It was a big night for EVs winning in multiple categories, that you might expect to go to ICE vehicles, at the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards, including the Most Fun to Drive category, on by the Porsche Macan (admittedly, this did also include it’s ICE variant). These awards are voted on by drivers themselves, so a great indicator as to the car buying sentiment towards EVs in the UK.
Other category winners for EV included Best City Car for the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Best Tech for Tesla, most loved brand for BYD, and, most encouragingly, best long range vehicle for the Renault Scenic E-Tech (up to 381 miles). These wins, chosen by UK drivers themselves, show that, on a wider basis, EVs are winning as cars by the great British public.
And, almost a given now, after multiple years coming out as the best overall car winner, best, the Kia EV3. The EV3 impressed UK customers for offering great value and a complete, refined package, with owners naming the model both the EV that represents the best of the best in terms of ‘mainstream’ vehicles, and the best car overall of 2025. The Kia EV3 is priced from £33,005 and offers up to 375 miles on a single charge* on the WLTP ‘combined’ cycle, a range of three competitively equipped trim levels, and space for five occupants.
Erin Baker, Autotrader’s Editorial Director, said: “It may be Kia’s most affordable current EV on sale, but the EV3 still manages to pack a premium punch. It scored top marks for the quality of its features which, combined with eye-catching looks and a great driving experience, has made the EV3 a massive hit with its owners. One told us: ‘This was my first ever electric car, and it really stood out among all the other EVs, particularly within my price bracket. It’s quirky, futuristic, packed full of brilliant features, and it’s really easy to drive. Plus, I can get the whole family in it with room to spare. We absolutely love it.’ Congratulations Kia on a very well-deserved win.”
Paul Philpott, President & CEO of Kia UK Limited, commented: “The EV3 has received a glowing introduction since launch. Having already won UK and World Car of the Year for 2025, it’s even more encouraging to see real customers voting it their Car of the Year via Auto Trader. This opinion is demonstrated in the EV3’s current UK sales performance, being the best-selling EV in the retail market year to date and a strong contender across other channels. This positive recognition gives us and our dealer partners enhanced momentum as we continue to launch yet more customer centric EVs, such as the EV4 and EV5 coming by year end.”
The list of EV winners, across categories, included:
Best City Car: The Hyundai IONIQ 5—praised for its futuristic design, rapid charging, and urban versatility—proved that compact can still mean cutting-edge.
Best Technology: Unsurprisingly, Tesla took this category, reaffirming its reputation as the benchmark for in-car tech, over-the-air updates and semi-autonomous innovation.
Most Loved Brand: A notable first for BYD, the Chinese powerhouse whose affordability, quality, and fast-paced European expansion is clearly resonating with drivers.
Best Long-Range Vehicle: A highly encouraging win for the Renault Scenic E-Tech, offering up to 381 miles of range—a figure that not long ago was reserved for premium EVs.
Renault’s achievement shows just how accessible long-distance electric driving is becoming.
