Most popular electric vehicles of 2021

Data reveals the most popular EVs over the last 12 months

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have confirmed the most popular and best-selling electric vehicles throughout 2021. 

With the desire for a more efficient daily drive continuing to rise, consumers up and down the UK are turning to electric vehicles.

Drivers looking to take out an electric car lease deal have so many options to choose from and can choose from manufacturers like Renault, Vauxhall, Hyundai and more.

The top 10 best-selling electric vehicles of 2021 are as follows;

1) Tesla Model 3 – 34,783

The undisputed king of electric vehicles, the Tesla Model 3 reigns supreme in 2021. Not only was it the best-selling EV, but it also smashed the competition by selling nearly three times more than its nearest competitor.

With some of the best range on the market, Tesla leasing provides an unrivalled level of technology and a driving experience as immersive as they come, there’s no surprise to see it take the number one spot.

2) Kia e-Niro – 12,271

Coming in at a very respectable second place is the Kia e-Niro. Thanks to a brand overhaul, the future is looking bright for the South Korean manufacturer and the numbers speak for themselves. 

Arguably the best electric SUV available for an affordable price tag, the e-Niro offers up to 282 miles from a single charge. With a Kia e-Niro lease, you have a family-friendly route into the world of EVs.

3) Volkswagen ID.3 – 11,302

Volkswagen have been one of the many manufacturers at the forefront of electrifying their line-up, with the ID.3 marking a milestone moment for the German brand. 

It has paved the way for a new wave of EVs from Volkswagen, including the brilliant ID.4 and the ID.5, a hotly anticipated new release set to hit our roads soon. 

Few EVs other than a Tesla can offer more than 300 miles from a single charge, but with a Volkswagen ID.3 lease, you can do just that, making it a hugely popular contender.

4) Nissan Leaf – 9,052

A long-standing benchmark for many in the electric driving world, the Nissan Leaf remains one of the go-to choices for drivers seeking a more efficient experience behind the wheel.

Cost-effective, impressive range and competitive charging times, the Nissan Leaf is a brilliant electric vehicle and deserves its spot inside the top five. With zero CO2 emissions, it has always been considered as one of the best pure electric cars available.

5) Audi e-tron - 7,396

Audi’s first electric SUV, with over 400 horsepower and a 250-mile range. If you want luxury and style, choosing the e-tron as your next Audi lease deal would be a wise decision. 

The combination of stunning technology, space and quality materials makes for a rewarding and sophisticated driving experience that few EVs can match. The bonus of having zero emissions is merely the cherry on top. 

6) Hyundai Kona Electric – 7,199

The Hyundai Kona Electric is a very competitive and compelling electric lease choice. It comes packed with fantastic kit even with the entry-level options.

The latest versions of the Kona look far more premium than previous iterations and the overall design looks more refined.

Packed with safety features and a claimed range of 300 miles that ensures it will go the distance, the Kona Electric is a brilliant choice for personal and business customers who are considering a Hyundai lease deal.

7) MINI – 6,615

The MINI range has always been a popular choice for drivers in the UK, so it is no surprise to see the electric alternative prove to be just as in-demand.

If you live in and around the city and you're looking to lease an electric car, you'll be pleased to know the MINI Electric is at its best in urban environments. Its nimble, agile handling and punchy acceleration see it flourish in the city.

Without losing any of their iconic design, MINI have produced an electric car with a capable 145-mile range and running costs as low as 4p per mile. 

8) Renault Zoe – 5,778

If you’re looking for a small, cost-effective electric car lease, the Renault Zoe offers you a seamless transition into the world of greener driving.

Unlike some EVs, it doesn’t look overtly ‘electric’, maintaining conventional Renault styling that gets progressively sportier as you progress through the range.

Capable of travelling 239 miles from a single charge, it has practical rapid charging times and its price also falls under the Plug-in Car Grant.

9) Vauxhall Corsa-e – 5,605

An electric car for the masses, the Vauxhall Corsa-e is a fantastic example of a manufacturer keeping things simple as they transition to a more efficient line-up. 

Much like the petrol and diesel alternatives, the Corsa-e is electric driving kept simple. There are very few design changes between the two models and with a competitive range, it is more than suitable for your average commute. 

With efficient running costs, it is no surprise to see the Corsa-e rank inside the top 10. 

10) MG ZS – 5,380

Proving to be a popular option for UK drivers in 2021 is the MG ZS Electric and when you dig a little deeper, it is easy to see why.

It’s an affordable, high-performing, accessible electric SUV. Capable of surpassing 200 miles from a single charge, the MG ZS Electric doesn’t need all the bells and whistles, it just works.