Renault 5 Named UK’s Best-Selling Electric Car

Why the Renault 5 came out on top

The SMMT released its EV-specific list following a surge in demand, a promising sign for the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Even so, the trade body cautioned that more must be done to encourage drivers to make the switch, with premium electric models still criticised for being expensive.

“July’s record EV performance is a great achievement, reflecting industry’s huge investment in zero emission mobility. But that progress cannot be sustained if manufacturers continue haemorrhaging billions in EV discounts,” SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said.

Hawes called for “urgent reform of the regulation”, warning that Britain risks undermining its competitiveness without it. Motoring bodies echoed the point, arguing that stronger incentives and cheaper models are needed to sustain the surge — with plenty of advice for drivers already weighing rising running costs and patchy charging provision.