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)

1. Tesla Model Y - 35,551

2. Tesla Model 3 - 19,071

3. Kia e-Niro - 11,197

4. Volkswagen ID.3 - 9,832

5. Nissan Leaf - 9,178

6. MINI - 7,425

7. Polestar 2 - 7,345

8. MG 5 - 7,030

9. BMW i4 - 6,699

10. Audi Q4 e-tron - 6,594

Source: SMMT