The ten best-selling electric cars in the UK

By James Attwood

5 Jan 2023

Electric cars are an increasingly common sight on the roads of the UK, with rapidly increasing – and showing no signs of slowing down.

A total of 267,203 full battery electric cars were sold in the UK in 2022, a massive 40.1 per cent increase on 2021. That means that 16.6 per cent of all cars sold in the UK last year were battery-powered.

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So which cars were the most popular? Let’s find out. All data comes from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

10 Audi Q4 e-tron: 6,594 UK registrations

The German firm’s best-selling EV is the smallest battery-powered SUV currently in its line-up. The machine is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric car platform, so it’s related to the Volkswagen ID 4, but offers a welcome dash of Audi’s premium styling and feel.

9 BMW i4: 6,699

The Munich firm’s answer to the Telsa Model 3, the BMW i4 is a mid-sized electric saloon which is based on the petrol-engined BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. It’s available with a variety of powertrain options, including some classic rear-driven machines and an all-wheel-drive range-topper with 400kW.

8 MG 5 EV: 7,030

The Chinese-owned British brand is one of the fastest growing in the UK thanks to its range of wallet-friendly machines. The MG 5 EV estate might not be the fanciest electric car on the market, but it is hugely practical, has masses of storage space and is priced at not far above £30,000. A revamped version of the model has just gone on sale.

7 Polestar 2: 7,345

Polestar might have been spun out of Volvo, but it’s still remarkably how quickly a new brand has really established a presence in the electric car market. It helps that the firm’s first series production car is the 2, a hugely stylish, ultra-cool and generally excellent high-riding electric saloon.

6 Mini Electric: 7,425

A battery electric conversion of the long-running British hatch, the Mini Electric does have its limitations, particularly thanks to a limited range. But that classic Mini styling warms the heart, and for those buyers looking for a compact urban electric runabout, the electric version offers a compelling package.

5 Nissan Leaf: 9,178

One of the OGs of the mass production electric car market, the second-generation Nissan Leaf continues to hold its own against substantially newer rivals. That’s because there’s a lot to like here, with a practical compact electric car that’s relatively affordable and pleasingly familiar.

4 Volkswagen ID 3: 9,832

The Volkswagen ID 3 isn’t quite as ubiquitous as its combustion-engined Golf sibling, but buyers are clearly being won over by that familiar badge and the prospect of a decent-sized family hatch. The ID 3 is a firmly mainstream model, which is a key part of its success.

3 Kia e-Niro/Niro EV: 11,197

The Kia EV6 might be flashier, but the Kia e-Niro – which recently went into its second generation rebranded as the Kia Niro EV – has been absolutely key to transforming the Korean brand in the UK market. A practical, spacious and well-priced electric SUV, this e-Niro is an excellent choice for families looking to go electric.

2 Tesla Model 3: 19,071

When it was launched, the long-awaited Tesla Model 3 quickly became the lynchpin of the American EV firm’s line-up, and has really helped it become the biggest name in electric cars. It’s a well-sized, sleek saloon with a touchscreen-dominated interior and enough tech to make it feel properly futuristic. If you ask people to name an electric car, the Tesla Model 3 will likely be the first they come across.

The Tesla Model 3 was 2021's best-selling electric car in the UK, so what's knocked it off the top spot? Well, something from close to home...

1 Tesla Model Y: 35,551

The Tesla Model Y is essentially a high-riding SUV reworking of the Model 3, and given the popularity of crossovers it’s no surprise that it’s been a huge hit with UK buyers. Tesla hasn’t exactly messed with a winning formula here: it’s kept everything that’s good about the Model 3, and added a bit of extra space. Plus you get access to the excellent Tesla Supercharger network, which is a real boon for those travelling long distances.