The Top 10 Best Selling Electric Cars and Hybrids In the UK

We know that there are still some among us that have EV phobia. Caused by misinformation about charge times, battery capacity and the infrastructure not being ready for mass adoption.

As experts in this field, it’s important for us to correct the misinformation and bring you all of the facts and things to know about living with an electric car.

Background: Electric Cars and Hybrids

In 2020 the United Kingdom was one of Europe’s main markets for EVs. Sales of plug-in electric vehicles increased by roughly 140% year over year, while hybrid sales increased by about 12%. Hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles accounted for over 10% of new car registrations in the United Kingdom in 2020, and demand for electrified vehicles among new car intenders is about 40%.

(Source)

With the increase in demand for electric cars we thought it might help you on your journey to see what others are buying.

The top 10 selling electric cars in the UK are as follows:

1. Tesla Model 3

 £40,000

In the UK, there are three versions of the Model 3: the Standard Range Plus, the Long Range, and the Performance model.

The Standard Range Plus has a claimed range of 254 miles, while the Long Range has a range of 348 miles. The Performance, on the other hand, has a stated range of 329 miles and can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. That’s extremely close to supercar-baiting levels of acceleration. Get a free quote in seconds using our Tesla Finance Calculator here

2. Kia Niro

The Niro has made a sensation in the burgeoning hybrid market by being attractive, practical, and appealingly good value, although there are a few downsides with the car the long waiting lists show that for many buyers, the many advantages readily exceed the occasional flaw.

£32,000

3. BMW 330e

£40,000

Many of you may already be aware that the BMW 330e is a fantastic vehicle. Because of the low company car tax category, it falls under, it already accounts for 25% of all 3 Series sales in the UK. However, saving a few pounds isn’t the only incentive to choose a 330e; it’s also a fantastic all-rounder.

For one thing, it’s a blast to drive. It’s not ideal, but it’s a decent start. Furthermore, the electric-only driving range is sufficient to cover most owners’ daily journeys. Finally, there’s the XtraBoost option, which boosts the combined petrol/electric power output to 295hp – albeit in brief bursts.

So it’s a plug-in that’s both reasonable and thrilling — what’s not to love.

4. Nissan Leaf

£26,000

The second generation of Nissan’s groundbreaking electric Leaf continues to solidify the company’s status as an EV pioneer. It’s simple to use, somewhat inexpensive to finance, and well-equipped for the money – but don’t expect to find a petrol or diesel version.

When the Leaf Mk2 was released, it wasn’t completely new. It’s a highly reworked version of the original Leaf, designed to appear more natural and faster than previously. Most notably, it has a longer battery life between recharges. While the rest of the automotive business is still getting acclimated to introducing their own pioneering EVs, Nissan’s Leaf is already in its second generation with few direct competitors.

5. Hyundai Ioniq

£22,000

While some automobiles provide personalization options, the Hyundai Ioniq allows you to pick between three different powertrains. It’s available as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or a fully electric vehicle. It means you can choose from three sophisticated, environmentally efficient powertrains depending on your budget and personal preference.

Regardless of which option you select, the Ioniq is a cost-effective family car that competes with the Toyota Prius. The Ioniq has streamlined styling and a high-tech interior, just like that automobile, but it’s more traditional all around — it’s considerably easier to get used to, and the styling is less likely to catch attention.

6. Jaguar I-Pace

£61,000

With this bespoke car, Jaguar has embraced the electric car challenge in the luxury vehicle sector. It did so by outpacing all of its German premium rivals to market with a credible alternative to Tesla’s Model S and Model X. The fact that the I-Pace was the first electric vehicle to win the coveted European Car of the Year award back in 2019 speaks volumes about how the car business is changing.

7. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

£35,000

Since its introduction two years ago, Mitsubishi’s Outlander plug-in hybrid has become such a hit in the UK.

It has given Mitsubishi a level of popularity it hasn’t had in decades, and the desire to maintain it – as well as highlight its future position as a green SUV manufacturer – are driving forces behind a thorough set of Outlander improvements for 2016, both in terms of appearance and performance.

8. MG ZS EV

£28,000

The introduction of the first ZS EV represented a turning point in MG’s fortunes in the United Kingdom, as its popularity continued to rise month after month. This reasonably priced electric SUV has found favour with purchasers eager to make the switch to a plug-in vehicle without spending a fortune.

It’s been upgraded for 2022, with a more modern front end, an overhauled interior with substantially superior infotainment, and the option of a larger battery for a longer range. How much bigger is it? Well, how does 273 miles from a 72kWh long-range battery pack sound? That’s a significant improvement over the previous model’s 163 miles.

9. Volkswagen e-Golf

£31,000

On paper, the e-Golf doesn’t appear to be particularly quick. It takes more than 10 seconds to go from 0 to 62 mph, with a top speed of 87 mph. In real-world driving, though, the e-Golf seems not only faster than those stats suggest, but also fast all the time. From a standstill, the e-Golf has a fantastic slug of torque, giving it a solid kick away from the lights. There’s so much twist on tap that if you slam on the gas pedal too hard, it’ll spin its wheels. The eGolf features incredibly pokey reflexes, with throttle response five times faster than a typical petrol engine. It’s not quite driving as we know it, but it’s still great.

10. BMW i3

£31,000

There are a variety of electric vehicles to choose from, including the Vauxhall Corsa-e and Peugeot e-208, as well as the Renault ZOE and Fiat 500. All of these compact electric cars have a longer range at a lower price than the BMW i3, owing to the fact that they use more advanced technology.

But, while other cars stick to simple formulas and some share platforms, bodywork, and interior characteristics with petrol-powered counterparts, the i3’s unique style, superior carbon-fibre construction, and BMW brand renown are all qualities its competitors lack. The i3, like the Honda e, assumes that rather than being afraid of electric technology, potential consumers want to make a statement about their choice.

BIK Tax

Employers may provide perks or fringe benefits that are not included in the employee’s salary, known as benefit-in-kind (BIK). Company automobiles, private medical insurance, and child care vouchers are just a few examples.

Some benefit-in-kind advantages, such as free breakfasts, bike-to-work programmes, and in-house sports facilities, are tax-free. Other advantages, on the other hand, will necessitate the payment of tax.

HMRC determines the amount of BIK tax you must pay, which can be the monetary equivalent of the service or commodities, or it might be determined using specified rules.

The use of a corporate car is one of the most prevalent taxable benefit-in-kind perks.

This tax is based on the value of the car on which you will have to pay sometimes large amounts of tax. However, does this stand true with electric cars?

Well, if you drive a fully electric car you will pay only 1% BIK tax, then it will grow to 2% in April 2022.

When this was last evaluated, the idea was to set the rate for all-electric vehicles at 2%, but a last-minute tweak will save drivers a lot of money.

Charging ports in new homes

One of the things that we have noticed from many conversations is the idea that the infrastructure for the charging network is still not up to scratch. However, according to EDFenergy there are now around 50,000+ charging stations across the UK, that’s more EV charging points than petrol stations.

Click here to find where your local charging stations are.

So, charging stations are widely available nowadays, but to add to this, in line with the government’s green plan all new homes that are built from 2022 will require the installation of an EV charging station. 

This will not only increase the amount of charging stations but also make it much more convenient for first time EV drivers to make the switch and charge their cars at home overnight.

The costs of charging

Based on our independent studies, here’s how much you’ll pay to cover 9,000 miles* if you can charge at home as a general guide: The cost of running a compact city car like the VW E-Up or a small hatchback like the Renault Zoe ranges from £500 to £580 per year. For medium and large cars, such as the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3, prices range from £525 to £730. It’s about the same for compact SUVs like the Hyundai Kona. Large SUVs like the Audi E-tron cost between £670 and £830.

EV FAQ’s

Why are electric vehicles less expensive to maintain?

Electric automobiles are less expensive to maintain because there is no oil to change, no gaskets to replace, and so on. Because there are fewer moving components in electric vehicles, they are more reliable. It translates to much lower maintenance expenses.

Is it possible to overcharge an electric vehicle?

Manufacturers have already put in safeguards to ensure that your electric car does not overcharge, over-discharge, or overheat.

What is the cost of installation?

You can now get a charger for your own home for around £300 upwards, obviously more expensive if you are paying for installation.

Do electric cars have fewer breakdowns?

Because an electric motor can slow down on its own, there is less need for brake pedals, and brake pads and rotors last longer.

Is it true that electric automobiles are more dependable?

Electric vehicles are less expensive to operate and should be more reliable than traditional vehicles because they are considerably simpler due to the lack of an internal combustion engine.

Is it necessary for me to pay congestion charges?

You won’t have to pay congestion charges if you drive an electric car in London since electric vehicles are exempt.

How much will charging my EV at home cost?

The average cost of charging an electric car at home is just £4 for 100 miles, and you can charge for 30p per kWh at the Electric Highway charging stations.

If your automobile is electric, do you still have to pay road tax?

You must still register your EV for road use, but you will not be charged because EVs do not emit any exhaust emissions.

How long does it take an electric car to charge?

The size of your battery and the charger you use will determine this.

Slow Chargers (up to 3Kw) are best for overnight charging because they can take anything from six to twelve hours.

Fast Chargers (7Kw to 22Kw) are usually three to four hours.

Rapid Chargers (43Kw to 50Kw) can charge an electric vehicle to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes.

What is the range of an electric vehicle?

The majority of modern electric vehicles have a range of roughly 130 miles, while some may travel up to 300 miles on a single charge. This will only get better as EV technology progresses.

How long does an electric vehicle’s battery last?

The battery life of an electric car varies based on the vehicle’s brand and type. The majority of EV battery manufacturers provide an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty.

There are many other benefits to switching to electric vehicles that we might not have mentioned here, but our team are experts when it comes to helping you make the right choice to fit your needs and requirements. If you have any questions or are looking to make the switch, contact one of our team here at Magnitude and we can get you behind the wheel of your new EV in a matter of days.

Use our Magnitude Finance Calculator to get instant quotes for your next car, whether conventional ICE cars, EV’s or Hybrids.