Top 10 best-selling electric cars in the UK

Can you guess which electric car was the best-seller for the third year running?

Car registration data gathered by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) over the last year has revealed the 10 most popular and best-selling electric vehicles (EV) throughout 2024.

In a year where electric cars continued their charge towards mainstream adoption, we’ve seen some familiar faces dominating the charts alongside a few surprising newcomers.

The electric revolution is well and truly underway, with EVs continuing to gain ground on their petrol and diesel counterparts. This is no surprise, really, considering that the 2030 petrol and diesel ban is looming ever closer.

Many brands like Tesla, Audi and MG maintained strong stock levels throughout the year, helping drive sales and cement their positions in the top 10.

And it doesn’t hurt that they’re producing some genuinely excellent cars.

With the majority of EVs now claiming ranges of over 250 miles (WLTP Comb), the barriers to electric car leasing continue to fall. With the benefits increasing, especially for those opting for an electric car business lease, we expect to see even more growth this year.

Just watch this space.

For now, let’s dive into the winners and losers of 2024’s electric car sales.

Tesla Model Y: 32,862 cars sold

No surprises here – the Tesla Model Y has claimed the top spot for the third consecutive year, proving that when it comes to electric SUVs, Tesla still knows how to keep everyone else in the rear-view mirror.

An impressive performance from everyone’s favourite electric SUV, the Tesla Model Y ticks all the right boxes: spacious, impressive range, fast charging times.

It helps that it’s both easy on the eye and surprisingly kind to your wallet, with Tesla business lease deals helping leasers balance the books through lower Benefit in Kind tax and reduced running costs.

We love it, you love it – the whole of the UK loves it.

Will it secure the top spot for the fourth year on the trot? Only time will tell.

If you want to see what all the fuss is about, treat yourself to a Tesla Model Y lease, and discover just why it’s left every other electric car eating its dust for three years.

Audi Q4 E-Tron: 17,622 cars sold

The Audi Q4 E-Tron has charged into second place, proving that when it comes to premium electric SUVs, the four rings still carry serious weight.

Refined, relaxing to drive and spacious, it makes for an excellent option if you’re looking for an electric family car that feels a little more luxe. With coupe-esque good looks – all sweeping lines and swoopy details – the Q4 E-Tron takes the cake for ‘SUV that looks really nice but also drives really well’.

With a WLTP Comb range of up to 342 miles, you’ll have no issues getting where you need to be.

An Audi Q4 E-Tron lease truly is premium electric motoring without the premium price tag shock.

Tesla Model 3: 17,425 cars sold

Ah, the Tesla Model 3.

For so long she reigned without question, no other car coming even close to knocking her off her throne.

That was until Tesla themselves released the Model Y, and the Model 3 stepped gracefully aside to let her bigger sister take centre stage. But don’t let the third-place finish fool you – the Model 3 is still a cracking car.

Where the Tesla Model Y appeals to those wanting a larger SUV, the Tesla Model 3 provides a sleek alternative if you’re after something more saloon-like, and a little more aerodynamic.

With its recent facelift giving it a much-needed refresh, a Tesla Model 3 lease continues to prove that electric saloons can be just as desirable as their SUV siblings. Sometimes, you just can’t beat the classics.

MG4 EV: 15,651 cars sold

The MG4 EV continues to punch well above its weight, cementing its position as the people’s champion of affordable electric driving.

We’re big MG4 fans here at Carparison.

We love a car that’s not afraid to stand out, and the MG4 EV really is built to turn heads. Bold colours and a distinctive design will have you noticed wherever you park, but thankfully, MG haven’t scrimped on the important bits under the bonnet.

With a strong range of trims and a WLTP Comb range of between 218 and 329 miles (depending on spec), there’s sure to be an MG4 lease to fit your budget and your lifestyle.

It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to join the electric revolution.

BMW i4: 12,953 cars sold

A Carparison office favourite, the BMW i4 is the sleek electric saloon for you if you’re looking for something a little more premium.

BMW seem to be proponents of the philosophy ‘if it’s not broken, let’s electrify it’, deciding to stick a big battery into one of their best-sellers rather than starting from scratch.

And it’s worked brilliantly.

The BMW i4 is a delicious EV, built to rival the Tesla Model 3 and other premium electric saloons. While it might not have achieved the same sales figures as the top three, it’s making a name for itself among those who like to retain that premium edge to their electric driving.

Easy on the eye, a little less easy on the wallet – a BMW i4 lease is one to watch out for if you want that ultimate driving machine DNA in electric form.

Mercedes-Benz EQA: 11,617 cars sold

A new entrant to our top 10 list, the Mercedes-Benz EQA has proven that the three-pointed star can compete in the electric SUV space.

The EQA brings that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz luxury to the electric SUV market, offering a refined driving experience wrapped in premium materials and innovative tech. It’s the sort of car that makes you feel like you’ve made it.

Even if you’re just popping down the road to the shops.

With Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for build quality and attention to detail, the EQA offers a compelling alternative for those who want their electric SUV to feel properly premium.

Welcome to the top 10, EQA – we have a feeling you’ll be sticking around.

SKODA Enyaq: 11,516 cars sold

The SKODA Enyaq continues to prove that sometimes, the best approach is to do everything simply, but really, really well.

Though it might not be as glamorous as some of its flashier rivals, the Enyaq has something that feels like it’s becoming increasingly rare in the car world: it just works.

Solid, reliable, and built to last, it boasts a WLTP Comb claimed range of up to 359 miles and will fit effortlessly into family life. The Enyaq really does prove that there’s still plenty of space in the market for cars that prioritise substance over style.

Though, to give it its due, it’s not exactly hard on the eyes either.

A SKODA Enyaq lease is the sensible choice that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

Hyundai Kona: 10,858 cars sold

The Hyundai Kona Electric continues to hold its own in the increasingly competitive compact electric SUV segment.

Rolling comfort, range and performance into a good-looking and affordable package, the Kona Electric remains a solid choice if you’re looking to save money while still getting something suitable for the whole family.

With its distinctive styling and practical interior, a Hyundai Kona Electric lease proves that Korean cars have well and truly arrived on the scene.

It might be battling stiff competition, but it’s still holding its ground admirably.

Volvo EX30: 9,931 cars sold

The Volvo EX30 has made quite the impression in its first full year on sale, proving that Volvo’s combination of Scandinavian style and safety credentials translates brilliantly to the electric age.

As the baby of the Volvo SUV family, the EX30 packs a lot of character into a compact package.

With a claimed WLTP Comb range of up to 286 miles and all the safety tech you’d expect from Volvo, it’s a compelling package for those who want their electric SUV with a side of Swedish sensibility.

A Volvo EX30 lease shows that sometimes, good things really do come in small packages.

Volkswagen ID.4: 8,927 cars sold

Rounding out our top 10 is the Volkswagen ID.4, VW’s answer to the electric SUV boom.

The ID.4 launched into a crowded category, but has managed to carve out its own niche through solid engineering and practical design. It’s the most popular electric SUV category for good reason: spacious and practical, with room for the whole family and then some.

Though it faces stiff competition from newer arrivals, a Volkswagen ID.4 lease continues to prove that sometimes the best approach is to focus on getting the fundamentals right.

We wouldn’t be surprised to see this one climbing higher up the list as VW continues to refine their electric offerings.

Want to lease an electric car?

Whether you’re drawn to the Tesla Model Y’s three-year winning streak, or fancy trying something different, like the Volvo EX30, there’s never been a better time to make the switch to electric.

Our team of experts are on hand to help you find the perfect electric car lease deal, whether you’re looking for personal car leasing or business car leasing options.