2025 was the BEST year for Electric Cars like the VW ID4 Lease - what will 2026 bring?

What will 2026 bring?-2025 was the BEST year for Electric Cars like the VW ID4 Lease

With baited breathe we awaited the statistics for the UK’s vehicle sales in 2025, with a special focus on zero-emission options. With many saying that 2025 would be the true breakthrough year for EVs, the pressure on our industry has been insurmountable.

Earlier this week, the data partners over at SMMT  finally released their results for the industry’s perusal. Overall, there were some good results for the industry as a whole (not just for those involved in zero-emissions), with the UK returning to a more productive position.

When you consider some of the challenges which we have faced in the automotive industry so far - EV grants, VED, Expensive Car Supplement, interest rates, court decisions on commission declaration, FCA decisions on commission declaration, competition from China, Used EV residual values, pay per mile road tax - the end result is actually somewhat heartening.

At various junctures throughout the year, the actual stability of our market was questioned. However, with focus and passion, our industry has continued to deliver and ensure that the market remains buoyant.

Directing towards the  SMMT  statistics for 2025 the key points are:

• New registrations reached 2.02 million (a 3.5% increase on 2024);
•  There were 473,348 BEV registrations in 2025 (a 23.9% increase on 2024);
•  BEVs accounted for 23.43% of the UK’s car market (an increase on the 19% in 2024); and  
•  At least 10 vehicles amassed more than 10,000 registrations in 2025 with two amazing over 20,000 registrations (the Tesla Model Y and the Model 3).

The UK’s Best Selling EVs in 2025

The UK’s Vehicle Sales for 2025

While the ZEV Mandate is dictating that the UK moves towards 33% in 2026, there are doubts over certain brands and manufacturers’ ability to achieve this in a responsible and economically viable way.

As reported in the BBC  there are thoughts that “Electric Car Discounts are unsustainable” for the long-term health and success of the automotive industry. Some of these thoughts were underpinned by the SMMT Chief Executive who considered that the pace of EV uptake remains too slow at too a high a cost to the industry, with even recent TFL changes on Congestion Zones noted too.

Commenting further, the BBC article reports that even though nearly 500,000 vehicles were sold there are significant discounts of around £5 billion to ensure that EVs remain popular (this equates to £11,000 per vehicle).

As discussed earlier, the impending 33% target for this year may perhaps need a strategic review in order to support the manufacturers to make the transition (rather than punish them for failing to adhere to the objectives). But in more positive statements, other commentators reported on the increasing popularity of the used car market for EVs, which now enjoy higher volumes and better product diversity.

Ex-lease cars are now being re-sold or re-leased in higher volumes, which is in turn supporting the residual value of the new vehicles being offered.

The Government are clearly not immune to the challenges, with the Electric Car grant  now including some 8 vehicles for the Band 1 £3,750 support and 35 vehicles for the Band 2 £1,500 support. However, with the potential for a pay per mile road tax charge due on EVs in the near future, there are some who believe this could dilute some of the passion for uptake.

However, with the Government re-affirming their support for the ECG, it is believed that at least 320,000 extra EV sales will transact on the basis of this support. It is worth noting that there is also an additional £18 million earmarked to ensure British electric lorries are able to electrify too. This all forms part of the £318 million investment into green freight and to help ensure HGVs are zero-emission by 2040.

The VW Group are one such brand which will be aiming to build on their successes. With the Volkswagen brand already offering the ID3 / ID4 / ID5 / ID7 / ID Buzz, the future ID.2 (or  ID.Polo ) will hopefully add another feather to the cap of the group.

A production ready concept car, the Polo will be part of the brand’s move towards reimagining iconic models for the electric mobility era. In 2026, the deviation from a numeric reference towards a car name is a nostalgic move with names like Polo and Golf essentially iconic within the UK’s car market.

This is why the VW group are moving into 2026 with cars like the ID.Polo, ID.GTI and ID.Polo GTI. Modern, even futuristic, yet distinctly VW, 2026 is set for the next level of revelations.

Vehicles like the ID.4 SUV shown here will also be a key part of the line-up. Good-looking, practical and super-clever, the family EV has proved to be an incredible asset in the UK’s leasing economy.

Consisting of trims like the Match Pure, Match, Black Edition and GTX Edition, there are an array of incredible options for UK personal and business lease customers to enjoy. The car shown here, which continues to be an incredible offer on the e-car lease website is the Match Pro.

Starting from £44,400 for the Match Pro 2WD (ie. the non-4Motion) the key features include 19” black Hamar alloys, heated front seats, electric tailgate, climate windscreen, keyless entry and start, matrix LED headlights, tinted rear glass, front assist, 30 colour ambient lighting, rain sensor, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, lane change system, road sign display, rear view camera and parking assistance plus. The key colours include glacier white, blue dusk, costa azule, grenadilla black, moonstone grey and kings red.

In terms of additional options, consider adding the Infotainment Package Plus (for advanced navigation, AR HUD, wireless charging and Harmon Kardon), an energy efficient heat pump (provides optimal climate control, ensuring a cozy interior during winter and a cool, refreshing environment in summer, all while maximizing energy savings) or the tow bar.

How does the VW ID.4 EV perform?  

•  A RWD car, this has a 77kWh usable lithium battery which will deliver 0 – 62 times of 6.7 seconds, 112 mph top speeds and 210 kW (or 282hp). Expect a combined winter range of 230 miles with warmer weather allowing for 320 miles - a combined 275 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hours and 15 minutes 0 – 100% charging times with the 175kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 543L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 145 mpg. This EV will have no Bidirectional charging but the heat pump will be standard. The EV can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 1000kg (Braked). 

In terms of the car shown, the Volkswagen ID.4 ESTATE 210kW Match Pro 77kWh 5dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle), this is based on the following specification:

•  Grenadilla Black Metallic Paint
•  Art velours microfleece cloth - Soul black/Platinum grey stitching
•  Soul black dash trim
•  19" Hamar black diamond turned alloy wheels   

Want to know more about new or used electric vehicles?  

Head to our dedicated VW ID.4 lease offers or speak to our experts directly on 01942 943 211 or by emailing us at [email protected]