Octopus Electric Vehicles names the hottest EVs of Q3 2025 — European brands come in strong

• OMODA E5 remains the most popular EV among Octopus EV customers
• Renault 5 jumps into the top five in Q3, boosted in part by the Government's Electric Car Grant (ECG) 
• Three European brands – VW, Mercedes, and Renault – dominate the top five, proving they can deliver cars customers want and can compete with newcomers

London, 9th October 2025 – Octopus Electric Vehicles, the UK’s leading EV-only leasing specialist, has revealed its top five electric vehicles for Q3 2025, showcasing standout electric cars shaping choice, value, and excitement for UK drivers, with European brands dominating the lineup.

Although the OMODA E5 continues to hold the crown as Octopus’ most popular model, driven by unbeatable value and an impressively high specification, European brands came in strong. 

The Mercedes EQB, VW ID.3 and the highly anticipated Renault 5 proved that European carmakers are listening to drivers and their desire to go electric. 

The Tesla Model Y also made the list, reflecting the broad spectrum of electric vehicles now available – from family-friendly SUVs to stylish city hatchbacks.

Consumer confidence in the UK was given an extra boost by the Government’s Electric Car Grant, signalling policy certainty and the country’s desire to be an EV leader. 

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

Drivers are switching to more affordable, cleaner driving in droves – fueled in part by the new Electric Car Grant which signals strong policy certainty. 

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

1. OMODA E5
2. Mercedes EQB
3. Volkswagen ID.3
4. Tesla Model Y
5. Renault 5

Procurement Director and EV Guru at Octopus Electric Vehicles, Alvin Castillo, says: “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 said: “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.”

What’s Next? Trends to watch for Q4 2025

According to Castillo, we’re entering a pivotal moment in the UK’s EV journey.

“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 noted that the new Nissan Micra EV will also be grabbing the headlines.

“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 recently launched a scheme that offers drivers savings of up to 40% on public EV charging through salary sacrifice with Octopus Electroverse, Europe’s largest public charging network**.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

*New AutoMotive ECC September 2025

** This scheme allows drivers to estimate their charging needs and pay a fixed monthly amount over 12 months, with payments deducted from their pre-tax salary. Salary sacrifice charging is available to any business with an existing salary sacrifice car scheme, regardless of the leasing or finance provider. Employers and employees interested in saving through Electroverse’s public charging salary sacrifice scheme can sign up at this link. 

Press Contact

Octopus Energy

Sam Salehi

sam.salehi@octoenergy.com

0204 5308 369

Octopus Electric Vehicles

Octopus Electric Vehicles, part of the Octopus Energy Group, was launched in 2018 to make it easy for drivers to make the switch to clean, electric transport. With over 133 electric cars now available from 30 different brands, Octopus Electric Vehicles’ team provides everything drivers need to take the road in a new EV.

Offering an all-in-one service, Octopus lease the cars, install charge points, provide specialist EV energy tariffs, and offer access to over 900,000 public charge points across Europe via Octopus Electroverse - all with a 4.8* rating on Trustpilot.

Octopus Electric Vehicles also specialises in salary sacrifice schemes – an employee benefit that makes driving a brand new electric car even cheaper than the petrol or diesel equivalent through tax savings. Placing customer experience first, Octopus Electric Vehicles has designed the scheme to be simple for an employer to set up and run, and support them at every step. Drivers can typically save between 30-40% every month on the cost of their EV; and at zero-cost for an employer to set up, it’s great for their team, their hiring and retention, and for their sustainability goals.

More information can be found at www.octopusev.com