The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has awarded its first-ever Car of the Year title to the electric Kia EV2, a compact SUV that starts from £24,245 and delivers a WLTP-certified range of up to 281 miles.
The accolade marks the first time the RAC has presented such an award, and the winner differs from choices made by other motoring publications. AutoExpress, for example, previously named an electric SUV as its favourite this year.
Judging criteria and panel
The contenders were scored by a panel that included RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year Jack Halstead and Patrol of the Year Ross Templeman. They assessed vehicles across criteria such as value, running costs, practicality and handling.
Explaining the decision, the RAC said: "It sets a new benchmark for affordable electric cars. Its combination of low running costs, impressive range and keen pricing makes it an exceptionally compelling choice for UK motorists."
Why the EV2 won
"For less than £25,000, it offers a class-leading 275 miles of range and space for four adults, along with a practical boot, a high-quality interior and a generous list of standard equipment."
"What's more, it's quiet, comfortable and easy to drive, feeling like a larger and more expensive car than its compact dimensions suggest."
In addition to the overall title, the EV2 also took the RAC's award for best small electric car and has previously won CAR Magazine's Crossover of the Year award.
Industry reaction and context
Following the win, Senior Vice President of Global Business Planning at Kia Sang Un Cho said: "Becoming the first-ever RAC Car of the Year is meaningful recognition of that approach and further strengthens the EV2's position as Kia expands accessible electric mobility across Europe and its global EV line-up."
The victory comes at a pivotal moment for electric vehicles, as more drivers switch from petrol and diesel amid soaring pump prices and the looming deadline of the UK government's Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.
On 28 September, diesel prices in the UK surged to an unprecedented high of 199.18p, according to RAC figures. Prices had remained elevated since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and climbed further due to tensions in the Middle East sparked by the outbreak of the US-Iran War in February.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams warned that only a prolonged reduction in prices will bring meaningful relief to consumers. He said: "The cost of filling up an average family car is now almost £110, £31 more than it was at the start of the US-Iran conflict. Only a sustained lower oil price - over several weeks, not days - will lead to cheaper prices at the pumps."
