Electric vehicle adoption in the United Kingdom surged to a new high in 2025, with record numbers of drivers making the switch. New data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has now detailed the top ten best-selling battery-electric models that captured the market last year.
Tesla Maintains Dominance in EV Market
Once again, Tesla proved to be the brand of choice for a huge number of British motorists. The Tesla Model Y secured the number one position with an impressive 24,298 new registrations. Its stablemate, the Tesla Model 3, followed closely behind in second place, achieving 21,188 sales throughout the year. This one-two finish solidifies the American automaker's continued popularity in the UK's competitive electric car landscape.
The Challengers: A Mix of Premium and Mainstream Brands
While Tesla led the pack, several other manufacturers made strong showings in the 2025 sales charts. German premium brand Audi performed notably well, with two models in the top five. The Audi Q4 e-tron took third place with 14,433 sales, while the newer Audi Q6 e-tron followed in fourth with 13,148 registrations.
Ford's electric Explorer made a significant impact, landing in fifth position with 12,237 units sold. It narrowly edged out the BMW i4, which recorded 12,158 sales in sixth place. The list highlights the diverse options now available to UK consumers, spanning SUVs, saloons, and family hatchbacks.
Strong Performances from Skoda, Kia, and Volvo
The latter half of the top ten showcased the strength of more mainstream brands in the EV sector. Skoda's Enyaq continued to be a popular choice, securing seventh place with 11,940 sales. It was joined by its newer sibling, the Skoda Elroq, which entered the charts in ninth with 10,713 registrations.
Sandwiched between them was the Kia EV3, which found 11,188 new homes in eighth position. Rounding out the top ten was the compact Volvo EX30, demonstrating strong demand for smaller premium electric vehicles with 10,289 sales.
The data confirms that 2025 was a landmark year for electric mobility in Britain. With a wider variety of models achieving substantial sales figures, the transition to zero-emission transport is gathering significant pace across the country.
