- The Skoda Enyaq was Britain's best-selling electric car in October, with 1,568 sold, according to SMMT figures published on 5 November.
- Three Chinese-owned brands, Jaecoo, BYD and Leapmotor, are in the electric top 10.
- Electric cars took 32.0% of all new car sales in October, up from 28.3% in September.
- Carmakers are offering big discounts to hit government EV targets, so it's a good time to buy.
The Skoda Enyaq was the UK's best-selling electric car in October, with 1,568 registered, ahead of the MINI Countryman Electric and the Jaecoo 5 EV, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) published on 5 November. It was a big month for electric cars overall, with 48,858 sold, or 32.0% of all new cars, up from 28.3% in September, and three of the top 10 come from Chinese-owned brands.
These are the 10 electric cars British buyers chose most in October.
1. Skoda Enyaq
Sold in October: 1,568 | Price from: £39,970
The Enyaq has been one of Skoda's best-sellers all year, and it's easy to see why, because it's a roomy, sensible family SUV that doesn't feel like a leap into the unknown if you're coming from a petrol car.
2. MINI Countryman Electric
Sold in October: 1,494 | Price from: £42,082
The biggest MINI is also one of the most popular EVs in the country, offering the badge's fun image with genuine family space.
3. Jaecoo 5 EV
Sold in October: 1,465 | Price from: £24,505
Chinese newcomer Jaecoo has had a remarkable year, with its 7 the UK's best-selling car overall in October, and the electric 5 is now in the EV top three too.
4. Vauxhall Frontera Electric
Sold in October: 1,331 | Price from: £22,495
The Frontera is one of the cheapest electric family SUVs you can buy, it qualifies for the government's Electric Car Grant, and longer-range versions now do more than 250 miles on a charge.
5. Audi Q4 e-tron
Sold in October: 1,234 | Price from: £46,260
Audi's electric SUV is a popular company car, thanks to low benefit-in-kind tax and a premium badge.
6. BYD Seal
Sold in October: 1,207 | Price from: £45,730
BYD's sleek electric saloon is one of the few non-SUVs in the top 10, and shows how quickly the Chinese brand has caught on in Britain.
7. BMW iX3
Sold in October: 1,141 | Price from: £53,250
The all-new iX3 is the first of BMW's next-generation Neue Klasse electric cars, with a claimed range of up to around 500 miles.
8. Ford Puma Gen-E
Sold in October: 1,077 | Price from: £25,245
One of Britain's favourite small SUVs in electric form, and one of the first cars to qualify for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant.
9. Kia EV3
Sold in October: 1,036 | Price from: £24,245
A compact electric SUV with a long range for the money, which has made it one of Kia's biggest EV hits.
10. Leapmotor B10
Sold in October: 1,028 | Price from: £29,995
Stellantis-backed Leapmotor launched the B10 at £29,995, undercutting most rivals of a similar size, and it's already in the top 10.
Why are there so many electric car deals right now?
Carmakers are under pressure to meet the government's zero emission vehicle mandate, which says 33% of their new car sales this year should be electric, and the SMMT expects them to end the year at 27.2%. To close the gap, they've been offering big discounts, cheap and 0% finance, deposit contributions and free charging, and with two months of the year left, the pressure is only going to grow. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes put it bluntly: "Higher targets may force supply, but they do not create demand."
For buyers, that's good news. Petrol still accounts for 37.2% of new cars, but electric is catching up fast, and diesel is down to just 3.8%.
Before you head to a showroom, a free car valuation from Regit will tell you what your current car is worth, so you know how much you've got to haggle with.
Our verdict
With carmakers chasing their targets, November and December could be the best time all year to get a deal on a new electric car, and the top 10 shows there's something for most budgets, from the Leapmotor B10 to the BMW iX3. Go in knowing what your car's worth, ask about finance offers and free charging, and don't be afraid to walk away if the deal isn't right.