3 of the coolest EVs on the market in 2025

What gives 2025’s most anticipated EVs that je ne sais quoi?

Ultimately, we think it’s about pushing boundaries, whether that’s in the performance and design of the car itself, or by embracing the next generation of green energy tech.

These three models fit that description perfectly – so without further ado, let’s crown 2025’s coolest EVs.

1. Renault 5 E-Tech

Key features

• Onboard ‘reno’ voice-activated assistant
• Easy cabin personalisation with smart, 3D-printed modules
• Up to 250 miles of range

*available on salary sacrifice and personal leasing

It’s poppy. It’s bold. It’s retro. The Renault 5 has bags of personality and has been turning heads since it became available to order earlier this year.

Let’s talk about that silhouette for a minute. It’s retro enough to feel cool and nostalgic, but timeless enough to avoid the risk of feeling faddy in a couple of years, and you’ll have a choice of eye-catching colourways.

The Renault 5 punches above its weight performance-wise as a city hatch, with up to 250 miles of range and agile, precision steering. The wheels are pushed further back than on the original models for performance and driving comfort, helping create a smooth ride that copes as well on winding roads as it does on motorways and city commutes.

Inside the cabin, you’ll find an excellent range of tech for the price point – built-in Google integration, an onboard voice-activated assistant, and over 20 driver assist features. It’s also super easy to customise the cabin, thanks to a range of 3D-printed modules. Extra compartments? Space organisers? A baguette holder (seriously)? It’s all possible.

2. BMW iX3

Key features

• Configurable BMW Panoramic iDrive display
• Autonomous parking features
• Up to 500 miles of range (yes, you read that right)

*coming soon to Octopus EV! (imagery of the older 2023 version)

The first of BMW’s new era ‘Neue Klasse’ models, the iX3 is one of the hottest-anticipated EV releases of recent years. And, futuristic styling aside, what could be cooler than being officially the longest range EV in the UK?

The iX3 grabs headlines, stats-wise. Theoretically, you can get a whopping 500 miles off a single charge, and you’ll be able to add up to 231 miles of charge with 10 minutes of ultra-rapid charging. Performance isn’t too shabby either – you’ll get from 0-60 in under seven seconds, whilst intelligent braking and cornering features offer smoothness, stability, and control.

The exterior? Futuristic, but understatedly so. It’s a little more minimalist than older BMWs, whilst retaining the classiness you’d expect from the brand – hidden window seals, pop-out door handles, and horizontal strip headlights come together to create a sleek mid-size SUV that’s attractive as it is practical.

Inside the iX3, drivers will enjoy the configurable, windscreen-long iDrive display and infotainment system, which provides all the driving info you need without distracting from the road ahead. You’ll also get an extensive suite of driver assist features, and a generous 510 litres of boot space.

3. BYD Dolphin (2025)

Key features

• Large range of tech for price point
• V2G tech and OEV Power Pack compatibility
• Up to 265 miles of range

*available on salary sacrifice and personal leasing

It’s fast becoming a firm favourite among UK electric drivers for its reasonable price point and extensive cabin tech. Whilst not technically an original 2025 release, we feel we need to include the Dolphin for two key reasons.

Firstly, BYD has streamlined the trim options for the Dolphin for 2025. The manufacturer now focuses solely on the popular Comfort and Design trims, which come with more inclusions as standard – so, more for your money.

New as-standard features include rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry (both sides), an NFC smartphone digital key, a heated steering wheel, anti-theft tech, and improved climate control. Outside of the tech, you’ll get a little more boot space, a welcome upgrade to the suspension, and faster DC charging (now up to 110kW).

Secondly, the BYD Dolphin is the first car available with Octopus Power Pack bundle – the UK’s first leasing package that allows you to take advantage of innovative new Vehicle to Grid (V2G) tech.

What's V2G? Well, in a nutshell, V2G allows your EV to become a sort of mobile home battery. You charge your EV at off-peak hours when energy is cheapest and greenest, then sell this energy back to the Grid during peak hours. This powers your home and others with cheap, green energy whilst knocking a chunk off your electricity bill. And, if greener, cheaper energy isn’t cool, we don’t know what is.

When you lease your EV with Octopus, you’ll get more than a hot new set of wheels on your driveway – though let’s be honest, that’s pretty important too

Our leasing schemes offer everything you need to drive an EV, and to save money whilst doing so. You’ll get:

• A choice of the latest, smartest EVs, as picked by our experts
• Cheap home charging and energy savings with EV Saver
• Discounts on public charging via Electroverse
• Servicing and maintenance included in your monthly payment
• A host of other goodies – including £500 off green home tech via Octopus Energy