Britain’s new car market recorded an expansion of 24 per cent year on year in April, with electrified cars accounting for more than half of all sales, according to data released on Tuesday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

A total of 149,247 new cars were registered last month.

Although April is usually a month with lower volumes, this was the strongest April performance since 2019 when registration reached 161,064.

Volkswagen was the top-selling brand in Britain in the first quarter of 2026.

Electrified vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and hybrid electric vehicles, continued to gain ground.

Battery electric vehicle registrations surged 59.1 per cent, taking a 26.2 per cent share of the market. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle registrations rose 46.4 per cent, accounting for 13.8 per cent of sales, the SMMT said.

April also marked a milestone, with the two millionth battery electric cars registered in Britain. However, the SMMT cautioned that the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has not grown as fast as expected, as high energy prices, production costs and charging expenses remain a barrier.

The society added that the conflict in the Middle East is creating further uncertainty. Concerns about inflation and broader cost-of-living pressure may be weakening consumer interest in EVs.

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes warned that the increasing cost of meeting regulations could reduce the range of cars available to buyers, slow progress toward cutting emissions, and weaken the industry’s competitiveness.

He noted that the need for a rapid review of the transition to align policy with market realities remains unchanged.

Otherwise, Britain’s attractiveness as a vehicle market and manufacturing hub will be put at risk.

• A Tell Media / Xinhua report