In full-year 2022, the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 were the top-selling electric cars in Britain with sales well ahead of all competition.
2022 (January to December): The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 were by far the most popular battery electric vehicles (BEV) in the UK in 2022. Half the cars are new entrants on the top-ten list reflecting the increasing variety of electric cars on the British market. Overall car sales in Britain in 2022 were at its lowest level since 1992 but sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEV) increased by 40% to 267,203 cars for a new record 16.6% market share.Â
Latest British Car Sales Data: 2023: Market Overview, Brands, Models, Electric; 2022-2008.
Ten Best-Selling Electric Cars in Britain in 2022 (Full Year)
The ten most popular battery-electric car models in the UK in 2022 according to the SMMT were:
| Brand & Model | Sales in 2022 | |
| 1 | Tesla Model Y | 35,551 |
| 2 | Tesla Model 3 | 19,071 |
| 3 | Kia e-Niro | 11,197 |
| 4 | Volkswagen ID.3 | 9,832 |
| 5 | Nissan Leaf | 9,178 |
| 6 | Mini | 7,425 |
| 7 | Polestar 2 | 7,345 |
| 8 | MG 5 | 7,030 |
| 9 | BMW i4 | 6,699 |
| 10 | Audi Q4 e-tron | 6,594 |
| Source: SMMT |
Britain’s Favorite Electric Car Models in 2022
The Tesla Model Y became the best-selling electric car model in the UK in 2022 in its first year on the market. The Model Y was also the third most popular car model in Britain overall behind the Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Corsa.
The Tesla Model 3 slipped from first place to second in 2022 with much lower sales. In 2021, the Model 3 sold 34,783 cars.
The Kia e-Niro, VW ID3, and Nissan Leaf each slipped one position with sales volumes lower than in 2021.
The Mini improved two positions while all the further models were new entrants on the top-ten list.
Latest British Car Sales Data: 2023: Market Overview, Brands, Models, Electric; 2022-2008.
