Market share of fuel types in new cars registered in the UK 2018-2023

The electric vehicle market in the United Kingdom continues to pick up steam, despite a slight slowdown: In terms of sales volume, the UK market share of plug-in electric vehicles reached 23.9 percent in 2023. Concurrently, the popularity of conventional cars has been decreasing. 

Diesel demand slumps

The average price of diesel fuel has been fluctuating in the past years, peaking in July 2022 at a UK average of nearly two British pounds per liter. However, the decrease in the price of diesel through July 2023 did not prevent the share of new diesel cars in the UK from decreasing that year.

The decline in diesel car sales can be attributable to a number of factors: One of the main factors includes the negative perceptions of diesel associated with the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal. Other factors include fears of a tightening regulatory environment.

Petrol cars still loved by consumers  

At mid-year 2024, just over half of UK online respondents to Statista's Consumer Insights survey reported intentions to purchase a car in the following 12 months. While petrol car sales have decreased in market share between 2022 and 2023, half of UK consumers still consider this propulsion type when buying a car, with hybrid coming in second.