The Kia EV3 is the 2025 World Car of the Year

Electric Carmakers Dominate at the World Car of the Year

The World Car Awards is made up of a jury of over 100 car journalists from three dozen countries who drive over 40 new makes and models and narrow in on the most innovative products over a series of voting panels. The award is presented at the New York Auto Show. To win, each juror awards points to the eligible vehicles based on design, quality, performance, technology, and value. The ceremony dates back 21 years and in that time new automakers and electrified vehicles have changed the face of the award categories and criteria. As the global car economy shifts, the World Car Awards offer a temperature reading on the industry trends and what is most resonant among those who assess and drive the most cars. Newcomers include all electric automakers, and often times cars not available in the US market.

I’ve been a World Car juror since 2013. This year after the ceremony at the New York Auto Show I spoke to Stella Li, who was awarded Person of the Year. Li is Executive Vice President of BYD and has been with the company since its 1996 origins until now when it hit the milestone of producing 10-millionth electric vehicle. For the first time a BYD brand won one of the categories. She focused on the new battery tech BYD unveiled this spring. “You can travel 400 kilometers in 5 minutes,” she said. “It’s launching in China and end of next year in Europe. Flash charging is a new innovation. It’s a fundamentally revolutionary. If you look back at 10 years this will be a really big milestone.” The Han L is produced entirely in house and a potential future World Car contender.

Stella Li, BYD Executive Vice President, the 2025 Person of the Year.

Here's a roundup of the 2025 winners:

The World Car of the Year is the Kia EV3. The small SUV is a nimble two-row offering that is a targeting a 300-mile range. Recycled fabrics and a standard 12.3 inch touchscreen are some of its highlights. Runner Ups include BMW X4 and the Hyundai Inster/Casper Electric

The World Luxury Car of the Year is the Volvo EX90, an all electric SUV.

The World Performance Car of the Year is the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, a classic speedster that delivers on power, handling, and exquisite design.

For the World Design category, VW ID Buzz took home top honors, an electric standout for its original shape and styling that references nostalgia without being steeped in it.

World Electric Car Hyundai Inster — Hyundai shows it s muscle in electric powertrain offerings.

World Urban Car BYD Seagull/Dolphin Mini — a first for the Chinese automaker.