Q2’s best-performing electric cars revealed by Octopus EV as new entrants shake up leaderboard
7 July 2026
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Natalie Middleton
Octopus Electric Vehicles has revealed its top five most popular electric vehicles for Q2 2026, with two brand-new entrants making an immediate splash and newer manufacturers continuing to
Octopus Electric Vehicles has revealed its top five most popular electric vehicles for Q2 2026, with two brand-new entrants making an immediate splash and newer manufacturers continuing to strengthen their grip on the market.
The Leapmotor B10 landed straight into second place
The Leapmotor B10 and Vauxhall Frontera, following their launches, have gone straight into the top five leaderboard for the EV-only leasing company, landing in second and fifth place. Their rapid rise reflects growing demand from drivers for bigger, better-equipped electric SUVs at more accessible prices.
The Tesla Model Y reclaimed the top spot this quarter, but Octopus said the bigger story is the speed at which new challengers are reshaping the leaderboard. Alongside the Leapmotor B10 debuting in second, the Jaecoo E5 held strong in third, and the Omoda E5 remained in fourth – meaning three of the top five best-performing models now come from newer brands.
The data comes hot on the heels of an extremely strong month for EV sales in the UK, with figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showing that EVs captured 30% of the market in June following a 35.0% year-on-year rise in registrations.
Octopus Electric Vehicles’ Top Five Most Popular EVs – Q2 2026
Tesla Model Y
Leapmotor B10
Jaecoo E5
Omoda E5
Vauxhall Frontera
Alvin Castillo of Octopus Electric Vehicles said the market is quick to react when a car nails the basics: price, cabin space and simplicity.
“The Leapmotor B10 has landed straight into second place because it offers exactly what a lot of drivers want: SUV practicality, strong tech and no complicated choices. There’s one version, everything’s included and customers just pick a colour. That simplicity really matters.
“The Vauxhall Frontera tells a similar story. It’s a known badge at a genuinely competitive price, and it proves that drivers don’t need to compromise on size to make the switch.
“What’s also striking is that three of our top five models now come from newer brands. A few years ago that would have been unthinkable, but today these brands are competing on quality, value and innovation – and customers are responding.”
Looking ahead to the next quarter, Castillo commented: “In Q3, we’ll see exciting developments with premium new entrants like the Denza Z9 GT bringing game-changing technology such as nine-minute flash charging, while brands like Lepas and Volkswagen’s ID. Polo will add even more choice for drivers.
“The market is moving fast – especially with brands pushing hard on innovation, quality and value.”