UK Electric Car Choice Doubles as Buyers Get 171 EV Models

British motorists can now choose from 171 fully electric car models as manufacturers dramatically expand the range of battery-powered vehicles available in the UK.

New research from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows the number of battery-electric vehicle models available has almost doubled in just three years.

There were 86 models available in August 2023. By August 2026 that figure had reached 171.

It means 85 new battery-electric models have entered the UK market over the period — equivalent to manufacturers introducing approximately one new EV model every fortnight.

The figures underline how quickly the electric car market is changing, with buyers now offered a far broader range of vehicles than during the earlier years of EV adoption.

171 fully electric models now available

Electric cars were once concentrated in a relatively small number of vehicle categories, but manufacturers are increasingly offering battery-powered alternatives across a much broader section of the new-car market.

According to the SMMT, fully electric vehicles are now available across a wide range of shapes, sizes and market segments.

The organisation counts 171 battery-electric models available to UK buyers, compared with 86 three years ago.

The figures count models by their badge name, meaning a vehicle offered with several different powertrains is counted as one model for the overall model total.

That distinction is important because the figures refer to model choice rather than individual trim levels, battery capacities or powertrain combinations.

EV range now averages around 300 miles

Choice isn’t the only area that has changed.

The SMMT says the latest battery-electric cars can typically travel more than 300 miles on a charge.

For comparison, it cites Department for Transport travel data indicating that the typical UK driver covers around 127 miles a week.

Range varies significantly between individual vehicles, of course, and real-world range can be affected by temperature, driving style, speed, vehicle load and use of heating or air conditioning.

Nevertheless, the improvement in quoted driving ranges illustrates how far battery-electric technology has progressed as manufacturers introduce newer generations of vehicles and batteries.

Three quarters of new-car models have an electrified option

The wider new-car market is becoming increasingly electrified too.

According to the SMMT, around three quarters of new-car models now offer some form of zero-emission-capable or electrified powertrain when battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid choices are considered.

That doesn’t mean three quarters of cars sold are electric.

Instead, it demonstrates how widely manufacturers are incorporating electrification into their model ranges.

Conventional petrol and diesel vehicles remain an important part of Britain’s existing vehicle population, while hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric technologies are increasingly competing for new-car buyers.

More EV choice is translating into registrations

The announcement comes alongside fresh government figures showing rapid growth in Britain’s electric vehicle population.

Department for Transport statistics based on DVLA records show 147,190 zero-emission cars were registered for the first time between April and June 2026.

That was 40.5% more than during the same quarter in 2025.

Zero-emission cars accounted for 27.3% of new car registrations during those three months.

By the end of June, there were just over 2.017 million licensed road-using zero-emission cars in the UK.

So while manufacturers are rapidly increasing the number of models consumers can choose from, the population of those vehicles on Britain’s roads is increasing at the same time.

EVs accounted for almost 30% of August registrations

More recent SMMT market data also illustrates the direction of travel.

Battery-electric cars accounted for 29.8% of new registrations during August 2026, although the SMMT cautioned that August is traditionally a low-volume month ahead of September’s registration plate change and percentage movements can therefore appear exaggerated.

Across the first eight months of 2026, battery-electric vehicles accounted for 25.6% of the new-car market.

That compares with 21.9% over the equivalent period of 2025.

More choice doesn’t remove the barriers to EV adoption

Having 171 electric models available doesn’t necessarily mean motorists are ready to buy one.

Purchase price, access to charging, public charging costs, insurance, depreciation and uncertainty about battery condition can all influence the decision.

The expansion of the public charging network may help address some of those concerns.

Department for Transport figures show there were 121,171 public EV chargers in the UK on 1 July 2026, of which 28,887 were rapid or ultra-rapid chargers rated at 50kW or above.

However, charging provision remains unevenly distributed around the country.

Motorists with access to home charging may also have a very different ownership experience from drivers who depend heavily on public infrastructure.

More electric cars means changes for garages too

The expansion in model choice presents another challenge that receives less attention: workshops increasingly have to deal with a much wider variety of electric vehicles.

For technicians, the issue isn’t simply learning how to service “an electric car”.

Different manufacturers use different battery systems, vehicle architectures, software, thermal-management arrangements and repair procedures.

The rapid increase from 86 to 171 available BEV models therefore means the independent repair sector potentially faces an increasingly diverse EV parc.

Appropriate EV and high-voltage training will become increasingly valuable as more of these vehicles move beyond manufacturer warranties and into the independent aftermarket.

MOT testers will see more EVs

The changing market will also become increasingly visible inside MOT stations.

Electric cars are still tested for roadworthiness even though battery-electric vehicles do not undergo the conventional exhaust emissions test required for combustion-engined vehicles.

Brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights, seatbelts, structure and other safety-related components remain part of the MOT.

DVSA also advises MOT testers to avoid touching high-voltage components and wiring when inspecting electric and hybrid vehicles.

As today’s new EVs age, an increasing proportion of those 171 different models will inevitably begin appearing at MOT stations.

From niche market to mainstream choice

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the SMMT figures is the speed of the change.

In August 2023, UK buyers had 86 battery-electric models to choose from.

Three years later, that number has reached 171.

Combined with more than two million zero-emission cars already licensed in the UK and EVs accounting for more than a quarter of recent new-car registrations, the figures suggest Britain’s electric vehicle market has moved well beyond the relatively limited choice available during its early years.

The challenge now isn’t simply producing more electric models.

It is whether growing choice, improving range, charging infrastructure and competitive pricing can persuade a much larger proportion of motorists to choose them — and whether Britain’s servicing, repair and MOT sector is ready for the increasingly diverse electric vehicle fleet that follows.

External sources

SMMT — EV choice doubles as new model hits UK market every fortnight

SMMT — August 2026 new-car registration figures

Department for Transport — latest vehicle licensing statistics

DfT — latest public EV charging statistics