Amidst Elon Musk’s recent surge of polarizing commentary—ranging from incendiary remarks about far-right upheavals in the UK to his vocal endorsement of Donald Trump’s presidential bid—Tesla owners find themselves reassessing their loyalties. With Tesla’s sales dipping for the second quarter in a row, disillusionment is brewing even among loyalists who have long admired the brand’s electric innovations.
It’s an unfortunate predicament, as Tesla continues to craft remarkable electric vehicles. The Model 3, for instance, remains one of the most laudable in its class, boasting smooth handling, commendable efficiency, and a price point that forces competitors to recalibrate their strategies. However, for those increasingly disenchanted by Musk’s behavior, the world of electric vehicles offers abundant alternatives. Established auto brands and fresh entrants alike have not only caught up with but, in many instances, outpaced Tesla’s offerings. Below are10 Best EV Cars exemplary electric vehicles (EVs) that can stand toe-to-toe with Tesla, all of which I’ve driven, save for the Renault 5, which is set to debut in the UK by early 2025.
Top Affordable Electric Vehicle: Dacia Spring
Price starting at £14,995
Range: Up to 140 miles
Battery Capacity: 26.8kWh
The Dacia Spring may not epitomize opulence, yet its practicality for city navigation cannot be overstated. With a modest range of 140 miles, it capably handles daily commutes while delivering a surprisingly comfortable ride.
Although interior space is snug, it can comfortably accommodate two adults and two children. The boot, though compact, holds enough for a modest shopping trip or several carry-on bags. All models come equipped with air conditioning, while the higher-end versions offer a 10-inch touchscreen integrated with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There’s even an app that enables remote control of charging, as well as climate control to precondition the vehicle before you step inside.
Most will likely bypass the entry-level model, given that the price difference is minimal when opting for a higher-spec version with greater features. Even the top-tier models remain competitively priced, capping at £16,995.
Top Small Electric Vehicle: Volvo EX30
Price starting at £32,850
Range: Up to 295 miles
Battery Capacity: 51-69kWh
The Volvo EX30 presents itself as an exquisite yet affordably priced compact EV, brimming with thoughtful design choices.
Rather than the conventional placement of speakers in the doors, the EX30 incorporates an innovative soundbar across the dashboard, which delivers impressive audio quality. The window controls, relocated to the vehicle’s center, offer a clever cost-saving measure. The car’s touch screen, alongside Google’s voice control system, handles most vehicle functions—perhaps a bit excessively for some drivers.
The EX30 is well-suited for both urban environments and longer drives. It offers a choice of two battery sizes, with the smaller variant reaching approximately 200 miles on a full charge. There are also multiple trim levels and a four-wheel-drive option available.
Top Used Electric Vehicle: BMW i3
Price starting at £6,000
Range: Up to 192 miles
Battery Capacity: 21-42kWh
When BMW introduced the i3 back in 2013, it was a forward-thinking marvel, sporting an interior laden with sustainable materials—a concept that was not yet widely embraced. The i3’s proportions were perfect for urban driving, and it retained BMW’s signature swift acceleration and agility.
However, ingress to the rear seats requires the front door to be open, and once inside, the space is limited. The boot is similarly restricted, but despite these quirks, the i3 delivers a driving experience that still feels advanced. Whether you’re purchasing through a used-car dealer or directly from BMW, there are often competitive finance packages available, so it’s worth comparing options.
Top Seven-Seater Electric Vehicle: Kia EV9
Price starting at £65,025
Range: Up to 349 miles
Battery Capacity: 99.8kWh
The Kia EV9 dazzles with its stylish design and premium-quality materials, including some of the finest sustainable fabrics within its bright, roomy interior. It’s not only an aesthetic success but also performs admirably in terms of comfort and battery efficiency. Despite being the priciest Kia available in the UK, it remains a value-for-money option compared to similarly sized all-electric SUVs.
Though the EV9’s 100kWh battery is substantial, the car’s considerable size and weight necessitate such capacity, ensuring that it meets its range targets while maintaining impressive acceleration.
Best Electric Sports Car: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Starting from £65,000
Range: Up to 278 miles
Battery Capacity: 84kWh
Lease: A 48-month lease starts around £561 per month, with an initial fee of approximately £6,739. Check leasing options at leasing.com or hyundai.com.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N delivers a thrilling ride with its exceptional handling, sharp steering, and superior body control, making rapid direction changes feel effortless. Designed to appeal to sports car enthusiasts, it comes equipped with all the right features—racing stripes, an enhanced body kit, bucket seats, and an array of performance metrics displayed inside.
One intriguing aspect of this EV is its artificial sound generator. While electric vehicles are generally known for their near-silent operation, the Ioniq 5 N simulates the revs and engine pops you’d expect from a traditional hot hatch, adding to the driving experience in a way that feels both engaging and authentic.
Best EV for Sustainability: Polestar 4
Starting from £59,900
Range: Up to 385 miles
Battery Capacity: 100kWh
Lease: A 48-month lease starts around £681 per month, with an initial fee of around £8,176. Explore options at leaseloco.com or polestar.com.
The Polestar 4 sets a new benchmark for eco-conscious design in the EV market. This luxury coupe-SUV features an interior crafted from recycled PET plastics, discarded fishing nets, and steel derived from post-consumer and post-industrial waste. Even the precious metals used in the battery are sourced responsibly, adhering to the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process.
Polestar goes above and beyond in its transparency, offering more detailed information than any other carmaker regarding its sustainable materials and their origins. This includes everything from the traceability of the leather upholstery to the sourcing of rare earth metals for the EV system, as well as a comprehensive breakdown of the car’s carbon footprint across various stages of production.
Best EV for Range: Volkswagen ID. 7
Starting from £51,550
Range: Up to 436 miles
Battery Capacity: 77-86kWh
Lease: A 24-month lease starts from £276 per month, with an initial fee of £2,484. Leasing options can be found at carparisonleasing.co.uk or volkswagen.co.uk.
The Volkswagen ID. 7 challenges Tesla directly, delivering a spacious cabin alongside an impressive range. While Tesla’s Model 3 may have a slight price edge, the ID. 7 compensates with comfort and refinement that rivals luxury sedans.
With a range close to Tesla’s, the ID. 7 Pro Match version offers 381 miles, while the Pro S Match takes it further with a claimed range of 436 miles. Its smooth ride and quiet interior give it a distinctly premium feel, more akin to a Mercedes-Benz than a Volkswagen.
Best Luxury EV: BMW i7
Starting from £101,765
Range: Up to 387 miles
Battery Capacity: 105.7kWh
Lease: A 24-month lease starts from around £496 per month, with an initial fee of approximately £5,952. Find leasing offers at leasing.com or offers.bmw.co.uk.
Tesla’s Model S may no longer be available in the UK, but BMW’s i7 steps in to fill the void in the luxury electric sedan market. Although Mercedes-Benz has long dominated this segment, the BMW i7 outshines the competition with its focus on quiet, opulent comfort.
Designed to elevate the EV experience, the i7’s onboard sound is designed by famed composer Hans Zimmer. The rear cabin is especially impressive, featuring a massive 31-inch 8k screen that descends from the ceiling, complemented by a 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system for a fully immersive experience.
Best Family-Friendly EV: Renault Scenic E-Tech
Starting from £37,495
Range: Up to 379 miles
Battery Capacity: 60-87kWh
Lease: A 24-month lease starts around £292 per month, with an initial fee of approximately £3,499. Check leasing.com or offers.renault.co.uk for more options.
Renault’s Scenic has long been synonymous with practical family transport, and now it has been reimagined as an all-electric SUV. The Scenic E-Tech is designed for families, with ample rear space and thoughtful features like rear doors that open wide for easy access, spacious seating, and USB charging ports for each passenger.
While the ride may feel slightly bumpy on 20-inch wheels, it is otherwise a comfortable and family-friendly vehicle. It won’t win any races, but that’s hardly the point—it’s meant to be a reliable, spacious, and tech-savvy family EV.
Best EV Coming Soon: Renault 5 E-Tech
Price: To be announced
Range: Up to 248 miles
Battery Capacity: 40-52kWh
The Renault 5 is making a comeback in a fully electric avatar, joining the recent retro trend in the auto world. Expected to retain the small, iconic profile of its predecessor, the new Renault 5 will appeal to nostalgic buyers while offering modern EV tech. Customization options will abound, with various graphic packages and roof treatments available, although these features will likely drive up the final price.
Inside, the retro aesthetic will give way to modern technology, with two 10-inch screens and voice-controlled infotainment powered by Google. Renault is also planning to revive the Renault 4, further cementing its commitment to blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology.
Image Source: theguardian.com
FAQs on Best Electric Cars
1. What is the price and range of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N?
- Price: Starting from £65,000.
- Range: Up to 278 miles.
- Battery Size: 84kWh.
2. Does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N make noise like a traditional sports car?
- Yes, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N features a sound generator that mimics engine revs and exhaust pops, enhancing the driving experience despite being an EV.
3. What makes the Polestar 4 the best EV for sustainability?
- The Polestar 4 uses recycled materials such as PET plastics, fishing nets, and post-consumer steel. It also tracks the sourcing of rare earth metals to ensure compliance with ethical standards like the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process.
4. What is the range and price of the Polestar 4?
- Price: Starting from £59,900.
- Range: Up to 385 miles.
- Battery Size: 100kWh.
5. How does the Volkswagen ID. 7 compare to Tesla for range?
- The Volkswagen ID. 7 offers up to 436 miles of range, which is close to Tesla’s Model 3 range of 390 miles. It also provides a more spacious and quiet interior, making it a comfortable option for long drives.
6. What is the starting price and range of the Volkswagen ID. 7?
- Price: Starting from £51,550.
- Range: Up to 436 miles.
- Battery Size: 77-86kWh.
7. Why is the BMW i7 considered the best luxury EV?
- The BMW i7 is a luxury electric sedan featuring a silent interior designed by Hans Zimmer, a 31-inch 8k screen for rear passengers, and a 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, offering an unmatched luxury experience.
8. What is the price and range of the BMW i7?
- Price: Starting from £101,765.
- Range: Up to 387 miles.
- Battery Size: 105.7kWh.
9. What makes the Renault Scenic E-Tech a family-friendly EV?
- The Renault Scenic E-Tech has wide rear doors for easy access, spacious back seats for three passengers, and convenient features like phone holders and USB charging ports, making it ideal for families.
10. What is the price and range of the Renault Scenic E-Tech?
- Price: Starting from £37,495.
- Range: Up to 379 miles.
- Battery Size: 60-87kWh.
11. What is the upcoming Renault 5 E-Tech and what is its range?
- The Renault 5 E-Tech is a retro-inspired electric car set to debut soon. It offers a range of up to 248 miles and features modern tech like two 10-inch screens and voice-controlled infotainment.
12. What is the price of the Renault 5 E-Tech?
- The price has not yet been announced, but it is expected to start around £25,000.
13. Which EV from the list has the longest range?
- The Volkswagen ID. 7 offers the longest range, up to 436 miles.