The Renault 5, a retro-styled hatchback, has surprisingly topped the electric car sales chart in the UK, outselling Tesla’s Model Y. However, both models were eclipsed by the Jaecoo 7, a new petrol-powered vehicle from China, highlighting a shift in British consumer priorities towards value and affordable transportation. These trends suggest that price remains a more significant factor for many buyers than solely focusing on lower carbon emissions.
The Rise of the Retro Renault 5
October saw the Renault 5 emerge as the UK’s best-selling electric car. Renault’s managing director, Adam Wood, characterized the vehicle as a “game-changer,” emphasizing its appealing combination of fun design, enjoyable driving experience, and practicality. Notably, the car’s popularity isn’t limited to electric car enthusiasts; buyers are choosing it “irrespective of its powertrain,” indicating a broader appeal.
Almost half (49 percent) of Renault’s UK sales last month were fully electric vehicles, and one in four of all new cars registered were zero-emission— demonstrating the continuing, albeit fluctuating, demand for electric vehicles.
The Jaecoo 7: A New Contender
Despite the surge in electric car sales, neither the Renault 5 nor any other electric vehicle cracked the top 10 best-selling cars overall. The Ford Puma held the top spot, and perhaps more surprisingly, China’s Jaecoo 7 secured the sixth position with over 2,600 registrations in October alone. So far this year, the Jaecoo 7 has surpassed the sales of established brands like Citroen and Lexus, while its compatriot, BYD, has registered more new vehicles than Dacia, Cupra, or MINI.
Slowing Electric Car Adoption & the Price Factor
These figures underscore a few key developments: British buyers are drawn to the affordability of Chinese models, and electric car adoption appears to be decelerating. Cox Automotive’s Insight director, Philip Nothard, points to “fragile consumer sentiment and policy uncertainty” as contributing factors to this trend. He notes that despite a slight uptick in October, electric vehicle registrations account for just 22.4 percent year-to-date.
Nothard considers the Government’s 2026 Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which aims for 33 percent of all car sales to be zero-emission, to be “unrealistic” in the current climate. To accelerate electric car adoption, many believe addressing the charging infrastructure and affordability for drivers without a driveway is crucial.
The Charging Challenge & Future Prospects
John Lewis, CEO of chargepoint operator char.gy, acknowledges the progress but stresses the need to ensure accessibility for everyone. “These figures show the transition is gaining real traction – but we have to make sure it reaches every street,” Lewis says. The challenge now lies in making charging as convenient for those without a driveway as it is for those who can plug in at home, ensuring a fair transition for all drivers.
Ultimately, the UK car market is signaling a complex interplay of consumer preferences, technological advancements, and government policies. It’s becoming clear that a focus solely on electric vehicles may not be enough; addressing affordability, expanding charging infrastructure, and providing appealing alternatives will be essential to shaping the future of transportation in Britain.
