Dassault Systèmes: Is the UK Going to Miss its EV Targets?

According to the SMMT, two million electric cars have been registered in the UK. 

However, it is arguing that the UK is significantly short of requirements imposed by the British Government on EVs under the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate. 

Giacomo Margiotta-Mills, Industry Director, Transportation & Mobility, Euronorth, at Dassault Systèmes, says: "Reaching two million electric cars on UK roads is a genuine milestone - but the SMMT's own data tells us the harder truth: demand is still falling well short of what the mandate requires.

"The industry cannot close that gap through ambition alone.

“Consumers are making a simple calculation: EVs already win on performance and driving experience, but they remain out of reach for too many people on price. Until that cost gap with ICE vehicles closes meaningfully, the mass market will stay on the sidelines."

EV market share in the UK

Data from the SMMT shows that in the year to date, BEVs comprise 23.1% of the overall new car market.

Total new car registrations in 2026 are now expected to rise 3.6% to 2.093 million, up from January’s 2.048 million outlook.

However, BEV share has been downgraded to 26.8%, from 28.5%, following an underperforming first quarter, according to the SMMT. 

The SMMT predicts that the 2027 market will reach 2.121 million units, 32% of them BEVs, leaving a persistent gap of around six percentage points against the mandate target.

Below the UK EV mandate

The 23.1% of the overall new car market currently held by BEVs is significantly short of the 33% required by the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, despite billions in manufacturer discounts and the introduction of the Electric Car Grant last year, according to data released by the SMMT. 

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, says: “Two million electric car registrations is a considerable milestone to celebrate, although natural demand is still well below the level demanded by the mandate.”

A press release issued by the SMMT argues that the Iran conflict adds further uncertainty to the EV market, with rising interest potentially tempered by concern over inflation, higher energy prices and the resultant negative impact on the cost of living.

Industrial AI for EVs

Giacomo argues that industrial AI when harnessed effectively can bring EVs to market faster. 

He says: “This is where Industrial AI has a critical role to play. Automotive companies that harness it effectively - across design, engineering, production and supply chains - can compress development cycles, reduce costs and bring compelling, affordable EVs to market faster. But mass EV adoption doesn't just reshape the automotive industry - it transforms energy demand entirely. 

“The energy sector needs to be ready for that: investing now in the grid capacity, charging infrastructure and demand management systems that a true mass market will require. Industrial AI has an equally important role to play there too.

He adds: “The capabilities exist. The mandate is real. The time to act is now.”