Tesla have become the dominant EV brand, but they’re facing fresh competition

Since the launch of the Tesla Model 3 in 2019 the American manufacturer have become one of the most popular brands not only in the UK but worldwide.

Landing on these shores with much anticipation, it could be argued that it was the Model 3’s arrival that really kick-started the EV revolution in the UK.

Available on hugely affordable Tesla lease deals, it didn’t take long for them to become one of the best-selling electric cars on the market.

Tesla followed that up with the equally successful Model Y, which now proudly sits among the UK’s best-selling cars month on month.

For a short period, Tesla were largely unrivalled in the EV space. So far ahead of their rivals, traditional manufacturers could not compete on price or range.

However, the tides are beginning to turn. While Tesla remain one of the most popular EVs available, they are no longer the only viable option, with many rivals producing vehicles that can comfortably deliver 250-300 miles of range.

Some of which you might have heard of, others maybe not. Let’s introduce some of the manufacturers vying for Tesla’s electric crown.

Polestar

One of the more well-known and established rivals competing with Tesla. Specifically, the Polestar 2 which is often pitted against the Model 3 as a direct alternative.

While competing for similar customers, they are in fact chalk and cheese. Like Tesla, Polestar pride themselves on the refinement of their interiors, but with a stylish Scandi twist.

The Polestar 2 is a 400+ mile EV that delivers eye-catching good looks, high-quality materials and a unique element for someone looking for something outside of the ‘norm.

Polestar’s future models, like the Polestar 3 and 4 will further cement that legacy.

As a former subsidiary of Volvo, power and performance have always been at the heart of what Polestar do, making them a perfect contender to try and become the premium EV manufacturer in the UK.

BYD

For all of Tesla’s success, Build Your Dreams, or BYD for short, can go one step further. In 2022, they were the world’s biggest manufacturer of electric vehicles in the world.

Selling over 1.8 million, this is a Chinese manufacturer that means business. BYD have recently launched in the UK market with their family-friendly SUV, the ATTO 3.

While their UK line-up is still in its infancy, BYD have all the infrastructure ready to make a big splash as they move into Europe.

They’re electric battery technology pioneers and have been market leaders in that space for some time, even Tesla themselves use BYD’s Blade Battery in select Model Y cars.

They’re ones to watch once future models drop in the UK.

Hyundai

We’ve all seen the advert; the Hyundai Motor Group are going through something of a renaissance.

With a new pronunciation and a bright electric future, this isn’t the Hyundai that we have come to know since their arrival in the UK.

Charged by some of the most exciting electric cars available right now, they can call upon both Genesis and Kia within the wider Hyundai group.

With their unique designs and impressive figures, Hyundai are making a jump on some of the major German manufacturers in compiling some of the most tempting electric cars.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are hugely popular, while Genesis will be on hand to provide that premium edge.

Their sporty ‘N’ electric range is developing all the time and with the EV4 and EV9 to come, Kia have an exciting future ahead.

Tesla remain one of the go-to names in the electric car market, but there are promising signs for a sector of the market that is developing at an exponential rate.