If you have moved house, you need to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Your latest address will be required for your new UK driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C) and Direct Debit mandate (if applicable).
It will also be relevant if you have a personalised number plate or a trailer registration certificate. Details on how to update these are below.
You don’t need to inform the DVLA if your move is temporary and you can still be contacted at your permanent address. This means, for example, that university students do not have to contact the DVLA if studying away from home during term times.
You must change your address on either your full or provisional driving licence. This does not cost anything, but is a legal requirement. You can also continue driving while you wait for your new licence.
It’s quicker and easier to change your address online. You will need your driving licence and to be a resident of Great Britain (there is a different process for drivers in Northern Ireland).
You also need to provide the addresses you have lived at over the past three years. And you must not be banned from driving, of course.
Additionally, you will need to supply your driving licence number, National Insurance number and passport number, if you know them.
Click here to access the government website and change your address online. Or click here for information on how to apply by post.
You could be be fined up to £1,000 for failing to update your driving licence, so don’t delay.
Change address for a car log book (V5C)
It’s usually free to update your vehicle log book (V5C) when you change address. The DVLA’s online service is available from 7am to 9pm (or 8pm on Saturday and Sunday).
Again, you could be fined up to £1,000 if you fail to notify a change of address.
Please note the online service cannot be used if:
You have already sent the V5C document to the DVLA
You have sold or transferred the vehicle
You’ve lost the V5C document
The vehicle is registered as part of the DVLA fleet scheme
Your new address is abroad, including the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Ireland
If you pay for Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) by Direct Debit, you will need to contact the DVLA. This can be done by telephoning 0300 790 6802. The lines are open from 8am until 8pm from Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 4pm on Saturdays.
Change address for a private number plate
You also need to contact the DVLA if you have a personalised registration number that isn’t assigned to a vehicle. There are two relevant documents: the V750 certificate of entitlement and V778 retention document.
The address on the V750 certificate can be changed online using your DVLA personalised registration account. Alternatively, use the ‘change of address’ section and send the form to:
You must do the same with the V778 retention document.
Changing a trailer registration certificate
To continue using your trailer abroad, you must register it to your new address. This applies to commercial trailers over 750kg and all trailers over 3,500kg before you can drive through some European countries.
The changes can be made online and the process costs £26 when you register a trailer for the first time.
Chevrolet used the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race to reveal its latest Corvette Grand Sport.
Having been a part of the Corvette range since the C2 model of 1964, the Grand Sport is an important part of the American sports car’s history.
Few details of the new 2027 C8 Corvette Grand Sport have been confirmed so far. However, the new vehicle surprised fans by hitting the track before the main IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race.
The choice of Sebring to reveal the new Grand Sport was no surprise, it being the scene of a Prototype GT class victory for the C2 Corvette Grand Sport driven by Jim Hall and Roger Penske.
Celebrating the Corvette Grand Sport
Although Roger Penske is best known today for his eponymous corporation and owning various race teams, he was also an accomplished racing driver.
This year sees Penske celebrate his 60th anniversary of being a motorsport team owner. To mark the occasion, he was chosen as the official Grand Marshall for this 74th running of the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Penske was also reunited with his class-winning 1964 Chevrolet C2 Corvette Grand Sport (pictured in the foreground above).
Developed by Zora Arkus-Duntov himself, the original Grand Sport was intended to head off challenges from the Shelby Cobra. Only five examples were made, all powered by a 377-cubic-inch V-8.
“It’s incredible to think that 62 years ago, Jim Hall and I drove the Corvette Grand Sport to a class victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring,” said Penske.
“I have great memories of driving the Grand Sport, as we were fortunate to earn three wins across five races in the car during the 1963 and 1964 seasons”.
Continuing the Grand Sport legacy
“It is an incredible opportunity to be reunited with the Corvette Grand Sport C2 here at the 12 Hours of Sebring – an event and a track that has always carried special meaning for me and for our race teams over the years,” added Penske.
“Congratulations to Chevrolet on launching the new era of the Grand Sport program. It is truly special to see the C2 and the other generations of the Corvette Grand Sport, including the new C8, here at Sebring.”
The eighth-generation Corvette Grand Sport continues the theme of matching dark blue paintwork with white body stripes, along with the now-trademark red hash marks. With the C8 Corvette being mid-engined, the latter have moved to the rear fender.
Featuring a wide-body design as used on the Z06 and E-Ray models, the Grand Sport will feature a new-generation V-8 engine. Full details will be confirmed by Chevrolet later this week.
A 1-2 finish for the Porsche Penske Motorsport team ensured ‘The Captain’ had plenty to celebrate at Sebring, too.
Rolls-Royce has announced an ultra-bespoke Coachbuild Collection, with the first car in the series due to be revealed next month.
Described as a ‘new proposition in super-luxury’, the Coachbuild Collection will consist of very limited-edition cars in exclusive body styles.
Those invited to buy a Coachbuild Collection car also gain access to a multi-year programme of events, which are tailored to each special vehicle.
The design and engineering of each Coachbuild Collection Rolls-Royce, along with the number to be made, will differ for each car.
Rolls-Royce will launch the Coachbuild Collection using its EV platform, following the success of the electric Spectre coupe.
A history of bespoke builds
Coachbuilding has been part of the Rolls-Royce story since the marque was first founded. In its early years, a completed chassis would be delivered to a coachbuilder to create bespoke bodywork according to the customer’s demands.
Founders Charles Rolls and Henry Royce had just one rule: that the proportions surrounding the radiator grille remained the same, to ensure each car could still be identified as a Rolls-Royce.
This tradition has continued into the modern era, with unique cars such as the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail convertible (pictured above), which was unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2022.
Cars such as the Boat Tail were built for individual clients, with those who commissioned them entrusting the design process entirely to Rolls-Royce, instead of dictating the style.
The Coachbuild Collection will continue this approach, with participants giving Rolls-Royce the freedom to create limited-run vehicles.
A truly exclusive experience
Each Coachbuild Collection car will be fully homologated and road-legal. Rolls-Royce emphasises that they are designed to be driven.
Only the company’s best customers will be offered a Coachbuild Collection allocation, with invitations coming via the Rolls-Royce ‘Private Office’ network in Dubai, Seoul, Shanghai and New York, plus the Goodwood headquarters in West Sussex.
Those participating in the first Coachbuild Collection will gain exclusive access to see their new car being created.
This includes travelling to private test facilities to see the car being evaluated, along with visiting the design studios and workshops responsible for building it.
The ultimate expression of Rolls-Royce
The decision to make the first Coachbuild Collection car fully electric was apparently driven by enthusiasm from Rolls-Royce owners.
Many of those interested in being part of the Coachbuild Collection already own a Spectre, having been early adopters of the first Rolls-Royce EV. When surveyed, there was reportedly no contest for the choice of powertrain.
Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented: “Coachbuild Collection clients seek to experience at the absolute pinnacle of our craft. What we will reveal in April is an extraordinary expression of contemporary Rolls-Royce coachbuilding, extravagant and yet silent.”
The first Coachbuild Collection car will be officially unveiled next month. Come back to Motoring Research for an in-depth preview.
You might be surprised to learn there are seven types of pedestrian crossings in the UK.
These include the relatively new tiger crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists – officially known as a parallel crossing.
All these different types of UK pedestrian crossing can be confusing. Indeed, research has revealed that 81 percent of drivers don’t know how to use a zebra crossing. And a quarter don’t know who is permitted to use a toucan crossing.
So, in this short guide, we explain the differences between zebra, pelican, puffin, toucan, pegasus, officer-controlled and tiger crossings. No jaywalking, please.
This is the most common form of pedestrian crossing on British roads. Zebra crossings have flashing beacons on the pavement, black and white stripes on the road and zigzag lines on either side of them. These lines prohibit drivers from parking their cars on either side of the crossing.
Traffic does not have to stop until someone has moved onto the crossing. When there is an island in the middle of a zebra crossing, pedestrians must wait on the island before crossing the second half of the road. It is counted as a second pedestrian crossing.
Pelican crossings
These are signal-controlled crossings operated by pedestrians. Pushing the button will activate the traffic signals, but pedestrians should not cross when the red figure is illuminated. When a steady ‘green man’ shows, drivers will be shown a red light telling them to stop. If the green figure begins to flash, pedestrians should not start to cross.
Drivers must not move until the pelican crossing is free of pedestrians. A survey by Uswitch found that 71 percent of people believe pelican crossings can be used by cyclists. This isn’t the case – only pedestrians are permitted to use a pelican crossing.
Puffin crossings
Puffin crossings differ from pelican crossings as the red and green figures are above the control box on the side of the road. There is no flashing green figure phase. Simply press the button and wait for the green figure to show.
Essentially, these are smarter versions of the older pelican crossings. They use sensors to indicate when the crossing is clear to release the traffic. Only one in three people who took part in the Uswitch survey were able to identify a puffin crossing.
Toucan crossings
Toucan crossings work in the same way as pelican crossings, with the key difference being that they can be used by pedestrians and cyclists. They are push-button operated.
Car drivers will see a red light to indicate they must stop. At the same time, pedestrians and cyclists are shown a green light to cross the road.
Pegasus crossings
Pegasus crossings, also known as equestrian crossings, are for horse riders. They feature pavement barriers, wide crossing spaces, plus horse and rider figures in the light panels.
The button to activate the lights is positioned higher for ease of use by the horse riders. Traffic is controlled via standard traffic lights.
Authorised person crossings
These are crossings controlled by an authorised person, such as a school warden (traditionally a ‘lollipop lady’) or police officer. They will signal the traffic to stop, at which point the pedestrians can cross in front of the authorised person.
Tiger crossings
Tiger crossings, officially called parallel crossings, combine a pedestrian zebra crossing with a crossing for cyclists. They are often known as tiger crossings because early examples featured yellow stripes on black tarmac.
The UK’s first tiger crossing was installed in London, but the concept is common in the Netherlands. Unlike toucan crossings, they feature dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. This makes them ideal for use on cycle lanes.
In all cases, pedestrians and cyclists must check that the traffic has stopped before they start to cross the road. Always cross between the studs or over the zebra markings, and do not loiter on a pedestrian crossing.
Click here to read the official crossings guidance in the Highway Code.
A new Nissan Micra with the choice long-range 52kWh battery now costs from £23,345, thanks to qualifying for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant (ECG).
Previously in receipt of a £1,500 grant, the larger electric car discount comes courtesy of a new battery for the long-range Micra that is now sourced from Europe.
Notably, this means the 52kWh Nissan Micra Advance now costs £250 less than the 40kWh battery alternative. That’s because the shorter-range model still uses a battery sourced from China, so only receives a £1,500 ECG discount.
Up to 257 miles of range
The 52kWh Nissan Micra is available in Advance or range-topping Evolve specifications, with the latter now costing £26,115.
A Nissan Micra with the 52kWh battery offers a range of up to 257 miles: a useful improvement on the 196-mile range of the standard vehicle.
The Nissan Micra’s closely related sister car, the Renault 5, is already eligible for the top-tier £3,750 ECG. So too is the larger and more practical Renault 4, which is a finalist for AUTOBEST Conquest 2026.
ECG saving matches Nissan Leaf
Nissan GB managing director James Taylor said the battery update resulted from using a new supplier.
“It means that both of our new model launches so far this year – Micra and Leaf – are available with the maximum EV grant discount.”
The NTT IndyCar Series has revealed its circuit layout for the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.
Announced last month, the Freedom 250 will form part of planned celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
An executive order from President Donald Trump formalized the new event. The document also directed the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Transportation to work with Mayor Muriel Bowser to create the race.
Taking place over the weekend of 21-23 August 2026, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. will be the first official motor race to include the National Mall.
Taking in Washington, D.C. landmarks
The Grand Prix will feature a 1.66-mile circuit with seven turns, plus a 0.4-mile straightaway along Pennsylvania Avenue. Free to attend, the Freedom 250 route has been designed to show off the city’s most famous landmarks.
Turns two and three will see the cars pass by the National Archives Building on 9th Street, before a short section covering Constitution Avenue.
The track also takes in the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden before the IndyCar drivers round turn five, passing the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on Independence Avenue.
A backdrop of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol is incorporated into the race. Roads around the National Mall will remain accessible throughout the majority of the course creation.
“Racing through the heart of American history”
“This circuit is unlike any other street race we’ve seen,” said two‑time NTT IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the recent Good Ranchers 250, Josef Newgarden.
“You’ve got a high‑speed section down Pennsylvania Avenue that will reward commitment and precision, mixed with technical corners around 9th Street that will demand respect.
“Racing through the heart of American history, with those amazing landmarks lining the course, is going to be incredibly powerful. I can’t wait to be back here to race and celebrate America’s birthday at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.”
This weekend will see the first running of another new IndyCar street course, with the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington in Texas.
IndyCar has confirmed the Grand Prix of Arlington will feature a single-car Firestone Fast Six “one-shot” qualifying session, instead of the usual group-based process.
The world’s largest online auction platform, Bring a Trailer, has officially launched in the UK using a network of local partners.
Established in 2007, Bring a Trailer (BaT) has grown from a personal blog by company co-founder Randy Nonnenberg into the leading online marketplace for collectable cars.
As we discovered with our exclusive insight into the company, Nonnenberg began by using his blog to highlight interesting cars for sale. The site’s popularity led to Bring a Trailer becoming an auction platform in its own right during 2010 – then growing rapidly over the past 16 years.
Last year, BaT generated more than $1.7 billion (approx. £1.28 billion) in sales, with 49,486 auctions concluded. The vehicles sold ranged from affordable classics to high-end hypercars.
Having previously facilitated sales of cars in the UK, BaT now believes the time is right to fully embrace the British collector car market.
Local support for auction sellers
What has made BaT different from other online collector car platforms is a focus on ‘curating’ the vehicles listed for auction.
BaT selects which cars should be featured, and helps sellers to create accurate and informative auction listings. It also offers the option of professional photography.
This will continue for the UK market, starting with Bicester Motion-based Sports Purpose. Known as a leading Porsche specialist, the company will be one of the first local partners to offer the UK BaT service, including professional inspections, photography and listing support.
James Turner, founder of Sports Purpose, noted: “We have long been fans of Bring a Trailer’s no-nonsense approach and laudable transparency – and we have successfully listed cars there too. BaT’s unique blend of car sales and knowledgeable consumer comment works so well to build buyer confidence.”
Chase Classics in Dorset has also been added to the list of local partners, with more to be announced later this year.
A genuine automotive community
What arguably makes BaT different to other auction platforms is the sense of community among buyers and sellers.
More than 1.65 million members now make use of BaT, and are able to ask questions directly to sellers through their listings.
As Randy Nonnenberg explains, this will continue to form a key part of the BaT experience. “The UK has a passionate, knowledgeable collector car community and an extraordinary depth of automotive heritage,” he said. “We’ve watched closely as British sellers and buyers have organically found their way onto BaT, compelled by the variety, vibrant discussion and market-setting results.
“We have worked to optimise the BaT experience for UK users based on their feedback, and we are very excited to offer our uniquely transparent and effective auction model to UK buyers and sellers, whether they want to self-serve or engage local partner support.”
List for free to celebrate UK launch
BaT has been updated to offer an optimum service for UK enthusiasts, including currency conversions for British and European buyers.
Auctions on BaT run for seven days, and any bids placed in the final two minutes see the clock reset to ensure a fair finish.
UK listings will cost from £79, with a ‘BaT Plus’ option including on-demand photography priced at £239.
Buyers will pay fees of five percent on the final sale price, capped at a maximum of £5,000 – a figure lower than most other auction houses.
For a limited time to celebrate the UK launch, however, seller fees will be fully waived, with BaT Plus photography reduced to £129.
Lotus has confirmed that a plug-in hybrid version of its Eletre SUV will be sold in the UK and Europe later this year.
The Chinese-owned marque, part of the Geely conglomerate, has suffered a downturn in sales as consumers turn away from fully electric luxury cars.
Last year, Lotus laid off 42 percent of its UK workforce amid mounting losses, compounded by the US tariffs introduced on imported cars.
Lotus had previously stated that vehicles such as the Eletre SUV and Emeya saloon heralded an all-electric future. However, the company has swiftly re-engineered the Eletre as a plug-in hybrid.
The new Eletre X combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with multiple electric motors. The result is an enormous combined output of 952hp.
A new heavyweight champion?
Setting the Eletre X apart from the electric Eletre is an entirely different platform – sourced from within the Geely family.
Although the Eletre X looks almost identical to its EV counterpart, its underpinnings are shared with the Zeekr 9X luxury SUV. That particular model weighs between 2,800kg and 3,095kg, so let’s hope Lotus has found a way to ‘add lightness’ to the Eletre X…
Whatever it weighs, the Eletre X won’t be short on performance, however, thanks to its new hybrid powertrain.
Acting chiefly to drive a 150kW generator and extend the range from a 70kWh battery pack, the car’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine can also be used to drive the front wheels.
With all power units delivering maximum output, the Eletre X should be able to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds.
Rapid performance, rapid charging
Despite adding a combustion engine beneath the bonnet, Lotus has not held back on the Eletre X’s electric capability.
An advanced 900-volt architecture allows its battery to be replenished from 20 to 80 percent charge in just nine minutes. It also has the potential to cover almost 220 miles on battery power alone.
With the battery fully charged, and the 52-litre fuel tank brimmed, Lotus says the Eletre X can cover more than 745 miles without needing to stop.
This claim is based on the Chinese-market version, branded as a ‘Lotus For Me’, which is already on sale. However, it still points to a highly usable long-distance SUV when the Eletre X arrives in Europe.
European launch this summer
Technology on the Eletre X will include 48-volt active anti-roll bars, dual-chamber air suspension and bespoke Lotus-developed tyres to ensure maximum grip.
An active rear spoiler features four different positions. It can generate up to 120kg of downforce, or help the huge Brembo brakes with stopping.
Expect the hybrid to deliver a similar level of luxury to the existing Eletre, with options such as a full Nappa leather interior and a 23-speaker KEF audio system.
European specifications and prices for Eletre X will be published by Lotus closer to the official launch date – currently set as June 2026. The first Eletre X deliveries to UK customers are expected in early 2027.
The latest Home Office data reveals that the number of roadside breath tests declined during 2024.
Figures supplied by 26 police forces across England and Wales show that, from January to December 2024, a total of 167,095 roadside breath tests took place.
By comparison, 167,384 tests were performed during 2023, representing a 0.2 percent decrease from the previous year.
Information included in the Home Office Police Powers and Procedures report does not include all police forces across Britain. Notably, it excludes those where concerns have been raised about the accuracy and completeness of breath test recording.
However, even without major forces such as the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police included, the decrease is a concern for road safety campaigners.
Sending the wrong message to drivers
The Home Office data shows that almost 25,000 drivers included in these latest statistics failed a breath test, or refused to take one. This means around 15 percent of tests could potentially lead to a prosecution.
Department for Transport data reveals that an estimated 260 people were killed in collisions where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit.
Hunter Abbott, managing director of breathalyser firm AlcoSense, said the level of testing is worrying, given the scale of drink driving on Britain’s roads.
“A reduction in breath tests, however slight, sends exactly the wrong message to motorists,” said Abbott, a former British Touring Car Championship star. “Drink driving continues to kill far too many people every year, yet police are carrying out considerably fewer tests than they did in the past.”
Other countries lead the way
Although Home Office data on roadside breath test figures for years before 2023 is not directly comparable, a peak of 647,380 tests was recorded in 2009.
However, even this is far below the number of roadside breath tests undertaken by police forces in other countries.
During 2024, police forces in Australia performed almost 10.3 million random breath tests, while 4.1 million were undertaken by New Zealand Police.
Testing levels in England and Wales also lag far behind many European countries, with just five breath tests per 1,000 inhabitants. This compares to 18 tests per 1,000 people in Ireland and 109 in France.
Abbott says the drop in traffic police numbers is likely to be a key factor in the figures recorded across England and Wales. The number of dedicated traffic officers has fallen from 5,005 in 2015 to 3,889 in 2025 – a 22 percent decrease.
Nine years from now, EVs could be the only type of car sold new in the UK. Electric cars are the future, then – but they’re also a force to be reckoned with in the present.
The latest monthly sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show EVs secured a 24.2 percent share of the UK new car market. For context, that is nearly 18,000 more registrations than diesel cars, which claimed a mere 4.5 percent share.
The popularity of electric cars is expected to increase as the charging network grows and the number of petrol/diesel alternatives shrinks. EVs are steadily becoming more affordable, too.
We’ve rounded up the best electric cars on sale right now, from the stoutly sensible Kia EV3 to the brilliantly bonkers Lotus Evija. Our choices are presented in alphabetical order.
Audi RS E-Tron GT
First launched in 2020, the Audi RS E-Tron GT received a midlife makeover in 2023, mirroring updates to the closely related Porsche Taycan. Highlights included a bigger 105kWh battery, faster charging (up to 320kW) and new two-chamber air suspension. The three-tier range comprises the 680hp S E-Tron GT, 856hp RS and 925hp RS Performance.
The RS Performance is the quickest and most powerful production car Audi has ever built, with the ability to hit 62mph in 2.5 seconds using launch control, along with a WLTP range of 364 miles.
We said: ‘It has more power than you really need, but the E-Tron GT Performance combines long-distance range and comfort with handling poise and nuanced feedback – plus a generous helping of futuristic style. If EVs leave you cold, driving this one might change your mind.’
BMW’s electric flagship is a luxury saloon to rival the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS. The i7 has a huge 101.7kWh battery, which offers up to 372 miles of range in the XDrive 60 model we tested. Its styling will divide opinion (to put it politely), but the big BMW is wonderfully refined, comfortable and relaxing to drive. It’s even better in the back seats, where passengers can recline and enjoy a widescreen movie experience.
Even the entry-level i7 exceeds £100,000 and the range-topping M70 xDrive (pictured above) will set you back £165,000. However, consider that much of its technology is shared with the £350,000 Rolls-Royce Spectre and suddenly the BMW doesn’t look so expensive after all.
We said: ‘Your field of vision is filled by a 31.3-inch 8K ‘Theatre Screen’ that folds down from the roof. Bolstered by 36 speakers and 1,965 watts of Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound, it’s hands-down the best in-car entertainment system on the market.’
It’s hard to overstate the importance of the iX3 to BMW. As the first vehicle in the German company’s ‘Neue Klasse’ range of electric cars, it needs to be a standard-setter and a sales success. Thankfully, early indications suggest it will be both.
For starters, the iX3 has the longest range of any EV currently on sale – at up to 500 miles in the official WLTP test. It’s also comfortable, spacious and packed with technology, including a new Panoramic iDrive display that helps you keep your eyes on the road. Best of all, despite being a 2,360kg family SUV, the iX3 still drives with the finesse and feedback of a ‘proper’ BMW.
We said: ‘I wasn’t alone in thinking BMW had lost its way in recent years, straying too far from the values of the original Neue Klasse – particularly in terms of design and technical complexity. The brilliant iX3 is a hard reset, and one that bodes well for the future. It’s a car that goes straight to the top of a very crowded class. ‘
The Ford Puma Gen-E is a significant EV for British car buyers. The regular Ford Puma has been the UK’s best-seller for several years now, so the much-anticipated electric Gen-E will introduce thousands to owning their first electric car.
Keen prices are an immediate advantage, starting from a little over £26,000 after the UK Government’s full £3,750 Electric Car Grant is deducted. The Gen-E has all the regular Puma’s head-turning style and its recently-refreshed interior. Also, instead of the usual ‘MegaBox’ boot, the Puma Gen-E has an even bigger ‘GigaBox’ beneath the boot floor. You’ll be amazed at how much space is in there.
Ford has worked hard to retain the dynamics of the existing Puma, making this a neat and nimble drive. And while a 43kWh battery sounds a bit on the small side, it still has a range of over 230 miles in the official WLTP test. There’s growing evidence that the Ford Puma Gen-E’s real-world battery efficiency is noteworthy too, delivering more ‘miles per kWh‘ than many of its direct rivals.
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 hatchback, but its proportions are more like an SUV.
Buyers can choose between a 63kWh battery with a 238-mile range, or an 84kWh model that will manage up to 354 miles. Just don’t expect a sporty driving experience – unless you choose the riotously entertaining Ioniq 5 N (pictured at the top of this page), that is. The hot Hyundai is one of the most surprising cars we’ve driven this decade.
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.’
The Kia EV3 is one of the best – and best value – electric SUVs on the market. Choose one with a 58.3kWh Standard Range battery and you can look forward to 270 miles of range. This rises to an impressive 375 miles in the 81.4kWh Long Range version.
As usual, you benefit from Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, but there’s much more to the EV3 than an extended guarantee. It looks funky, has a practical and spacious interior, and comes with all the tech you’d expect. If you need more space, you could also consider the larger, seven-seat Kia EV9.
We said: ‘The Kia EV3 is a likeable, practical and affordable electric SUV that rarely puts a foot wrong. We’re slightly lost for words when trying to articulate how the EV3 drives. For journalists, that isn’t ideal, but Kia should take it as a compliment. It calmly and competently gets on with the job.’
The £2.4 million Evija is the ultimate, money-no-object EV. It’s also the world’s most powerful production car, with a total of 2,039hp from its 93kWh battery pack and four electric motors. Lotus doesn’t supply performance figures, but in Autocar’s road test the Evija rocketed to 100mph in 4.8 seconds and 200mph in 13.0 seconds.
It’s no secret that Evija sales have been slow, and it looks unlikely that Lotus will build the 130 cars planned. At the same time, any hypercar with a traditional V12 engine seems to sell out straight away. However, for buyers in this rarefied section of the market, it isn’t a case choosing one car or another – they can invariably afford both. And the Evija offers a visceral and physical experience like nothing else we’ve driven.
We said: ‘At lower speeds, the electric motors are limited by traction, but more torque is fed forwards as you go faster, so the dizzying, disorientating rush just keeps on building. Throttle response and acceleration at three-figure speeds are otherworldly: the Lotus seems to laugh in the face of physics.’
The MG4 EV is proof that you needn’t spend a fortune to drive a thoroughly good electric car. With prices starting from around £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 less than £37,000 – and can muster 323 miles of range.
Like many of the new breed of Chinese EVs, the MG has a simple interior with few physical controls and a large touchscreen display. It’s genuinely enjoyable to drive, with precise steering and brisk performance. Only its rather firm suspension lets the side down.
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.’
The Polestar 2 sprinkles some Scandinavian style over the electric car segment. It’s a sophisticated, technologically advanced and aethetically appealing rival to the Tesla Model 3 (see below). The Scandi-noir drama to the Hollywood blockbuster.
The lineup now consists of a choice between Single Motor variants in Standard or Long Range trim, or a Dual Motor version with the option of a Performance Pack. Range figures are anything between 343 and 408 miles, with prices starting from £45,000.
We said: ‘The Polestar 2 has evolved substantially during its lifetime, and it remains one of the best EVs on sale. Being able to drive more than 400 miles on one charge is the best tonic for range anxiety, and it’s all wrapped-up with a premium ownership experience.’
The Taycan was Porsche’s first EV, and the company was determined it should drive like a ‘proper Porsche’. Mission accomplished, we’d say. The saloon arrived in 2019, with (road-focused) Sport Turismo and (SUV-style) Cross Turismo estates added to the lineup later.
The basic, rear-wheel-drive Taycan is really all you need (435hp, 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, 416 miles of range), although the sportier GTS version is also a compelling package. At the top of the tree, the bonkers 1,108hp Taycan Turbo GT is one of the quickest cars we’ve ever experienced.
We said: ‘Unlike the majority of EVs, this is a car that keen drivers can enjoy. Porsche hasn’t completely overcome all that weight, which you sense most when braking, but it has done a mighty impressive job.’
The Renault 5 E-Tech was an instant hit with both critics and the car-buying public. Cute styling and strong value for money (prices start at less than £22,000 at the time of writing) both help the retro Renault’s cause, while a smart interior and good road manners add to its appeal. Much like the original R5, it’s rather small for a family car, but the design and quality are hard to fault.
If you want more va-va-voom, the Renault has a sportier sibling in the shape of the Alpine A290. One of the first convincing electric hot hatchbacks, the A290 has livelier handling and up to 220hp in GTS guise. It’s proof that affordable EVs can be fast and fun to drive.
We said: ‘Prod the D-for-drive button and the A290 feels instantly up for it. With 221lb ft going through its front tyres, this GTS version can break traction if you’re hard on the throttle out of corners. Yet it mostly feels smooth and eager, with enough punch to make swift progress.’
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 63kWh or 82kWh batteries, the latter offering up to 365 miles of range.
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 an umbrella hidden in the driver’s door, make life easier as well.
We said: ‘The interior of the Skoda 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 Tesla Model 3 is approaching middle-age, but it shows no signs of slowing down. It isn’t just one of Britain’s best-selling EVs – 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 Tesla 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.
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.’
