September 2026 was the best month ever for electric cars in the UK. Almost 100,000 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered, and the headlines made it sound as though petrol and diesel were finished.
Look a little closer, though, and the picture is very different. Most new cars sold last month still had an engine. Diesel sales actually went up. And the millions of petrol and diesel cars already on Britain's roads will remain an important part of the UK vehicle parc for many years. Here's what the figures really show, and what they mean for you.
In short: EVs took 28.3% of new car sales in September 2026. That means roughly seven in ten new cars still had a combustion engine, and diesel registrations rose 11.5%. If you own a petrol or diesel car, it will be part of UK motoring for years, so keeping it properly maintained still makes sense.
The September 2026 numbers in plain English
These are preliminary figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). September is a "new plate" month, so it is always one of the busiest of the year.
| Fuel type | What happened in September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Battery electric (BEV) | Record 99,201 registrations, up 36.3%. 28.3% of the market. |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | Best month ever, up 55.5%. 17% of the market. |
| Hybrid (HEV) | Down 4.3%. |
| Petrol | Down 6.7%, but still the biggest fuel type for 2026 so far, at 41.5% of sales. |
| Diesel | Up 11.5% year on year. |
Over the first nine months of 2026, electric cars made up 26.2% of new registrations, up from 20.2% at the same point in 2025. That is real growth, and the SMMT's chief executive said high fuel prices are one of the reasons more drivers are looking at EVs.
Why the switch to electric is slower than the headlines suggest
The UK's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate sets a 33% target for new car sales to be zero-emission in 2026. Manufacturers can use regulatory flexibilities within the scheme, but the industry remains behind the target. Even after a record September, the market is behind that target. The SMMT estimates it would take around 265,000 extra electric car registrations in the last three months of the year alone to reach it.
In other words, carmakers are working hard to sell EVs, the government is offering an Electric Car Grant of up to £3,750 on eligible models, and buyers still aren't switching as fast as the rules require. Many drivers are waiting for lower prices, better home charging, or simply for their current car to reach the end of its life.
Two more points are worth knowing:
- Plug-in hybrids still have a petrol engine. PHEVs had their best month ever, and every one of them needs engine servicing and parts just like a conventional car.
- The used market is huge. Autotrader forecasts around 7.95 million used car sales in the UK in 2026, far more than new cars, and most of those used cars run on petrol or diesel.
What this means if you drive a petrol or diesel car
Your car will be on the road for years yet
The long-term target is for all new cars and vans sold in the UK to be zero emission from 2035. That applies to new sales. It does not stop you driving, servicing, selling or buying a petrol or diesel car. For most owners, the sensible plan is to keep their current car running well until switching makes financial sense for them.
A well-maintained car holds its value better
As more buyers compare EVs with petrol and diesel cars, a used car with a clean service history, no warning lights and smooth running stands out. Fixing faults early helps when it's time to sell or part-exchange.
MOT and emissions matter more than ever
Many common engine faults show up first as higher emissions, warning lights or rough running, all of which can cause problems at MOT time. Clean air zones in several UK cities also mean an engine that is running poorly can cost you more than just fuel.
Repairing is often cheaper than replacing
A new car, electric or not, is a big expense. A single faulty part can make an otherwise good car feel ready for the scrapheap, when replacing that part would give it years more life. Before deciding to change your car, it's worth getting a proper diagnosis and pricing up the repair.
Common parts worth keeping an eye on
Modern petrol and especially diesel engines use emissions and air-intake parts that wear or clog over time. These are some of the most common culprits behind poor running:
01EGR valve
Sends some exhaust gas back into the engine to cut emissions. Over time it can stick with soot.
Watch for: engine light, loss of power, rough idle, black smoke.
02Intake manifold & swirl flaps
On many diesels, swirl flaps inside the manifold are moved by an actuator. Carbon can make them stick, and actuators can fail.
Watch for: limp mode, poor throttle response, fault codes.
03Throttle body
Controls how much air enters the engine. Dirt or electrical faults can upset the way the engine runs.
Watch for: stalling, uneven idle, hesitation, reduced-power mode.
04Vacuum & air leaks
Split hoses and worn seals let unmeasured air into the engine.
Watch for: rough idle, hissing noise, poor fuel economy.
Thinking about switching to an EV? Ask yourself these questions first
- How much life is left in my current car? If the body, engine and gearbox are sound, one repair may give you several more years.
- Can I charge at home? EV running costs depend heavily on access to home charging.
- What does my driving look like? Long motorway miles, towing and rural driving suit some cars better than others.
- Am I switching because I want to, or because of a fault? A single failed part is rarely a good reason on its own to replace a car.
There's no single right answer. Whenever you decide to switch, it pays to keep your current car running properly in the meantime.
Need a part for your petrol or diesel car?
Search by your vehicle or the OE number on your old part. Not sure what fits? Send us your registration or VIN and our team will check fitment before you order.
Shop car parts at D2P AutopartsFrequently asked questions
Are petrol and diesel cars being banned in the UK?
No existing car is being banned from the road. The target is for all new cars and vans sold in the UK to be zero emission from 2035. You can keep driving, servicing and selling your petrol or diesel car. Local clean air zone charges may apply to some older vehicles in certain cities.
Is it still worth repairing an older diesel car?
Often, yes. If the car is otherwise in good condition, replacing a failed part is usually far cheaper than buying a new car. Get the fault properly diagnosed first so you only replace what's needed.
Do plug-in hybrids need engine parts?
Yes. Plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids have a petrol (or occasionally diesel) engine alongside the electric motor, so they need servicing and engine parts just like other cars.
Why did diesel sales go up in September 2026?
The SMMT figures show diesel registrations rose 11.5% compared with September 2025, though diesel remains a much smaller share of the market than in the past. Diesel is still popular with high-mileage drivers, towing and some fleet buyers.
How do I make sure I order the right part?
Check your engine code, model, year and the OE number on your original part. If you're unsure, contact D2P Autoparts with your registration or VIN and we'll help you find the right part.
Sources: SMMT – September 2026 new car registrations; electrive.com; Motor Trader – Autotrader 2026 market forecast. Figures are SMMT preliminary data published October 2026.
