What’s the best electric car to buy?

As a motorist have you considered making the switch to electric power?

Electric vehicles are becoming much more commonplace on UK roads as car makers make the seismic shift away from internal combustion engines to electric motors and battery power.

Companies might have been slow to embrace the technology at first but it’s clear to see that the future is electric.

It is said that motorists who do go down the electric route seldom if ever go back.

But if you are thinking about taking the plunge what is the best car to buy?

That is of course entirely dependant on one’s budget - while the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model S might will plaudits aplenty they are not cheap.

We have looked at two authoritative voices on the subject - CAR magazine and Auto Express to see what they think the best buys are.

CAR magazine

CAR says that UK car buyers are “shifting inexorably towards electric cars” – and as model line-ups continue to grow and prices fall, the rate of change will increase.

CAR lists its picks, breaking it up into categories - family cars and small cars - to suit differing needs.

Best electric cars for families

Tesla Model 3

CAR says: “The more affordable and long-awaited Model 3 has finally arrived in the UK. It might be the least expensive Tesla available but, even in entry-level form, few are likely to be disappointed – as even the base model packs a claimed 254-mile range and the ability to sprint from 0-60mph in just 5.3sec.

MG ZS EV

CAR says: “If the high cost of many a more capable electric car has put you off, worry not – prices are starting to tumble.

“Case in point: MG has just launched its first all-electric car, the ZS EV, and the first thousand customers will benefit from an introductory price of £21,495.

“Even once that offer has expired, the price – inclusive of the government grant – is a still-reasonable, comparatively speaking, £24,995.

“The ZS EV can accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.5sec, cover 163 miles on a single charge.”

Audi e-Tron

CAR says: “The first full series-production electric car from Audi is a triumph: you get the usual Ingolstadt quality and driving manners, all wrapped up in a very practical SUV bodystyle that’s akin to a Q5 crossover. Performance is rapid, range decent and it just all feels so normal.

“A range of 248 miles is claimed and the e-Tron can accelerate from 0-62mph in as little as 5.7sec.”

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Mercedes-Benz EQC

CAR says: “The EQC is the first car in Mercedes’ new EV-only ‘EQ’ range and, while not exactly innovative, it’s an unquestionably capable SUV. It has a range of 259 miles, features twin motors for all-wheel drive, can sprint from 0-62mph in 5.1sec and is loaded with technology.

Jaguar I-Pace

CAR says: “Jaguar’s first all-electric car, dubbed the I-Pace, is a tremendously slick affair – and one that’s a tempting alternative to established rivals such as the Tesla Model X.

“Twin motors serve up a mighty 395bhp and 513lb ft, as well as all-wheel drive, and the I-Pace is claimed capable of 0-62mph in 4.8sec.

“Refrain from deploying that punch, though, and you could eke 298 miles out of the battery, according to Jaguar.”

Motor industry

Nissan Leaf

CAR says: “The world’s first mass-market electric car is back in v2.0 as a better-than-ever family electric car. Priced from around £28k, the latest Nissan Leaf uses carryover mechanicals but sprinkled with a whole lot of better battery tech and a fresh wardrobe.

“Nissan quotes a real-world range of up to 239 miles if you opt for the E+ version, giving the Leaf true everyday practicality creds.”

Hyundai Kona Electric

CAR says: “The Kona is arguably one of the most versatile and accessible EVs on sale. It’s affordably priced, for starters, and two distinct versions are offered – a 134bhp model with a 39kWh battery, or a 204bhp version with a higher-capacity 64kWh battery. In base form, the Kona can travel up to 180 miles on a single charge and sprint from 0-62mph in a perfectly sensible 9.7sec. Go for the more expensive model, though, and the range leaps to 279 miles while the 0-62mph time drops to 7.6sec.

Porsche Taycan

CAR says: “The new Porsche Taycan is an incredible technical achievement. It does the things we all enjoy about driving – accelerating, braking, going around corners - with supreme alacrity, and features a massive well of capability largely untapped by normal driving.

Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Hyundai Ionic Electric (Image: Daily Mirror)

CAR says: “Hyundai offers its sensible Ioniq family car in a variety of powertrains – including a pure electric version, which costs £29,050 after the government grant. If you’re still nervous about going full EV, you can alternatively pick a hybrid or plug-in hybrid version.”

Tesla Model X

CAR says: “Need space for seven? A swanky Tesla badge? And all the modernity and clever-clogs tech the brand has become famous for?

“Step this way: the Model X is half crossover, half MPV, but all Tesla electric car.

“Famous for its cleverly hinged gullwing rear doors that open even in the tightest of car park spaces, the interior is roomy for five and the rearmost third-row seats are fine for kids on short journeys.

“It is pricey though, costing from £74k in the UK for an entry-level Model X.”

Tesla Model S

CAR says: “The Model X’s more sensible saloon sibling, the Tesla Model S, is the landmark electric car that set the cat among the pigeons.

“It’s well established now and brought a dash of executive style to the EV marketplace years before the Europeans finally caught up.

“It has a very long range, exceeding 300 miles in many trim levels, and performance is – quite literally – ludicrous; go for the top model, opt for the ‘Ludicrous’ upgrade and you’ll have a car capable of 0-60mph in a blistering 2.4sec.”

VW e-Golf

CAR says: “Everything you like about the VW Golf, just in a cleaner, silent electric package. You also get all the usual Volkswagen attributes – first-rate build quality, clever connectivity and generous packaging – but with a quiet powertrain that will prove far less costly to maintain and operate than a conventional diesel or petrol car.”

Kia e-Niro

CAR says: “The electric Niro is a great example of the new breed of electric cars: it’s a right-sized package and ticks lots of boxes. It’s an SUV shape, which the market is demanding, while its range is a claimed 282 miles – giving it the legs that motorists are demanding. Its UK price has also been confirmed at £33k after the government grant.

Best small electric cars for urban use

BMW i3

CAR says: “The i3 EV mixes clever F1-spec carbonfibre construction with futuristic styling to make a great city car.

“With the tightest turning circle you’ve ever driven, this tiny BMW is extremely agile around town and there’s plenty of room in both rows of seats for bodies, although a small boot is a blot on the copy book.

Renault Zoe

Zoe ready for EV boom By: Chris Russon Oct 2, 2019 ITS one of the stalwarts of the electric age and Renault is bringing the Zoe right up to date with the launch of the third generation model. Due for release in January 2020 and priced from £25,670 the new car has a zero emission range of 245 miles and at the top of the line up more power and performance. That version costs from £27,120 but all new Zoes can be had for £7,000 less if the battery pack is leased and not bought with the vehicle.

CAR says: “What is the cheapest electric car to buy? The evergreen Renault Zoe! It’s one of our favourite small electric cars and is cracking value at around £18,000 once you’ve factored the Government’s Plug-in Car Grant.

Smart Fortwo Electric Drive

CAR says: “If ever a regular combustion engine car was ready for electrification, it was the Smart Fortwo.

“Smart has managed to get the cost of EQ Fortwo down to around £16k after the government grant.”

VW e-Up

Volkswagen e-Up (Image: Western Morning News)

CAR says: “The e-Up is a typically polished Germanic affair with all the usual Volkswagen quality and attention to detail.

“However, its expensive pricing, availability and unfortunately short 99-mile EV range limit its appeal and practicality.”

You can see full details of CAR magazine’s top electric cars - and find links to reviews of them - here.

Auto Express

Auto Express offers a more simple electric car buying guide, with a top ten of EVs it recommends.

Auto Express says: “There are more electric cars than ever to choose from so we’ve picked the top 10 best electric cars you can buy in the UK now

“Pressure is growing on UK motorists to ditch their petrol and diesel-powered vehicles and switch to pure-electric cars, but which are the best electric cars available to buy now on the UK car market?”

Pictures: Jaguar I-Pace being tested