It’s good news if you’re looking for an electric car because more and
more car makers are introducing battery-powered models. If you live in a
city and do most of your driving below 30mph, any of these options
could put an end to your running costs. Check out carwow’s latest
savings using our car deals page.
Here are the 10 best electric cars on sale:
- Renault Zoe
- BMW i3
- Nissan Leaf
- VW e-Golf
- Tesla Model S
- VW e-Up
- Hyundai Ioniq Electric
- Kia Soul EV
- Tesla Model X
- Ford Focus Electric
1. Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe is a bargain among electric cars, with entry-level Zoe models
costing £18,495 and discounts hovering around five figures from some
carwow dealers. It’s a striking-looking small car, with elements
borrowed from the Clio’s smart interior and lots of cabin space – the boot is 338 litres, despite having to accommodate the battery.
Check out our Renault Zoe review and see our Renault Zoe deals.
2. BMW i3
The BMW i3 mixes the
German manufacturer’s high-quality finish and fun driving
experience with quirky styling and city-friendly diminutive dimensions.
It’s punchy on the road and has a 195-mile range that can be increased
if you spec the range extender version of the i3. It’s not particularly cheap but the blow is softened by the government’s plug-in car grant.
Interested? See our BMW i3 review and take a look at our BMW i3 deals.
3. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is the UK’s best-selling electric car. It’s spacious and practical with Nissan’s futuristic interior
that comes with plenty of standard kit – including sat nav and electric
windows. It feels quick on the move thanks to the electric motor’s
instant torque and has a useful 155-mile range. Entry-level Leaf models cost from £21,680 – a little more than a standard hatchback, but the plug-in grant cuts that down.
Give our Nissan Leaf review a look and have a browse of our Nissan Leaf deals.
4. VW e-Golf
The VW e-Golf
features all the benefits of the standard car including strong build
quality, a roomy interior and great ride quality. However, it adds the
green credentials, instant torque and peppy performance of its 113hp
electric motor. The 118-mile range means it’s a sensible option for
families looking for an electric car. It’s priced from £31,680, however,
before the plug-in grant.
Have a peek at our VW e-Golf review and see our VW e-Golf deals.
5. Tesla Model S
Few electric cars can match the refinement, style and performance of the Tesla Model S. Entry-level Model S versions
can hit 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds and go for 248 miles between
charges while top-spec P100D versions cut the 0-62mph time to an
internet-winning 2.5 seconds. Aside from the sheer speed, it features Tesla’s spacious, high-tech interior and a range of advanced autonomous driving systems. You do pay for the quality and pace, however, with prices from £60,000.
Take a look at our Tesla Model S review.
6. VW e-Up
The VW e-Up is
a peppy, charming little city car with the minuscule running costs and
near-silent running from the electric motor. It produces 84hp and covers
the 0-62mph sprint in less than 10 seconds although range is
slightly less than 100 miles. Like the standard car, the e-Up is agile in urban environments
and has Tardis-like levels of interior space – including a 250-litre
boot. It costs from a fairly high £25,280 but the government grant does
cut that by £4,500.
Intrigued? See our VW e-Up review and take a look at our VW e-Up deals.
7. Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is a worthy alternative to the Nissan Leaf and VW e-Golf. The Ioniq is pleasant and easy to drive
with instant acceleration from the electric motor and a decent 174-mile
range. The car looks striking too and there’s plenty of interior room
and standard kit – even basic models get cruise control and a
touchscreen infotainment system. It costs less than £30,000 before the
plug-in grant.
Give our Hyundai Ioniq Electric review a look and have a browse of our Hyundai Ioniq Electric deals.
8. Kia Soul EV
The Kia Soul EV takes the fight to the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf.
The running costs are minimal, the cabin is roomy – although batteries
limit the boot to 281 litres – and similarly chunky styling to the
standard car helps it stand out. It’s not quite as fun to drive as some
rivals but it’s refined on the move and has a 130-mile range. It
costs £24,495 before the government grant but Kia’s industry-leading
seven-year warranty softens that blow somewhat.
Have a peek at our Kia Soul EV review and see our Kia Soul EV deals.
9. Tesla Model X
Tesla’s Model X
uses the same platform as the Model S but drops a larger seven-seat
MPV/SUV body onto it. This means you get the same head-spinning
acceleration and similarly impressive battery range but with a little
more room for passengers and luggage. Marking it out from its more
affordable saloon sibling are the unique ‘falcon wing’ rear doors that
open upwards lending the car some spectacle while making it surprisingly
easy to get in and out of the back seats.
Take a look at our Tesla Model X review.
10. Ford Focus Electric
The Ford Focus Electric
has joined the increasingly competitive electric hatchback battle with
the same smart looks and well-built, roomy interior of the standard car.
The Focus Electric brings the cheap running costs and instant torque of
an electric vehicle into the mix, too, with a 140-mile range and 143hp.
It’s pricey, costing £31,680 for the base model but is eligible for the
government plug-in grant.
