Top 5 electric cars that are most popular in the UK right now - and Tesla is at number 4

Octopus Electric Vehicles has unveiled its top five electric vehicles for Q3 2025, highlighting the standout electric cars that are shaping choice, value, and excitement for UK drivers, with European brands leading the pack.

Despite the OMODA E5 maintaining its position as Octopus' most popular model, with its unbeatable value and high specification being cited, European brands have made a strong showing.

The Mercedes EQB, VW ID. 3 and the eagerly awaited Renault 5 have demonstrated that European car manufacturers are responding to drivers' growing interest in electric vehicles.

The Tesla Model Y also featured on the list, reflecting the wide range of electric vehicles now on offer – from family-friendly SUVs to chic city hatchbacks.

The Government's Electric Car Grant has further boosted consumer confidence in the UK, signalling policy stability and the nation's ambition to be a leader in the EV market.

Battery-electric vehicles accounted for 23.2% of new car registrations in September, with nearly 70,000 sold – the second-highest monthly total ever in the UK, demonstrating the strength of the EV market*.

Driven in part by the new Electric Car Grant, which signals strong policy certainty, drivers are increasingly opting for more affordable, cleaner driving options.

Octopus Electric Vehicles' Top Five Most Popular EVs – July to September 2025:

1. OMODA E5

2. Mercedes EQB

3. Volkswagen ID

4. Tesla Model Y

5. Renault

Procurement Director and EV Guru at Octopus Electric Vehicles, Alvin Castillo, said: "The UK is quickly becoming a real beacon on the global EV stage. The Government's Electric Car Grant program has been well-received, and adds comfort to consumers' decision-making.

"Buyers now have more choice and improved buying power, with EVs increasingly offering better value over combustion equivalents due to drastically improved tech, and then there's the fuel savings on top. From premium seven-seaters to award-winning hatchbacks, and bold new launches, there's something here for everyone."

Commenting on the new entrants to Octopus' top 5 most popular models for the quarter, Castillo added: "Mercedes is a brand we all recognise, and their Mercedes EQB is a premium 7-seater for under £500 net on salary sacrifice, which allows drivers to save up to 40% by paying through your gross salary. That's two extra seats for the price of five in many rivals. Luxury, space, and value finally line up.

"And the Renault 5 is pure joy. Now qualifying for the new UK EV Car Grant – making one of Europe's most popular EVs even more affordable. Fresh off winning '2025 European Car of the Year' (after Renault's Scenic win in 2024), the R5 is cementing itself as a modern icon."

According to Castillo, Britain is approaching a crucial juncture in its electric vehicle transformation. "My eyes are on the JAECOO J5 EV, following the runaway success of the OMODA E5, this new EV is giving serious Range Rover vibes – but at a fraction of the cost. Expect it to turn heads.

"There's also excitement around the Geely EX5, from the parent company of Volvo, Polestar and Lotus – Geely finally lands in the UK this October. It's a mid-size SUV priced just over £31,000 but brimming with tech. Heated and ventilated seats, extending leg rest, and even a massage function. That's luxury at a mainstream price."

Castillo observed that the fresh Nissan Micra EV will also be capturing attention.

He said: "The iconic Micra is back, this time as a pure EV. Built alongside the Renault 5, it shares much of the same tech but with a very different design. That means it appeals to a whole new audience."

Octopus EV has recently introduced a programme offering motorists reductions of up to 40% on public EV charging via salary sacrifice through Octopus Electroverse, Europe's most extensive public charging network.