► The best electric cars to buy in 2025 ► A guide to the best electric cars in the UK ► Electric car buying tips and more

Welcome to our carefully curated list of the UK's best electric cars. This list is fully up-to-date as of 2025 and is continually tested as new electric vehicles enter the market. We present the most current zero-emission models available today. The CAR team highly recommends these electric cars.Rather than listing numerous direct competitors, we've carefully selected ten models covering all the main EV categories. Therefore, we don't simply recommend "buy a Porsche Taycan" (although that advice still holds true, albeit with room for improvement), but strive to provide the best recommendations for every EV buyer.

This means that whether you're looking for the best electric SUV, the best performance EV, the best compact EV, or something in between, you'll find a well-curated selection. We also recommend two other models to consider. Here are a few of them.

Not ready to buy a plug-in hybrid yet? Don't worry, you're not alone. First, check out our "Best Hybrids" page. There's also a short FAQ section at the end of the article that might help you make your decision. Also, be sure to check out our vehicle testing methods for your peace of mind.

Pros: Incredibly attractive, refined interior, engaging driving experience, and excellent value. Cons: Slightly limited range and cramped rear seat space.

Forget the Year of the Snake; 2025 is the year of compact electric cars, and the Renault 5 E-Tech is leading the way. It's another remarkable moment when the automotive industry is truly delivering on its promise. Renault is bringing a beloved classic model back into the electric era, successfully creating a stylish, affordable, and fun car at an incredibly low price—from £22,995.

Okay, so a range of 400 km (250 mi) according to the WLTP cycle isn't impressive, especially considering that in real-world driving it drops to around 270 km (170 mi). But as a fully equipped and well-thought-out commuter car, the R5 is practically perfect. It's so good that the high-performance Alpine A290 hatchback seems somewhat redundant. But that doesn't mean Renault is the only leader in this segment: the Hyundai Inster and Fiat Grande Panda are also doing well in the compact, stylish, and electric segment.

Or try: the Mini Cooper Electric (stylish and fun, but less practical inside); or the modern Inster (modern, not retro, and very spacious).

The best electric hatchback is affordable, comfortable, spacious, and high-performance. All you need to do is choose the right trim level.

The MG 4 may well go down in history as the start of a revolution. Not only did it rescue the long-criticized British brand from falling behind, but it also pioneered a new wave of electric vehicles in China that appears to be transforming the European automotive landscape and related industries. The MG 4 is poised to bring about this change because it is both superior in its own right and significantly cheaper than its main competitors.

However, choosing the right model is crucial. While all models are generally good, the extended-range version, with its superb comfort and balanced handling, is the ideal choice in the series. For example, the MG 4 XPower is incredibly fast, but its upgraded chassis doesn't quite match its performance. The extended-range version offers 201 horsepower, a WLTP range of up to 450 km, and a starting price of £29,745; while the cheapest VW ID.3 is more expensive, but has only 168 horsepower and a WLTP range of 340 km.

Or try: Cupra Born (ID.3 looks great after modification, especially the VZ hot-hatch version); Renault 4 E-Tech (retro and cool, like a Renault 5, only bigger).

Pros: High efficiency, high performance, and easy access to the Tesla charging network. Cons: Complex controls, and the touchscreen has limited functionality.

Tesla has revolutionized the automotive industry. Despite its mixed leadership and the fact that some models are no longer worth buying, the Model 3 consistently delivers excellent results, remaining a great electric car for everyday family use—provided you can handle its sedan-like design and narrow trunk opening. The latest Model 3 has improved interior quality, and while the integration of all functions into the touchscreen is somewhat cumbersome, the software itself is at least acceptable.

Most importantly, the Model 3 demonstrates exceptional EV qualities. It's smooth to drive, and we've repeatedly seen its real-world fuel economy significantly outperform its competitors in our tests. The base rear-wheel-drive version currently costs £39,990 and has a WLTP range of 518 miles; upgrading to the rear-wheel-drive Extended Range version costs £44,990, increasing the range to 450 miles. The Performance version, priced at £59,990, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds and has a range of 325 miles. That's simply incredible.

Or try: the Kia EV6 (stylish and elegant—words we never thought we'd use to describe a Kia); or the Mercedes-Benz CLA (400-mile real-world range, packed with advanced technology).

Pros: Very comfortable and elegant, long battery life; Cons: Streamlined design lacks three-dimensionality, lacks a premium brand.

Volkswagen's track record with electric vehicles has been mediocre so far, but the ID.7 is a standout: it outperformed the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE in our extensive electric vehicle comparison test. Volkswagen's focus on comfort and refinement makes it a comfortable and convenient car for relaxed travel, fully showcasing the many benefits of electric vehicles.

Therefore, we recommend the rear-wheel drive, 282-horsepower model. While there is a more powerful, 335-horsepower, all-wheel drive ID.7 GTX, whose 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration has been reduced from 6.5 to 5.4 seconds, it costs at least £6,000 more and doesn't significantly improve the driving experience. It's better to save that money and enjoy the standard model's spacious and comfortable interior, and the Pro S trim's range of up to 436 miles (approximately 700 kilometers).Or try: Audi A6 e-tron (more powerful, longer range, and comfortable air suspension); BMW i5 (good driving experience, but relatively inefficient, expensive, and cramped).

Pros: Electric station wagons offer the largest trunk, excellent passenger comfort, and a long range. Cons: Volkswagen's infotainment system isn't quite up to par yet.

While electric station wagons occupy only a niche market (we think most people will opt for SUVs these days), we still love them, so here are some of our top recommendations. The ID.7 makes the list again, boasting the largest cargo area of any utility-focused electric car, adding to the numerous accolades already received by its hatchback counterpart, including exceptional comfort, spaciousness, and impressive range.

However, the trunk space is truly impressive. With the rear seats folded, 605 liters of capacity is more than enough for most buyers; with the rear seats folded, the volume increases to 1,714 liters. This is more than enough for a trip to IKEA, and it is significantly more than the 570 liters of the BMW i5 Touring in its maximum passenger configuration. The Volkswagen also boasts a greater range than the BMW, reaching 680 km (424 miles) according to the WLTP cycle; while the Audi A6 Avant e-Tron claims a range of 680 km (437 miles), its 545 liter trunk space is somewhat insufficient.

Or try: Audi A6 Avant e-Tron (longer range, slightly less cargo capacity); Peugeot E-308 SW (simple looks, good driving experience – a reliable small electric estate).

Pros: Spacious and practical interior that retains a stylish appearance; high efficiency and flexibility. Cons: Slightly rough ride; limited rear visibility.

Renault is a pioneer in electric vehicles, so it's no surprise that its new generation of models is setting the tone for many other manufacturers. The family electric SUV market is extremely competitive right now, with many excellent models emerging, but we still consider the Scenic E-Tech our favorite. It boasts a refined interior, a relatively lightweight body, and combines practicality with driving pleasure.Renault prioritizes front-wheel drive over all-wheel drive, although various power and battery capacity options are available. The maximum range is 600 km (WLTP standard), thanks to a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery and a heat pump. Precise steering makes the car exceptionally maneuverable, and a slight rough ride is its only noticeable drawback.

Or try: Skoda Elroq (yes, Skoda has successfully created a practical family car again); Kia EV3 (Kia's impressive electric technology has been successfully miniaturized).

Pros: Excellent driving experience, dynamic interior, spacious passenger space; Cons: The "fashionable" exterior design still can't win any beauty contests.

There's no shortage of excellent models in the luxury electric SUV segment—after all, fitting such a large battery into an already large and tall vehicle is quite easy. The Porsche Macan and Polestar 3 are certainly worth considering. However, with the 2025 BMW iX refresh, we're once again leaning toward this Swarovski-shaped behemoth, as it delivers a superb driving experience while boasting a 40% longer range.

This means that even the base model boasts a WLTP range of 600 km, while the powerful 537 hp xDrive60 boasts a range of 680 km. To align with upcoming BMW models, the exterior has been slightly redesigned, but you buy this car for the driving experience, not just the looks. The interior features a striking design, crystal-encrusted interior, spacious and comfortable, and, again, the driving experience is truly fantastic.

Or try the Polestar 3 ('utterly superb' handling, but perhaps a little too minimalist in the interior); or the Porsche Macan (slightly smaller, but with excellent pure-electric SUV performance).

Pros: Large battery capacity, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. Cons: Slightly excessive body roll in corners and complex infotainment system.

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is our favorite seven-seat electric car, outperforming its close relative, the Kia EV9. Both vehicles fully utilize the proven E-GMP platform used in many Hyundai and Kia EVs, but the slightly newer Ioniq 9 features a larger battery (110.3 kWh) and offers a more comfortable ride. If you're looking for a large electric minivan, we're confident these advantages will be more important to you.

While its exterior styling may not be as cartoonishly stylish as the EV9, and its fuel economy isn't particularly good, its interior is remarkably spacious. Power-wise, the base rear-wheel-drive model boasts 215 horsepower, while the top-of-the-line dual-motor, high-performance all-wheel-drive model produces 429 horsepower, delivering a WLTP-rated range of up to 600 km (375 miles). Interior quality rivals that of the £82,600 Volvo EX90, but the starting price is just £64,995. Like the Kia, it also offers a more luxurious six-seat configuration.

Or try: the Kia EV9 (former flagship, and as a sister model to the Ioniq 9, it's still a great buy); the Volkswagen ID.Buzz LWB (an electric bus with great looks, and a seven-seat version finally makes it practical).

Pros: The perfect blend of modern luxury and technology; fast, comfortable, and incredibly fun to drive. Cons: Relatively poor fuel economy; perhaps one of the ugliest cars on the market.

We spent six months testing the BMW i7 to ensure it truly lived up to our expectations. Trust us, you'll get used to its appearance over time. However, as we mentioned, once inside, you can't see what's happening outside. Plus, you can install a cinema screen in the rear seats for an even more immersive experience, not to mention the exquisitely crafted illuminated surfaces and unique materials. This is modern BMW luxury, where everything fits together perfectly.

This luxury sedan offers unrivaled comfort for both front and rear passengers, ensuring maximum relaxation, precise handling, and impressive performance. Even the base model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, while the top-of-the-line M70 model with 650 horsepower achieves the sprint in just 3.7 seconds. The only drawback is that, despite a 101.7 kWh battery, the maximum range according to the WLTP cycle is only 600 km, while the EQS has a range of almost 160 km longer.

Or try: Rolls-Royce Spectre (super luxurious, super expensive); Lucid Air (technically you can't buy one in the UK, but if you can get your hands on one it'll be amazing).

Pros: Extremely fast, excellent manual transmission, more sophisticated and feature-rich than the 5 Series NC. Cons: Some of the driving mode submenus can be confusing.

There are plenty of high-performance electric vehicles on the market, and the widespread availability of high performance is one of the enduring benefits of zero-emission vehicles. While the Taycan Turbo GT, RS e-Tron GT, or a top-of-the-line Tesla can be as exciting as mescaline, it wasn't until the release of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N that anyone truly got serious about creating an electric car that's truly fun to drive.Now, Hyundai has raised the bar even higher with the release of its second N-series electric model. While the Ioniq 6 N may seem a bit contrived in appearance, it boasts the same power and breathtaking dual-clutch transmission as other N-series models, but with a more refined and sophisticated appearance. As reviewer Piers Ward notes, it delivers superior ride quality and more stable handling, making it an even more appealing EV. We eagerly await the arrival of the rumored Ioniq 9 N...

Or try: a Porsche Taycan (any one will do, they're all great); an Abarth 600E (with a proper limited-slip differential and precise handling, not fancy parts and excessive exhaust noise).

There is growing consensus worldwide on the need to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles to reduce environmental pollution in the transportation sector. Many automakers see electric vehicles as a solution and are investing heavily in product development; some have even announced deadlines for the gradual phaseout of all non-electric models.

However, not all car buyers are so easily convinced. Despite achieving sales targets for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), many brands are now scaling back their promises to produce electric vehicles. As events unfold, some interesting scenarios are likely to emerge, such as price increases and delivery delays for gasoline-powered vehicles (ICEs), as automakers attempt to sway public opinion and embrace electric vehicles.

Pure electric vehicles aren't the only zero-emission solution being considered. Some automakers are still exploring hydrogen as an alternative fuel. While hydrogen has some drawbacks, it's quicker to refuel and has a wider range of applications: both for generating electricity in hydrogen fuel cells and for combustion in hydrogen fuel cell engines, similar to gasoline.

Other brands, including Porsche, Toyota and Mazda, are exploring so-called synthetic e-fuels as an alternative to carbon-based gasoline and diesel.

Currently, the longest-range electric car officially registered in the UK is the Mercedes-Benz EQS, with a WLTP range of 481 miles (approximately 760 kilometers). Impressive. However, its slightly dated build quality and overly bright interior lighting make us prefer its competitor, the BMW i7, even if that means more frequent parking. We also have a dedicated page dedicated to long-range electric cars.

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