The number of electric cars on UK roads has been increasing rapidly in recent years.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, in 2021, there were over 1 million electric cars registered in the UK, up from just over 200,000 in 2020. This represents a growth of over 400% in just one year! The rise in EV car ownership is being driven by a number of factors, including government incentives, the increasing availability of EVs, and growing awareness of the environmental benefits of electric cars.
The top 10 electric vehicles (EVs) sold in the UK in 2022:
- Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Model 3
- Kia e-Niro
- Volkswagen ID.3
- Nissan Leaf
- MINI Electric
- Polestar 2
- MG 5 EV
- BMW i4
- Audi Q4 e-tron
and here’s an average price and range for each model though please note that the actual price and range of a particular vehicle may vary depending on the model, options, and dealer.
| Vehicle | Average Price (£) | Range (miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 59,990 | 330 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 44,990 | 358 |
| Kia e-Niro | 38,995 | 258 |
| Volkswagen ID.3 | 35,500 | 260 |
| Nissan Leaf | 32,495 | 239 |
| MINI Electric | 30,495 | 145 |
| Polestar 2 | 45,900 | 270 |
| MG 5 EV | 32,495 | 218 |
| BMW i4 | 51,400 | 367 |
| Audi Q4 e-tron | 45,900 | 286 |
These EVs are all popular for different reasons. The Tesla Model Y is a large SUV with a long range, while the Tesla Model 3 is a more affordable option that is still very capable. The Kia e-Niro is a practical family SUV, while the Volkswagen ID.3 is a stylish hatchback.
The Nissan Leaf is one of the most popular EVs on the market, and the MINI Electric is a fun and stylish city car. The Polestar 2 is a premium EV that offers a great driving experience, while the MG 5 EV is a practical and affordable electric estate car. The BMW i4 is a stylish saloon with a long range, and the Audi Q4 e-tron is a luxurious SUV.
The number of electric cars on UK roads is still relatively small compared to the number of petrol cars. In 2021, there were over 30 million petrol cars registered in the UK, compared to just over 1 million electric cars. However, the number of electric cars is growing rapidly, and it is expected that they will soon overtake petrol cars in popularity.
The rise in EV car ownership is good news for the environment. Electric cars produce zero emissions, which helps to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. They also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.
Photo by Michael Marais on Unsplash