The UK now has 167 battery electric car models available – up from just 14 in 2016, the SMMT has said, as it praises Britain's "decarbonisation decade".

The SMMT says that while once limited by modest range and cult appeal, electric cars are now mainstream, accounting for two in five (40.9%) of available models.

The choice of electric car spans every vehicle segment, from compact urban runarounds and family SUVs to high‑end luxury saloons, with Britain’s famed supercar makers joining the shift – led by hybrid innovation with plans for fully electric in the future.

This expansion has been driven by manufacturers’ long-term investment, with 51 brands in the UK offering battery electric models, up from 12 a decade ago – highlighting the billions industry has committed to decarbonisation. Meanwhile, average electric driving range now exceeds 300 miles.

Zero emission car registrations have risen from just 10,264 in 2016 to 473,346 last year, and from a 0.4% market share to 23.4%. 

The shift is mirrored in falling tailpipe emissions, with 36.6 million tonnes of CO₂ saved since 2016.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive said: "Ten years ago, electric vehicles were a curiosity for many drivers. Today, they are a core part of the UK new car market, with unprecedented choice, longer battery range and growing consumer appetite. Massive manufacturer investment has delivered this progress, but continued government action to accelerate demand and support manufacturer investment is essential to keep the transition on track."