In this episode of the Everything EV Podcast, hosts Matt Allan and George East dive into the latest developments in the electric vehicle (EV) market, focusing on the emergence of electric BMW M cars, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, and the BYD Atto2.

Matt shares his experience with the Corsa Electric, highlighting its surprisingly competent performance despite its age and design. He discusses the car's range and practicality, while also noting its lack of excitement compared to other models.

George then shares his thoughts on the BYD Atto2, praising its build quality and efficiency, while also critiquing its infotainment system.

The conversation shifts to the upcoming electric BMW M3, which promises to deliver an impressive 1,000 horsepower with a quad-motor setup, and the hosts speculate on its driving dynamics and design.

Matt is back from the Brussels Motor Show, where he’s seen many of the most important electric cars set to shape the market over the next few years. In this episode of Everything EV, he and George break down the biggest EV reveals, debate the hits and misses of the show, and pick out their personal highlights.

From compact crossovers and stylish estates to rugged off-roaders and controversial design choices, Brussels delivered plenty to talk about — not all of it good.

Cars discussed this week include:

• Kia EV2 – Kia sets its sights on the Renault 4 with a compact, affordable crossover

• Zeekr 7GT – A technically impressive Chinese electric estate heading for the UK

• Mazda CX-6e – Can Mazda’s new electric SUV improve on the 6e saloon?

• Subaru E-Outback – A 375bhp, boxy, all-wheel-drive EV that stays true to Subaru’s roots

• Mercedes GLB Electric – A divisive design that leaves Matt reaching for the eye bleach

• Xpeng G7+ – A sharply styled electric saloon that could worry Tesla and BMW

In this special end-of-year episode, Matt and George look back at what’s been a genuinely strong year for new electric cars, with more variety than ever — from sub-£20k city cars to £200k grand tourers, plus a clear shift towards hot hatches, sensible family EVs, and more capable 4x4s.

They agree that 2025 marked a real turning point for the “affordable EV” story: the best new cars no longer feel cheap because they’re compromised — they’re simply well engineered, well packaged, and increasingly easy to live with.

Matt’s overall EV of the year is the Renault 5, praised as the complete package: stylish, practical enough, properly affordable, and crucially, a car that appeals both to nostalgic older buyers and younger drivers who just think it looks brilliant.

George’s top pick is the Skoda Elroq vRS, which he calls the perfect “grown-up fast EV” — quick, comfortable, composed, and usable without feeling like a try-hard performance car. It nails that Skoda vRS sweet spot: spice without aggression.

Matt also admits the updated Tesla Model Y deserves its place on the list, describing it as Tesla’s most complete car yet — better built, more refined, and finally feeling as solid as rivals. He still can’t stand the stripped-back interior, but says the drivetrain, charging ecosystem and real-world range are simply hard to argue with.

A big talking point is how much strong EV progress came from brands people don’t always associate with electric excellence. The Citroën ë-C3 gets major praise for being shockingly comfortable, simple to use, and outstanding value — especially once the EV grant pushes it under £20k.

They also celebrate Nissan’s return to relevance with the new Leaf, which blends usability and normality with much more modern range and efficiency — helping bring Nissan “back into the EV game”. The Micra also makes the cut, even if it’s “basically a Renault 5” underneath — because borrowing from the best is no bad thing, and it gives Nissan loyalists a strong, familiar route into EVs.

On the performance side, George rates the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce as one of the year’s best drives — flawed, not especially efficient, but properly engaging and proof that Stellantis can build genuinely fun EVs. Kia’s EV4 also earns its place as the “electric Golf-shaped” car many buyers actually want: spacious, sensible, easy, and quietly brilliant.

And for something totally different, Matt highlights the Munro M280, a niche but hugely impressive Scottish-built off-road EV designed to be a rugged work tool for forestry, utilities and remote industrial use — a reminder that electrification isn’t just about family SUVs and hot hatches.

Across the list, the theme is clear: EVs are becoming easier, cheaper and more varied, without sacrificing range or quality. Whether you want something fun, sensible, luxurious or purely functional, 2025 proved the EV market is finally broad enough to feel… normal.