Kia EV3 Dominates UK Retail EV Market in H1 2025, Propelling Kia to Third Top-Selling Brand
Key Insights
Kia's EV3 compact SUV emerged as the leading retail electric vehicle in the UK during the first half of 2025, significantly boosting the brand's market position.
The EV3's strong sales performance contributed to Kia achieving its best-ever June, Q2, and first-half EV registration figures in the UK market.
Priced competitively from £33,005, the EV3 offers two battery options providing WLTP ranges of up to 430 km and 599 km, appealing to a broad consumer base.
Kia plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup with the EV4 hatchback and the more affordable EV2, aiming to sustain sales momentum and market share.
London, UK – Kia's EV3 compact sport utility vehicle has emerged as the leading retail electric vehicle in the United Kingdom during the first half of 2025, a performance that has significantly propelled Kia to become the UK's third top-selling car brand year-to-date. This robust market penetration underscores a pivotal shift in consumer preferences towards more accessible and practical EV models.
The EV3's rapid ascent marks it as Kia's fastest-selling electric vehicle in the UK. Its strong sales trajectory contributed substantially to Kia's record-breaking EV registrations in June, the second quarter, and the entire first half of the year. Following its market introduction in January, the EV3 quickly established itself as the most popular retail EV, maintaining this leadership through the first six months with 6,293 units registered. This figure positions it as the fourth best-selling EV overall in Q1, including commercial vehicles, highlighting its broad appeal across the consumer segment.
Priced from £33,005 (approximately $42,500 USD), the EV3 is positioned as Kia's most affordable EV to date, a strategic pricing point that has clearly resonated with UK consumers. The vehicle offers two battery configurations: a 58.3 kWh pack providing a WLTP range of up to 430 km (270 miles), and an 81.48 kWh option extending the WLTP range to 599 km (375 miles). These specifications provide a compelling balance of range and cost-effectiveness, crucial for widespread EV adoption.
In the first half of 2025, Kia reported a total of 31,643 electrified vehicle registrations in the UK, encompassing battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). This figure represents over half of Kia's total 62,005 vehicle registrations during the same period, demonstrating the brand's successful pivot towards electrification.
Looking ahead, Kia is set to further expand its electric vehicle portfolio. The recent opening of orders for the EV4, Kia's first electric hatchback, is expected to generate additional demand, particularly given its impressive WLTP range of up to 388 miles, making it the longest-range Kia EV to date. Furthermore, Kia plans to introduce the entry-level EV2 next year, positioned below the EV3, and is exploring an even more affordable EV model, potentially priced under $30,000 (€25,000), anticipated towards the end of the decade. This aggressive product roadmap signals Kia's commitment to democratizing EV ownership and solidifying its position in the competitive electric vehicle market.