The UK has officially crossed a remarkable threshold — over two million electric vehicles are now registered. This milestone, reached in April 2026, signals a transformative shift towards electric mobility, fueled by government incentives and growing consumer interest.
The journey to this point wasn’t easy. Just a few years ago, electric vehicles (EVs) were often seen as niche products, expensive and limited in choice. But now, the landscape has changed dramatically. March 2026 alone saw a staggering 15% increase in registrations compared to the previous year, with demand reaching an all-time high.
Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “Today, over two million EVs are now registered across the UK – a landmark moment in the UK’s transition to electric, backed by £7.5 billion in government funding.” This funding has played a crucial role in making EVs more accessible through initiatives like the Electric Car Grant.
Key statistics:
- The Electric Car Grant has helped over 100,000 drivers save up to £3,750 on new EV purchases.
- Electric cars are now cheaper to buy than petrol models on average.
- Drivers can save up to £1,400 annually on running costs compared to traditional petrol vehicles.
- The UK Government is investing £600 million to expand charging infrastructure, aiming for hundreds of thousands of additional chargers.
- Currently, there are 119,000 chargers available — double the number of petrol pumps across the nation.
But it’s not just new cars that are driving this trend. Used EVs have seen an explosive surge in popularity as well. According to Octopus Electric Vehicles, demand for used EVs skyrocketed by 177% year-on-year in March. The Jaecoo 7 SUV emerged as the most popular lease car of 2026 so far — and notably, half of the top ten lease cars are fully electric.
Ginny Buckley, CEO of Electrifying.com, remarked on this progress: “Reaching two million EVs in the UK is a significant milestone and Government support… has helped drivers make the switch.” Tanya Sinclair from Electric Vehicles UK echoed this sentiment: “Two million electric vehicles in the UK shows that if the market offers choice, value and availability, drivers will snap it up.”
As we look ahead, officials emphasize that continued investment and support will be vital. Jarrod Birch from ChargeUK stated it clearly: “It could not be clearer that now is the time for government to hit the accelerator pedal on the EV transition…” With strong backing and an evolving market landscape, it’s clear that this journey toward electrification is just beginning.
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