Top 10 best-selling electric cars in the UK

Can you guess the ten best-selling electric cars in the UK in 2023?

New car registration data gathered by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has revealed the ten most popular and best-selling electric vehicles throughout 2023.

In a year where price and accessibility reigned supreme, with many of us opting for a car that was in stock and ready to go over our dream car that might have taken months to arrive, registrations of electric cars really began to take off.

In fact, battery electric vehicles (BEV) came in second overall in new car registrations, with only new petrol cars outselling them. Could the EV outpace the petrol car entirely? We’re not so sure about that, but the gap between them is only likely to get closer and closer. 

Many brands like Tesla, Volkswagen and MG had stock available for much of the year where rivals fell down, propelling them up the charts and into the top spots. It helps, of course, that they have some really good cars available, with the benefits of electric vehicles making them a more enticing option with every technological upgrade.

With the majority of EVs now claiming ranges of over 250 miles, the pitfalls of electric leasing are lessening.

And with the benefits increasing, especially for those opting for an electric car business lease, we expect that we’ll see an even bigger increase in electric car registrations next year. It could be an interesting race to the top though, with new EV brands launching what seems like every other month.

Towards the end of last year, newcomers like BYD and Fisker both expanded into the UK – and we wouldn’t be surprised to see either the BYD ATTO 3 or the Fisker Ocean appearing in the top 10 next year.

Watch this space.

Tesla Model Y: 35,889 cars sold

It’s no surprise that the Tesla Model Y reigns supreme, taking the top spot with over 35,000 sold last year.

An impressive performance from everyone’s favourite electric SUV, the Tesla Model Y ticks all the top boxes: spacious, impressive range, and fast charging times. And it helps that it’s both easy on the eye and easy on the wallet, with Tesla business lease deals helping leasers balance the books with lower levels of Benefit in Kind tax and reduced running costs.

We love it, you love it – the whole of the UK loves it. We wouldn’t be surprised if it’s number one again at the end of this year. 

Treat yourself to a Tesla Model Y lease and find out for yourself just why it was so much more popular than every other electric car on the road in 2023.

MG4 EV: 21,715 cars sold

This was more of a surprise. Screaming into second place is the MG4 EV – overtaking some of the more established rivals, and quite significantly outselling them.

Now, we’re big MG4 fans. 

We love a car that’s not afraid to stand out, and the MG4 EV really is built to stand out. Bold colours and a distinctive design will have you turning heads wherever you are – but thankfully, MG haven’t scrimped on the boring bits under the bonnet.

With a strong range of variants and a claimed mileage of between 218 and 323 miles, there’s sure to be an MG4 lease to fit your budget and your lifestyle.

Audi Q4 e-tron: 16,757 cars sold

Ticking all the boxes for a premium electric SUV lease, the Audi Q4 e-tron beats out popular rivals to take the third spot.

Refined, relaxing to drive and spacious, it makes for an excellent option if you’re looking for an electric family car that feels a little more luxe. With coupe-esque good looks – all sweeping lines and swoopy details – the Q4 e-tron takes the cake for ‘SUV that looks really nice but also drives really well.’

And with a claimed range of up to 329 miles, you’ll have no issues getting where you need to be. 

Tesla Model 3: 13,536 cars sold

Ah, the Tesla Model 3. For so long she reigned without question, no other car coming even close to knocking off her crown. 

That was until Tesla themselves released the Model Y, and the Model 3 quickly fell behind. But that doesn’t make the Model 3 a bad car – quite the contrary, in fact. Where the Model Y appeals to the majority wanting a larger SUV, the Telsa Model 3 still provides a nice alternative if you want something smaller and a little sleeker.

And with its recent January facelift giving it a much-needed new lease of life, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Model 3 creep back up the leaderboard into the top 3 when 2024 data is released. 

Polestar 2: 12,542 cars sold

Rounding out the top five is Scandi-favourite the Polestar 2. 

Built to rival the Model 3 – but not quite managing to overtake it – the Polestar 2 makes for a very good alternative. With its good looks and Swedish sensibilities, the 2 is the perfect blend of style and substance.

More impressive is the stonking great range. The Standard Range car alone has a claimed range of 322 miles. Opt for the Long Range, and you’ll get up to 367 miles in the all-wheel drive, while the rear-wheel drive has an incredible claimed range of 406 miles.

There’s really nothing bad you could say about this one.

Volkswagen ID.3: 10,295 cars sold

Volkswagen’s first all-electric car is only growing in popularity, beating out established rivals to take spot number six.

And for good reason.

Small in stature but big in stats – the VW ID.3 has a claimed range of between 260 and 343 miles dependent on battery size – the ID.3 is an excellent option if you’re looking for an efficient everyday family car to get you from A-B.

Even further than that, if needed. However, if you’re trying to get from A-Z, you might have to recharge on the way.

Kia Niro Electric: 10,084 cars sold

Having slipped from the lofty heights of the top 3 in 2021, the electrified Kia Niro still shows no signs of going anywhere. 

Rolling comfort, range and performance into a good-looking – and affordable – package, the Kia Niro is still a go-to electric car if you’re looking to save money, but still need something suitable for the whole family.

With a 64kWh battery offering a claimed 285 miles of range, the Kia Niro might be battling stiff competition, but it’s still holding its own.

BMW i4: 8,940 cars sold

A Carparison office favourite, the BMW i4 is the sleek electric saloon if you’re looking for something a little more luxe.

BMW seem to be proponents of the famed phrase ‘if it’s not broken, let's electrify it,’ deciding to stick a big battery into one of their best-sellers rather than starting from scratch. And it’s worked.

The BMW i4 is a delicious EV, built to rival the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. While it might not have achieved the same sales, it is starting to make a name for itself among those who like to retain the premium edge to their electric cars.

Easy on the eye – but not so easy on the wallet – this is one to watch. 

Volkswagen ID.4: 8,495 cars sold

The second of the Volkswagen ID range to make the list, the Volkswagen ID.4 is the German manufacturer’s answer to the electric SUV.

It’s the most popular category for good reason: spacious and practical, the humble electric SUV has space for the whole family and then some. They also tend to have a better range, thanks to their slightly higher prices and bigger batteries.

Though the VW ID.4 was launched into a crowded category, it’s still holding its own – we wouldn’t be surprised to see this one creep further up the list in the year to come.

SKODA Enyaq iV: 8,136 cars sold

Taking the final spot in the top ten is surprise contender the SKODA Enyaq iV.

Though a very good, very well built car – as all SKODA’s are – the Enyaq iV isn’t as glamorous or as popular as counterparts like the Tesla Model Y or Polestar 2. It’s clear though that there’s still space for cars that just do what they say on the tin.

And the Enyaq iV truly does what it says on the tin.

Solid and reliable, it boasts a claimed range of up to 340 miles dependent on trim level, and will slot effortlessly into family life.