The electric vehicle (EV) landscape is rapidly evolving, offering consumers more choice and impressive technological advancements than ever before. While the market is brimming with compelling options, a significant gap exists between the truly exceptional and the easily forgettable. This year has seen a surge in EV registrations, with sales reaching record highs. This growth is fuelled by an expanding range of models, from compact city cars to substantial SUVs, and the increasing affordability of electric motoring. Furthermore, the charging infrastructure is keeping pace, with the network of public chargers experiencing substantial growth.
This surge in EV adoption is supported by major automotive manufacturers who are now offering a diverse array of electric vehicles. Simultaneously, new players, particularly from China, are entering the market with high-tech, cost-effective alternatives that challenge established brands. Navigating this expanding market can be a challenge, so here’s a look at some of the standout EVs and those that might be best avoided.
Top Electric Vehicle Picks
Here are some of the electric vehicles that have impressed with their innovation, performance, and overall driving experience:
Renault 5 E-Tech
The new Renault 5 E-Tech is a delightful blend of retro charm and modern technology. Available with a 40kWh battery offering up to 194 miles of range or a larger 52kWh pack for approximately 255 miles, this car is as enjoyable to look at as it is to drive.
- Design and Interior: The exterior pays homage to Renault’s classic hatchbacks with clever design cues. Inside, the Google-based infotainment system is a standout feature, offering Google Maps for navigation and the ability to download apps and music over-the-air. The cabin is thoughtfully designed with logically placed controls and a level of interior detail usually found in more premium vehicles.
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Performance and Value: Starting at £22,995 for the version with the smaller battery, the Renault 5 E-Tech is competitively priced against many petrol-powered rivals. Its agile handling and charming character have earned it numerous accolades, making it a compelling choice for urban driving and beyond.
Price: From £22,995
Mercedes-Benz CLA
When it comes to electric vehicles, range is paramount, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA excels in this crucial area. While a departure from its predecessors, this new CLA is a champion of EV efficiency.
- Exceptional Range: Equipped with an 85kWh onboard battery, it boasts a remarkable WLTP range of up to 491 miles on a single charge. This figure holds up remarkably well in real-world conditions, unlike the optimistic claims of some competitors.
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Cutting-Edge Interior Technology: The cabin is a technological marvel. It offers the option of screens that extend across the entire dashboard, including a dedicated display for the front passenger. When parked, these high-definition screens can be used to watch movies with impressive surround sound, transforming the car into an entertainment hub.
Price: From £37,400
Porsche Macan GTS
For those seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality in an electric SUV, the Porsche Macan GTS is a formidable contender, albeit at a premium price point.
- Performance and Charging: With a substantial 95kWh battery, the Macan GTS offers a range of up to 362 miles. Its advanced charging technology allows the battery to go from 10% to 80% in as little as 21 minutes at compatible rapid chargers.
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Dynamic Driving: Producing 571 horsepower, this SUV can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds when launch control is activated. It also delivers the engaging and precise handling expected of a Porsche, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. While the £89,000 price tag is significant, it offers a compelling package for those who demand the best.
Price: From £89,000
Kia EV 9
Finding a large electric SUV or people-mover that can comfortably seat seven occupants is not easy, but the Kia EV 9 stands out as a practical and stylish option.
- Spacious and Versatile Interior: Featuring a massive 99.8kWh battery, the EV 9 offers a claimed range of 350 miles in its most efficient configurations. Its third row of seats folds electronically into the boot floor, providing exceptional versatility. When all seats are in use, it offers a quiet, comfortable, and surprisingly powerful ride for larger families. When the third row is stowed, it boasts cargo capacity comparable to a small commercial vehicle.
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Advanced Technology and Premium Feel: With prices starting at £65,915 and reaching up to £76,995 for the top-spec six-seat configuration, the EV 9 is Kia’s most expensive model to date. However, it justifies its cost with a wealth of genuinely useful technology, including self-parking capabilities, a sharp 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a premium cabin crafted from recycled ocean waste. The extensive list of standard features further enhances its appeal.
Price: From £65,915
Electric Vehicles That Miss the Mark
While the EV market offers many exciting choices, some models fall short, failing to deliver a compelling or memorable experience.
MG IM6
The MG IM6, viewed as a more premium offering within the MG lineup, leverages technology from its parent company, SAIC Motor Corporation.
- On-Paper Appeal: The IM6 boasts impressive specifications, including a 100kWh battery delivering up to 388 miles of range in rear-wheel-drive variants and a rapid 0-62mph time of just 3.5 seconds. It’s fast, has a good range, and charges relatively quickly, with prices starting at a reasonable £47,995.
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Underwhelming Execution: Despite its promising specifications, the IM6 proves to be a forgettable car. The interior is bland, the onboard technology is frustrating to use, and the driving experience lacks any discernible emotion. In comparison, even a Tesla feels more engaging.
Price: From £47,995
BYD Dolphin Surf
The BYD Dolphin Surf is one of the most affordable EVs available in the UK, offering a surprising amount of technology for its price point.
- Feature-Rich, But Lacking Substance: Features like unlocking the car with a smartwatch and a wireless smartphone charging tray are convenient. However, these gadgets cannot compensate for the car’s weak performance, even by EV standards. The ride quality is also compromised at lower speeds, and it’s not an enjoyable car to drive on country roads.
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Intrusive Technology: Unlike older small cars that offered character and fun, the BYD is laden with assistance and safety systems that frequently beep and intervene. The reliance on a touchscreen for most controls makes it difficult to disable these intrusive systems. While its 200-mile range offers good value, other options from Hyundai, Citroen, and Renault provide a more engaging experience for a similar price.
Price: £17,935
Leapmotor T03
While the Dacia Spring holds the title of the cheapest new EV in the UK, the Leapmotor T03, at a similar price point, attempts to impress with a plethora of technology that often detracts from the driving experience.
- Overly Aggressive Safety Systems: The safety systems are as intrusive and annoying as those found in the BYD Dolphin, and perhaps even more so. The infotainment system is so basic that it offers no real advantage over simply mounting a smartphone to the dashboard.
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Mediocre Performance: The driving experience is distinctly average, with adequate range and slow charging speeds. The car lacks any discernible character, making it a bland and forgettable option in the budget EV segment.
Price: From £15,995
