The electric vehicle landscape in the United Kingdom has witnessed a remarkable shift, with Kia’s compact Kia EV3 emerging as the undisputed leader in retail electric car sales. The EV3 secured its position as the most popular retail EV through the first half of 2025, contributing significantly to Kia’s rise to become the UK’s third top-selling car brand.
Record-Breaking Sales Performance
The EV3 maintained its crown as the UK’s most popular EV with 6,293 registrations through the first half of the year. This exceptional performance has been instrumental in establishing the model as Kia’s fastest-selling electric vehicle in the British market. The compact SUV’s success contributed to Kia achieving its best-ever June, Q2, and first-half EV registrations in 2025.
The vehicle’s market dominance became evident early in the year. In January, the EV3 “started with a bang,” racing out to become the UK’s most popular retail EV. By the first quarter, it had secured its position as the best-selling retail EV in the UK and ranked fourth among all electric vehicles, including commercial vehicles.
Competitive Pricing and Technical Specifications
Affordable Entry Point
The EV3 starts at £33,005 ($42,500) as the ‘brand’s most affordable EV yet’. This competitive pricing strategy has made electric mobility more accessible to UK consumers, contributing significantly to its market success.
Battery Options and Range
It’s available with two battery packs: 58.3 kWh or 81.48 kWh, providing a WLTP range of up to 430 km (270 miles) and 599 km (375 miles), respectively. These specifications position the EV3 competitively against other electric SUVs in its class.
Broader Market Impact
Electrified Vehicle Sales
Kia sold 31,643 electrified vehicles in the first half of 2025. This figure encompasses fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hybrid electric vehicles, representing over half of Kia’s total 62,005 registrations during this period.
The success comes amid a broader transformation in the UK automotive market. So far during 2025, 224,841 new fully electric cars have been sold, which is 21.6% market share of all new cars registered this year, according to official UK government data.
UK EV Market Performance Data
| Metric | H1 2025 Performance | Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| Kia EV3 Registrations | 6,293 units | #1 Retail EV |
| Kia Total Electrified Sales | 31,643 units | 51% of total sales |
| Kia Total Registrations | 62,005 units | 3rd largest brand |
| UK EV Market Share | 21.6% | Record growth |
| Starting Price | £33,005 | Most affordable Kia EV |
Source: SMMT Official Data and Kia Press Office
Expanding Electric Portfolio
After opening orders for the EV4 last week, Kia’s first electric hatchback, the brand expects to see even more demand throughout 2025. The EV4 offers up to 388 miles WLTP range, making it the longest-range Kia EV to date.
Looking ahead, Kia plans to introduce the entry-level EV2 next year, positioned below the EV3 in the lineup. Kia is looking to add an even more affordable EV to sit below the EV2. It will start at under $30,000 (€25,000), but we likely won’t see it until closer toward the end of the decade.
The EV3’s success occurs within the context of the UK government’s Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, which requires manufacturers to ensure that 28% of their 2025 sales are zero-emission vehicles, rising to 80% by 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Kia EV3 so popular in the UK?
The EV3’s combination of competitive £33,005 starting price, practical 270-375 mile range options, and compact SUV design appeals to UK consumers seeking affordable electric mobility.
How does the EV3 compare to other electric vehicles?
The EV3 leads as the UK’s most popular retail EV with 6,293 registrations in H1 2025, outselling other electric vehicles in the private buyer segment.
What are Kia’s future electric vehicle plans?
Kia will launch the EV4 hatchback in 2025, introduce the entry-level EV2 next year, and develop an even more affordable sub-£25,000 EV by decade’s end.
Also Read:-Kia to Launch New City Electric Car in Upcoming EV Lineup