What are the best-selling electric cars?
There are over 450 different electric car models on offer today, but only a handful can be the best. Here are 10 of best-selling EVs you should consider:
)
Electric vehicles (EVs) have grown in popularity in the past decade, with more than 250,000 hitting the UK roads in 2022 alone.
So, with no signs of production and innovation slowing down, car manufacturers all around the world are working hard to make some of the best electric cars the world has ever seen.
But which are the best-selling EVs in the UK? Here are 10 popular electric cars you should consider buying.
Tesla Model 3
)
If you want a quick, small electric car that offers plenty of practicality and a long range, then the Tesla Model 3 is one of the best options for you.
For something with so many features and tech, it’s hard to believe how compact this little used Tesla is, but it’s still very practical ¬– its 425-litre boot is plenty for your weekly food shop and more.
Additionally, the Model 3 has access to Tesla’s Supercharging network, which is one of the best in the business. This allows it to rapid-charge using 120kWs from 10% to 80% in just 36 minutes, giving it a total range of up to 374 miles.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
)
Despite being late to the scene, the Ford Mustang Mach-E was able to catch up quickly and is now one of the best-selling EVs in the country.
With a range of up to 379 miles and fast-charging capabilities, this mid-sized electric SUV is ideal for families and couples alike who need to drive to work or take the occasional longer road trip.
Speaking of its performance, the electric Ford in its top-spec 91kWh Mach-e GT configuration produces 487hp, which allows it to do a 0-62mph sprint in just 3.7 seconds. Not bad for a car that’s got lots of interior room and a 402-litre boot.
Kia Niro EV
 "Kia Niro")
In its standard form, the Kia Niro can be had as a plug-in hybrid, but now there’s a fully-electric version called the Niro EV – and it means business.
Reliability shouldn’t be a concern thanks to Kia’s industry-leading seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, and being an EV only adds to that. The warranty is transferable to used Kia models as well.
Range is great too, offering 285 miles on a single charge – plenty for most people’s weekly commutes.
Being a family car, the Niro must be practical too, and Kia has thought of this. That’s why there’s a decent 475-litre boot at the rear and additional storage solutions dotted throughout the cabin to store things such as large bottles of water, travel sweets and fruit.
Tesla Model S
)
Sitting above the Model 3 but below the Model Y in Tesla’s model range is the mighty Model S saloon – the longest-standing model they make.
This electric saloon is a high-performance family car that’s popular for its long range and power.
It may not look it, but the Model S also has loads of boot space, coming in at 745 litres – more than a full-size Range Rover.
But where it really shines is on the road, because it’s by far the quickest electric family car money can buy. The top-spec Plaid version produces more than 1,000hp from its tri-motor setup, giving it a 0-60mph time of just 1.99 seconds.
To put that into perspective, that’s quicker than a Bugatti Chiron hypercar, and with a 400-mile range, it doesn’t need to be filled up as often.
Volkswagen ID.3
)
The Volkswagen Golf is the most successful thing VW has ever done. Since the first one rolled off the production line in 1974, more than 35 million have been sold, making it one of the best-selling cars of all time.
But how do you follow on from this? Well, that’s where the all-electric ID.3 hatchback steps in.
This 340-mile-range small electric car is exactly what you need if you own a Golf or a car of similar size. It’s dependable, good-looking and packed full of the latest tech including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
It’s also got a decent 385-litre boot, which is more or less on par with its internal combustion engine relative.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
)
Are you a fan of ‘80s style icons with a modern twist? If so, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the electric car for you.
This used Hyundai is spacious inside thanks to a well-designed and thought-out seating plan, and it’s got some of the best tech of any electric car, including the ability to use its charging port to juice-up other items such as an electric scooter, smartphone, or even a toaster.
Its 527 litres of boot space is very good too, beating its Ford Mustang Mach-E rival.
There are two battery options: a 58kWh; and a 72kWh battery. The former returns up to 238 miles and the latter will give you up to 298 miles on a single charge.
Nissan Leaf
 "Nissan_Leaf_front_driving")
The Nissan Leaf has been around since 2010 and yet it’s still one of the most popular and best-selling EVs on the used car market. This is because they’re affordable and very easy to live with.
The standard model would be enough for most city-dwellers with its 150hp electric motor and 168-mile range, but if you want more there’s also the used Nissan Leaf e+ version that produces 216hp and a 239-mile range.
At the rear, you’ll find a 435-litre boot that stacks up well against its rivals and has lots of legroom and headroom for those taller passengers among us.
Kia EV6
)
Being built on the same platform as the IONIQ 5, the Kia EV6 is easily one of the most reliable and capable electric family cars money can buy.
The first thing that grabs your attention is its capability of charging at 350kW, which means you can add an extra 60 miles to the battery pack in less than four minutes – totalling 328 miles when it’s full.
There are two variants on offer: a 229hp rear-wheel-drive model with a 328-mile range; and a 325hp four-wheel-drive version with a 316-mile range.
Audi e-tron
)
If the other cars in this list are too small for you and you like a higher driving position, then the Audi e-tron is a good fit.
It’s comfortable, full of familiar Audi switchgear and doesn’t necessarily look like an EV from the outside – something you may prefer.
Being an electric SUV, there’s plenty of space for all passengers, especially in the rear where the leg and headroom is superb.
From a fully-charged battery, you can expect to get around 250 miles from this used Audi – perfect for most people – and it’s more efficient than other petrol- and diesel-powered Audi SUV alternatives.
Of course, you get a large boot too, measuring in at 569 litres and growing to 1,637 litres when the rear seats are folded flat.
Tesla Model Y
)
Sitting below the Model X in Tesla’s lineup, the Model Y mid-sized SUV straddles the line between a large hatchback and a crossover.
Like with all its models, Tesla didn’t miss a beat with this one, offering a huge 331-mile range, a massive 1,869-litre boot (when the rear seats are folded down), and some great power options.
Speaking of which, opt for the Model Y Performance and you could be zooming to 60mph from a standstill in just 3.5 seconds and then onto a top speed of 150mph – just not on the public road.