News
- European automotive body suggests sales of electric vehicles are booming
- Results show annual EV sales in the UK have overtaken petrol cars
- But plug-in hybrids are propping up the figures
New data released by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) suggests that more electric vehicles have been sold over the past 12 months than petrol cars, marking it as the first time this monumental shift has been recorded.
The milestone comes amid continued debate over the UK government's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, with several manufacturers arguing the sales targets remain unrealistic without stronger consumer demand.
However, the recent data shows that in the 12 months to May 2026, UK consumers bought 516,490 new BEVs, compared with only 504,010 new petrol cars, according to analysis by Carbon Brief.
Similarly, data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that registrations of petrol and diesel cars fell by -7.1% and -2.2% respectively, as electrified vehicles gained ground.
That said, the claims that electric vehicles are overtaking internal combustion cars are misleading, as while pure petrol-powered cars have now slipped behind battery electric vehicles in the sales charts, combustion-powered vehicles remain comfortably ahead once diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are factored in.
That's because both conventional hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) still rely on an internal combustion engine. Although they're often grouped together under the umbrella term "electrified vehicles", neither is a fully electric car in the same sense as a battery-electric vehicle.
The latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures reflect this distinction, listing battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid electric vehicles as separate categories rather than combining them into a single EV total.
According to its latest figures, battery-electric vehicles accounted for almost one in four new car registrations over the past year, comfortably overtaking petrol-only models.
However, when hybrid and plug-in hybrid registrations are added to petrol and diesel sales, combustion engines continue to dominate the market overall.
Analysis: this is still a big moment for EVs(Image credit: Omoda)We shouldn't downplay the significance of these figures, because they demonstrate a genuine shift away from conventional petrol-powered cars and towards electrified alternatives.
In fact, the SMMT’s data actually softens the decline of petrol engines, as it labels "mild" hybrids as petrol vehicles, the sales of which can obscure the true decline of pure fossil-fuel options, according to Arena EV.
But sales of these traditional hybrids, while still a significant figure, have actually tapered off in recent years, while sales of plug-in hybrids have risen by 24% year-on-year in May 2026, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association’s (ACEA) numbers.
The SMMT data backs this fact, claiming plug-in hybrid deliveries grew 23.9% to take an enlarged 13.8% market share in May of this year. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake, meanwhile, increased 34.2% to take 27.3% of the market, the highest recorded so far in 2026.
It is clear that there is a noticeable shift in consumer buying habits, with more opting for plug-in hybrid variants that arguably act as a stepping stone to pure battery EVs.
Today’s plug-in hybrids, such as the Omoda's Super Hybrid System, can manage impressive mileage on a single charge of their battery packs, with 60-90 miles now relatively commonplace.
In my personal experience, a large majority of motorists quickly realize that they rarely need much more than the range offered by the electric system in their plug-in hybrid, and if they can charge at home, this makes it easier to contemplate going full electric in the future.
The use of fossil fuel might not be completely dead just yet, but the figures indicate that it is quickly slipping out of fashion.
Mobile gamers are in for a treat with Ugreen's new Honkai: Star Rail collaboration. The mobile accessory brand has unveiled five new special edition products that are out right now, plus a massive limited edition gift box with some exclusive merch for true collectors.
They're all based on the popular Star Rail character Yao Guang and includes two high-end power banks, a charger brick, retractable USB-C cable, and a little Apple Find My compatible tracker. All of the items have a special Yao Guang inspired design, with a clean blue color scheme and loads of little details to appeal to her biggest fans.
I've used plenty of Ugreen charging gear in the past, and can vouch for their quality. In fact, my go-to laptop and phone charger is the Nexode model from the brand's Genshin Impact collaboration last year.
All of these latest products are available with discounted launch pricing, as you can see below.
New Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail collab products Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail Collectible Gift Box with exclusive merchandise Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail Magflow Air Magnetic Power Bank (10000mAh, Qi2 15W) Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail Nexode Air 65W mini USB-C Charger Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail Nexode Pro Power Bank (10000mAh, 55W) with built-in screen Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail Nexode 100W Retractable Cable, 3.3ft Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail Finetrack Mini2 Tracker Tag- PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino has suggested the brand's next console could be a handheld ir hybrid
- He said Sony wants to break the perception that "PlayStation equals the living room"
- Nishino added that the next-gen console will offer "a seamless experience that can be enjoyed naturally beyond the living room"
New comments from Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino seem to suggest that the next-generation PlayStation console could be a handheld.
During a recent Q&A published by Sony (via IGN), Nishino was asked how Sony plans to bring back users who migrated to gaming PCs during the COVID period and if the company sees potential for significant changes with the next-gen console.
Nishino responded, saying that PlayStation "has long been strongly associated with the idea of playing in the living room." However, in recent years, gamers have been using personal monitors elsewhere in their homes, so Sony is now selling peripherals such as monitors and speakers "to break away from the fixed perception that 'PlayStation equals the living room' and to broaden usage scenarios."
This is when Nishino hinted at the next-gen console, which we expect will be the PS6.
"For the next-generation platform, rather than simply serving as an alternative to PCs, we aim to deliver value that is unique to PlayStation," he said. "This includes not only technological advancements but also an expansion of usage styles, enabling a seamless experience that can be enjoyed naturally beyond the living room."
It's this comment in particular that suggests that Sony is looking to shift gears and perhaps create a console similar to the Nintendo Switch 2.
The CEO made similar comments in a recent interview Famitsu, during which he said Sony wants to leverage tech "that can be used in various forms and locations."
Nishino confirmed that the company plans to continue focusing on consoles, saying, "My belief that a console is necessary for playing games hasn’t changed," adding that Sony "wants to continue providing its own game consoles."
He added that "pick up and play" is the most important quality for consoles nowadays, making one think of the Switch 2.
Rumors of a PS6 handheld have been circulating for some time. According to a reliable insider, Moore's Law is Dead, Sony will launch its next-generation PlayStation with three devices in 2027, including two consoles and a companion handheld.
The Sihoo B100 is one of the best budget ergonomic office chairs I've seen, and Amazon has reduced the price by 25%, with the B100 dropping to $166 (was $220). And in the UK, the Sihoo B100 is now £150 was £190
As good as the price reduction is, that's not the biggest reason I'd recommend this chair. That would be the adaptive lumbar support, a feature that's usually reserved for much more expensive office chairs and one that helps keep your lower back supported as you naturally move throughout the day.
Unlike fixed lumbar cushions, the support adjusts with your posture whether you're leaning forward to concentrate, sitting upright during meetings, or reclining for a quick break. It's the kind of feature that can make a real difference if you're spending long hours at your desk.
Today's top Sihoo office chair dealFor my money, the B100 is one of the best budget office chairs you can buy. The price is great, but the adaptive lumbar support is the standout feature. It offers consistent support even when you move in your seat, reducing pressure on your lower back and helping your posture.
In the UK: now £150 was £190View Deal
Although my team and I haven't yet reviewed the B100 specifically, we've tested plenty of Sihoo office chairs over the years and they have consistently impressed us with their comfort, adjustability, and value.
The widened seat cushion helps spread your weight more evenly, while the adjustable headrest provides extra support whether you're working, studying, or simply leaning back to think through your next project.
Three reclining positions at 110°, 125°, and 135° let you switch between focused work and a more relaxed posture throughout the day.
Flip-up armrests also make it easier to slide the chair neatly under your desk when you're finished.
The breathable mesh back helps improve airflow, keeping you cooler during long work sessions or warm summer afternoons.
A reinforced metal base, Class 4 gas lift, and support for up to 300lb complete a chair that is well equipped for everyday use and surprisingly affordable.
Based on our experience with Sihoo's wider range and the features on offer here, this is one of the strongest budget office chair deals available right now.
For more top picks, check out my guide to the best office chairs.
Also consider: More Sihoo office chair dealsIf you have the budget, the Doro C300 is an exceptional office chair with more adjustability than the B100. We tested this one and found it very breathable and comfortable for all-day sitting in our review.
In the UK: Now £240 was £340.View Deal
The M18 from Sihoo is a solid budget office chair that's nicely designed and has all the core features. I'd still recommend the B100 over this one due to the better lumbar support.
In the UK: Now £110 was £180.View Deal
There's a lot I like about Sihoo's M57, including the adjustable lower back support, 3D armrests, and 330lb weight limit. However, it's more expensive than the B100 right now, and there's no adaptive lumbar cushioning here.
In the UK: Now £229.23.View Deal