Tusker’s 10 most popular cars of 2021 confirms a shift to EVs for motorists

Electric Vehicles have remained the most popular choice of vehicle for the second year running, for those choosing a new vehicle as part of Tusker’s salary sacrifice car benefits scheme.

The latest data proves that electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a novelty choice and that salary sacrifice schemes are allowing drivers to move up into more premium brands than ever before.

In revealing the 10 most popular vehicle orders of 2021, a major evolution has taken place in driving habits with 100% of the top ten cars ordered being either electric or hybrid.

• Nissan Leaf
• Kia Niro
• Peugeot e2008
• Tesla Model 3
• Volkswagen ID3
• Audi Q4 e-tron
• Mercedes-Benz A Class (PHEV)
• Mercedes-Benz EQC
• Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric
• BMW iX3

The change in driver demand is clear, with petrol and diesel vehicles having been replaced by EVs, thanks to the shift in mindset from drivers, as well as the affordability and convenience of a salary sacrifice scheme.

In the main drivers are moving from older higher emission cars into electric which is good news with salary sacrifice continuing to support Governments Road to Zero Agenda. The 2019 top 10 list was made up of mainly petrol and diesel-powered superminis and hatchbacks, with only one EV, the Tesla Model 3 listed.

With more Electric vehicles launching in 2021 the mix of manufacturers has changed to include newer entrants such as Audi, Mercedes, Peugeot as well as more established electric vehicle manufacturers such as Nissan, Kia and Hyundai.

Recent Tusker research showed that the vast majority of their drivers would not have opted for an electric vehicle had it not been for the salary sacrifice scheme.

As more Electric Vehicles come available Tusker’s order book has shifted away from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles to EV and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles in just two years. In 2019, nine out of ten of the most popular vehicles were petrol or diesel powered, with only one EV making the list, however by 2021 the reverse is now true.

While Tusker remains a tireless advocate for EV motoring, it is also aware that some drivers are not quite ready, yet, for electric particularly for those that can’t have a charge point at home or their annual mileages is too high. This makes PHEV vehicles a perfect stepping stone to electric and the Mercedes A Class PHEV remains popular for the second year running. In fact, 17% of Tusker’s orders were for PHEVs in 2021 with another 73% being EV.

“The shift in ordering behaviour away from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, towards EVs has been rapid, and conclusive. We are proud to offer a product that makes Electric driving affordable for the mass market.” said Paul Gilshan, CEO of Tusker.

“We have seen the rise in uptake of salary sacrifice schemes, alongside the continuation of low BIK rates that encourage drivers away from traditional fuel types and into affordable and environmentally friendly vehicles,” he added.

As a result of this change in buying habits, Tusker has lowered its average order emissions from 107.9g/Km, to just 36.6g/Km in just two years and is well on its way to achieving a zero emission fleet by 2030.