-electric vehicles made up around 24. 2% of registrations in the month, while the year-to-date BEV market share stood at 22. 0%—about two thirds of the 33% target mandated for 2026. Trade figures show growth in overall volume driven by a rise in private buying and fleet activity, but the BEV proportion has softened compared with a stronger run-up last year when EV shares were higher.
Immediate reactions from industry and trade
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, said: “It is fantastic to see one in four motorists opting for an electric car in February. As we enter yet another fossil fuel price crisis, every electric vehicle is yet another step on the road to energy independence. “
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders stated: “With year-to-date BEV market share at 22. 0%, two thirds of the 33% share mandated for 2026, March is set to be a pivotal month. ” The trade body highlighted that short-month effects and a late surge in sales in the run-up to prior regulatory changes can exaggerate month-to-month swings in BEV share.
What this means next
Regulation remains central to the story: the Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate requires manufacturers to ensure a specified proportion of sales are fully electric, and non‑compliance carries financial penalties. The industry has already invested in new models and incentives, and trade commentary signals that March figures will be decisive for whether manufacturers close the gap to the mandated share. Observers will also watch policy measures referenced by the trade body that could affect buyer confidence and the long-term transition to electric cars.
