It feels like a flashy new EV launches every week – each one raising the bar for technology, performance and efficiency.
That means models that were cutting edge a year ago are now just average. We've picked 10 of our favourite electric cars. Each one showing off the latest on-board tech and effortlessly propelled by a swift-yet-silent electric motor.
Kia EV3
- Excellent practicality for its size
- Great pricing considering the electric range
- Cool, modern design
Kia's growing lineup of electric cars is so impressive any one of them could've earned a spot on this list. We're giving the nod to the latest addition, however – the EV3 family SUV. This five-seater takes up barely any more room on the road than a VW Golf, but the electric platform means the cabin is stretched way out, giving palatial rear seats and a big 460-litre boot. Well-equipped entry-level versions cost a little over £30,000 brand new, while long-range versions are still less than £37,000 – the threshold for the new EV grant. Fully charged, big-battery models will cover a claimed 375 miles but small-battery models will still cover an impressive 270 miles.
Take a look at used Kia electric cars for sale or read our Kia EV3 review
Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Massive cabin
- Smooth, swift driving experience
- Luxurious interior design
Most cars in Hyundai's Ioniq range deserve a spot on this list. There's the '80s-inspired Ioniq 5 family hatch or the aerodynamic Ioniq 6 saloon but, for us, it's hard to argue with the imperious, practical and powerful Ioniq 9. This is a vast three-row family SUV that actually has enough room for adults in all three rows, or you can fold the rear positions to open up an enormous, van-like cargo space. Big-battery versions can travel up to 385 miles on a full charge – an impressive figure considering the Hyundai's sheer size. Inside, you'll find a modern design and tasteful materials that could almost fool you into thinking it's a luxury car.
Find used Hyundai electric cars or read our Hyundai reviews
Tesla Model Y
- Facelift brings dramatic refinement and comfort improvements
- Very practical and well equipped
- All models are quick – range toppers are seriously rapid
The Tesla Model Y is now old enough to have received a mid-life facelift. There's a brace of external updates including new front and rear light bars, better aerodynamics and a simplified rear bumper structure that makes crash repairs cheaper. Inside, you'll find new heated and ventilated front seats, better sound insulation and Tesla's trademark massive screen dominating the dashboard. All these updates mean the Model Y is still one of the best family EVs on sale, with loads of space, up to 387 miles of range, and the ability to regain 166 miles in just 15 minutes.
Shop used Tesla cars or read our Tesla Model Y review
Renault Scenic E-Tech
- Modern, avant-garde cabin design
- Great range for the price
- Smooth driving experience
Renault is currently resurrecting its old model names – reintroducing the Scenic, Megane and Renault 4 as electric SUVs, as well as the fashionable Renault 5 hatch. The family-sized Scenic is now a smart-looking electric SUV with serious practicality, not to mention a welcome injection of desirability thanks to its plush trimmings and modern design. Big-battery models can deliver an impressive driving range of 379 miles, while entry-level models still achieve a very useable 260 miles. Performance from the 220hp electric motor is smooth and predictable, as is the ride quality.
Search used Renault electric cars or read our Renault Scenic E-Tech review
Volvo EX90
- Upmarket, timeless styling
- Posh, sophisticated interior
- Comfy ride quality
There's no getting around the fact the Volvo EX90 is pricey. You start with the already expensive XC90 SUV, then add Volvo's latest electric bits underneath – not to mention a huge 111kWh battery pack – and it's no surprise why this is a six-figure vehicle. Spend just a few seconds inside the EX90's sumptuous cabin, however, and you'll see where the money's gone. Passenger accommodation is top-notch, with comfy seats, lots of space to stretch out and a graceful, soft ride quality. The raw numbers are strong too, with a 385-mile range and a half-hour 10-80% charge time – that's regaining 105 miles in just 10 minutes.
Volkswagen ID.7
- Practical family car that's not an SUV
- All versions have impressive range
- Key cabin improvements over early ID cars
Volkswagen's early ID models probably wouldn't have made this list, but the ID.7 is a much more polished package. It's available as a coupe-like Fastback or as a slightly more practical Tourer (pictured) with a longer roof and more cargo space. Both versions will be more than a match for a family of four and their clobber, and everyone on board is treated to plenty of passenger space and a comfy cabin. The interior design is still very minimal like earlier IDs, but some material and feature improvements help the ID.7 feel more welcoming. Entry-level models claim 360 miles of range, while big-battery versions achieve a headline 430-mile figure.
Shop used Volkswagen ID.7 cars for sale or read our Volkswagen ID.7 review
BMW iX1
- Nicely sized for UK roads
- Confident handling
- Premium, tech-laden interior
BMW's range of i electric cars is growing with more SUV and saloon options being added regularly. Despite fancier models like the i5 saloon or iX SUV being offered higher up the range, we reckon the comparatively affordable iX1 is still one of the most compelling battery-powered cars it makes. It's based on the regular X1 compact SUV, which means it's easy to drive in tight city traffic but still has plenty of space for a family of four and their luggage. Long-range cars achieve nearly 300 miles on a full charge, and all models get reassuringly zippy performance from their responsive electric motors.
Check out used BMW iX1 cars or read our BMW iX1 review
Polestar 3
- Sophisticated styling
- Spacious interior
- Easy, satisfying driving experience
Polestar's numerical naming system – going in order of when each model was released – is a bit odd. The 3 is a big, luxurious two-row SUV, which sits above both the Polestar 2 and the Polestar 4 in size and pricing. It's our favourite car from the brand so far, however, with its elegant design, luxurious interior and excellent body control. Like other Polestars, the 3 manages to achieve a seamless user experience. Once you've personalised the car to your taste, you just get in and go – no fussing with drive modes or regen settings. And, while we'd still take a few more physical buttons, key controls like the gear selector, stereo volume and indicators are obvious and intuitive.
Shop used Polestar cars or read our Polestar reviews
MG4
- Well priced and well equipped
- Spacious for its size
- Great ride and handling
The revived MG brand has already made an impression in Britain thanks to its selection of well-equipped cars that substantially undercut their main rivals on price. What MG lacked, however, was a model that had the design chops to hang with the best in class – step in, the MG4. This clever hatchback has a small footprint but a big cabin thanks to its battery-powered underpinnings, along with angsty, pointy styling that looks like it belongs in Sonic the Hedgehog. Inside, you'd never guess it was a budget-friendly option thanks to a modern-looking cabin that's decked out in the latest tech.
Shop used MG4 cars or read our MG4 review
Skoda Elroq
- Cheaper than an Enyaq without losing much practicality
- Easygoing driving experience
- Intuitive dashboard
The Skoda Elroq is the little brother to the Enyaq family SUV. Despite its smaller stature, the Elroq still has loads of practicality, with space for a family of four and all their clobber plus a little room left over. More importantly, it's around £8,500 cheaper than the Enyaq – putting it well below the luxury car tax threshold and much closer to the hands of the average UK buyer. Even this affordable entry-level version will cover a claimed 233 miles on a charge, while big-battery models claim a long-legged 360 miles. Beyond the spec sheet, the Elroq driving experience is classically 'Skoda' – refined, easygoing and intuitive.
Search used Skoda electric cars or read our Skoda Elroq review
Not quite ready for a full electric car?
If you're not up for jumping into the EV life, why not check out our favourite plug-in-hybrid cars? Once you've found the right model for you, find out how much you could save by buying a used car from Motorpoint.
