Electric Cars to Look Out for in 2025
Monday 16th December 2024
There are over 1.3 million battery electric cars on Britain’s roads, and nearly 20% of all new cars registered in 2024 were pure EVs.
Increased demand for new models intensifies the competition between manufacturers, and 2025 is set to be a big year for launches, refreshes, and cutting-edge concept cars. This can only be good news, bringing more choice, better specifications, and longer real-world ranges to drivers and fleet operators alike.
Here are just some of the great new EVs to look out for in 2025 and beyond.
1. Audi A6 e-tron
Audi describe their all-electric cars as delivering ‘progress you can feel’ and, with a range of up to 463 miles, the new e-tron certainly falls into this category. There’s progress in the charge times too, with a 10-80% charge taking just over 20 minutes. Of course, this assumes you have easy access to a charging station that can make the most of the e-tron’s 800-volt lithium-ion battery and 270kW DC charging capabilities.
The sleek exterior is complemented by a premium cabin and a whole host of technological wizardry, such as an Augmented Reality (AR) head-up display that appears to project driving data and navigational instructions onto the road ahead. As you would expect, some of these features rely on purchasing additional packs, but the new Drive and Park assistance system with surround-view cameras comes as standard.
The A6 e-tron Performance and high performance S6 e-tron, in either Sportback or Avant body styles, will be the first to hit the roads, followed by a rear-wheel drive and Quattro all-wheel drive later in the year.
2. BYD Seagull
Having started life as a battery manufacturer, China’s BYD Group produced more than three million vehicles worldwide in 2023, an increase of 61% over the previous 12 months. Here in the UK, BYD’s initial offering, the Atto 3 SUV, was swiftly followed by the Dolphin, and high-performance Seal.
BYD is targeting a 10% market share in Europe by 2030, and the upcoming Seagull is a key part of this plan. The biggest selling point for potential buyers is the price. In China, the car sells for a UK-equivalent of just £8,000. However, the Seagull that hits the UK market is likely to be slightly larger and will need to be modified to meet European crash test regulations. Add in tariffs and VAT and we can expect a starting price of around £14,000.
The UK specifications are yet to be released, but the Chinese-market version is quoted as offering 252 miles between charges. That said, the more stringent testing system in Europe is likely to result in a lower official range.
3. Volkswagen ID.2
The ID.2 is the latest member of the Volkswagen family of electric cars, which includes the highly popular compact SUV, ID.4, and the fully electric fastback, ID.7. Originally previewed as the ID.2 all, it has been described by some as being as spacious as a Golf and as affordable as a Polo.
Based on their brand promise of ‘Electromobility for All’, Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand and head of the core brand group, promises that “despite the attractive price, our electric cars will set standards in the entry-level segment in terms of technology, design, quality, and customer experience.”
The ID.2 is the first model to use VW’s MEB Entry platform designed for smaller, more affordable EVs. As a result, we can expect competitive pricing designed to attract buyers away from key competitors such as the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa-e.
The basic 38kWh battery is likely to offer a range of around 200 miles, rising to 280 miles from the 56kWh version.
4. Ford Capri
It might not look much like a Ford Capri; in fact, despite what Ford describe as ‘reimagined design cues for the electric age’ the only real similarity is the rear-quarter window. In fairness, Ford have been at pains to point out that if the Capri had continued after 1986, with a redesign every 10 years, it would look just like the reborn Ford Capri.
Not everyone will be happy with the name, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great car. Marketed as a sports coupe for the family, the Capri offers up to 572 litres of luggage space and a 17-litre MegaConsole between the front seats.
There are also some clever features, such as a 14.6-inch touch screen that moves up and down whenever you want, five safety cameras, a head-up display, and traffic sign recognition capabilities. On the road, you can expect a range of up to 389 miles and a 10-80% charge can take just 26 minutes using 185 kW DC fast charging.
5. KIA EV3
The EV3 comes as a replacement for the Soul EV and sits below the larger EV6 and EV9. Available in three trim levels, you can choose between the entry-level Air, sporty GT-Line, or top of range GT-Line S.
Kia has made a feature of sustainable interiors and the EV3 uses a variety of up-cycled and plant-based materials within a spacious and minimalist cabin. There’s a heated steering wheel, 12.3" infotainment screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring. Kia provides a 7-Year subscription to their Connect Services as standard and, if you opt for either of the GT-Line models, you can also get a digital key that enables you to unlock and start your vehicle using a compatible smartphone.
With a range of up to 375 miles on a single charge and ultra-fast charging capabilities of 10%-80% in just over 30 minutes, the EV3 is an impressive overall package that will look to compete with the Volvo EX30 and Renault Megane E-Tech.
6. Tesla Model Y Juniper
Tesla sold over 1.2 million Model Y EVs across the globe in 2023. That’s a 64% increase on the previous year and enough to make it the world’s best-selling car. It’s the first time an EV has topped the new car sales charts and a clear sign of the global shift towards electric-only models.
As we near the end of 2024, not much is known about the final specification, stylings, or pricing of the new Model Y, codenamed Juniper, beyond what can be inferred from recent spy shots of a camouflaged vehicle arriving at Tesla’s factory in China.
With production already underway, we could see the 2025 Model Y early in the new year, but at this stage we are relying on teasers and rumours about what to expect. There are likely to be automation enhancements, upgraded battery capacity and faster charging speeds, as well as improvements to the vehicle’s aerodynamics. There have even been rumours of a long-range version that breaks the 500-mile barrier.
7. Polestar 5
Polestar position themselves as being at the forefront of EV technology and their partnership with battery pioneers StoreDot has recently used Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) technology to charge a Polestar 5 prototype from 10-80% in just 10 minutes.
The Polestar 5 is a 4-door luxury GT that will compete with the Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz EQS. It was first seen at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, but we will still need to wait a while before the full specification is made available. What we do know is that it boasts an 800-volt battery and what Polestar describes as ‘some of the most powerful electric motors on the market’.
8. Renault 5 E-Tech
The Renault 5 E-Tech will offer a choice of two powertrains, a 120hp motor with a 40kWh battery providing up to 190 miles of range, and a 150hp motor with a 52kWh battery that boosts the range to 248 miles.
In reinventing the 1970’s classic for the 21st century, Renault has made great use of modern technology, building in Google services with EV-optimised navigation, two 10-inch openR instrument panels, and a bi-directional charging system that can be used to charge external devices, such as an electric bike. There’s even a bonnet-mounted charging indicator and Reno, a helpful avatar that learns your preferences, preconditions the vehicle, schedules charging and helps you make the most of the vehicle’s system and services.
The Renault 5 E-Tech manages to retain the essence of earlier models and has been warmly received by those who remember the original, and many that don’t. In fact, it was recently named ‘Car of the Year 2024’ at the Top Gear Awards.
9. Skoda Elroq
The Elroq marks Skoda’s entry into the all-electric compact SUV market. It’s also the first model to be based on their Modern Solid design language that centres on robustness and functionality.
The Elroq is available in three battery options and four trim levels, including the entry-level SE, SE L, Edition, and Sportline. The SE 50 and Edition 85 are already available, offering ranges of 232 miles and 360 miles respectively, and the SE L 60, Edition 60, Sportline 60 and Sportline 85 will be released shortly.
Built on the same MEB platform as the ever-popular Enyaq, the Elroq is a competitor to the Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric, but at a more competitive price point. As a brand, Skoda focuses on practicality and value for money, and so it is no surprise that the Elroq includes a rear-view camera, Blind Spot Detection, Crew Protect Assist, and a SmartLink 13-inch infotainment system as standard.
10. Cupra Raval
Originally known as the UrbanRebel concept car, the Cupra Raval is a front-wheel drive city car built on the same MEB Entry platform as the VW ID.2.
At just 4.03 metres long, it will be the brand’s smallest, but also most affordable EV to date and the lightweight design, combined with a 226PS (166kW) electric motor and battery pack, takes the Raval from 0-60 in approximately 6.7 seconds, with a range of up to 273 miles.
Cupra has used innovative manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing and 3D knitting, to finesse the design and enhance performance and, by integrating advanced recycled polymers and bio-based materials, the Raval’s environmental credentials extend far beyond its zero-emission power source.
The Outlook
Remember, this is just a selection of the great new EVs hitting Britain’s roads in the coming months. As manufacturers accelerate their switch to all-electric models and more new brands from around the world enter the UK market, competition and choice will continue to increase. Of course, not everyone is ready for all-electric motoring and so, as a fuel-agnostic leasing provider, we’ll continue to help you find, fund, and manage the right vehicles for you and your business.
Images sourced from EV-Database, Auto Express, notateslaapp.com and manufacturer media sites.