Motoring Review

Pressure is growing on UK motorists to ditch their petrol and diesel-powered vehicles and switch to pure-electric cars, but which are the best electric cars available to buy now on the UK car market? Maarten Hoffmann takes a look…

GOING ELECTRIC

The number of electric cars on the UK’s roads continues to grow, as more new electric cars are launched, and used electric cars become more widely available. The choice of new electric cars available to consumers will continue to expand as more manufacturers get on board with the technology in preparation for tightening emissions regulations and upcoming bans on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. At the same time, the electric carcharging infrastructure in the UK is improving, albeit very, very slowly, making electric cars more viable for more people. The wider availability of fast and rapid chargers at homes and workplaces, as well as in public spaces, means it’s easier than ever to make the swap into an EV and enjoy its lower running costs with relatively little inconvenience. Even if you can’t manage with a pure EV, today’s plug-in hybrids offer a good halfway house option.

❛❛ The choice of new electric cars available to consumers will continue to expand as more manufacturers get on board with the technology ❜❜

10. KIA E-NIRO

Target price from £32,493

The e-Niro banishes range anxiety, with the 253 miles that it managed in our Real Range test – one of the best figures we’ve recorded so far. You also get good practicality, performance, comfort and equipment, although prices have risen significantly since 2019.

9. VOLKSWAGEN ID.3

Target price from £35,574

Thanks to rear-wheel drive, accurate steering and fine body control, the ID.3 is enjoyable to drive. What’s more, its practicality is up with the roomiest family hatchbacks, predicted resale values are superb and it’ll be cheap to run for both company car drivers and private buyers.

8. AUDI E-TRON GT

Target price from £83,167

It may be a slightly softer version of the Porsche Taycan, but be in no doubt that the E-tron GT is an awesome-handling electric car. It’s also fast, comfortable and reasonably practical. The Tesla Model S is quicker and roomier for families, though, and we favour the Taycan for its extra agility.

7. CUPRA BORN

Target Price from £34,715

The Born takes all the good bits from the ID.3 and adds a slightly more polished interior and an upgraded infotainment system. If you go for a mid-range V2 58kWh version it’s also very well priced against an ID.3, so the Born is certainly worth a place on your electric car shortlist.

6. BMW I4

Target Price from £52,823

The i4 is fast, comfortable and extremely hushed at high speeds. Factor in a decent range, a great infotainment system and a plush interior and it’s a compelling alternative to a Tesla Model 3. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that the Model 3 comes with a significantly better-charging network – crucial if you cover a lot of motorway miles.

5. BMW IX3

Target Price from £65,215

Aside from some styling details and the fact the combustion engine has been replaced with an electric motor, the iX3 is essentially a BMW X3 – and that’s a good thing. Zero emissions and a long range between charges are merely very welcome bonuses.

4. MERCEDES EQA

Target Price: £47,510

A very neat looking car with the heritage of the Mercedes badge behind it. Great range, superb quality, superb roadholding and very quick. A charge time of 32 minutes on a public charger is highly attractive.

3. PORSCHE TAYCAN CROSS TURISMO

Target Price from £76,555

If you’re looking for all the usual electric car benefits but want something that’s also absolutely thrilling to drive, the Porsche Taycan is the car for you. It’s wonderfully classy inside, too, and surprisingly practical – particularly if you go for the estate-like Cross Turismo version. So, while the Taycan certainly isn’t cheap, it’s worth every penny.

2. KIA EV6

Target Price from £44,195

The Kia EV6 is an even better electric car than the closely related Hyundai Ioniq 5, because it’s more enjoyable to drive and slightly classier inside. At the same time, like the Ioniq 5, it offers a long range and the ability to charge up very quickly. Just bear in mind that cheaper rear-wheel drive EV6s make more financial sense than the faster four-wheel drive models.

❛❛ The wider availability of fast and rapid chargers at homes and workplaces, as well as in public spaces, means it’s easier than ever to make the swap into an EV ❜❜

1. TESLA MODEL 3

Target Price from £48,490

Few cars received as much hype before their launch as the Model 3, and even fewer can match what it offers in reality. Tesla’s most affordable car is great to drive, packed full of tech, fast (ridiculously so in Performance guise) and surprisingly practical. Factor in a competitive price, especially given its sheer pace, and it’s not only the best all-round electric car on sale today, but one of the best choices full stop.