According to new data from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), April 2026 proved to be a strong month for the UK new car market, showing overall growth of 24% with 149,247 units registered.

Still, these numbers are still relatively low compared to other months of the year, with the market in recovery from last year’s negative tax change impact. Despite growth recorded in all sectors, fleet sales are in the lead with 26.8% growth, and 90,462 registrations.

April was also the month the two millionth electric car was registered in the UK, with a robust 26.2% market share. This was probably helped by strong fleet sales, thanks to EVs’ favourable BiK (Benefit in Kind) figures.

In fact, according the SMMT figures, EVs accounted for more than half of (53.2%) of the market in the second month this year. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) registrations rose by 46.4% to take a 13.8% market share, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) increased by 18.8%, with 13.2% of new registrations.