The electric vehicle (EV) market in Europe has seen rapid growth in the past year, but several vehicles have been left out of the spotlight due to high prices or low visibility. The IEA estimates that by 2024, around one in five new vehicles in the European Union will be electric, with the shares varying greatly between countries. We are creating a preview - electric cars 2025 - that are being overlooked. The first favourites are the MG4, which has become a benchmark thanks to its affordable price and top safety ratings, and the Lynk & Co 02, the brand's first all-electric model that focuses on car sharing. In this article, we take a closer look at three overlooked models - the BYD Atto 3, BYD Dolphin and Omoda E5 - which represent the hidden assets of the European market thanks to their excellent specifications, high safety and relatively affordable prices. 3+ overlooked electric cars that are conquering Europe!
Ignored electric cars?! According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2024, electric mobility was already part of the usual purchase in many EU countries – around 20 % new registrations was for battery electric vehicles. Growth slowed down mainly in countries where the authorities reduced subsidies, while in countries such as Norway and Denmark, shares were already reaching 88 % or 56 %The common denominator of successful models is the ratio between price, usability and safety. That's why we at City Magazine have prepared a review five electric vehicles, where there are two famous names – MG4 and Lynk & Co 02 – complemented by three less exposed models. All offer competitive performance, practical range and excellent safety (at least five Euro NCAP stars)while remaining attractively priced.
3+ overlooked electric cars taking over Europe
MG4 – the reference compact electrician
Favorites MG4 ended 2024 as one of the best-selling electric cars in Europe. All versions of the model achieved a Euro NCAP rating five stars; the MG Pilot system includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping controle. Model with battery 64 kWh (61.7 kWh usable capacity) develops 150 kW (204 hp) power and 250 Nm torque, accelerate to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and reaches maximum speed 160 km/hAccording to the official WLTP cycle, the range is 450 km (real range approx. 360 km), and charging is possible with power 142 kW (10-80 % in 24 min)In Slovenia, the price of the base model is around €33,000 (depending on the market), so the MG4 is a starting point for comparison. Definitely one on the list of electric cars that you shouldn't miss.
Lynk & Co 02 – a social electrician with 5 stars NCAP
Swedish-Chinese brand Lynk & Co. established itself in Europe with the 01 plug-in hybrid, and in October 2024 introduced its first all-electric model Lynk & Co 02The vehicle is based on the Geely SEA platform and uses 66 kWh lithium‑ion battery (NMC). A single rear motor develops 268 hp (200 kW) and 343 Nm torque, which provides acceleration 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and top speed 180 km/h. WLTP range is 445 km (277 miles), and the battery can be replaced with 150 kW DC charger can charge from 10 % to 80 % in 30 minutesIt also allows for 22 kWh charging, which is a rarity. According to Carscoops, the model starts at €35,495 in Italy, and most European markets offer it for €35,995.
The most important news from 2025 is the success in safety tests. Euro NCAP is the model 02 ranked among the safest compact SUVs with a rating of 5 starsHe achieved 90 % for adult occupant protection, 87 % for children, 83 % for the protection of vulnerable road users and 89 % for safety assistance. Test data highlights a stable passenger cell and effective collision avoidance systems. Lynk & Co also supports the concept of car sharing - the owner can set the rental price via the app, with the proceeds helping to cover the costs of the vehicle. Definitely one of the electric cars you shouldn't miss, or our secret favorite.
Hidden favorites 2025 – electric cars 2025
BYD Atto 3 – affordable compact SUV with Blade battery
Chinese BYD Atto 3 (also known as Yuan Plus) has been present in Europe since 2023 and is one of the few compact SUVs with a standard LFP Blade BatteryThe official European website of BYD Auto NZ states that the car is being developed 150 kW (204 hp) power and 310 Nm torque, up to Accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.3 secondsand provides the fleet with range 420 kmIt is equipped with advanced systems as standard, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with automatic braking and blind spot monitoring. The practicality is complemented by the function Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) with 3.3 kW output power (enables powering electrical devices), 11 kW AC charging and up to 89 kW DC charging, which allows 10–80 % in approximately 37 minutes. According to EV Database, the usable capacity is 60.5 kWh, WLTP range 420 km and real range around 330 km. The price in the Netherlands was ~€39,690, in Germany €37,990eSafety is one of the main advantages: BYD Atto 3 received a Euro NCAP rating five stars, achieving 91 % for adult protection, 89 % for children, 74 % for safety assistance and 69 % for vulnerable participants.
BYD Dolphin – a compact hatchback with impressive safety
The smallest member of the BYD family in Europe, Dolphin, is an electric hatchback that targets buyers who want an affordable yet technologically advanced alternative. The powertrain uses lithium iron phosphate battery (Blade) with 60.5 kWh usable capacity. The electric motor on the front axle develops 150 kW (204 hp) and 310 Nm torque (approx. 229 lb‑ft), which is sufficient for acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.0 seconds and maximum speed 160 km/h (99 mph)According to the official WLTP cycle, the range is 427 km (265 miles), and the real range in combined driving is around 350 km (217 miles).
Charging is efficient: on a domestic single-phase socket or via 11‑kW AC charger A full charge takes approximately 6 and a half hours, while 88-kW DC charger allows charging from 10 % to 80 % in about 40 minutes. BYD Dolphin also supports the function Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) with a maximum output power of 3.3 kW.
Safety is one of the main advantages of this model. Euro NCAP rated it with in 2023 the highest five stars; he achieved 89 % for adult protection, 87 % for children, 85 % for vulnerable road users and 79 % for security systems. Euro NCAP praised the stability of the passenger cell in a frontal collision and the effective operation of the speed limit cameras and lane keeping assist. Independent British portal Carwow highlights that the Dolphin received five stars and offers standard seven airbags, automatic high-beam assistant, driver fatigue warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping and door opening warning.
Buyers will also appreciate the relatively affordable price: in Germany, the BYD Dolphin costs around 32 990 €, and in the Netherlands 36 990 €. Due to the combination affordable prices, advanced security systems and practical range The Dolphin is one of the most affordable and safe electric vehicles in the mid-range.
Omoda E5 – a new player with high safety ratings
Under the Chery brand, it operates E5, which is a newcomer to the European market (autumn 2024). The vehicle received five stars in the Euro NCAP test, with results 87 % for adults and children, 88 % for security systems and 68 % to protect vulnerable participantsThe chassis is made of high-strength steel, and AEB, pedestrian and cyclist warning and queue assistance are standard. The Omoda E5 uses a battery 61 kWh and electric motor with 204 hp (150 kW), which allows acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and reach 280 miles (450 km)The vehicle supports 110 kW DC charging, allowing charging from 0 % to 80 % in 30 minutes; the manufacturer states that charging from 30 % to 80 % is possible in just 28 minutesWith a price expected to be around €100 in Europe 35 000 €, and rich equipment (dual 12.3-inch screens, OTA update options and voice control) makes the E5 a serious competitor to established brands.
Conclusion: electric mobility favorites
The EU electric car market is developing rapidly, but in the flood of models, we can overlook vehicles with an excellent balance between price, performance and safety. The article highlights three such hidden favorites – BYD Atto 3, BYD Dolphin and Omoda E5 – which boast powerful batteries, fast charging, top Euro NCAP ratings and competitive prices. We also put the already established MG4 and Lynk & Co 02 models side by side, which are breaking new ground in the affordable electric crossover class. For consumers looking for a safe, dynamic and affordable electric car, 2025 will offer more great options than ever before.
