We’re guessing that, like us, you will have undoubtedly seen lots more Tesla Model 3s on the road recently?
A surge in purchase numbers for the US carmaker in the first 4 months of 2021 has pushed the previously, almost untouchable, Nissan Leaf into second place in the EV sales table. Independent EV analyst, Matthias Schmidt, has stated that there are now 39,000 Tesla Model 3s in the UK, surpassing the 38,900 Nissan Leaf’s (both of these numbers will be ticking upwards as you’re reading this!).
With the Model 3’s performance, sleek appearance and undeniably enhanced software, it’s easy to see why UK drivers are so readily purchasing this premium EV.
Traditional carmakers have offered a slew of new electric models, although Schmidt said the Tesla Model 3 would probably be the most popular UK model for a “relatively long period” because of its narrow product range. However, the Model Y crossover SUV could quickly become Tesla’s most popular UK version after 2022 – it’s lower price point making it more accessible to a greater proportion of the driving population.
As the cost of making electric cars falls, other carmakers are hoping to create truly mass-market cars that are cheaper than the Model 3, which at a minimum of £40,990 is still out of the reach of many. Volkswagen is rapidly ramping up production of its small ID.3 family car, while BMW hopes that the electric Mini, built in Oxford, will repeat the success of its petrol version.
Electric vehicles are being embraced across the UK more and more as drivers are discovering the benefits of convenient home charging, cheaper running costs, a great experience behind the wheel and of course, the positive impact it has on the planet!
The number of Tesla’s on the road is still only a small fraction of combustion engine vehicles. However, there is no denying that the switch to electric is well underway. The next step in the wider EV movement is to ensure that a sufficient charging infrastructure is in place, as Brits embrace the shift from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric.
