Tesla bolsters EV sales in UK to 11%, same as diesel-powered vehicles

  • Tesla is fast tightning its grip in UK's growing EV market even though the likes of Volkswagen and Kia are hot on its heels.
File photo of Tesla cars parked at a Supercharger station. (Bloomberg)
File photo of Tesla cars parked at a Supercharger station.

The United Kingdom is emerging as a major hub in Europe for electric vehicles (EVs) and Tesla is right in the middle of the thrust for making battery-operated vehicles more popular than ever before. Such has been the rise in this popularity of EVs here that the market share of battery-powered vehicles now stands equal to that of diesel vehicles - 11%.

Also Read : Tesla sets yet another record, delivers 201,250 electric vehicles in Q2)

It is reported that Tesla delivered 7,304 electric cars in the UK in the first quarter of 2021. This resulted in a jump in market share of EVs in the country to the same level as that of diesel vehicles, a first ever here. Petrol vehicles still enjoy a mammoth share of the market with Electrek reporting a figure of 55%, followed by 23% for hybrid vehicles. And while Volkswagen and Ford dominates the petrol vehicle space in the country, and Toyota has the bragging rights when it comes to hybrids, it is Tesla that - quite unsurprisingly - taken the lead in the EV segment. This segment also includes Volkswagen, Kia and several other players. In the diesel segment, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen have a nearly equal market share.

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Tesla Model 3 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon82kWh Range Icon 555 km
₹ 70 - 90 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Tesla Model S (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon75 kWh Range Icon396 km
₹70 Lakhs - 1 Cr
Alert Me When Launched
Mg 4 Ev (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon64kWh Range Icon350 km
₹ 30 - 32 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Tata Sierra Ev (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon69 kWh Range Icon420 Km
₹ 25 - 30 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Tata Harrier Ev (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon50 kWh Range Icon400 Km
₹ 22 - 25 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Honda Elevate Ev (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 18 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched

With the UK looking at all new car sales to be all electric by 2030, there is massive potential for growth for Tesla, as well as others who are or will offer EVs here. And while Tesla doesn't yet have a factory in the country and has to ship right-hand drive models here, CEO Elon Musk has made several trips in the recent past to scout for locations for a proposed UK Gigafactory.

Will the competition only hot up in the times to come? Most industry experts agree that Volkswagen is likely to intensify its plans of closing the gap with Tesla while others like Kia, Audi, Hyundai, MG, Renault, Volvo and Nissan could play a role greater than what is at present. Interestingly, Nissan recently revealed plans of establishing an electric vehicle hub worth £1 billion here.

As such, the UK is clearly being seen by many as the next big battlefield for EV makers to fight each other.

Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape.

First Published Date: 06 Jul 2021, 10:00 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Select a dealer

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.