Tesla’s Model Y continues to shine as electric vehicles (EVs) hit a record 19.6% market share in the UK for 2024.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), nearly 2 million new cars were registered last year, marking a 2.6% growth compared to 2023.
Fleet buyers drove most of the growth, while private EV sales struggled, with only one in 10 private buyers choosing electric.
Tesla’s Model Y remained a top pick for businesses and fleet operators, thanks to government tax incentives and Tesla’s reputation for long driving ranges and reliability. The Model was the top car sold (gas or EV) with 5,165 units in December, followed by the Model 3 in second at 3,477 units.
For the full year 2024, the Model Y was the best-selling EV with 32,862 units sold, easily blowing out the Audi Q4 e-tron which was in second with 17,622 sold. Out of all gas and EV cars, the Model Y ranked fifth for 2024, behind the Nissan Juke, Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Ford Puma.
Despite progress, the industry fell short of the government’s 22% target for EV sales. SMMT warns that without more government support, such as boosting EV incentives for private buyers and expanding charging infrastructure, the market might not meet the steeper 28% target for 2025.
The Model Y continues to win accolades as the best-selling EV. It was the top-selling car globally in 2023 and it looks like it will again be the same for 2024 once final data comes in. Tesla is expected to refresh its Model Y soon, rumoured to debut in Q1 of this year.
