Kia has secured one of the most coveted accolades in the electric vehicle space, being named ‘Best Manufacturer’ at the TopGear.com EV Awards 2026. Now in its seventh year, the annual awards recognise the standout electric vehicles currently on sale in the UK, while also spotlighting the brands driving meaningful progress in electrification.
The recognition underscores a pivotal moment for Kia, whose electric portfolio has rapidly evolved into one of the most comprehensive in the industry. From compact urban offerings to high-performance flagship models, the brand has established a clear identity built on consistency, usability and broad appeal.
That cohesion has not gone unnoticed. According to TopGear.com Deputy Editor Ollie Kew, there is a distinctive thread running through Kia’s electric range, regardless of size or positioning. Whether behind the wheel of the compact EV3 or the flagship EV9, the experience is defined by dependable range, accessible performance and everyday comfort. This sense of “sortedness”, as he describes it, has become a defining characteristic of Kia’s electric vehicles, reinforcing trust across the lineup.
The award follows another strong showing for the brand in the same programme, where the PV5 Passenger was named ‘Family Car of the Year’. Together, these honours reflect not just isolated product success, but a broader strategic execution that is beginning to mature.
Kia’s progress has been deliberate. Its modern EV journey began in 2014 with the launch of the first-generation Soul EV, a modest starting point that saw just 149 registrations in its first full year in the UK. Fast forward to the end of 2025, and the brand had surpassed 94,500 fully electric vehicle registrations in the same market. This growth has been driven by a steadily expanding lineup that now includes the EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, EV9 and PV5.
Central to this expansion is Kia’s long-term ‘Plan S’ strategy, first signalled with the launch of the EV6 in 2021. The roadmap is built around delivering electric vehicles that are not only technologically advanced, but also accessible across a wide spectrum of buyers. That philosophy will continue with the upcoming EV2, the brand’s most compact and affordable electric model to date.
Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe for European customers, the EV2 is expected to blend premium, segment-above features with a compact, characterful design. It represents a critical step in broadening EV adoption by lowering the barrier to entry without diluting the brand’s core attributes.
Kia is also preparing to inject more performance into its range, with high-performance GT derivatives of the EV3, EV4 and EV5 set to arrive. These models will further extend the brand’s reach, appealing to drivers seeking a more dynamic edge without sacrificing electric efficiency.
Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK, described the award as recognition of a transformative period for the company. Following a busy product rollout in 2025, which included the introduction of the EV4, EV5 and PV5, the brand is now seeing the results of its sustained investment in electrification.
Taken together, Kia’s trajectory reflects a manufacturer that has moved beyond early experimentation and into confident execution. Its ability to deliver a diverse, cohesive and increasingly sophisticated EV lineup has positioned it firmly among the leaders in the transition to electric mobility.
