Welcome to our weekly round-up of the motoring news that matters, in five minutes or less.
EV choice has doubled in three years
85 new battery electric models have reached the UK market since 2023, doubling the number available to 171. They sit alongside 109 plug-in hybrid and 52 hybrid models, and UK buyers can choose from some 385 models across every powertrain and from more than 60 global brands.
MPH view: More choice means more competition between manufacturers, and a better chance of finding an EV that suits your budget and mileage.
Source: SMMT
High-mileage EVs fail fewer MOTs than petrol cars
New research from the BVRLA analysed 47.4 million MOT tests. It found that high-mileage electric cars are significantly less likely to fail than petrol equivalents. In the 90,000-to-120,000-mile band, 16.5% of EVs failed versus 22.1% for petrol, making EVs around 25% less likely to fail. The one weak spot is tyres, where defects were recorded at approximately 1.8 times the petrol car rate.
MPH view: As proud members of the BVRLA, we welcome this research. It's good news for high-mileage drivers considering electric, but keep an eye on your tyres.
Source: BVRLA
Used petrol car values slip to a 2026 low
According to MarketCheck, the average sold price stood at £15,234 in August 2026, down from £15,541 in July. Since January, that's a reduction of around £716, or 4.5%.
MPH view: Falling used values are a reminder of depreciation risk. With a lease, the future value isn't your worry.
Source: Motor Trader
Bentley drops its 2030 all-electric target
Bentley has scrapped a previous plan to make the brand all-electric by 2030, even as it launches its first EV, the Torcal. Its next EV is due to arrive the other side of 2030.
MPH view: Bentley joins a growing list of manufacturers keeping hybrids and petrol alongside EVs. Expect plenty of powertrain choice for years to come.
Source: Autocar
Battery news: a new platform for vans and trucks
Battery giant CATL has revealed TECTRANS II in Hanover, a modular battery platform for commercial vehicles that supports swapping or fast charging and targets up to 1,000 km of range.
MPH view: It's early days, but longer range and faster turnaround could make electric vans far more practical for busy fleets.
Source: Battery-Tech Network
McLaren invests £500m in Britain and confirms an SUV
McLaren commits £500m to Britain. McLaren Automotive has announced a £500 million investment to expand its UK manufacturing, engineering and operations, backed by its Abu Dhabi-based shareholder. The plans include:
- A new UK assembly plant, which will build its next generation of cars, including a newly confirmed performance SUV.
- In-house engines for the first time, with McLaren designing and building its own engines and gearboxes in the UK to support its hybrid line-up.
- Expanded sites in Woking and at its carbon-fibre facility in South Yorkshire.
- At least 1,000 new direct and indirect jobs by 2032, with McLaren's UK manufacturing workforce set to double and new apprenticeships on offer. Up to 3,000 more jobs are expected in the supply chain.
The news brings a welcome boost after JLR's announcement earlier this month that it will cut 4,000 jobs in an effort to save £1.7 billion over the next two years.
MPH view: A McLaren SUV may not be on many fleet lists, but investment in British engineering and skills is good news for the whole UK motor industry.
Sources: McLaren Automotive press release, 16 September 2026
Coming up
Jaguar will unveil the Type 1 electric luxury sedan at a grand event in New York City on October 6. We'll cover it next time. CarBuzz
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