Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s Model Y claimed the title as the UK's most-bought battery electric vehicle (EV) for the second year running in 2023, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data revealed on Friday.
Some 35,899 models of the car were sold in the UK over the year, marginally up on 35,551 in 2022, placing it above models by the likes of MG, Audi and Polstar.
Top five best-selling EVs in 2023 (SMMT):
- Tesla Model Y - 35,899
- MG4 - 21,715
- Audi 04 e-tron - 16,757
- Tesla Model 3 - 13,536
- Polestar 2 - 12,542
A total of 314,687 battery electric vehicles were sold in Britain over the year meanwhile, marking an increase of 17.8% on 2022’s 267,204.
Battery electrics stopped short of taking market share over the year though, as models of Hybrid electric vehicles enjoyed stronger sales, alongside petrol cars.
“With vehicle supply challenges fading, the new car market is building back with the best year since the pandemic,” SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said.
“Energised by fleet investment, particularly in the latest EVs, the challenge for 2024 is to deliver a green recovery.”
Tesla’s Model Y sat fifth among the top-selling models of all ranges, with Ford’s Puma taking the top spot, followed by cars by Nissan, Vauxhall and Kia.
A total of 1.9 million new cars were registered on UK roads over the year, up 18% on 2022, of which most were petrol-powered, though only 3.7% were diesel fuelled.
Last year, targets to completely phase out the sale of new fossil-fuelled cars by 2030 were pushed back by five years.
However, under the zero emissions mandate, most new vehicles sold in the UK will still have to be battery-powered.
“Government has challenged the UK automotive sector with the world’s boldest transition timeline and is investing to ensure we are a major maker of electric vehicles,” Hawes added.
“It must now help all drivers buy into this future, with consumer incentives that will make the UK the leading European market for ZEVs.”