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.
- BMW iX3
- Kia EV3
- Fiat Grande Panda
- Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Tesla Model Y
- Renault Scenic E-Tech
- Citroen C5 Aircross
- Volkswagen ID.7
- Polestar 3
- Skoda Elroq
BMW iX3
- Incredible range and charging speeds
- Refined and practical
- Ultra-modern infotainment tech
The BMW iX3 is the new benchmark for long-range luxury electric travel. Big-battery models achieve an astonishing 500-mile fully charged range from their 108.7kWh packs. That means, even in the worst conditions, you can still guarantee hundreds of uninterrupted motorway miles. Backing that up is a rapid 300kW charge speed, so you can recover most of the battery's vast capacity in less than half an hour. Like the petrol X3, the iX3 is also an excellent all-round family car, with acres of cabin space, a stylish design and the most high-tech iteration of BMW's iDrive infotainment system so far.
Check out used BMW iX3 cars or read our BMW iX3 review
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 versions still cover an impressive 270 miles.
Take a look at used Kia EV3 cars for sale or read our Kia EV3 review
Fiat Grande Panda
- Charming retro design
- Spacious for such a compact car
- Grown-up ride quality
The latest Fiat Grande Panda has grown up substantially compared to older Pandas – hence the new name and the price hike. Despite that, it's still a very affordable option on the market while, at the same time, avoiding feeling like a bargain-basement special. Neat details like the textile trim details and a bamboo-lined storage box all help elevate the Grande Panda above other economy-focused options. Its 199-mile electric range isn't particularly impressive, but it should be plenty for second-car or school-run duties. Recharging is a doddle too thanks to the Grande Panda's built-in curly charging cable.
Shop used Fiat electric cars or read our Fiat Grande Panda 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 Model Y 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 Scenic E-Tech cars or read our Renault Scenic E-Tech review
Citroen C5 Aircross
- Practical, spacious cabin
- Comfortable ride
- Good battery range for the price
You'd be forgiven for thinking that the fanciest battery tech and the longest driving ranges are found in expensive electric cars. That certainly used to be the case but, as battery and EV production has ramped up, there are more affordable long-range options than ever before. Step in the Citroen C5 Aircross – a big, burly family SUV with mild-hybrid, plug-in-hybrid and fully electric options under the bonnet. Despite its capability and impressive 420-mile range, prices sit in the mid-£30,000 range, which significantly undercuts most other long-range rivals. That it's also comfortable and quiet is the icing on this impressive cake.
Shop used Citroen C5 Aircross cars or read our Citroen C5 Aircross review
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
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
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 Elroq 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.
