Best-selling EVs 2021
Repeating its success from 2020, the Tesla Model 3 again takes the top spot in EV sales, with more than double the registrations of the next top selling Kia e-Niro.
10 best-selling electric cars in the UK 2021:
- Tesla Model 3 (25,171)
- Kia Niro (11,608)
- VW ID.3 (10,232)
- Nissan Leaf (7,474)
- Audi E-Tron (6,857)
- Hyundai Kona (6,494)
- Renault Zoe (5,608)
- MINI (5,441)
- MG ZS (5,134)
- Vauxhall Corsa (5,065)
Tesla Model 3
As of December 2021 the Tesla Model 3 was the UK’s best selling electric car, registering 25,171 sales – more than double that of the next best seller the Kia Niro.
It’s popularity is no doubt down to its speed, impressively long range, and fancy tech. The model is seen by many as revolutionary because of its impact on other carmakers – showing the possibility of success for EVs and forcing top manufacturers to accelerate their own EV production.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars by AutoExpress, the sleek, minimalist and silent Tesla Model 3 will set you back between £42,500 to £59,000, depending on your desired range and performance level.
Tesla Model 3’s real-world range is considerably better than the majority of similarly priced EVs on the market. Depending on your version choice, the cheapest Standard Range Plus Model 3 version lays claim to a 267 mile range, and the priciest Performance model boasts a 352 mile range.
The overall performance level is also top notch, with the Standard model giving a 0-60mph time of 5.3s, reaching a top speed of 140mph – rivaling its fossil fuel competitors. And the Performance Model 3 reaches 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds, going up to 162mph – making it faster than any other premium saloon on the market.
As well as lots of fun techy features, advanced optional hardware offers drivers autopilot features such as the ability to steer, accelerate and brake automatically within its lane.
Using one of Tesla’s 120kw public charging points will enable you to get a 10%-80% charge for the Model 3 in just 35 mins. Or 12 hours using a wall charger at home.
Kia e-Niro
The practical and family friendly Kia e-Niro was the second highest best selling EV in the UK in 2021 with 11,608 registrations.
The e-Niro comes in a variety of models, with cheaper lower range variations available from around £33k (or £30,000 with a government grant).
The headline 64kWh model is capable of travelling 282 miles before a charge, one of the longest ranges available on the market. And the cheaper models are capable of 180 miles – still more than suitable for most needs.
The technology available is also of note, with lots of functionality such as seat warmers/coolers, an integrated navigation system, reversing camera and lots of driver-assist features.
On top of that the e-Niro is cheap to run – it uses battery power sparingly and costs less to charge per mile than most EVs.
Using a 7.4kW home wallbox charger, drivers can reach a full charge in 10.5 hours, or an 80% charge in just 44 minutes with a public rapid charger.
Volkswagen ID.3
Starting from around £32,950, the third model grabbing the most attention was the Volkswagen ID.3, garnering 10,232 UK registrations.
Described on review sites as an ‘all-round’ package, with models to suit a variety of needs, the ID.3 is said to be one of the best vehicles to purchase for those new to the world of electric driving. It’s cheap to run, very fast, easy to drive and boasts a 260 mile range (mid-range model). For those wishing for higher range, the 77kWh ID.3 Tour model offers an impressive 340-mile range.
Said to be a great city car, and roughly the same size as a Golf, the First Edition spec offers spacious interiors, light steering and great manoeuvring – rear-view camera and parking sensors come as standard. Drivers can also make use of added cruise control features and lane assist when on the motorway, with the model said to be better-suited to longer journeys than smaller EVs.
The ID.3 can be charged to 80% in as little as 30-40 mins on a 150 public rapid charger, or a full charge in 7-12 hours on a 7kW home wall charger.
Nissan LEAF
Still comfortably in the top 5, after several years is the unassuming Nissan LEAF, starting from £26,995 new, with a range of up to 239 miles. The LEAF has been the world’s best selling EV for the last few years, recently winning awards for its wide range of advanced driver-assistance features and affordability. Why is it so popular in the UK? Drive Green gives a great summary here.