UK’s best-selling car is transformed into EV – offering drivers ‘huge incentive’ to switch, boss says
BRITAIN’S best-selling car has been transformed into an EV and offers drivers a “huge incentive” to switch.
Ford hopes Puma Electric will prompt customers to switch and is launching its Power Promise to ease the transition.
Every buyer will be given a free home charger along with energy credit from Octopus Energy to cover up to 10,000 miles.
That adds to a free five-year service plan including EV towing, and an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty for the battery and high-voltage components.
It comes after the regular Ford Puma was crowned the best-seller last year – and it’s back at the top again.
Ford’s EV range already includes the Mustang Mach-E, Explorer and Capri – though the smaller and more affordable Puma, it is hoped could be a market game-changer.
Catherine Blee, Ford UK’s passenger vehicles sales boss, said: “The Puma has been the best-selling vehicle in the UK for several years, and we have customers who really love that car that have been waiting for an electrified version.
“There are also some of our Fiesta customers who have been waiting for this vehicle.
“Our dealers are really excited: they think this is the game-changer for them in terms of EVs. For some buyers the upfront cost [of going electric] can be a deterrent, but when you can charge at home the total cost of ownership story is really compelling.
“So with this new scheme we think we can tap into a group of customers by providing a real benefit.”
She added that a survey had found 25 percent of potential customers were put off by perceived complications of switching to electric.
“From a customer perspective, having a really compelling offer will help overcome some of those perceived barriers to entry, such as the cost of a wallbox and how to get it installed,” she said.
“There are so many anxieties and concerns driven by the myths that are out there, so we want to help people thinking about making the move, and hopefully win over some doubters.”
Ms Blee went on to say that the new incentive scheme runs alongside agreements with dealers to better explain the total cost of owning an EV.
She said: “We know that the next wave of EV customers, the early majority that come after early adopters, are really data-driven individuals, so we can persuade them with a total cost of ownership story.”
“We’re talking to dealers to give them the tools to explain that to customers.
“We’re also working on dialling up test drive opportunities, because we know once people get in a test drive of an EV they’re really surprised by how well It drives and how easy it is to switch.
“We’ve gone from having just the Mustang Mach-E to having four EVs in dealerships, so we’ve done a lot of work.
“We’ve been able to make sure we have the right training in place to support dealers with the knowledge that they need, which helps them assist customers in making the right decisions.”
BEST-SELLING CARS
Despite a slow start to sales at the beginning of the year, March has seen the Puma’s sales skyrocket.
March has been a great month for car sales generally as it has been the best third-month for new car registrations since 2019.
However, despite this boom in car sales, there were no Tesla models in the top 10 most bought cars.
EV sales have risen by 43.2 per cent but Tesla has continued to battle with lackluster sales.
Best-selling cars of 2025
Here are the most bought cars in 2025 so far.
Ford Puma – 14,930 units
Since being first released in 2019, the Ford Puma has consistently been a favourite in UK and European car sales.
The small SUV boasts an attractive price, which has helped fuel its 12.4 per cent increase in sales year-on-year.
The Ford Puma has also undergone a transformation, with a new infotainment system and an updated dashboard and steering wheel.
It has already sold 14,930 units and is on track to sell even more.
Autocar have given the SUV a four-out-of-five star rating and described the car as “hugely rewarding to drive” as well as having “strong fuel efficiency”.
Kia Sportage – 12,886
Despite finishing fourth in the 2024 sales charts, the Kia Sportage is set to have a great year in 2025.
Now in second place, in terms of sales, this SUV has been described by Autocar as “fresh, eye-catching and modern”.
Its Seoul-based owners have enjoyed sales of 12,886 units – sale numbers driven in part by the appeal of its mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Built in Europe, the car has a futuristic design which car expert Matt Saunders said caught his imagination.
Matt said: “Not sure if it was aircraft tail fins or T-bone steaks that those air vents reminded me of, but I certainly kept coming back to look at them.
“Sometimes characterful product design can be just that simple.”
Nissan Qashqai – 11,792
The Nissan Qashqai is the third most sold car this year.
Although it was the UK’s best seller in 2022, it steadily fell in the rankings to second place in 2023.
This year it has retained its third-place crown, which it won in 2024, as it has continued to appeal to buyers with its excellent practicality.
The SUV is so popular that the average Brit is said to always be within 500m of one.
The Nissan Qashqai’s sales have been boosted by the addition of electrified powertrains in its third generation.
Vauxhall Corsa – 11,476
The Vauxhall Corsa has had a bumpy journey through the annual car sales charts, peaking at number one in 2021 before falling out of the top 10 in 2024.
In response to the car’s lackluster sales, Vauxhall gave the model a complete overhaul.
The Corsa now has a streamlined, modern design and improved onboard technology, which gives it a luxury feel.
The overhaul was an apparent success, with the Corsa now taking the number four spot for the most bought car in the UK.
Volkswagen Golf – 10,792
The UK’s fifth most purchased car in 2025 is the Volkswagen Golf.
The German-made car was criticised for frustrating interior tech and for its outdated design, prompting its manufacturers to give the model an overhaul.
Now a default choice for drivers once again, the Volkswagen Golf offers a refined and efficient powertrain.
It is an evergreen favourite for drivers thanks to its dependable driving manners and the offer of a comfortable ride.