Tesla Leads Electric Vehicle Sales as Market Shifts in 2025

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining ground in the automotive market, with recent data from cinch revealing that they now outpace diesel sales in several countries. In August 2025, EVs accounted for 16% of total sales, compared to 13% for diesel vehicles. This marks a significant rise from August 2024, when EVs represented just 10% of sales, while diesel cars held 19% of the market.

Abhishek Sampat, head of electric vehicles at cinch, commented on the evolving landscape, stating, “EVs used to be a relatively niche choice in the used car market, but not anymore. One in every six cars we sell is now an EV, and the uptake is growing each month.” The data highlights an increase in the variety of EV models available, with cinch selling 66 different EV models in August 2025, up from 47 in the same month the previous year. This expansion caters to diverse consumer needs, offering everything from family-friendly SUVs to compact hatchbacks.

Market Trends and Fast-Selling Models

The market dynamics for EVs are shifting significantly. In August 2025, EVs sold at a rate 43% faster than diesels and 29% quicker than petrol cars. The top-selling EVs during this period included the Tesla Model 3, which claimed the top spot, followed closely by the Nissan LEAF. The complete list of the top ten electric vehicles sold is as follows:

1. Tesla Model 3
2. Nissan LEAF
3. MINI Hatchback
4. Vauxhall Corsa-E
5. Kia e-Niro
6. Volkswagen ID.3
7. Hyundai Kona
8. Renault ZOE
9. Vauxhall Mokka-e
10. Jaguar I-Pace

The surge in EV sales is further fueled by the emergence of new brands like BYD and OMODA, alongside traditional manufacturers transitioning their production lines to electric vehicles. This increase in competition has resulted in more aggressive pricing in both new and used car markets.

Despite inflationary pressures over the past year, the average price of an EV sold on cinch decreased by 3%, settling at just under £16,000. The most affordable EV available in August 2025 was a smart forfour, priced at £7,000, while the highest-priced model, a Porsche Taycan, exceeded £51,000.

Sampat noted, “Many buyers are still looking for a diesel, and there are good reasons for doing so. But if a barrier to going electric has been the price of the car, it may be time to reconsider. The average price of an EV has come down in the last 12 months, driven by many new models launching at the value end of the market.” In fact, the average sold price of an EV during August 2025 was 4% lower than that of a diesel vehicle.

The ongoing shift in consumer preferences towards electric vehicles suggests a transformative period for the automotive industry, as more buyers consider EVs not only for their environmental benefits but also for their increasing affordability and diversity.

Dr. Tim Sandle, Digital Journal’s Editor-at-Large for science news, emphasizes that the continuous evolution in the EV market is likely to shape future trends and consumer choices in the years to come.