The UK’s top electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars have been revealed at the 2025 What Car? Electric Car Awards, held in association with Pod, one of the nation’s leading EV charging providers.
Now in their sixth year, the awards celebrate the best fully electric and plug-in hybrid models across 15 categories, with prices ranging from £26,995 to £112,890. Used alternatives were also recognised, some starting at just £7000, offering excellent value for buyers considering pre-owned options.
Big Winners
The standout brands of 2025 were BMW and Volkswagen, each securing four awards.
- BMW triumphed with wins for Best Electric Luxury Car and Best Used Electric Luxury Car (i7 eDrive50), as well as two used hybrid categories with the 330e and 530e Touring.
- Volkswagen claimed titles for Best Electric Seven-Seater (ID Buzz LWB), Best Electric Estate (ID 7 Tourer), Best Hybrid Estate (Passat 1.5 eHybrid), and Best Hybrid Family Car (Golf 1.5 eHybrid).
The most affordable new winner was the Renault 5 Comfort Range Techno (£26,995), while the most expensive was the BMW i7 eDrive50 Excellence (£112,890).
The Cupra Raval secured the Reader Award, voted for by the public as the most exciting upcoming electric car.
Industry Perspective
What Car? Editor Steve Huntingford highlighted a renewed surge of interest in electrified vehicles in 2025, boosted by the reintroduction of the Government EV grant. He noted that the choice of models has grown dramatically since the awards began in 2020, ensuring there are now strong options for every budget.
Debbie Foley, Chief Revenue Officer at Pod, emphasised the importance of helping drivers transition to electric with confidence. Pod’s Pod Drive subscription was spotlighted for reducing upfront costs of home charging, offering cashback incentives, and providing a reliable 24/7 support service.
Award Highlights
Electric Winners: Renault 5 Comfort Range Techno, Cupra Born, Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq, Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB, VW ID 7 Tourer, Tesla Model 3, BMW i7 eDrive50, Porsche Taycan RWD.
Hybrid Winners: VW Golf eHybrid, Mazda MX-30 R-EV, MG HS PHEV, Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, VW Passat eHybrid, Mercedes-Benz E-Class E300e.
Used Winners: Peugeot e-208, Cupra Born, Smart #1, Skoda Enyaq, Hyundai Santa Fe, MG 5 EV, BMW 5 Series Touring, Tesla Model 3, Porsche Taycan, plus strong showings from Mercedes, Mini, and Kia.
Special Award: Reader’s Choice – Cupra Raval.
For the full list of winners, visit: www.whatcar.com/awards/electric-car-awards
