Kia’s all-electric EV3 has emerged as the best-selling retail electric vehicle in the UK through the first quarter of 2025, helping the automaker achieve its best start to a year in the country since it entered the market 34 years ago. The strong performance also contributed to Kia’s highest-ever global first-quarter sales since the company began car production in 1962.
In March alone, Kia sold nearly 20,000 vehicles in the UK, securing the fourth position among all auto brands. Electrified models – including electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles – made up more than 55% of total sales, with fully electric vehicles accounting for 21%.
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“Kia’s EV3 started with a bang in January,” the company said in a statement, noting the compact SUV’s strong retail performance from launch. Through March, the EV3 maintained its lead as the UK’s most popular retail EV and finished the quarter as the fourth best-selling electric vehicle overall, including fleet and commercial segments.
Priced from £33,005 ($42,500), the EV3 is Kia’s most affordable electric model to date. It offers two battery configurations – a 58.3 kWh pack delivering up to 430 km (270 miles) and an 81.48 kWh pack providing up to 599 km (375 miles) of WLTP range.
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Buoyed by the EV3’s success, Kia reported a 50% increase in UK EV sales compared to the same period in 2024, totaling more than 7,000 units sold in Q1. Other electric models contributing to the momentum include the EV6 crossover, three-row EV9 SUV, and the Niro EV.
Looking ahead, Kia plans to expand its EV lineup in the UK with the launch of the EV4 sedan and hatchback, the EV5 SUV, and its first PV5 electric vans, which are expected to begin customer deliveries by the end of the year.