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Top 10 Electric Cars Leased in 2025
By David Lewis, Electric Vehicle & Clean Energy Journalist.
These were the Top 10 electric cars leased in 2025 - and the list might surprise you.
Half of the most popular leased electric car brands last year originate from one country, and it may not be the one you’re thinking of.
Join us as we look back on 2025 and celebrate which EVs came out on top, and analyse why our customers chose them as ideal lease cars.
Top 10 Electric Cars Leased in 2025
Here are Select Car Leasing’s most leased electric cars in 2025:
Which Brands Dominated Car Leasing in 2025?
Interestingly, despite the rise and rise of Chinese electric car manufacturers in recent years, it's German-owned brands – Volkswagen, BMW, and CUPRA – that represent 5 out of the top 10 leased electric cars last year.
USA manufacturers have two cars in the Top 10, and occupy the #1 and #3 spots. That's Tesla with their Model 3 and Model Y respectively. Considering Tesla only offer those two models in the UK, it shows their incredible influence on the EV leasing market.
Also with a couple of cars in the Top 10 is Polestar. This is a relatively new electric car brand – created in 2017 – majority owned by the Chinese manufacturer, Geely, with Sweden's Volvo as the junior partner.
Last, but not least, is the #6 most leased car: the Peugeot E-3008. Peugeot – once very much a French manufacturer – is now part of the multinational Stellantis Group, comprising 14 brands in total.
Let's now take a look at the cars themselves and find out what makes them such good lease cars.
#1 Tesla Model 3
Essential Facts about the Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is a 4-door, 5-seat, mid-size saloon. It comes in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Official battery range varies from 344 miles to 466 miles, depending on the model. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is 5.8 seconds on the entry, rear-wheel-drive version and a blistering 2.9 seconds on the all-wheel-drive Performance model.
Key Features
- Best-in-class self-driving and safety technology
- Very quick acceleration
- Excellent battery range and efficiency on all models
- Tesla Supercharger high-speed charging network for long journeys
- Regular over-the-air software updates – you get free upgrades to your car while you sleep
- Surprisingly keen lease pricing given all the advanced technology and performance
Why the Tesla Model 3 was the #1 Electric Car Leased in 2025
The Model 3 has been a deserving winner since it first came to the UK in 2019. After a refresh in 2024, it maintains its status as the #1 electric car for discerning lease customers. Why? Because it’s the reinvention of the modern car. It’s electric rather than petrol/diesel. It’s zen-like inside, not over-cluttered. Its cutting-edge tech provides incredible performance, as well as protecting you constantly from driving mishaps.
Its battery range means you generally never need to charge when out and about, and the superlative Tesla charging network is there for those ultra-long trips. That’s why it’s the most leased electric car in 2025. Its sibling the Model Y in third spot does have one advantage, though (see below).
#2 Volkswagen ID.4
Essential Facts about the Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a 5-door, 5-seat, mid-size SUV. It comes in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Official battery range varies from 222 miles to 352 miles, depending on the variant. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is 9.0 seconds on the entry, smaller battery version and 5.4 seconds on the all-wheel-drive GTX Edition model.
Key Features
- Spacious, family-friendly practicality
- Strong safety credentials
- Comfortable, relaxed and quiet driving experience
- Big boot: 543 litres (seats up), 1,734 litres (seats down)
- Plenty of variants to choose from at different lease price points
Why the Volkswagen ID.4 was the #2 Electric Car Leased in 2025
If the Tesla Model 3 is the fast, high-tech, executive choice, the Volkswagen ID.4 is more of a sensible, practical, family-oriented option. It’s not the most exciting electric vehicle, but that’s not why so many people leased it this year.
The ID.4 has brand familiarity – you know what you’re getting from a Volkswagen – and it provides you with everything you need, nicely packaged and styled. It’s a well-designed and intelligently proportioned car; no wonder it was so popular among our lease customers in 2025.
#3 Tesla Model Y
Essential Facts about the Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is a 5-door, 5-seat, mid-size SUV. It comes in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Official battery range varies from 314 miles to 391 miles, depending on the model. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is 6.9 seconds on the entry, Standard Rear-Wheel Drive version and 3.3 seconds on the all-wheel-drive Performance model.
Key Features
- Practical, hatchback boot
- Higher driving position than the Model 3 – better visibility
- Spacious and airy cabin – ideal for families
- Best-in-class safety and self-driving tech
- Very good battery range, plus Tesla Supercharger charging network for longer journeys
- Regular over-the-air software updates
- Affordable new ‘Standard Rear-Wheel Drive’ Model Y launched
Why the Tesla Model Y was the #3 Electric Car Leased in 2025
The Model Y first reached UK shores in 2022 – three years after the Model 3 – and was refreshed earlier this year, now looking very slick, with horizontal LED light bars, front and back (unless you lease the pared-back ‘Standard’ variant). In essence, it’s everything the saloon Model 3 is, but expanded into a higher-ride, SUV shape. And it has that hatchback boot which transforms it into a perfect family vehicle.
I’ve been driving both a Model 3 and a Model Y for the last few years. You get in the Model 3 when you want to look cool around town, but it’s the Model Y you drive with your family when you need maximum comfort and space. The Tesla Model Y will no doubt remain a brilliant electric car lease option for years to come.
#4 Polestar 2
Essential Facts about the Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 has 5 doors, 5 seats and is a mid-size, saloon-shaped EV, but with a hatchback boot. It comes in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Official battery range varies from 344 miles to 409 miles, depending on the variant. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is 6.4 seconds on the entry, standard range version and 4.2 seconds on the all-wheel-drive, long range model.
Key Features
- Beautifully crafted interior; more luxurious than the Tesla Model 3
- Google-powered infotainment system with voice control
- Much improved battery range since the 2024 model upgrade
- Very good performance and firm handling
- Practical hatchback boot
- Over-the-air updates
Why the Polestar 2 was the #4 Electric Car Leased in 2025
The Polestar 2 has been battling for years against the Tesla Model 3 as the best electric car lease option for executives. Each has its pros and cons, but the Polestar really shines when it comes to the plush, cockpit style interior. Its choice of a Google-based touchscreen / sat nav / control centre results in a predictable, future-proof, and highly functional set-up.
The Polestar benefits from both advanced Chinese engineering (Geely) and classic Scandinavian design (Volvo’s influence). All in all, an ever-popular EV lease vehicle.
#5 Volkswagen ID.3
Essential Facts about the Volkswagen ID.3
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a 5-door, 5-seat, rear-wheel-drive, compact hatchback. Official battery range varies from 240 miles to 370 miles, depending on the model. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is 8.2 seconds on the entry-level, smaller battery version and 5.7 seconds on the larger battery GTX variant.
Key Features
- Multiple versions to choose from at different lease prices
- Generous-sized interior due to space-saving EV technology
- Improved cabin and infotainment quality after 2023 mid-life refresh
- Quiet drive and easy to manoeuvre
- Backed by the Volkswagen brand and UK dealership network
Why the Volkswagen ID.3 was the #5 Electric Car Leased in 2025
The ID.3 is pretty much what you would expect. It’s the ‘electric Golf’, but with more space inside. While it’s not as luxurious as a Mercedes or a Lexus, it gives you what you want: a compact EV that’s straightforward, affordable, has easy-on-the-eye but not startling looks, and performance characteristics to match.
While the other EVs to lease in the Top 5 are all mid-size vehicles, the ID.3 is the first compact car, and, as such, is the most leased compact electric car of 2025.
#6 Peugeot E-3008
Essential Facts about the Peugeot E-3008
The Peugeot E-3008 is a 5-door, 5-seat, mid-size SUV. It comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Official battery range varies from 305 miles to 435 miles, depending on the variant. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is 8.8 seconds on the entry, smaller battery version and 6.0 seconds on the all-wheel-drive GT Premium model.
Key Features
- Impressive official range up to 435 miles
- Stylish, sporty exterior
- Chic French interior, more upmarket than say the VW ID.4
- Cockpit-esque driver experience with large curved display
- Quiet, comfortable long-range driving
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability (you’ll need an adapter)
Why the Peugeot E-3008 was the #6 Electric Car Leased in 2025
The Peugeot E-3008 is one of those lease cars that doesn’t necessarily excel at any one thing, but all of its features combined make a compelling narrative. It looks good inside and out, has a relatively high SUV driving position, gets you from A to B comfortably, and can take a family of four with ease (for five people, you should also consider the more spacious Renault Scenic E-Tech).
As with many EVs nowadays, Peugeot offers several different versions and you can select the one that matches your needs and monthly payment budget.
#7 Polestar 4
Essential Facts about the Polestar 4
The Polestar 4 has 5 doors, 5 seats and is a mid-size, coupe-shaped EV, but with a hatchback boot. It comes in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants. Official battery range varies from 367 miles to 385 miles, depending on the model. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is 7.1 seconds on the entry, single motor version and 3.8 seconds on the dual motor, all-wheel-drive versions.
Key Features
- Really striking exterior that will turn heads
- Lovely spacious interior, with sustainable materials
- Large battery on all variants provides excellent range
- As with Polestar 2, Google-based info-tech just works
- No rear window – a digital rear-view mirror instead
- Large boot at 526 litres (1,536 litres with seats down)
- Deceptively long car, but with high performance
- Tons of optional extras to tailor the car to exactly what you want
Why the Polestar 4 was the #7 Electric Car Leased in 2025
The Polestar 4 is a real statement. It looks absolutely stunning if you pass one on the road – you’re thinking “What on earth is that?!” (in a good way). It represents a direct challenge to the premium German manufacturers, not least models like the BMW i4 (see below), the Porsche Macan Electric, and the CUPRA Tavascan (also see below).
Of all the electric cars leased in 2025, this is perhaps the boldest and most exciting choice. The Polestar brand is still quite exotic, and the Chinese/Swedish ownership has dared to bring fresh design ideas from the drawing board straight onto the road.
#8 BMW i4
Essential Facts about the BMW i4
The BMW i4 has 5 doors, 5 seats and is a mid-size, saloon-shaped EV, but with a hatchback boot. It comes in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Official battery range varies from 310 miles to 377 miles, depending on the model. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is 6.0 seconds on the base version and 3.7 seconds on the all-wheel-drive M60 variant.
Key Features
- Excellent driving dynamics, with precise steering
- Classic BMW interior: driver-focussed, featuring high-quality materials
- Lower, sportier driving position than an SUV
- Well-received iDrive infotainment system
- Solid battery range across all models
- Top variants offer both power and performance
Why the BMW i4 was the #8 Electric Car Leased in 2025
The BMW i4 has been around since 2021, and, in many ways, looks like a ‘regular’ petrol/diesel BMW. It doesn’t exhibit the flashiness of many modern EVs. BMW is probably appealing to the more conservative nature of some of its clientele.
They want electric driving, but still demand the traditional BMW experience. The fact the i4 is a member of our Top 10 club of the most leased EVs in 2025 shows BMW got the cocktail right back when they launched the car. Together with the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2, the BMW i4 should remain an executive leasing favourite.
#9 BMW iX1
Essential Facts about the BMW iX1
The BMW iX1 has 5 doors, 5 seats and is a compact SUV. It comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Official battery range varies from 265 miles to 293 miles, depending on the model. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is 8.6 seconds on the base version and 5.6 seconds on the top xDrive30 spec.
Key Features
- The most affordable electric BMW to lease
- SUV practicality without the enormous size
- Sensible BMW interior – what you need without over-paying
- Generous standard equipment
- Ideal for a small family – 490-litre boot (1,495 litres, seats down)
- Straightforward exterior styling (you might not know it was an EV)
Why the BMW iX1 was the #9 Electric Car Leased in 2025
The iX1 is the second BMW in the Top 10 list and many of the observations regarding the i4 apply to the iX1 as well. For example: Familiar, premium BMW interior with the right tech in the right places; neutral, conservative exterior styling; and both are practical family cars.
Why did so many people lease the BMW iX1 over rivals like the Volvo EX40 or the Audi Q4 e-tron? Probably because it’s a satisfying mix of affordable pricing, BMW quality, and family-oriented practicality.
#10 CUPRA Tavascan
Essential Facts about the CUPRA Tavascan
The CUPRA Tavascan has 5 doors, 5 seats and is a compact / mid-size SUV, shaped like a coupe. It comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Official battery range varies from 318 miles to 353 miles, depending on the model. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is 6.8 seconds on the base V1 version and 5.5 seconds on the top spec VZ2 variant.
Key Features
- Stylish coupe-SUV design
- Imaginative, bold interior – stands out from the crowd
- Sporty driving experience
- Fine space-wise for a family of four (540-litre boot)
- Cool three-triangle headlights
- Well-balanced blend of performance styling and everyday usability
Why the CUPRA Tavascan was the #10 Electric Car Leased in 2025
CUPRA is a performance brand within the Volkswagen Group, and the Tavascan uses the same MEB electric platform as the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, and Audi Q4 e-tron. If you’re wondering which of these cars to lease – but you want something different – the Tavascan is a great choice.
It has a completely different look and feel to the other cars. It also has the advantage of being a lesser-known brand which gives it a more exclusive edge. The CUPRA Tavascan is a worthy inclusion in Select Car Leasing’s Top 10 Electric Cars Leased in 2025 club.
Final Thoughts
Half of the most popular electric cars leased by our customers in 2025 are from established German-owned brands: Volkswagen, BMW, and CUPRA.
If you had asked me at the beginning of 2025 would German brands dominate the Top 10 leasing charts, I would have guessed no.
I would indeed have expected a very strong showing from US-based Tesla, but would have put money on there being more Chinese electric cars in the list.
Admittedly, majority-Chinese-owned Polestar does take up 20% of the Top 10 positions, but many lease customers wouldn’t even be aware of its Chinese connection.
Well done to Peugeot for getting into the Top 10 – in a way, it feels like the odd one out, so kudos for securing the #6 spot.
I wonder what the Top 10 EV leases for 2026 will be?
Read more electric vehicle and clean energy analysis by our expert author David Lewis.
Interested in an electric lease? Check out our special offers today!
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