Best electric cars to buy 2020/2021

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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?

The number of electric car sales in the UK remains relatively small compared to the fossil-fueled alternatives, but things are changing. The selection of new electric cars facing consumers is growing fast and will continue to do so as more and more manufacturers get on board with the technology - delivering models with longer ranges, faster charging times and lower prices.

At the same time, the electric car-charging infrastructure in the UK is improving, making electric cars more viable for more people. The wider availability of fast and rapid chargers at homes and workplaces, as well as in public spaces, means it's easier than ever to make the swap into a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and enjoy its lower running costs with relatively little inconvenience. Even if you can’t manage with a pure EV, today’s plug-in hybrids offer a good halfway house.


Although some customers might still be a little hesitant about making the switch to electric power, one key advantage is that there is a greater selection than ever before. There are small, supermini-sized EVs like the Peugeot e-2008 and Renault Zoe, Kia's capable e-Niro and new Soul EV offering good practicality, while there's also the prestige and pace of models from Tesla, Porsche and newcomer Polestar.

There are other benefits to pure-electric motoring besides the environmental credentials - you’ll be exempt from London’s congestion charge zone and from paying road tax. Electric cars still remain more expensive than their combustion engined counterparts to buy, even with the government’s plug-in car grant, but running costs have been shown to be as much as 60% less for electric cars.

Below is our pick of the best electric cars currently on sale...

Tesla Model 3​

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking
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Looking to drive around emissions-free? These electric cars may tempt you...
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The Model 3 was the electric car many had been waiting for. It’s a compact executive saloon rivalling the likes of the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series – a market with broad mainstream appeal – and it’s also one of the most convincing electric cars that money can buy.

It combines minimalist style, space-age technology, grin-inducing performance, cutting-edge charging tech – supported by the expansive and dedicated Tesla Supercharger network – and, most importantly, a long driving range. The entry-level Standard Range Plus model claims up to 267 miles on a single charge, but it doesn’t sacrifice performance to achieve this. The electric motor drives the rear wheels and powers the car from 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds, while top speed is 140mph.

The interior is nothing like what you’ll find in any BMW or Audi. The minimalist approach might not be to everyone’s taste but you can’t deny the wow factor.

Spend a bit more, and the four-wheel-drive Long Range version has two electric motors and a larger battery for a range of 360 miles, with 0-60mph dropping to 4.2 seconds. Then there’s the Model 3 Performance, which scorches from 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds, but is still capable of 352 miles on a full battery.

Porsche Taycan​

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking
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Hyundai Kona Electric Premium SE - long term first report front tracking
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The new Porsche Taycan is a brilliant car to drive, remaining true to its maker's heritage and leaving you in no doubt that this is a 'proper' Porsche sports saloon.

The Taycan delivers sports car-like handling, with ferocious acceleration and great agility – yet still offers four seats and a usable range. It’s not often that a car comes along that feels truly revolutionary, but that is exactly what the Porsche Taycan is – and it shows how much fun a plug-in future can be.

Despite being a hefty a 2.2-tonnes in weight, it hides its bulk well, and is able to weave neatly through tight corners and demolish fast, sweeping bends. The Taycan's raw pace is, frankly, ridiculous; in 'standard' 523bhp 4S guise it manages the 0-62mph benchmark in 4.0s, although if you upgrade to the 750bhp Turbo S version, it's a staggeringly quick 2.8s.

Don't forget, though, the Taycan should also be pretty easy to live with as a daily driver. Refinement is top notch and, while ride comfort is firm, the air suspension does its job of dealing with the broken, uneven tarmac of UK roads.

The Taycan clearly defines how Porsche sees its own future in the changeover from using fossil fuels to electric power. It's an accomplished first step, brilliantly executed and one that should ease the minds of the driving enthusiast.

Renault Zoe​

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking
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Hyundai Kona Electric Premium SE - long term first report front tracking
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The Zoe shapes up as one of the most convincing small electric cars you can buy. Starting from around £27,000 (after the £3,000 government plug-in car grant), it combines a practical supermini body with a maximum range that outguns key rivals, all for an affordable price.

Thanks to its 52kWh battery, the Zoe offers up to 245 miles of range, which is more than EVs costing much, much more than the Renault. It bolsters this performance with strong charging capability, too, with 50kW rapid-charging technology available, which will allow the Zoe’s battery to be replenished to 80 per cent in as little as an hour and 10 minutes.

Inside, the most recent update to the Zoe has seen the infotainment system from the latest Clio supermini added, so there’s a sense of familiarity and quality to the EV’s interior. Equipment levels are good, while the line-up is broad for an electric model, with three trim levels for buyers to choose from.

The Renault Zoe is an electric car that makes more sense than most of its rivals. Constant updates mean it has benefitted from Renault's latest electric developments, and we'd rate the current model as well worth considering if it can fit into your lifestyle.

Tesla Model S​

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking
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The Model S was arguably the first all-electric car that you could easily use in place of a combustion-engined equivalent when it launched eight years ago. Today, it’s still one of the best EVs around.

The 2020 line-up comprises two high-end models - the Performance and Long Range Plus - both offering great range and useful practicality, to go along with the typically stunning levels of battery-powered performance. If you’re a potential Mercedes S-Class or Porsche Panamera buyer, then the Model S definitely stands out as the electric alternative.

It’s much larger than the Model 3 and is hugely practical, with up to 804 litres of boot space and optional rear-facing child seats, turning it into a seven-seater. The battery and motor technology is what really makes the Model S stand out. With an enormous 100kWh cell, the Model S Long Range is capable of 405 miles on a charge, and is backed up by Tesla’s 150kW Supercharger network.

Kia e-Niro​

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking
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The pace of electric car development is relentless at the moment but the Kia e-Niro remains one of the best electric cars you can buy.

The range starts with the e-Niro ‘2’ at around £29,595, after factoring in the government’s plug-in car grant - although the range is limited to 180 miles. Using the same electric powertrain as the Hyundai Kona Electric, the e-Niro ‘3’ offers a 282-mile official range that can be had for around £34,000.

There was a big problem with the e-Niro earlier in 2020: getting hold of one. Demand for the pure-electric SUV had outstripped supply, because it’s an electric car that offers enough space for everyday family use, while the top-spec cars have the benefit of a longer driving range. The situation appears much improved now, with increasing numbers of the e-Niro being allocated to dealers.

Kia’s 64kWh battery is among the best in the business, to the point where you can’t fail to be impressed as it nudges down the range in individual miles, instead of being overly optimistic or pessimistic about its reserves.

The styling is a little conservative, perhaps, and the cabin is functional, but fairly uninspiring. Yet these are mere glitches in what has quickly become the best do-it-all EV on the market.

Kia Soul​

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking
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Hyundai Kona Electric Premium SE - long term first report front tracking
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If you’re after an electric car that stands out from the crowd, then the Soul EV will be just the ticket. Kia’s latest individual creation retains its funky styling, but also incorporates a state-of-the-art powertrain that’s the equal of anything in the Hyundai-Kia line-up.

That shouldn’t come as a surprise, of course, because the Soul gets the same 64kWh battery pack and energy-management system as the e-Niro. That means a quoted range of 280 miles on a single charge, in a car that has space for four adults and a boot capacity of 315 litres. The cabin is smart and functional, and while it includes the odd bit of hard plastic, it’s well screwed together.

Of course, the Soul’s looks won’t be for everyone, but that’s at least partly the point. This is a car that’s designed to provoke a reaction; it certainly stands out, and that should be applauded.

Volkswagen ID.3​

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking
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Hyundai Kona Electric Premium SE - long term first report front tracking
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The Volkswagen ID.3 is a capable, all-electric family hatchback, nailing its brief with keen pricing, desirable looks and superb comfort - all presented in a practical package with a usable, real-world range.

Whereas the latest Golf feels only mildly different to what's gone before, the ID.3 represents a look into VW’s future. Aside from its funky looks, the interior also includes the latest tech, with everything in the ID.3 being touch-sensitive and, pretty much, controlled by the 10-inch touchscreen. The technology is way ahead of say, the Nissan Leaf, which feels very much last-generation by comparison.

The 201bhp ID.3 is good to drive, with a well sorted suspension set-up providing a composed ride, while the quiet electric motor and lack of road and wind noise entering the cabin, just add to the air of refinement.

There shouldn’t be any issue with the ID.3’s range, as the mid-spec 58kWh version should be good for up to 263 miles on a single charge, while Volkswagen claims the top 77kWh variant will go 336 miles before needing to plug-in.

Whichever version you choose to fit your lifestyle, the ID.3 is an outstanding electric car and stands apart from its less-proficient rivals.

Polestar 2​

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking
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Hyundai Kona Electric Premium SE - long term first report front tracking
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With the Tesla Model 3 proving to be a firm favourite with electric saloon buyers, Volvo offshoot Polestar is hoping to offer perhaps the most convincing alternative in the form of the Polestar 2.

This performance saloon features a large 78kWh battery and dual electric motors offering a combined 402bhp. 0-62mph takes just 4.7 seconds, and it goes on to a top speed of 127mph. Crucially, a maximum range of 292 miles means Polestar is the first electric saloon to really stand out as a credible alternative to the Tesla Model 3. It’s capable of recharging at up to 150kW, too, so speedy top-ups are on the cards if you can find a roadside charger capable.

There’s just one model to choose from – currently there are no plans to offer a cheaper version with a smaller battery pack – but there’s a lengthy options list available to personalise the car.

Jaguar I-Pace​

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking
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Jaguar stole a march on its premium rivals when it launched the I-Pace in 2018. With its blend of performance, practicality and premium image, it rightly when on to collect the Auto Express Car of the Year accolade. Two years later, and the likes of Audi and Mercedes still can't match its

Recent software upgrades have boosted the I-Pace’s range to 292 miles, and for 2021 there’s a major overhaul of the car’s infotainment system. It’s now ‘always on’, so it can accept updates without requiring a trip to the dealership.

The basic I-Pace package remains the same, though, so this is a comfortable car with space for four and a decent boot; it could easily take over as your single family car. The best thing about the I-Pace, though, is the way it drives, with stonking performance and excellent handling. In effect it’s everything that an electric Jaguar should be.

Peugeot e-2008​

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking

Tesla Model 3 - Front Tracking
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Hyundai Kona Electric Premium SE - long term first report front tracking
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If you're after a small SUV and are weighing-up the benefits of electric power, then the sharp-looking Peugeot e-2008 is definitely worth a look.

Power comes courtesy of a 50kWh battery and a 134bhp electric motor. If these figures look familiar it’s because the e-2008 sits on the brand’s e-CMP architecture, which also underpins other Groupe PSA cars like the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, Vauxhall Corsa-e and Peugeot’s very own e-208 supermini.

The claimed range stands at 206 miles, but with 100kW charging capability, topping up that battery doesn’t take too long – 80 per cent in 30 minutes, or seven and half hours with a 7kW home wallbox.

Although the e-2008 is a little pricey - starting from around £29,000 - it will save you a big chunk of money on fuel costs. There’s a good level of tech and plenty of kit, which makes the e-2008 a solid buy that should be on many first-time EV buyers’ shortlists.

A good stepping stone to full-EV ownership is a plug-in hybrid - check out the best plug-in hybrid cars here...

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