Renault 5 E-Tech

For a UK shortlist of electric cars people actually buy, I’d start with these specific models. This is a recommendation, not a sales ranking: it combines UK road-test assessments with registration data. In the latest published model-by-model figures I found, for September 2026, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y led electric registrations; the Kia EV3, Škoda Enyaq, Volvo EX30 and Škoda Elroq also made the top ten. (smmt.co.uk)

If you test-drive only three: try the Škoda Elroq, Kia EV3 and Tesla Model 3. They give you a useful comparison between a family SUV, a smaller SUV and a long-distance saloon.

Here are the electric cars UK buyers are choosing most, based on the SMMT's September 2026 figures (the latest full month I found).

Top sellers, September 2026 (SMMT registrations)

1. Tesla Model 3 – 9,929
2. Tesla Model Y – 5,946
3. BYD Sealion 7 – 3,191
4. BYD Seal – 3,184
5. Kia EV3 – 3,026
6. Skoda Enyaq – 2,214
7. Volvo EX30 – 1,961
8. Mercedes CLA – 1,921
9. Skoda Elroq – 1,897
10. Leapmotor B10 – 1,883

September is a plate-change month, so Tesla numbers are inflated compared with a typical month.

Other models worth knowing

• Renault 5 E-Tech: This is the small, retro-styled hatchback. It topped the EV chart in July with 1,805 registrations. It's listed from £22,995, with roughly 250 miles of range, and was named UK Car of the Year 2026. It's a strong pick if you want a small car.
• Kia EV3: This is a compact SUV. It was second in July's EV chart with 1,691 sales and was in the September top five.
• Jaecoo E5: This is the electric version of the Jaecoo 5. 1,291 were sold in July 2026.

Quick recommendations by need

• Small and affordable: Renault 5 E-Tech, or Leapmotor B10 if you want a larger, value-focused SUV.
• Compact family SUV: Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq, or Volvo EX30.
• Larger family car: Skoda Enyaq, Tesla Model Y, or BYD Sealion 7.
• Saloon or hatchback: Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal, or Mercedes CLA.

Market context

• A record 99,201 new electric cars were registered in September 2026, a 28.3% market share.
• The SMMT credits greater model choice, manufacturer discounts and the government's Electric Car Grant. Check whether the Electric Car Grant applies to the specific model you're considering, as eligibility varies by car.
• There are now 178 battery electric models on sale in the UK.

I'd compare current lease and PCP deals before you buy, because discounts differ a lot between models and change often. Tell me your budget, typical mileage and whether you can charge at home, and I can narrow this to two or three cars.

If you are looking for an electric car in the UK, the market has expanded significantly, driven by salary sacrifice schemes, favorable Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rates for company car drivers, and a rapidly expanding public charging network.

Top EV recommendations in the UK focus on specific, popular models categorized by driver needs:

1. The Best Value All-Rounder: MG4 EV

• Price: From ~£26,995
• Official WLTP Range: 218 to 323 miles (depending on battery size)
• Best For: Commuters, small families, and value-conscious buyers.
• Why people buy it: The MG4 EV has been a massive hit in the UK car market because it offers the range and space of a much more expensive car for the price of a petrol hatchback. It’s rear-wheel drive, surprisingly agile on country lanes, and comes with a 7-year warranty. The MG4 EV Long Range (64kWh) is the sweet spot for everyday motorway driving and road trips.

2. The UK’s Best-Selling Family EV: Tesla Model Y

• Price: From ~£44,990
• Official WLTP Range: 283 to 373 miles
• Best For: Families needing space, boot capacity, and effortless long-distance travel.
• Why people buy it: The Model Y consistently tops the UK sales charts for electric cars. British buyers love it for its sheer practical layout (massive rear legroom and huge luggage space under the boot floor plus the front "frunk"), cutting-edge infotainment, and plug-and-play access to Tesla’s reliable Supercharger network across the UK motorway service stations.

3. The Practical Family Crossover: Škoda Elroq

• Price: From ~£31,500
• Official WLTP Range: 230 to 370 miles
• Best For: Everyday British family life, comfort, and sensible motoring.
• Why people buy it: Following the success of the larger Škoda Enyaq iV, the Elroq strikes the perfect balance of size, tech, and value. It delivers a plush ride over potholed UK roads, Škoda's signature practical interiors (umbrella slots, ice scrapers in the trim), and intuitive controls that do not force you to do everything through a screen while driving.

4. The Best Small City Car & Runaround: Renault 5 E-Tech

• Price: From ~£22,995
• Official WLTP Range: 186 to 248 miles
• Best For: Urban driving, tight city parking, and stylish commuting.
• Why people buy it: Compact, stylish, and full of retro character, the Renault 5 E-Tech is ideal for navigating narrow UK roads, multi-storey car parks, and tight street parking. Unlike older small EVs, it feels premium on the inside, handles motorway speeds smoothly, and keeps monthly lease costs very low.

5. The Best Executive / Saloon: BMW i4

• Price: From ~£50,755
• Official WLTP Range: 299 to 365 miles
• Best For: High-mileage motorway drivers, company car drivers, and driving enthusiasts.
• Why people buy it: If you do a lot of driving on the M1, M4, or M6, the BMW i4 eDrive40 is hard to beat. It drives like a traditional, refined BMW Gran Coupé rather than a sci-fi gadget, offering near-silent high-speed cruising, exceptionally precise real-world range estimates, and a premium cabin. It is a dominant choice on UK Salary Sacrifice schemes.

6. The Best Tech & Fast-Charging Crossover: Kia EV6

• Price: From ~£45,500
• Official WLTP Range: 328 to 361 miles
• Best For: Road-trippers who hate waiting at charging stations.
• Why people buy it: Built on an advanced 800-volt architecture, the Kia EV6 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes on a 350kW ultra-rapid charger (like Gridserve or Ionity stations). Combined with Kia’s 7-year/100,000-mile warranty and futuristic design, it is one of the most reliable and future-proof EVs on UK roads.

Tips for Buying an EV in the UK:

1. Salary Sacrifice: Check if your employer offers a Salary Sacrifice scheme (e.g., Tusker, Octopus EV, Zenith). Buying through salary sacrifice pays for the car out of gross income, saving up to 40%+ on tax and National Insurance.
2. Home Charging Tariffs: If you have off-street parking, pair your home charger with dedicated EV electricity tariffs (such as Octopus Go or OVO Charge365) to charge overnight for around 7p–9p per kWh—slashing running costs to under 2p–3p per mile compared to petrol/diesel.

The best UK electric cars people are actually buying and that are strongly recommended are the Kia EV3, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Škoda Enyaq, Škoda Elroq, Renault 5 E-Tech, Hyundai Kona Electric and Citroën ë-C3. For most buyers, the Kia EV3 is the best all-round choice; the Škoda Elroq is the strongest family-value option, while the Tesla Model 3 remains compelling for long-distance driving and charging convenience.

Best electric cars in the UK

Short recommendations by buyer type

• Best choice for most people: Kia EV3
• Best family car under premium prices: Škoda Elroq
• Best for frequent motorway journeys: Tesla Model 3
• Best family SUV: Škoda Enyaq
• Best small car: Renault 5 E-Tech
• Best budget choice: Citroën ë-C3
• Best electric estate: Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer
• Best seven-seater: Kia EV9
• Best premium long-range model: BMW iX3
• Best used EV under roughly £20,000: Polestar 2, which remains a well-regarded used long-range option.

What to buy

For a typical UK household, the strongest shortlist is:

1. Kia EV3 — choose this if you want the best blend of price, range, technology and size.
2. Škoda Elroq — choose this if you need more family practicality and boot space.
3. Tesla Model 3 — choose this if you do high annual mileage and value efficient motorway travel.
4. Škoda Enyaq — choose this if rear-seat space and a larger boot matter more than outright affordability.
5. Renault 5 E-Tech — choose this if most journeys are urban or suburban and you want a smaller, more characterful car.

Claimed range varies by battery, wheel size and trim, and real-world motorway range is normally lower than the WLTP figure. For a UK purchase, check the exact trim’s list price, home-charging feasibility and whether the car qualifies for the finance or salary-sacrifice deal being offered.

In the UK, the EVs people actually buy in volume are a fairly small group — and the “best” one depends on whether you’re buying privately, leasing, or using it as a company car. Here’s the shortlist I’d give a UK buyer, with exact model/trim names:

If I were spending my own money in the UK today, I’d narrow it to:

• Private/family buyer: Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD if you can charge at home and want space/charging ease; Skoda Enyaq 85 Edition if you want a more conventional family SUV.
• Value buyer: MG4 EV Trophy Long Range.
• Small car/urban buyer: Vauxhall Corsa Electric GS — or Fiat 500e La Prima if it’s mostly town use.
• Company-car buyer: Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD, BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport or Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor.
• Used bargain: Nissan Leaf Tekna, but only with home charging and no need for frequent rapid-charge stops.

Also worth knowing: the UK models that consistently show up near the top of BEV registrations include the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, MG4 EV, Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro EV, Skoda Enyaq, BMW i4, Audi Q4 e-tron 45 Sport, Hyundai Kona Electric Advance, Volkswagen ID.4 Match and Polestar 2. Check current trim availability and insurance quotes before committing — UK insurance and lease deals vary a lot by exact trim.

In the UK right now, the best-selling electric cars (based on recent SMMT registration data) are led by Tesla models, with strong competition from BYD, Kia, Skoda, and emerging affordable Chinese options.

September 2026 saw a record 99,201 new battery electric cars registered (28.3% market share), and the top models reflect what buyers are actually choosing—mixing premium appeal, practicality, value, and incentives like the Electric Car Grant (up to £3,750 on eligible models) and low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax for company cars.

Here are the standout specific models people are buying most, drawn from September 2026 top-10 EV registrations (the latest detailed monthly snapshot available):

• Tesla Model 3 (RWD or variants): The clear leader with 9,929 registrations that month—making it the UK’s second best-selling car overall. It’s popular for its range (often 300+ miles), performance, Supercharger network access, over-the-air updates, and strong company car appeal. The refreshed, China-made versions have boosted affordability and sales.
• Tesla Model Y (RWD or variants): Second in EVs with 5,946 registrations. The practical SUV/crossover format, spacious interior, and Tesla ecosystem make it a top family or fleet choice. It often tops annual charts too.
• BYD Sealion 7: Third with 3,191 units. A stylish, well-equipped SUV offering strong value, good range, and fast charging—appealing to buyers seeking alternatives to established premiums.
• BYD Seal: Close behind at 3,184 registrations. A sleek saloon with excellent build quality, range, and pricing that punches above its weight.
• Kia EV3: 3,026 registrations. A compact, practical crossover with strong warranty, competitive range, and features—popular for smaller families or urban use. Kia’s broader EV range (including the newer EV2) is gaining fast traction.
• Skoda Enyaq: 2,214 registrations. A roomy, practical family SUV with good space, build quality, and value—favoured for real-world usability.
• Volvo EX30: 1,961 registrations. Compact premium SUV with strong safety credentials, stylish design, and decent range.
• Skoda Elroq: 1,897 registrations. Smaller sibling to the Enyaq; nimble, well-equipped, and practical for many buyers.

Other notable mentions from leasing data (e.g., Octopus EV’s Q3 2026 top sellers, reflecting what drivers are actually taking on finance) include the OMODA E5, JAECOO E5, Leapmotor B10, and MG4 Urban—these affordable Chinese-market newcomers are surging in popularity for budget-conscious buyers.

Key UK buying considerations:

• Check eligibility for the Electric Car Grant on lower-priced models.
• Company car drivers often favour Teslas and efficient EVs for tax savings.
• Real-world range is lower in winter (factor in ~20-30% drop); home charging or public networks (including Tesla’s) matter.
• Test drive for ride quality, boot space, and charging speed—UK roads and weather favour practical crossovers/SUVs like the Model Y, Enyaq, or Sealion 7.

Sales shift quickly with new launches, incentives, and fuel prices (diesel hitting £2/litre has helped EVs), so check current SMMT figures or dealer stock for the latest. Popular choices balance range, cost of ownership, and everyday usability over pure spec-sheet wins. If you have a budget, preferred size (e.g., small hatch vs. family SUV), or use case (commute, family, company car), I can refine this further!

The Mercedes GLC Electric, MG4 Urban, Kia EV3, Tesla Model 3, Skoda Elroq, BMW iX3, Renault 5, and Porsche Taycan consistently rank as the UK’s best electric cars across expert reviews.

🇬🇧 The UK’s Top-Rated Electric Cars (2026)

These models appear repeatedly across What Car?, The Independent, and Autocar as the strongest EVs on sale in the UK.

✅ Mercedes GLC Electric — Best overall premium EV

What Car? ranks it as Britain’s best electric car thanks to its 405‑mile range, quiet ride, and huge boot capacity.

Best buy: GLC250 85kWh Sport Auto2 5dr Strengths: superb refinement, strong performance, advanced tech Why UK buyers choose it: long range + luxury at a lower price than rivals

✅ MG4 Urban — Best budget EV

A standout value pick with 201–258 miles of range and a guaranteed £1500 discount.

Best buy: 53.9kWh Comfort Long Range Auto 5dr Strengths: low price, practical boot, good equipment Why UK buyers choose it: one of the cheapest EVs with real practicality

✅ Kia EV3 — Best small family EV

Named best overall EV by The Independent and rated 5 stars by What Car?.

Best buy: 58.3kWh Air Auto 5dr Strengths: long range (up to 375 miles), comfortable ride, strong tech Why UK buyers choose it: unbeatable value for a long‑range family SUV

✅ Tesla Model 3 — Best long‑range executive EV

What Car? gives it a top rating for its charging speeds (up to 250kW) and long range (up to 436 miles).

Best buy: 84.7kWh Premium Long Range Auto 4dr Strengths: Supercharger access, fast charging, strong efficiency Why UK buyers choose it: reliable long‑distance capability

✅ Skoda Elroq — Best versatile compact SUV

Autocar ranks it #1 overall for versatility, value, and real‑world range (~270–300 miles).

Best buy: Elroq 85 SE L Strengths: huge boot, clever storage, strong efficiency Why UK buyers choose it: practical family EV with excellent value

✅ BMW iX3 — Best long‑range SUV

Autocar highlights its 500‑mile official range and 400kW charging—the fastest in its class.

Best buy: iX3 80 xDrive Strengths: premium feel, rapid charging, long range Why UK buyers choose it: unmatched charging speed + BMW driving feel

✅ Renault 5 — Best affordable supermini

Autocar and The Independent both praise its retro design and strong efficiency (up to 260 miles real‑world).

Best buy: 50kWh Long Range 150bhp Strengths: agile, stylish, efficient Why UK buyers choose it: affordable, fun, and eligible for the full £3750 EV grant

✅ Porsche Taycan — Best performance EV

Autocar ranks it among the top EVs for handling and performance, with up to 422 miles WLTP.

Best buy: Taycan Turbo S Strengths: superb steering, rapid charging, sports‑car dynamics Why UK buyers choose it: the benchmark for electric performance

📊 Quick Comparison Table

Model | Best For | Range (official) | Key Strength | Source Mercedes GLC Electric | Best overall premium | 405 miles | Quiet, refined | 1 MG4 Urban | Best budget | 201–258 miles | Low price, practical | 1 Kia EV3 | Best overall (Independent) | Up to 375 miles | Value + range | 1 Tesla Model 3 | Best long‑range exec | Up to 436 miles | Charging speed | 1 Skoda Elroq | Best compact SUV | Up to 372 miles | Versatility | 1 BMW iX3 | Best long‑range SUV | Up to 500 miles | 400kW charging | 1 Renault 5 | Best supermini | Up to 253 miles | Efficiency | 1 Porsche Taycan | Best performance | Up to 422 miles | Handling | 1 3 Sources3

✅ Which one should you choose?

It depends on your priorities:

Best value: MG4 Urban Best family car: Kia EV3 or Tesla Model Y (Independent) Best long‑range: BMW iX3 Best city car: Renault Twingo E‑Tech (Independent) Best luxury: Porsche Taycan Best all‑rounder: Mercedes GLC Electric or Skoda Elroq

If you tell me your budget and how you’ll use the car, I can narrow this list to the best 2–3 models for your needs.

The UK electric vehicle market is led by family-focused SUVs and highly efficient saloons. Registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals the exact models that British drivers are actually purchasing, ranging from premium benchmarks to highly competitive new budget crossovers.

Tesla Model Y The Tesla Model Y remains the UK's overall best-selling electric vehicle. British buyers favor its vast boot capacity (up to 854 liters) and seamless integration with the rapid Tesla Supercharger Network.Key Spec: Up to 332–387 miles of WLTP range depending on the battery configuration. Tesla Model 3 The Tesla Model 3 is the second most popular EV in the UK and heavily dominates the electric saloon sector. It is highly favored by private fleet operators and company car drivers capitalizing on low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax bands.Key Spec: The highly efficient Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant achieves up to 466 miles of official WLTP range.

Popular Mid-Sized & Premium Family SUVs

Audi Q4 e-tron The Audi Q4 e-tron ranks consistently as the third best-selling EV in the UK and serves as a major success for the brand. It appeals directly to premium buyers who want typical Audi build quality combined with robust family practicality.Key Spec: Official WLTP range reaches up to 348 miles. Skoda Enyaq The Skoda Enyaq continues to be a staple in the UK leasing and family market, frequently outperforming its Volkswagen ID siblings in demand. It is highly praised for its massive 585-liter boot and practical cabin.Key Spec: The larger 82kWh variant provides up to 370 miles of range. BMW i4 The BMW i4 represents a massive sales victory for BMW's electric lineup in the UK. Built as a sleek Gran Coupe rather than a blocky SUV, it is a direct premium alternative to the Tesla Model 3 and delivers traditional German driving dynamics.Key Spec: Yields up to 360 miles of range with exceptional real-world efficiency.

The Fast-Rising Compact & Value Picks

Kia EV3 The Kia EV3 has quickly become one of the UK’s fastest-selling vehicles in the private retail market. It packages the high-end 800V-style technology of its larger siblings into a compact, sharp frame starting at a highly accessible sub-£33,000 price point.Key Spec: The Long Range 81.4kWh model delivers a massive 375 miles of WLTP range. Skoda Elroq The Skoda Elroq is a smaller, newer sibling to the Enyaq that has taken the compact SUV segment by storm, earning several Car of the Year accolades. It replicates Skoda's value-driven formula on a smaller footprint.Key Spec: Starts around £32,500 with a maximum battery range of 355 miles. BYD Seal The BYD Seal has established a firm foothold in the UK as the most popular car from the rapidly growing Chinese brand. It goes toe-to-toe with the Tesla Model 3, winning buyers over with premium standard equipment and competitive lease rates.Key Spec: Features a highly resilient Blade Battery pack with up to 354 miles of range.

To help tailor this, are you looking at buying new or used, and what is your typical daily mileage?

The UK electric car market features clear favorites that dominate registration charts, retail sales, and critical awards. Buyers are moving heavily toward practical family SUVs, highly efficient company-car saloons, and affordable retro-styled compacts.

The specific models that UK drivers are actually buying span several key categories:

Best-Selling & Top-Ranking Electric SUVs

Tesla Model Y: Tesla Model Y remains a heavy-hitter and one of the nation's overall best-selling EVs. Its massive interior cargo space, regular software upgrades, and seamless access to the Tesla Supercharger network keep it the default family electric SUV.

Kia EV3: Kia EV3 has taken the UK retail market by storm, earning massive sales volumes and titles like Small Electric SUV of the Year. It squeezes the clever tech and styling of Kia's larger flagship cars into a sharply packaged, more affordable compact footprint.

Škoda Elroq: Škoda Elroq has quickly become an industry darling and a massive success in the UK leasing market. Acting as a slightly more compact, value-focused sibling to the immensely popular Škoda Enyaq, it hits the sweet spot for space, comfort, and price.

Audi Q4 e-tron: Audi Q4 e-tron remains a fixture on British roads, particularly favored by company car drivers due to its premium badge, sensible real-world range, and comfortable cabin layout.

Best-Selling Saloons & Hatchbacks

Tesla Model 3: Tesla Model 3 dominates the electric saloon sector. Refreshed styling and exceptional efficiency make it a favorite for private buyers and corporate fleets looking to maximize low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company car tax rates.

Renault 5 E-Tech: Renault 5 E-Tech has hit the ground running as a major sales success. This retro-inspired, city-friendly supermini has captured significant market share with its fun driving dynamics, distinctive styling, and wallet-friendly positioning.

MG4 EV: Known for undercutting practically all of its rivals on price while offering great driving dynamics and a practical hatchback layout, the MG4 remains a cornerstone of budget-conscious EV adoption in the UK.

If you let me know your budget, whether you're buying privately or via a company salary sacrifice scheme, and if you need a family-sized boot, I can narrow down which of these models fits your exact lifestyle.