Octopus Electric Vehicles has revealed the most popular electric cars amongst its customers for full-year 2025 and Q4, showing fast-evolving driver preferences as electric cars go mainstream. The
Octopus Electric Vehicles has revealed the most popular electric cars amongst its customers for full-year 2025 and Q4, showing fast-evolving driver preferences as electric cars go mainstream.
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 such as the Cupra Born and MG4 rounded out the top five, underlining strong demand for affordable electric options in smaller segments.
But the final quarter of the year marked a standout moment for new entrants. The Jaecoo J5 BEV shot straight to the top of the EV-only leasing firm’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.
In the final quarter of the year, the Jaecoo E5 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.
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.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Alvin Castillo, procurement director at Octopus Electric Vehicles, said the pace of change seen in late 2025 is set to accelerate.
“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 also welcomed the new vehicle-to-grid-ready EVs entering the market.
“For years, the industry has been talking about the potential of V2G, both for drivers’ bills and helping to support our energy system. Octopus’ UK-first V2G tariff, Power Pack, showed that the technology is scalable, 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!”
Finally, Castillo said that SUVs took centre stage in 2025, but 2026 will be the year of the electric hatchback.
“Models such as the Volkswagen 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.”
