EV theft: these are the most stolen electric cars in the UK

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the UK’s most stolen EV, according to the latest research by a leading vehicle data specialist.

Numbers from Solera Cap HPI show that a total of 1,465 EVs were stolen from the 463,670 on the road throughout 2024.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was the most stolen EV with 223 stolen from the total of 15,964 on UK roads (1.3%). The Kia Niro EV ranked second, with 177 thefts out of 18,674 (0.95%). The UK’s third most-stolen EV was the Kia EV6, with 169 thefts from 15,670 cars across the country (1%).

Kia was the most stolen EV brand in the UK with a total of 469 thefts, Hyundai second with 345, and BMW third with 107. Solera HPI found that 109 EVs are flagged as stolen each day.

Most EV thefts occurred in Greater London with 974 stolen from the total of 58,382 EVs registered in the city (1.66%). Outside the capital, the West Midlands had the most EV thefts with 137 reported incidents. This was followed by the East of England with 96 thefts, Yorkshire and the Humber with 58, the South East with 54, the North West with 51, and the East Midlands with 32.

Stacey Ward, Solera Cap HPI’s senior data director noted that while the low national EV theft figures are positive, it is crucial not to become complacent as thieves continually develop new methods to bypass security features.

“By generating stolen EV data for the whole of the UK, Solera cap hpi provides motorists with the full picture of the volumes and models targeted by thieves, and we help drivers keep their eyes wide open about the true history of a vehicle,” she said.

“Quality, meaningful data is only possible due to investing in and building partnerships across the automotive industry to ensure we have access to the broadest and most accurate information in the UK. As EVs become more prevalent on UK roads, drivers must take the necessary measures to secure their vehicles.

“Our analysis shows that models from manufacturers like Kia and Hyundai are being targeted.”