Tesla Model 3 smashes EV records as it becomes one of the best selling cars in UK

Pent up demand has seen Tesla’s new Model 3 zoom up the car sales charts in August, beating several other stalwarts to the third position, including the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Corsa, in the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders (SMMT) monthly sales chart.

More than 2000 Model 3 vehicles were sold in August (other in the table), following the new availability of the right-hand-drive model in the UK.  At this moment, it’s unclear if last month’s performance is indicative of a sea change in the car market in the UK, or if it was only a once-off event; particularly as Tesla has a habit of batching their car deliveries, which may mean it could be several months before the next load of Teslas will hit the market

The UK’s demand for Tesla’s electric vehicles has seen an overall increase in recent years, thanks to government incentives for zero-emission vehicles, including a £3,500 plug-in grant, exemption from London Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zones, and a £35,000 interest-free loan for Scottish customers.

The arrival of the Model 3 has increased sales of electric vehicles by over 375% compared to the same period last year.  This is in sharp contrast to a 12% drop in diesel car sales, and only a 1% growth in petrol vehicles over the same period.

Source: electrek