Britain's Top 10 Best Selling EVs of 2023

Price from: £38,980

Skoda's inaugural purpose-built electric vehicle, the Enyaq iV, has managed to secure a spot among the top 10 best-selling EVs, albeit with minimal distinctions between the 10th, 9th, and 8th positions.

Priced at £38,980, the Enyaq iV stands out as a family-friendly electric SUV offering a range of 246 to 339 miles. Its inconspicuous electric nature may contribute to its popularity, often considered superior to the VW ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron, both of similar size.

Notably, the Enyaq iV marks the Volkswagen Group's initial successful entry into this competitive segment.

Price from: £46,640

Now, entering the scene at the ninth position is the ID.4, a vehicle of comparable size as mentioned earlier.

This electric car brings affordability to the forefront, aligning with the trend of accessible electric options, exemplified by the Dacia Spring being hailed as Britain's cheapest EV.

Given its striking resemblance to the Skoda Enyaq iV, it's unsurprising that the sales figures only differ by a few hundred units between these two models, with 8,459 units of the ID.4 sold last year.

In the broader context, Volkswagen had an exceptionally robust performance in 2023, clinching the title of the UK's best-selling new car brand for the third consecutive year. The success of Volkswagen in the new EVs list is, therefore, well within expectations.

The ID.4, following in the footsteps of the hatchback ID.3, stands as the second all-electric ID car from Volkswagen. Its positive reception among the target demographic—families seeking a practical, comfortable electric SUV with commendable range and technology—adds to Volkswagen's success in this competitive market.

Price from: £50,755

Debuting in the UK market in November 2021, the i4 has enjoyed consistent success ever since.

Resembling a futuristic iteration of the 4 Series, even skeptics of electric vehicles have acknowledged that the i4 embodies the quintessence of BMW's design and performance. This electric gran coupe's popularity has propelled it to the impressive eighth position on the 2023 list of best-selling EVs.

With a notable 8,940 units sold, the BMW i4 stands out as the flagship model in BMW's expanding electric lineup. The registrations witnessed a significant surge, rising by a third (33%) compared to the previous year.

What sets the i4 apart is its prominence in a market largely dominated by SUVs, particularly excelling in a category where saloon-style models are not as prevalent.

Price from: £37,325

A ubiquitous presence among mass-market electric vehicles, the Niro EV is a common sight, often spotted as the vehicle of choice for Uber rides.

Securing the seventh position on the chart with a commendable 10,084 units sold in 2023, the Niro outperforms contenders like the Enyaq iV, VW ID.4, and BMW i4.

Catering to eco-conscious families, this compact SUV has consistently delivered impressive range, comfort, and a spacious boot within its price range. Notably, the electrified Niro underwent a rebranding last year, reintroduced as the all-new Niro EV.

Despite its perennial presence in the top 10 list of popular electric cars in recent years, the seventh position signifies a decline for the Niro. In 2022, it held the third position overall, and the year before, it claimed the second spot with a remarkable 11,197 units sold.

Price from: £35,700 

Volkswagen stands out as one of only two manufacturers with two electric vehicles securing a place on the 2023 best-seller list.

Closing the year with a strong presence, the ID.3 claims the sixth position, contributing to Volkswagen's notable success in electric vehicle popularity. VW concluded 2023 with an impressive overall market share of 8.52% across all fuel types, surpassing its closest competitor Ford by almost a full percentage point, with a market share of 7.57%.

Positioned as an electric alternative to the widely favored Golf, the ID.3 boasts a range of 268 to 356 miles, making it a convenient and practical choice for daily use among small EVs.

The ID.3's revision in 2023 played a pivotal role in its sustained triumph, with a remarkable 10,294 units sold. This accomplishment underscores the UK buyers' perception of the ID.3 as offering excellent value for money.

Price from: £44,950

Aside from Tesla, Polestar likely holds a prominent place in your thoughts when considering electric vehicles.

Experiencing a remarkable 174% surge in sales within the initial seven months of 2023, the exclusively electric Swedish brand strategically identifies itself as the driver's choice in the electric car realm. Infusing Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and effective marketing, Polestar has transformed the EV buying experience.

This strategic positioning has propelled Polestar to secure the fifth position on the 2023 best-sellers list, courtesy of the Polestar 2 model. Although technically categorized as a hatchback, this EV exhibits a more sedan-like appearance. In 2023, it underwent updates, enhancing its appeal with over 400 miles of range on top models (surpassing the Tesla Model 3) and swifter charging capabilities.

Price from: £39,990

A familiar face in the electric car arena, the Tesla Model 3 secures the fourth spot with an impressive 13,536 units sold.

In 2023, Tesla achieved a monumental milestone by surpassing one million cars sold in Europe. The recent introduction of the new Model 3 in the UK, accompanied by a substantial price reduction, has contributed to the sustained high sales of this widely recognised compact sedan. Enthusiastic EV adopters eagerly placed orders for the upgraded model.

Priced at £39,990, the new Model 3 reflects a significant £3,000 reduction compared to the cheapest version of its pre-facelift counterpart. With such affordability and continued popularity, it seems highly probable that the Model 3 will maintain its presence on the list of best sellers in the coming year as well.

Price from: £51,440

Now, claiming the bronze medal is the Audi Q4 e-tron as we ascend to the podium positions.

The introduction of the Q4 e-tron marked a significant shift for Audi, signifying a wholehearted commitment to electric cars, a departure from their previous stance. Utilising the same MEB platform shared by several VW Group EVs, including the Skoda Enyaq iV and VW ID.4 at the 10th and 9th positions respectively, the Q4 e-tron represents a pivotal moment for the brand.

Positioned as a premium and more opulent alternative to its counterparts, this SUV comes with an entry price of £51,440, notably higher than its rival compact SUVs. However, this price differential did not deter UK drivers, who eagerly purchased 16,757 units last year.

Boasting a range of 322 miles for the entry-level Q4 e-tron, it undeniably stands as a reliable choice for families constantly on the move.

Price from: £26,995

If the resurgence of MG has eluded your notice, the silver position secured by the MG4 in the EV sales chart serves as a compelling indication.

Having registered an impressive 21,715 units in 2023 alone, this zero-emission hatchback has not only revitalized MG but has firmly established the brand as a frontrunner in the new era of electric vehicles.

By the close of the previous year, the cumulative sales of MG4 had surpassed 62,000 units since its launch in 2022, solidifying its status as one of the top-selling MG models in Europe and the Netherlands.

MG has successfully rebranded itself as a progressive manufacturer, offering exceptional value for money through affordable cars that are equipped with cutting-edge technology, safety features, and ample space.

Adding to its accolades, the MG4 received the prestigious title of UK Car of The Year 2023, further enhancing its reputation in the automotive industry.

Price from: £44,990

Securing the top spot as the most popular EV in 2023, we have the Tesla Model Y.

With an impressive margin of over 14,000 sales, this SUV bearing Elon Musk's name undeniably stands out as the most purchased electric car in Britain for the preceding calendar year.

The Model Y's dominance wasn't limited to the UK; it claimed the title of the best-selling car across Europe for the entirety of 2023, accumulating an impressive tally of over 250,000 registrations. Notably, this marked the first instance of a non-European and electric model attaining the coveted top position in the rankings.

Priced starting from £44,990, this mid-sized SUV is a larger and taller iteration of the popular Model 3. Its allure lies not only in its instantly stylish appearance but also in its commendable practicality, making it a favourite among consumers.