The latest figures from the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal there are now a million electric vehicles on UK roads. In 2023, EVs accounted for one in five new car registrations, which suggests the electric revolution is gathering pace.
The shift will surely continue as the clock ticks down to the 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. EV buyers can look forward to lower prices, longer driving ranges and more choice, as car manufacturers switch to electric power.
We’ve pulled together a list of the best electric cars you can buy in 2024, with our choices presented in alphabetical order.
BMW iX
It’s not the cheapest electric car you can buy – and it certainly isn’t the most attractive – but BMW’s flagship EV is one of the best. In range-topping M60 guise, the 629hp BMW iX can hit 62mph in just 3.8 seconds, yet also offers 348 miles of range when you’re not chasing down unsuspecting Teslas.
Back in the real world, the entry-level xDrive 40 offers up to 264 miles of range from its 71kWh battery, while the xDrive 50 features a 105.2kWh battery for an official 382 miles of range. Prices start from £77,500, but such is the high level of standard kit and impressive tech, the big BMW looks rather good value.
Fiat 500 Electric
One of the cheapest electric cars is also one of the most charming. The 500 Electric updates the cute-and-cuddly styling of the petrol ‘Cinquecento’ and introduces a more upmarket interior, including the latest safety tech. The roll-top Cabrio is one of a small number of four-seat electric convertibles.
The basic 24kWh battery offers a range of just 118 miles, so upgrade to the 42kWh version if you can. Its range of 199 miles is far more practical – and it can charge more quickly, too.
We said: ‘In its segment, where it’s up against boutique small EVs like the Mini Electric and Honda e, the Fiat 500 stands up very well indeed. Its blend of style, quality, comfort, range and price are spot-on – better, in fact, than the dated petrol model. Drive one. You’ll like it.’
Read our Fiat 500 Electric review
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The fully electric Mach-E upset the pony car’s traditional fanbase, but take away that baggage – including plenty of rubbish Mustangs from the 1970s and 1980s, let’s not forget – and it’s a deeply impressive machine. Even the trad-Mustang styling cues translate well to an SUV.
Inside, the Mach-E features a huge Tesla-style portrait touchscreen and space for five adults. Its fully-charged range is up to 372 miles and the rear-wheel-drive version isn’t averse to going sideways if provoked by a heavy right foot. Much like an old-school V8 ’Stang, then.
We said: ‘The Mustang coupe has never tried to be as focused as something like a Porsche, and the Mach-E duly follows suit. Instead, as you drive it, you’ll start to warm to its more organic traits, of fine balance, expert chassis setup and faithful, dependable handling. How pleasing to feel such things transfer across from combustion-engined vehicles.’
Read our Ford Mustang Mach-E review
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The former World Car of the Year looks like nothing else on the road – and its lounge-like interior is pretty radical, too. Choose the reclining ‘relaxation’ seat and it’s a restful spot to have a nap while you charge. There’s also no shortage of space; the Ioniq 5 might resemble a hot hatch, but its proportions are more like an SUV.
Buyers can choose between a 58kWh battery with a 238-mile range, or a 77.4kWh model that will manage up to 315 miles. Just don’t expect a sporty driving experience; this EV majors on easygoing comfort.
We said: ‘A killer feature in the Ioniq 5’s armoury is the ability to charge at 800 volts. It’s the way forward, until now only possible on high-end electric cars from the likes of Audi and Porsche. It will revolutionise roadside charging with its sheer speed. Unfortunately, a widespread network of suitable chargers is not available quite yet.’
Read our Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
Kia EV6
Based on the same hardware as the Ioniq 5, the EV6 offers a sportier attitude. It too has won numerous awards, including European Car of the Year 2022, and is a worthy rival to the default Tesla Model 3. The ‘Kia Charge’ card offers access to numerous public chargers, too – although Tesla’s Supercharger network remains the biggest and best.
You can choose rear-wheel drive and 226hp, or four-wheel drive and 321hp, with the standard 77kWh battery offering a range of up to 328 miles. Alternatively, opt for the fabulous EV6 GT which packs a 585hp punch.
We said: ‘The EV6 is certainly stand-out stylish, combining swooping curves with a rakish, almost coupe-like profile that marks it out as a properly bespoke EV. This is a family-sized Kia, bang on target for those looking to go electric for the first time.’
MG4 EV
The MG4 EV provides the proof that you needn’t spend a fortune to drive a thoroughly good electric car. With prices starting from £27,000, the MG makes a mockery of EVs costing twice that amount. Granted, that’s for the entry-level SE, which offers 218 miles of range, but even the top-spec EV Trophy Extended Range costs just £36,500 and that offers an official 323 miles of range.
We said: ‘The MG4 EV is a value-priced alternative to the Volkswagen ID.3. It all makes for a very well-rounded family EV. Beyond some cheap interior materials, the MG4 is hard to fault. It’s also a true bargain in a world where everything suddenly seems very expensive. Time to believe the hype.’
Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 sprinkles some Scandinavian magic dust over the electric car segment. It’s a sophisticated, technologically advanced and minimalist rival to the Tesla Model 3. The Scandi-noir drama to the Hollywood blockbuster.
The headlines are impressive: 78kWh battery, two 150kW electric motors, 0-60mph in just four seconds with the Performance Pack, and up to 406 miles of electric range if you choose the Long Range Single Motor version. Look beyond the acceleration and range figures and you’ll find a car that’s more rewarding to drive than the Model 3.
We said: ‘So, Silicon Valley trumps Sweden for performance, range and ease of use, but Polestar comes top for design, dynamics and overall desirability. There’s no clear winner here. The good news is both are very credible cars that bode well for our (mostly) electric future. Now the charging network just needs to catch up.’
Porsche Taycan
The Taycan is now Porsche’s best-selling car in the UK. Consider that prices start from around £86,500 – stretching to north of £162,000 – and that’s an impressive feat. The addition of (road-focused) Sport Turismo and (SUV-style) Cross Turismo estates to the Taycan range has only broadened its appeal. Â
Apart from a handful of restomods and hypercars, this is also the closest we’ve got to an electric sports car. Despite having four seats, a big boot and a hefty 2.3-tonne kerb weight, the Taycan still drives like a Porsche. That may be its greatest achievement.
We said: ‘Switch into Sport+ mode and the whole car tenses, three-chamber air suspension and a low centre of gravity banishing even a hint of body-roll. Its steering is superb and the carbide-coated brakes feel mighty. And while I initially missed the hard-rock howl of a Porsche flat-six, I soon grew to like its subtle electro soundtrack.’
Read our Porsche Taycan Turbo review
Skoda Enyaq
Arguably the most sensible electric car you can buy, the Enyaq is near-flawless family transport. Better value and better executed than its sister Volkswagen ID.4, it is practical and painless to live with. There’s a choice of 62kWh or 82kWh batteries, the latter offering up to 348 miles of range.Â
A flat floor means plenty of space for passengers, while the boot holds a massive 1,710 litres with all the seats folded flat. Skoda’s neat ‘Simply Clever’ touches, such as the umbrella hidden in the driver’s door, make life easier as well.
We said: ‘The interior of the Enyaq has a sleek, minimalist design. Many functions are accessed via the 13-inch central touchscreen, but it’s cleanly presented and generally easy to use. Thankfully, the glitchy, touch-sensitive controls of the ID.4 are nowhere to be seen.’
Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 is approaching middle-age, but it shows no signs of slowing down. It isn’t just one of Britain’s best-selling EV – it has topped the overall car sales chart several times as well. It boasts outrageous performance and clever tech, plus the USP of the extensive Supercharger network. If you can’t charge your EV at home, it’s the obvious choice.
We do have a few gripes, including Tesla’s less-than-perfect build quality and the Model 3’s rather aloof dynamics. You’d be foolish to rule it out, though.Â
We said: ‘Acceleration is so rapid it squelches your internal organs and scrambles your synapses. You go from zero to warp factor 10 almost instantly, and with a lack of noise that’s entirely alien. No wonder Elon Musk was drawn to space travel.’
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
The Vauxhall Corsa Electric is an electric car for the masses, with no frills and no major compromises. You’d struggle to tell it apart from a petrol-powered Corsa – until it hums past almost silently – and that’s partly the point.Â
It costs around £31,500 and while that isn’t cheap, it puts the Corsa Electric within the reach of many people buying on monthly finance. The electric range is a practical 248 miles, and if you choose the high-spec Ultimate trim you get plenty of toys for your money.
We said: ‘The Vauxhall Corsa Electric intentionally isn’t an experience as exciting as a Honda e. Its target customers told the firm they crave normality. They want an electric car, but not the fuss and standout fanfare that comes with it. For the vast majority of everyday car buyers who don’t want people to look at them, the Corsa Electric is the trend-setting electric car they’ll secretly crave.’
Read our Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
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