Five of the best from the EV best seller list

General Guides 

Electric vehicles really broke through last year, with sales convincing even the most sceptical that they have shifted from niche product to mainstream - thanks in no small part to the uptake from business.

The Society of Motor Manufacturer's and Traders (SMMT) has revealed the best-selling electric cars of 2021. Largely filled with familiar names, though with a few surprises dotted about, we pick out the top EVs from last year's best-selling models .

Tesla Model 3

Tesla's Model 3 not only took top spot in the electric car best-seller's list, it also took second place in the outright sales table. Only Vauxhall's Corsa sold more units throughout 2021.

With a combination of huge driving range, high performance, and relatively accessible price, it should come as little surprise that the Model 3 is proving so popular. There's also the Tesla Supercharger network, which offers drivers reliable high-power charging across the UK - and the world - with no need for any cards or apps to access them. Check out our Tesla Model 3 leasing rates here .

Kia e-Niro

The Kia e-Niro was one of the first affordable models to challenge premium EVs in the long-range stakes. With a driving range around 300 miles, and a starting price of less than £35,000, offers excellent value for money.

The family-sized crossover is now available with a choice of two battery packs. The mid-range model still manages to achieve 180 miles on a charge, but for a very similar monthly price, the 64 kWh long-range model is available. Kia e-Niro leasing rates start from just over £250 per month + VAT.

Volkswagen ID.3

VW's electric version of the Golf is quickly establishing a name for itself amongst even those with no interest in cars. The ID.3 has expanded from a single model to having a variety of options, allowing customers to pick from more affordable, shorter range versions, to higher-powered, longer range models.

Despite having the footprint of a Golf, the ID.3 has a cabin the size of the larger VW Passat, making the most of the compact motors and the battery placed in the car's floor to open up the interior space. See what your business lease options are for the ID.3.

Audi e-tron

Considering the Audi e-tron is comfortably the most expensive model on this list, it's Impressive that it made the top five of all new EV models sold throughout 2021. Available with a pick of two different battery sizes, two different body styles - SUV or Sportback - and with a performance S version available too, the Audi e-tron line-up is extensive.

Despite the large batteries for a long range, the e-tron remains one of the fastest cars to charge on the public network, thanks to ultra-rapid charging capabilities. The core of the e-tron range will charge to 80% in less than half an hour, adding 200 miles of range in that time.

MINI Electric

MINI's hatchback is arguably better with an electric motor than an engine. The agile handling and nippy nature of the famous supermini combine brilliantly with the responsive 135 kW electric motor, meaning the performance available suits the handing on offer.

The outright driving range will put a few potential owners off, but it still achieves 145 miles on a charge, which is significantly more than most trips. With a compact battery comes shorter recharging times, and the rest of the car is stock MINI - not particularly practical, but brilliant fun, great around town, and stylish. If you fancy some electric fun, start here .

Top 10 best-selling EVs 2021

Tesla Model 3 - 34,783

Kia e-Niro - 12,271

Volkswagen ID.3 - 11,032

Nissan Leaf - 9,052

Audi e-tron - 7,396

Hyundai Kona Electric - 7,199

Mini Electric - 6,615

Renault Zoe - 5,778

Vauxhall Corsa-e - 5,605

MG ZS EV - 5,380

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