That’s despite EV sales falling in many European countries (but not the UK, which is now the largest new EV market in Europe), and new car sales to private buyers in the UK falling below levels seen in 2020.
Tariffs on Chinese-built EVs sold in the European Union could also mean the UK will see more EVs from brands based in China being launched.
With new non-hybrid cars currently set to be banned in the UK from 2035 (this is likely to revert back to 2030), it’s not surprising to see that most new car models being released are electric. But manufacturers are also taking note of the growing popularity of hybrid models and are working on new models that feature hybridisation to varying extents.
Read on for our pick of the cars to watch out for this year.
Don't want to wait? Discover the cars that aced our lab tests in our guide to theXPeng G6
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However, it’s expected that the G6 will undercut the Tesla Model Y by several thousand pounds and it’s able to charge at higher speeds. All XPeng cars will come with a seven year/100,000 mile warranty – among the longest of any manufacturer.
It’s being sold in the UK by the same company that imports Subaru and Ora cars.
Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida
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The Italian brand released its first EV, the Junior, in 2024. Originally due to be called the Milano, Alfa Romeo was forced to re-name it because of an intervention by the Italian government who weren’t happy an Italian city name was going to be used on a car being built in Poland.
Renault 4 E-Tech
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Renault has just launched its hotly-anticipated 5 E-Tech city car, but it’s also planning to launch the 4 E-Tech (a larger EV) this year. Like the 5, it’s based on an iconic Renault model of the past and like the previous Renault 4 (which was last available new in the UK in 1992) it has more of a utility feel than many new cars.
Fiat Grande Panda
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Fiat finally took the ancient third-generation Panda off sale in the UK in 2024, and it’s being replaced by the Grande Panda. This boxy small car has plenty of retro touches and references the original Panda and the Fiat Uno.
Ora 07
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Ora made a good start in the UK with its characterful 03 (formerly the Funky Cat). This year, it’s set to release its second model: the 07.
It will be available in three distinct versions, with all claimed to travel more than 300 miles on a single charge. A 4x4 version is also available.
The 07 also marks the start of a re-brand for Ora as it takes on the name of its parent company, GWM. We’re expecting more models and sub-brands from the GWM stable to enter the UK market. Its luxury Wey brand is already available in certain markets in mainland Europe, while the Haval Jolion Pro (a hybrid SUV) should also make an appearance in the UK this year.
DS N°8
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The N°8 has a claimed range of up to 466 miles, which is among the longest of any EV that’s currently available and no doubt helped by its aerodynamic design and large 97.2kWh battery. It also has vehicle-to-load technology, which allows the car’s battery to power external electrical devices.
Dacia Bigster
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Perhaps unsurprisingly given its name, the Dacia Bigster is the brand’s largest model. It’s a mid-sized family SUV that, like all other Dacia models, is available for significantly less money than its rivals, starting at £24,995.
The Bigster is set to feature more safety kit as standard than other Dacia models, such as adaptive cruise control and an enhanced autonomous emergency braking system, which should put it in a better position in Euro NCAP tests.
Its chunky styling isn’t just for show as a four-wheel drive version will also be available.
Suzuki e Vitara
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Suzuki was one of a handful of brands (including Land Rover and Seat) to not have an EV in its range last year. That's set to change in 2025 with the e Vitara. It’s built on an entirely new platform and will be available with two different battery sizes (49kWh and 61kWh), along with a four-wheel drive version.
See how the petrol version fared in our lab tests by reading our full .Jaguar GT
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Jaguar got people talking in late 2024 when it unveiled the Type 00 concept car after design details were leaked, along with its radical new logo and marketing campaign.
It represents a second bite of the cherry for Jaguar and its large EV saloon, after it cancelled its planned XJ EV in 2021 as it was no longer thought to fit with the brand’s future.
Expert opinion: 2025 will see a raft of new brands in the UK
Dino Buratti, Which? cars expert
As it stands, 28% of cars sold by brands in the UK in 2025 must be EVs, which has no doubt forced brands like Suzuki, Fiat and DS to increase their EV ranges to get closer to this target.
And with new brands like XPeng and Haval entering the UK market in 2025, there will be even more competition for traditional manufacturers such as Ford and Vauxhall, whose sales both fell by more than 20% in 2024 when compared to 2023's figures.
Other brands with long-heralded ambitions to sell cars in the UK, such as China’s Nio and Aiways, may also finally enter the UK market in 2025. In fact, there could be more than a dozen new car brands in the UK this year.
With Chinese brands facing tariffs on their EVs in the European Union, they may want to take advantage of the UK’s decision not to impose tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. Whether they’re successful (like BYD and Omoda) or less so (like Fisker and Skywell), remains to be seen.
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