Electric Outsells Diesel in UK Market on Back of Fleet Demand

New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that battery electric vehicles ended the full year with 16.6% market share while diesel ended with 9.6%.

Ralph Morton・U.K. and European Correspondent

Read Ralph's Posts

January 5, 2023

Electric Outsells Diesel in UK Market on Back of Fleet Demand — Photo: Tesla

2 min to read

Electric vehicles in the UK outsold diesel cars for the first time in 2022.

New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that battery electric vehicles ended the full year with 16.6% market share while diesel ended with 9.6%. Plug-in hybrids also managed more than 6% market share.

The Tesla Model Y was the best selling EV, followed by the Tesla Model 3 and the Kia e-Niro. The Model Y was also the third-best-selling car behind the Nissan Qashqai and the Vauxhall/Opel Corsa.

Some 70% of pure EVs during 2022 were company vehicles, as the favorable taxation system continued to spur fleet investment in electric cars.

Commenting on the market, which was down to 1.61 million units, Meryem Brassington, electrification propositions lead at the largest UK leasing company Lex Autolease said:

“2022 saw a significant acceleration on the road to electrification, with a record number of electric vehicles entering the UK car parc – a 40% year-on-year increase. This rise in EV registrations has been a positive light against a gloomier backdrop for the motor industry, with ongoing supply chain issues continuing to put the brakes on new models coming to market.”

Jon Lawes,man aging director of Novuna Vehicle Solutions, added that he expected the positive trajectory of EV growth to continue into the new year, despite the ongoing supply issues.

Petrol market share remained steady at 67% of the overall market.

Top 10 Best-Selling Electric Vehicles 2022 (sales figures)

Tesla Model Y - 35,551
Tesla Model 3 - 19,071
Kia e-Niro - 11,197
Volkswagen ID.3 - 9,832
Nissan Leaf - 9,178
MINI - 7,425
Polestar 2 - 7,345
MG 5 - 7,030
BMW i4 - 6,699
Audi Q4 e-tron - 6,594

Source: SMMT

Topics:Sustainability Battery-Electric Vehicles Diesel Fuel Global Fleet

More Global Fleet

Cover of a whitepaper titled “The Hidden Costs of Departmentally Assigned Vehicles on Your Fleet” featuring a black fleet vehicle driving on a road at sunset. Subheadline reads: “Discover how your fleet can reduce costs and minimize risk by implementing vehicle sharing.” The document focuses on fleet optimization, vehicle sharing, cost reduction, utilization tracking, and risk management for fleet operations.

Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools

Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.

Fleet Costs Are Rising: Here’s How Leaders Are Responding

Fleet leaders are under pressure to reduce costs, adapt to economic uncertainty, and make smarter decisions. See how peers across North America are responding with real data, proven strategies, and forward-looking insights. Download the 2026 Market Pulse Report to benchmark your strategy and uncover where you can gain an edge.