The Electric Car Scheme Reveals Top 5 Cars for Q2 2025
Source: Shutterstock
The Electric Car Scheme has revealed its top five electric vehicles for Q2 2025, with the evergreen Tesla Model Y taking the win for the quarter.
The Tesla Model Y is a global powerhouse in the electric car space, and the best-selling electric vehicle in the UK for the past three years, with nearly twice as many units sold as the Audi Q4 e-tron in second place.
The growing demand for electric vehicles is being supported by salary sacrifice schemes, where drivers benefit from lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates and substantial monthly savings. As more employees opt for greener, cost-effective commuting options (like cycle to work), electric car schemes have become a preferred route to premium EV ownership.
In an increasingly competitive market, The Electric Car Scheme not only helps drivers access top-tier EVs, but also leads the way with innovations like The Charge Scheme – the UK’s only salary sacrifice solution for home and public EV charging, offering 20–50% savings on all charging costs.
Here’s a closer look at the top 5 most popular electric cars for Q2 2025 – and what makes them the go-to choices for today’s EV-savvy drivers.
The top 5 most-popular EVs for Q2 2025
1. Tesla Model Y – Family SUV Dominance
Why it’s popular:
The Tesla Model Y remains the go-to for families seeking premium tech, long range, and space—all without the premium price tag when accessed through salary sacrifice.
Key specs:
Range: Up to 331 miles (WLTP)
Charging: 250kW DC fast charging (10-80% in ~25 mins)
Performance: 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds (Long Range AWD)
Who it is for?
Ideal for families, long-distance commuters, and tech-savvy drivers who value Autopilot, over-the-air updates, and Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Why Choose the Tesla Model Y?
Class-leading software, resale value, and rapid charging make the Model Y unbeatable in the family EV segment.
2. Omoda E5 – Executive Appeal, Without the Price Tag
Why it’s popular:
A stylish newcomer shaking up the EV space, the Omoda E5 offers premium looks and equipment for less – making it a smart pick for budget-conscious professionals.
Key specs:
Range: Up to 257 miles (WLTP)
Charging: 80kW DC fast charging
Performance: 0–62 mph in 7.6 seconds
Who is it for?
Urban professionals and company car drivers looking for a sleek, head-turning EV with executive-level features at a mid-market price.
Why Choose the Omoda E5?
Exceptional value for money, with futuristic design and an impressive tech pack – including ADAS and 360° cameras – as standard.
3. Tesla Model 3 – Tech-Lovers’ Favourite
Why it’s popular:
The refreshed Tesla Model 3 ("Highland") continues to be a tech-forward choice with agile performance and excellent real-world efficiency.
Key specs:
Range: Up to 390 miles (Long Range)
Charging: 250kW Supercharging
Performance: 0–60 mph in 4.2 seconds (Performance version)
Who is it for?
Tech enthusiasts, business commuters, and drivers who appreciate minimalist interiors, software-first design, and premium EV performance.
Why Choose the Tesla Model 3?
Sleek design and unmatched software integration with Tesla’s energy ecosystem and app support.
4. Renault 5 – The Retro Reboot That Makes EVs Fun Again
Why it’s popular:
New for 2025, the Renault 5 blends retro design charm with modern EV practicality—perfect for city drivers who want style with substance.
Key specs:
Range: Up to 249 miles (WLTP)
Charging: 100kW DC fast charging
Performance: 0–62 mph in 8 seconds
Who is it for?
Young professionals, urban commuters, and drivers looking for a second car with flair and function.
Why Choose the Renault 5?
Iconic design meets real-world usability – compact, affordable, and full of character.
5. BYD Sealion – China’s Tech Titan Enters the Game
Why it’s popular:
BYD continues its UK surge with the Sealion, a mid-size SUV offering serious spec at a disruptive price. Strong battery tech and equipment levels make it a standout.
Key specs:
Range: Up to 330 miles (WLTP est.)
Charging: 150kW DC fast charging
Performance: 0–62 mph in under 5 seconds (AWD version)
Who is it for?
Families and tech-conscious drivers looking for high value without sacrificing performance or features.
Why Choose the BYD Sealion?
BYD’s proprietary Blade Battery and full-feature infotainment set it apart – plus the sleek SUV styling appeals to modern buyers.
Why These Rankings Matter
These top 5 electric cars show the growing maturity of the UK EV market, especially under salary sacrifice. With 3% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates locked in for 2025/26 and options for home and public charging via The Charge Scheme, these vehicles represent a golden era of affordable, high-performance EV driving for UK employees.
How Much do These Cars Cost?
| Car | Monthly lease cost | Monthly lease cost through The Electric Car Scheme | Monthly savings | Estimated monthly savings on public charging (10k miles annual) | Estimated total monthly savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y Hatchback Standard Range | £652 | £365 | £287 | £326 | £613 |
| Omoda E5 Comfort | £400 | £238 | £162 | £387 | £549 |
| Tesla Model 3 RWD 4dr Auto | £463 | £280 | £182 | £294 | £476 |
| Renault 5 E-Tech Hatchback | £472 | £258 | £214 | £342 | £556 |
| BYD Sealion Estate Comfort | £587 | £346 | £241 | £474 | £715 |
Market Trends
In Q2 2025, the UK electric vehicle market saw strong growth, with EV sales rising over 34% year-on-year and battery electric vehicles accounting for nearly a quarter of all new registrations. This quarter marked a clear shift toward premium electric cars like the Tesla Model Y and Omoda E5, driven by rising demand for long-range, high-tech models made accessible through salary sacrifice.
Improved EV charging infrastructure – now over 75,000 charge points – has also influenced buyer decisions, although issues with charger reliability and costs remain. Integrated charging solutions, such as The Charge Scheme, are increasingly important for drivers assessing electric car running costs UK and EV charging costs. On the employee benefits front, EV salary sacrifice schemes continue to grow rapidly, fuelled by low company car tax, increased demand for electric car lease options, and tools like salary sacrifice calculators that help highlight total savings.
Looking ahead to Q3 and Q4, premium EV adoption is expected to climb further, supported by expanding charging access, employer-led incentives, and evolving tax policies – all reinforcing the UK’s shift toward electrification.
The Charge Scheme: Powering your EV for less
When it comes to electric car savings, The Charge Scheme stands out as the UK’s only salary sacrifice charging solution – delivering 20-50% off all EV charging costs across home, workplace, and public networks. Unlike fragmented offerings from other electric vehicle leasing companies, The Charge Scheme offers a single, streamlined solution integrated directly into your salary sacrifice car package.
The Charge Scheme is accessible via a single card and app, giving you full visibility over your electric vehicle benefits and charging history.
Employers also benefit. Offering The Charge Scheme as part of your salary sacrifice car scheme helps boost employee retention, align with ESG goals, and lower fleet emissions – without extra admin or cost. It’s ideal for businesses looking to encourage home EV charging, electric car charging at work, or reduce emissions from employee commutes.
In a growing landscape of electric car pros and cons, The Charge Scheme removes a major barrier: charging complexity. It simplifies the EV ownership journey while enhancing the financial case for switching to electric.
For employers and employees alike, it’s the smartest way to power up the EV salary sacrifice benefits already in motion.
Getting Started with The Electric Car Scheme
The Electric Skoda Octavia's positioning as a family EV makes it an extremely exciting option in combination with the Electric Car Scheme, which gives drivers a 20-50% discount on their lease through EV salary sacrifice. These savings are possible because payments are taken from gross salary before tax and National Insurance, dramatically reducing the total cost of electric car ownership.
The scheme also benefits from the UK government's low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate of just 3% for electric cars in the 2025/26 tax year – making an EV significantly more affordable and thus plausible as a family vehicle.
For employers, The Electric Car Scheme includes Complete Employer Protection, covering early termination, employee resignation, or long-term sickness, ensuring zero financial risk for businesses who support sustainable transport through a company electric vehicle plan.
Accessing the scheme is straightforward. Employers sign up to the Electric Car Scheme, where employees can then browse a curated selection of electric cars, run a salary sacrifice calculator, and order their EV with full servicing, insurance, and maintenance included.
Employers and employees can visit The Electric Car Scheme today to start their EV journey, and take advantage of electric car salary sacrifice. If the Electric Car Scheme interests you, contact your HR team – we have a useful guide helping you to convince your employer.
Are you an employer?
BOOK A DEMOAre you an employee?
SEE AVAILABLE CARSECS GUIDES AND ADVICE
Ready to Go Electric? Your Guides and Tools to a Smooth Switch
-
How the Scheme WorksFind out how salary sacrifice can work for you or your business.
-
The Charge SchemeSave 20-50% on all charging costs through salary sacrifice - at home, the office, or in public..
-
Complete Employer ProtectionAll employers and drivers are protected from day 1.
-
Used Electric CarsDiscover the most affordable way to drive electric. Cars delivered in 14 days.
You might also like…
Last updated: 09/07/2025
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
Copyright and Image Usage: All images used on this website are either licensed for commercial use or used with express permission from the copyright holders, in compliance with UK and EU copyright law. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and maintaining full compliance with applicable regulations. If you have any questions or concerns regarding image usage or copyright matters, please contact us at marketing@electriccarscheme.com and we will address them promptly.
