Tesla Model Y is causing a stir in the UK auto industry. Tesla is causing a stir in the UK auto industry with its Model Y. The electric SUV climbed to the position of fourth best-selling vehicle in the country. This presents a significant change for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The Tesla Model Y ranked ninth overall in car sales in the first nine months of 2024. Tesla’s position may get even stronger with the introduction of the Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) recently.
Growing Demand for Electric Vehicles
The use of electric vehicles (EVs) is steadily increasing in the UK market. There were 275,239 new cars registered in September alone, up 1% from the previous year. Cars powered by gasoline and diesel are selling less, though. Sales of diesel cars decreased by 7.1%, while those of gasoline cars declined by 9.3%.
However, the number of battery electric cars, or BEVs, is increasing. Sales climbed by 24.4%, with 56,387 units sold in September. Sales of hybrid electric cars (HEVs) increased somewhat by 2.6%, but plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) witnessed a 32.1% increase. The increased interest in greener energy choices is highlighted by this shift in customer preferences. This shift is being led by EVs like the Tesla Model Y.
Tesla Model Y Dominates EV Segment
There is no doubt that the Tesla Model Y is one of the best electric vehicles available. The Model Y is now the fourth best-selling vehicle overall, sold 5,799 units in the UK as of September 2024. The Model Y, the lone electric vehicle in the top 10, sold 5,799 units, matching the Hyundai Tucson’s sales total. This success demonstrates the appeal of Tesla’s SUV to UK consumers, particularly those wishing to convert from internal combustion engines.
Tesla’s Model Y offers several advantages over traditional cars. Its long driving range, comprehensive standard features, and access to the vast Tesla Supercharger network make it a compelling choice for consumers. This is crucial as more buyers opt for electric vehicles, aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
Petrol Cars Still Lead the Market
In the UK, petrol-powered vehicles like the Kia Sportage continue to rule the road despite the growing interest in electric vehicles. With 7,482 registrations in September, the Sportage took the top spot. Second place went to the Ford Puma, a gasoline-powered vehicle that sold 6,681 units. Another popular model, the Nissan Juke, came in third place with 6,025 sales. Because of their cost, fuel accessibility, and lengthier warranty offers—like Kia’s seven-year warranty—many British still favor gasoline-powered automobiles.
Tesla’s New Model Y Long Range RWD Offers an Impressive Deal
In October 2024, Tesla unveiled the Model Y Long Range RWD to take a larger share of the UK market. In the UK, this new model is currently the most efficient Model Y. It is the base trim, priced at £46,990 before extras, and has the longest range of any Model Y version available in the UK, at 373 miles per charge. Moreover, the maximum charging power of the Model Y is 250kW, as opposed to 150kW for the comparable Scenic. You should be able to add 150 miles of range to your Tesla in 15 minutes by plugging it into a supercharger.
With a maximum speed of 135 mph and an acceleration time of 5.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, the Model Y Long Range RWD offers a blend of performance and efficiency. According to Tesla, this model can save drivers £6,400 in gasoline for four years, which makes it a desirable choice for budget-conscious consumers. Furthermore, assuming 10,000 miles are traveled annually, Octopus Energy users may see annual expenditures as low as £175.
Competition Heats Up as Model Y Pushes for the Top
With 23,495 sold, the Tesla Model Y ranked ninth overall in the UK for the first nine months of 2024, but it still faces fierce competition from petrol vehicles. With 15,449 more sales than the Model Y, the Ford Puma, the best-selling vehicle in the UK, has a sizable advantage. But there is still more to the year, and the introduction of the Model Y Long Range RWD may help Tesla move up the ranks even further.
Even while finishing in the top three for the year might be ambitious, the Model Y’s ongoing success demonstrates that electric cars are no longer niche goods. These days, they compete with standard cars and can exceed them in many areas, including long-term cost savings and driving range.
