The top 10 electric cars

Electric cars are the future of motoring. They are clean, fast and cheaper to run compared with petrol and diesel models.

The range of many models is over 200 miles and there are more charging locations than petrol stations so there is no longer any reason to delay in switching to an electric vehicle (EV).

The information provided was correct at the time of publication.  Some incentives and grants may no longer be available.

As well as helping to clean up the air that we breathe EVs also help to tackle climate change.

The motors are more efficient and batteries are charged using electricity, which is increasingly generated from the wind and the sun. For these great health and environmental reasons, there is a £3,500 grant from the Government when you buy a new all-electric vehicle (EV).

*UPDATE*

As of 18th March 2021, the government has reduced the maximum grant for electric cars from £3,500 to £2,500 with immediate effect. The price cap for cars eligible for the subsidy has also been reduced from £50,000 to £35,000. This may affect the prices outlined below.

So if you are in the market for a new car, what are the best electric cars to buy?

Below is an overview of the best models on the market (in alphabetical order). There’s a variety of sizes, prices, and electric driving ranges, so there is something to suit everyone. All have zero tailpipe emissions, all have low running costs and all will benefit from a zero company car tax Benefit in Kind (BIK) rate from April 2020.

AUDI E-TRON

The Audi e-tron is the first all-electric offering from the brand and it’s very capable, desirable and practical.

Electric driving range: 241 miles (WLTP)

Price: £68,020 (after the government’s £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant)

Read the full Audi e-tron review

BMW I3

The BMW i3, especially in i3s form, aims to provide a sporty EV driving experience, helped by the rear-wheel drive, lightweight chassis.

Electric driving range: 188miles (WLTP)

Price: £31,680 (after the government’s £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant)

Read the full BMW i3 Review

HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC

The Hyundai KONA Electric is a game changer: it offers a 279 mile electric range for a shade over £30,000 – and it’s excellent to drive.

Electric driving range: 279 miles (WLTP)

Price: £32,845(after the government’s £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant)

NOTE – 39 kWh version costs £27,250 and offers 180 mile range

Read the full Hyundai KONA Electric Review

JAGUAR I-PACE

The Jaguar I-PACE offers zero emissions, a dynamic driving experience, a great-looking and practical body style, and of course performance – so is this the ultimate all-round green driver’s car?

Electric driving range: 292 miles (WLTP)

Price: £60,995 (after the government’s £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant)

Read the full Jaguar I-PACE Review

KIA E-NIRO

The Kia e-Niro has an official 282 mile WLTP electric driving range, a practical, compact crossover-style body, and it’s relatively affordable: it’s another game changer from the rapidly progressing Hyundai & Kia corporations.

Electric driving range: 282 miles (WLTP)

Price: £32,995 (after the government’s £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant)

Read the full Kia e-Niro Review

NISSAN LEAF

The new Nissan LEAF has more mainstream styling and a longer driving range compared to the previous model, together with all of the usual benefits of electric vehicles such as zero emissions and an extremely refined driving experience.

Electric driving range: 168 miles (WLTP)

Price: £27,995 (after the government’s £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant)

NOTE – 62 kWh version costs £35,895 and offers 239 mile range

Read the full Nissan LEAF Review

RENAULT ZOE

The all-electric Renault ZOE is good to drive and the Z.E.40 model now comes with a range of 186 miles (WLTP); along with a competitive price compared to some other EVs, it’s a practical and attractive proposition for many motorists.

Electric driving range: 186 miles (WLTP)

Price: £24,320 including battery (after the government’s £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant)

NOTE – New 52 kWh version offers 242 mile range

Read the full Renault ZOE Review

TESLA MODEL 3

It’s been on sale in America for a while, but the Model 3 has only just made it to the UK – with a 348 mile range and prices starting from £38,900, surely this will be a sales hit?

Electric driving range: 348 miles (WLTP) (Long Range version)

Price: £47,900 (after the government’s £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant)

NOTE – ‘Standard Range Plus’ version costs £38,900 and offers 258 mile range

TESLA MODEL S

The Tesla Model S was outstanding when it first appeared, but it’s still ahead of the EV crowd in many ways today.

Electric driving range: 375 miles (WLTP estimate) (Long Range version)

Price: £72,550 (after the government’s £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant)

NOTE – Standard Range version costs £72,550, Tesla estimates WLTP range is 280 miles. Long Range version costs £81,650.

Read the full Tesla Model S Review

TESLA MODEL X

Tesla brings more disruptive technology to the car industry with the Model X all-electric, all-wheel drive SUV, with a range of around 300 miles, 150mph+ top speed and 0-60mph in sub-5 seconds – and of course zero tailpipe emissions.

Electric driving range: 315 miles (WLTP estimate) (Long Range version)

Price: £84,800 (after the government’s £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant)

NOTE – Standard Range version costs £76,550, Tesla estimates WLTP range as 230 miles. Long Range version costs £84,800.

This information was kindly reproduced from an article that first appeared on the Green Car Guide website https://www.greencarguide.co.uk/features/top-10-electric-cars-2/

There are often long waiting times for a new electric car so if you are keen to buy one asap then choosing the standard models is normally the quickest way to buy a new electric car.

Alternatively, if you want to save some money, there are plenty of second hand models out there. In particular Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, Telsas and BMW i3 however as demand grows, many second-hand electric cars are holding their value well. Increasingly for work and leisure many people are choosing to rent rather than own a new car. There are several leasing schemes available such as Evezy.

There is an electric car to suit most budgets, styles and range requirements.  I’ve owned a Nissan Leaf for a few months now and it is fabulous so whatever car you choose you will never regret switching to an electric vehicle.

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