Electric vehicles close gap on petrol and diesel in UK market

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 26% of the UK automotive market in September 2026, narrowing the gap with internal combustion engine (ICE)-only vehicles, which held a 28% share, according to new analysis from GlobalData.

The figures highlight the continuing shift towards electrification in the UK, with electric vehicles increasingly competing with conventional petrol and diesel models for market share.

GlobalData’s analysis found that passenger vehicles accounted for approximately 88% of the total UK automotive market during September, while light commercial vehicles (LCVs) represented the remaining 12%.

“The UK automotive market showed a narrow gap between ICE-only vehicles and BEVs in September 2026, with ICE-only vehicles leading at approximately 28% of the total market and BEVs close behind at 26%.

“This highlights the growing importance of powertrain diversification in the UK market, with manufacturers needing to balance established ICE demand against rising electric vehicle adoption.”

The research also identified significant demand for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and 48-volt mild hybrids, reinforcing the importance of offering a range of powertrain technologies as consumer preferences evolve.

Hatchbacks accounted for approximately 49% of total vehicle sales in September, making them the most popular body type in the UK market.

Estate vehicles represented 25% of sales, followed by panel vans with an 11% share. Other vehicle categories included multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), saloons, coupes, chassis cabs and pickup trucks.

Within the LCV market, panel vans dominated, accounting for approximately 85% of commercial vehicle sales, followed by chassis cabs and pickups.

Window vans, motor caravans, platform cabs, car-derived vans and chassis cowl vehicles accounted for the remainder of commercial vehicle demand.

The analysis also highlighted increasing competition among vehicle manufacturers and individual models.

The Jaecoo 7 was the best-selling model during September, followed by the Tesla Model 3 and Ford Transit Custom.

Volkswagen led the manufacturer rankings, followed by Ford, BYD and Mercedes-Benz, illustrating the growing presence of Chinese automotive brands alongside established European manufacturers.

Wandare added: “The September 2026 data highlights the UK automotive market’s diverse demand patterns. The narrow gap between ICE-only vehicles and BEVs, alongside substantial PHEV and 48-volt mild hybrid volumes, underscores the importance of a multi-powertrain strategy.

“Meanwhile, Jaecoo 7’s model leadership and Volkswagen’s manufacturer ranking highlight the competitive pressures shaping market positioning.”

The findings suggest that manufacturers will need to continue balancing investment in electric vehicles with demand for conventional and hybrid technologies as competition intensifies across the UK automotive market.