u/CarwowSiobhan

Electric cars have moved from a niche curiosity to a mainstream choice in the UK, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The new figures show UK drivers can choose from more than 167 electric models, compared with just 14 in 2016. Electric cars now account for more than two in five models available on the market, reflecting a major shift in consumer choice and manufacturer investment.

The number of brands offering electric cars in Britain has also surged, rising from 12 in 2016 to 51 today, according to the SMMT data. This underlines the scale of industry investment in decarbonisation and zero-emission tech.

https://www.carwow.co.uk/news/10742/uk-electric-car-market-decade-comparison

New DVLA data reveals more than 12,000 motorists have been caught drug-driving multiple times over the past 11 years, with reoffending rates far higher than drink-driving cases.

The findings, obtained by the RAC through an FOI request, show 12,391 drivers have received at least three DG10 endorsements since 2014. These penalties are issued when someone is caught driving, or attempting to drive, with controlled drugs above legal limits in their system.

Overall, the data shows 41,422 licence holders were convicted of drug-driving more than once in the last 11 years.

Do you think more can be done to tackle driving under the influence?

https://www.carwow.co.uk/news/10732/drug-driving-repeat-offences-dvla-data

Reports suggest Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to scrap the planned 5p fuel duty rise, according to The Sun.

The increase – due to be phased in from September through March 2027 – now looks likely to be dropped amid pressure over the cost of living and stubbornly high fuel prices.

With households already squeezed and inflation concerns lingering, the move would mark a notable policy reversal. Government insiders say the proposal has been under review for some time, but nothing has been officially confirmed yet.

https://www.carwow.co.uk/news/10729/fuel-duty-freeze-uk

Carwow’s Q1 2026 data reveals the used cars generating the most buyer interest in the UK. SUVs continue to dominate demand, while EVs and Chinese brands are completely absent from the top 10 most-enquired-about models.

Surprised EVs didn’t make the cut?

https://www.carwow.co.uk/news/10722/most-popular-used-cars-q1-2026

Motability has dropped its compulsory black box tracking policy after backlash from disabled drivers and campaigners.

The “Drive Smart” programme used telematics to monitor driving behaviour, but many argued the tech unfairly flagged drivers whose vehicle adaptations affected the data.

Young drivers on the Motability scheme had raised concerns over the rules, calling them intrusive and discriminatory. Motability has now reversed the decision in a major U-turn.

https://www.carwow.co.uk/news/10720/motability-drops-black-box-tracking-rules-after-driver-criticism

New rules mean learner drivers in the UK must now book and manage their own driving tests directly through the DVSA.

Third-party booking companies, cancellation apps, and even driving instructors can no longer book, swap, or cancel tests on a learner’s behalf.

The DVSA says the move is aimed at stopping bots and bulk bookings that were being resold at inflated prices while genuine learners struggled to find appointments.

https://www.carwow.co.uk/news/10707/dvsa-bans-third-party-driving-test-bookings

The UK used car market has slowed a bit in 2026, down 0.2% so far this year (~2.02M sales). So after years of growth, things are levelling out.

But one thing hasn’t changed: small hatchbacks are STILL the nation’s favourite.

• ~648k “superminis” sold
• 32% of all used car sales
• Basically 1 in 3 cars bought is a small hatchback

Even with the slowdown, people are clearly still sticking to practical, cheap-to-run cars.

Meanwhile, electric cars are quietly gaining ground in the background.

https://www.carwow.co.uk/news/10706/used-car-sales-q1-2026

Skoda is celebrating a decade of its Kodiaq SUV by giving new buyers a free UK lodge break.

Anyone who orders a new Kodiaq between 8-17 May 2026 will get a complimentary getaway with Forest Holidays. The deal includes a three-night weekend or four-night weekday stay in a Silver Birch Lodge at one of 10 forest locations across the UK. These stays are normally worth up to £1,100.

Would you be tempted by a car deal that comes with a holiday, or does it just sweeten something you were already considering?

https://www.carwow.co.uk/skoda/kodiaq/news/10697/skoda-kodiaq-free-holiday-offer-2026

New car sales rose 24% in April, and the two-millionth UK-registered electric car hit the road, according to the latest industry data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The SUV Ford Puma also reclaimed the top spot from the Jaecoo 7.

https://www.carwow.co.uk/news/10685/smmt-new-car-registrations-april-2026

A UK survey of 1,000 parents by Young Driver found children are exposed to an average of four poor driving habits from their parents before they ever drive.

Kids spend nearly 4 hours a week in the car with parents – adding up to over 3,400 hours across childhood watching driving behaviour.

Most parents admit to at least some habits they wouldn’t want their kids copying, suggesting a lot of driving behaviour is learned long before formal lessons begin.

https://www.carwow.co.uk/news/10668/parents-driving-habits-kids-copy-risky-behaviour