Octopus EV names the hottest EVs of 2025, and a Q4 shake-up by JAECOO

• OMODA E5 crowned Octopus EV’s most popular electric car of 2025
• The JAECOO E5 tops Q4 rankings just months after launch, highlighting the rise of challenger brands
• “2026 will be the year of the electric hatchback,” says Octopus EV expert

London, 29th January 2026 – Octopus Electric Vehicles, the UK’s leading EV-only leasing specialist, has revealed the electric cars its customers loved most in 2025, alongside its Q4 rankings - painting a clear picture of how driver preferences are evolving as electric cars go mainstream.

The final quarter of the year marked a standout moment for new entrants. The Jaecoo J5 BEV shot straight to the top of Octopus EV’s Q4 rankings just months after launch, showing growing confidence among drivers in challenger brands that combine bold design, space and tech at more accessible prices.

While Q4 saw rapid movement, full-year results show that value, familiarity and everyday usability still matter most when it comes to sustained demand.

Octopus Electric Vehicles: Top Five Most Popular EVs 2025

1. OMODA E5
2. Tesla Model Y
3. Mercedes EQB
4. CUPRA Born
5. MG MG4

The OMODA E5 finished 2025 as Octopus EV’s most popular electric car, proving the strength of well-specified models priced for mass adoption. Hatchbacks like the CUPRA Born and MG4 rounded out the top five, underlining strong demand for affordable electric options in smaller segments.

Top Five Most Popular EVs: Q4 2025 highlights

In the final quarter of the year, the Jaecoo J5 BEV climbed to first place, ahead of the OMODA E5 and Tesla Model Y. The Mercedes EQB and MG4 also remained among the most popular choices, showing continuity alongside rapid shifts in the ranking.

1. JAECOO E5
2. OMODA E5
3. Tesla Model Y
4. Mercedes EQB
5. MG MG4

Alvin Castillo, Procurement Director at Octopus Electric Vehicles, said: “I first saw the JAECOO E5 at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025 and it was immediately clear it could be a game-changer for the UK. Building on the success of its smaller sibling, the OMODA E5, it delivers that classic JAECOO styling, space, and road presence with a really usable EV range that is proven to suit most drivers.

“We were the first to start selling it in September, and within just three months it had become one of our top-performing cars of the year. When great design and great value line up, drivers move fast.”

Chris Clayton, Head of Fleet at OMODA&JAECOO UK, said: “Just months after its UK introduction, the JAECOO E5 has already become the top-selling electric vehicle through Octopus EV in Q4, which is a strong early indicator of how well the car is resonating with fleet and salary sacrifice customers. It underlines the demand we’re seeing for EVs that combine distinctive design, strong real-world range and a competitive total cost of ownership, backed by a straightforward ordering and ownership experience. Coupled with the OMODA E5 becoming Octopus EV’s most popular EV sold in 2025, its solid mark of trust and baseline for 2026 growth.”

Looking ahead to 2026

Looking forward, Castillo says the pace of change seen in late 2025 is set to accelerate.

“Looking ahead to Q1 2026, the established European brands are expected to hit back at some of the newer entrants. Mercedes will release four new electric models, while the BMW iX3, the first of the Neue Classe, is particularly exciting. With a range of up to 500 miles and a massive panoramic vision head up display, it shows how quickly premium design and next-generation technology are moving into the mainstream EV market.”

Castillo raises his excitement for new vehicle-to-grid (‘V2G’) ready EVs entering the market.

“For years the industry has been talking about the potential of V2G, both for driver's bills and helping to support our energy system. Octopus’ UK-first V2G tariff, Power Pack, showed that the technology is scaleable, but we’re now seeing new models enter the market that can tap into batteries sitting on driveways. The likes of BMW, Kia and Renault all have V2G-ready cars coming this year - watch this space!”

He added that the rest of the year is likely to be defined by growth in the most competitive segments:

“2025 had a strong EV hatchback presence, but SUVs really took centre stage. 2026 will be the year of the electric hatchback. Models like the VW ID Polo, Cupra Raval, Geely EX2, and new entrants such as the AION UT will bring real choice into the most competitive part of the market.

“At the same time, the JAECOO E5 shows how quickly expectations are shifting. Customers moving to challenger brands are choosing the top specification, because luxury is now genuinely affordable.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Press Contact:

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 to 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 1.2 million public charge points globally 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 to 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