Kia EV3 Tops UK Retail EV Charts as Kia Reports Record Global Q1 Sales

Kia EV3 is the UK’s best-selling retail EV in Q1 2025. Kia achieves global record with new models like EV4, EV5, and PV5 on the way.

Kia’s electric surge is gaining momentum: the compact EV3 SUV has become the UK’s best-selling retail electric vehicle in the first quarter of 2025. This achievement not only marks a significant milestone in the local market but also contributes to Kia’s best-ever global quarterly sales since the company’s founding in 1962.

In March alone, Kia sold nearly 20,000 vehicles in the UK, securing its position as the fourth-best-selling brand in the country. Electrified models—including BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs—accounted for over 55% of the total. The EV3 maintained its lead in the retail EV segment from January through March and ranked fourth overall in EV sales when including commercial models.

Priced from £33,005, the EV3 is available with two battery options—58.3 kWh and 81.48 kWh—delivering up to 599 km (375 miles) of WLTP range. Despite its affordability, the EV3 impresses with interior space, digital displays, and high energy efficiency—qualities praised by owners in online forums.

Backed by this momentum, Kia’s total electric vehicle sales in the UK jumped nearly 50% year-over-year in Q1, surpassing 7,000 units. EVs represented 21% of Kia’s March sales, highlighting the growing shift in consumer demand.

The momentum isn’t slowing down. In 2025, Kia will introduce the EV4 sedan, the EV5 SUV, and the commercial PV5 van in the UK. The PV5, debuting at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in April, is Kia’s first model under its new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business, signaling bold ambitions in the electric van segment.

However, the UK’s reduced EV subsidies pose challenges. While purchase grants have ended, incentives for home charging installations and tax benefits remain. Given these conditions, sustained demand for practical and affordable EVs like the EV3 could be key to Kia’s continued success in Europe.

On the global stage, Kia’s performance is equally compelling. With over 772,000 vehicles sold worldwide in Q1 2025, the brand has reached an all-time quarterly high—an indication that electrification is driving Kia into its next phase of growth.

Source: electrek.co