The UK’s most popular electric cars

Here are the 10 best-selling EVs of 2021.

The rising popularity of electric cars shows no sign of slowing.

|Research from the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that motorists in the UK bought more electric cars in 2021 than in the previous five years combined.

This massive demand is being driven at least in part by the Government’s commitment to ban the sale of most non-zero emission cars by 2030, as well as the fact the price of battery electric cars continues to plummet.

Another important factor is the huge rise in the variety of electric cars on sale.

You can now choose from an incredibly-wide range of machines, covering most car types.

But which EVs were most popular among buyers?

These are the 10 best-selling electric motors in the UK last year, based on data from the SMMT.

10. MG ZS EV

With a starting price of £26,095, the MG ZS offers great value for money.

It is very well equipped, the interior has a surprisingly classy feel thanks to plenty of soft-touch materials, and it’s spacious for its size.

The 163-mile range isn’t the best, but it’s a trade-off many will accept for its comparatively low price and its other strengths.

9. Vauxhall Corsa-e

The Vauxhall Corsa was Britain’s best-selling car in 2021, and this electric version is also winning over buyers.

The Corsa-e is an affordable EV that combines low running costs, comfort and practicality all in one compact package.

At £30,305 before the grant, it’s a little expensive for a small electric hatch.

However, it runs cheaply, has a decent range of 209 miles and is packed with a load of useful tech features.

If this is your first foray into the EV market, the Vauxhall Corsa-E is a hassle-free option.

8. Renault Zoe

Renault’s Zoe delivers in more ways than one thanks to its admirable range, styling and relative affordability.

Its official range is 245 miles, which is competitive for a hatchback of this size and price.

It’s pleasant to drive and has a similar feel to that of an internal combustion-engine car.

Considering its starting price of £27,595, it represents great value and is a clear favourite among UK buyers.

One note of concern is a poor showing in a recent Euro NCAP safety test.

7. Mini Electric

The Mini Electric is an excellent little EV that has won the hearts of many, with just under 7,000 being sold last year alone.

There's still plenty of love for the Mini brand, and this machine really points to the future: Mini has committed to going all-electric with its future line-up.

Based on the classic hatch body, the Mini Electric has a super-smart interior full of all the important tech features.

Prices start from around £27,000, which is similar to that of a Fiat 500.

While the range isn't the best at just 145 miles, it's still a popular choice as an urban second car runaround.

6. Hyundai Kona Electric

The battery electric-version of Hyundai's hatchback-sized crossover has proved particularly popular thanks to its overall practicality and commendable 300 miles of range.

It uses the same excellent Hyundai Motor Group platform and tech as the Kia e-Niro.

The Kona Electric is reasonably priced too, starting at £30,450, or £28,950 when you factor in the UK Government's electric car grant.

It’s easy to drive, comfortable and all models come well equipped.

5. Audi e-tron

One of the first real electric models from an established premium car brand, the Audi e-tron SUV offers a classy interior, solid range and great practicality.

The e-tron's position in this list isn't a huge surprise, given Audi's whole range has been hugely popular in the UK for years.

Prices start from a hefty £62,025, with the range coming in at 197-252 miles depending on the model and battery.

While the e-tron is expensive compared to some EVs of similar size and range, it’s a premium EV that does exactly what a large family SUV should. 

4. Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf has been around for more than a decade, but still regularly competes for the top spot in the global EV sales charts, let alone in the UK. 

This second-generation Leaf was launched in 2017 but can still hold its own against newer – and perhaps flashier – EV rivals for price, space and quality.

It’s comfortable and quiet and won’t break the bank with a starting price of £25,995.

While you can find newer rivals with more range than the Leaf – it offers 168-239 miles depending on the model chosen – it’s still a practical family hatchback that is clearly liked by the British public.

3. Volkswagen ID 3

The VW Golf has long been one of Britain’s best-selling cars, so it’s little surprise its electric equivalent has been a big hit.

Boldly styled, practical and with an excellent range of battery and electric motor options, the ID 3 has firmly positioned itself as a popular EV.

Prices start from £32,200 with the range-topping Tour Pro S model achieving a range of over 330 miles.

It’s spacious too and has all the up-to-date technology you should expect to find in a family hatchback. 

2. Kia e-Niro

It’s easy to see why the e-Niro was the UK’s second best-selling electric car: the electric version of the Korean brand’s versatile SUV offers great value for money and a solid range. 

It’s also spacious, easy and relaxing to drive, comfortable and equipped with useful technology.

And, of course, there’s Kia’s seven-year warranty to go with it.

With a range of more than 280 miles and a starting price of £32,895 the e-Niro is a top-tier EV that is evidently a big hit with consumers.

1. Tesla Model 3

The Model 3 is Tesla's long-awaited affordable saloon that has proven popular with buyers thanks to its excellent range, tech-laden interior and overall practicality.

Tesla has also been able to dramatically ramp up its production in recent years, making it easier for buyers to get their hands on one.

With prices starting from £42,990, the Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla in the manufacturer's lineup, but it still delivers 305 miles of range in rear-wheel-drive trim.

Should you opt for the Long Range model, the distance between charges rises to 360 miles, further demonstrating its appeal. 

This article originally appeared on Move Electric and can be viewed here.