EV Sales Surge 36% in September: The Latest on Electric Cars and New Launches

A Record Month for Electric Cars

September 2026 was a landmark month for electric motoring in the UK. The market saw roughly 99,199 new electric vehicle registrations, a 36.3% surge compared with the same period a year earlier. That growth is being driven by a combination of expanding model ranges, manufacturer price cuts, and the continuing push of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires a rising share of new car sales to be electric.

New Models Arriving on UK Roads

The surge is not just about numbers; it is about choice. Several notable models have arrived or been updated recently:

• Vauxhall Corsa GSE — a performance-oriented electric supermini aimed at drivers who want a smaller car with a sportier edge.
• Mercedes GLA — now offered in both internal combustion and electric variants, giving buyers flexibility within the same model line.
• Volkswagen ID. Polo — bringing the ID. family into the popular small-car segment.
• Vauxhall STX Concept — a design study that points toward the future of the electric estate car.

Price Cuts Are Making EVs More Accessible

As manufacturers work to meet ZEV mandate targets, several have trimmed prices on key models. BMW has reduced pricing on the iX1 and iX2, and other brands are expected to follow. For drivers who were priced out of electric motoring a year or two ago, the gap is narrowing.

The Charging Cost Question

Buying the car is only half the equation. Recent changes to VAT rules have altered the balance between charging at home and using public networks, so the cost of running an EV now depends heavily on where and how you charge. Drivers who can charge at home on a cheaper overnight tariff are still seeing the biggest savings, while those relying on rapid public chargers are paying noticeably more per mile than they used to.

EVs Still Need Professional Care

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than a combustion engine, but they are not maintenance-free. The weight of the battery pack puts extra load on tyres and suspension, the high-voltage system requires specialist diagnostic equipment, and routine checks of brakes, coolant and software are all part of keeping an EV safe and efficient over time.

Whether you have already made the switch or you are still weighing it up, the team at MotoMendz in Gainsborough is equipped to service, diagnose and maintain electric and hybrid vehicles alongside traditional petrol and diesel models.