Best electric cars and EVs 2024

Hyundai, along with its sister brand Kia, has led the pack when it comes to affordable electric cars with long ranges. The original Kona Electric, for example, came along in 2018 with almost double the range of its electric small SUV rivals. But now it's the Ioniq 5's turn to set the standard. 

Although it's shaped like a big hatchback, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is larger than you might expect and similar in size to the Skoda Enyaq iV. A key part of the Hyundai's appeal is its styling, with a funky blend of futuristic and retro details to make it really stand out.

While the inside isn't as dazzling on the eye as the outside, it is a very nice place to sit with a spacious, airy feel, great technology and clever features including (on Ultimate models) a sliding centre console and 'vehicle to load capability', which lets you power anything from a domestic socket via the car itself. 

If you don't want all the bells and whistles, even the reasonably-priced base model offers up a WLTP range of 240 miles. But go for the 73kWh model and you'll get up to 300 miles out of a single charge, while charging is done pretty rapidly, with an 80% top-up possible in under 20 minutes. 

On the road, there might be faster and more exciting EVs, but the Ioniq 5's impressive comfort, decent performance and easy about-town driving makes it a doddle to get about in. It's one of our favourite EVs at any price. 

The Skoda Enyaq iV could be the electric car that many of us have been waiting for. It's certainly one of the very best electric cars you can buy right now. 

Based on the same platform as Volkswagen's ID.4 and the Audi Q4 e-tron, we think it's the Enyaq that's the best choice out of the three cars. Why's that you ask? Surely Volkswagen and Audi both trump Skoda? Don't get us wrong, the Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron are very good electric cars, it's just that the Enyaq offers greater practicality, more generous kit levels and a more affordable price tag.

Skoda's second all-electric car (after the small but very capable Citigo-e iV), the Enyaq is a family-focused electric SUV and that means it's big on space. There's a large and comfy cabin with a large 13-inch media display dominating the dash, while there's plenty of stowage space and a big boot to, eh, boot. 

It's just as good to drive as its more expensive siblings, and offers an even more comfortable ride and a slightly better range, while also being roomier and more practical. And yet, the interior still feels well made and is well equipped. Skoda really knocked one out the park with the Enyaq. 

Think the idea of a Kia - and an electric one at that - is mind-numbingly dull? The EV6 will make you think again. 

It's best to consider the Kia EV6 as the Niro EV's cooler, sportier uncle, and putting the two side-by-side hammers that analogy home. Its striking exterior combines with a modern-looking, well-executed interior that offers both dazzling tech and a number of neat practicality features. It's even pretty roomy.

But what makes the Kia such an accomplished all-rounder for its relatively modest outlay is also the driving experience. With punchy electric motors, agile handling and a grown-up (if slightly firm) ride, the EV6 makes almost everything else on the market feel a bit soulless.

There's a dual motor version that does 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds, and a super-fast GT version that'll bait a Tesla Model 3. But, really, the single motor version is plenty powerful enough for most people's needs. That's also the version with the longest range. What's more, it can even power household devices or even charge up other EVs from outside the car, which is a very clever feature.

If there's anything that signifies how seriously the car world is about the shift to EVs, it's the arrival of an electric Porsche. Sure, some people will hate the mere idea of the Taycan, but it's truly one of the best electric cars you can buy today.

For a start, it's properly quick. The Turbo S packs a whopping 761PS (with overboost function), resulting in 0-62mph acceleration of just 2.8 seconds. Not only is it one of the fastest electric cars going, but it's faster than a lot of supercars, while top speed is 162mph. Lesser models aren't quite so impressive on paper, but all Taycans combine impeccable handling with impressive long-distance comfort.

Indeed, it's long-distance touring that the Taycan perhaps does best. It can cover up to 301 miles on a charge, while there's a surprising amount of room inside, with enough space for adults in the back and a big boot. There's even an estate-like Cross Turismo model available, providing a sportier alternative to electric SUVs like the Audi e-tron.

If you're shopping for a compact executive car, you'd have to be a die-hard German car hater to not at least consider a BMW 3 Series. BMW wants this to also become the case with the all-electric i4, which is one of the brand's most accomplished EVs. 

The BMW i4 is effectively a rival to the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. But unlike those cars it doesn't shout about being electric. In fact, you'd be hard pressed at a glance to tell it apart from a regular 4 Series Gran Coupe. And that's key to the i4's appeal: by not trying too hard, it's basically taking what we know and love about BMWs with engines, and applying it to an EV.

That means the interior is familiar but brilliant, with excellent quality and one of the best infotainment systems on the market. It also means it's fantastic to drive, with a real sense of sharpness and balance to the handling. 

The headline model in the i4 range is the M50, with its punchy 544PS and dual electric motors. While that'll give a Model 3 Performance a run for its money, in the real world the 340PS eDrive40 model is plenty quick enough, and that's the version with a Tesla-matching 367-mile range from its 83.9kWh battery. 

Even the most hardened of Tesla haters can't deny the sheer objective excellence of the Model 3. And buyers haven't, either, because the Tesla Model 3 is one of the most popular electric cars in the world right now, even a few years on from its launch.

Why? Well it's one of the longest range electric cars money can buy, yet despite new prices increasing of late it's still relatively affordable. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range can officially manage up to 374 miles on a charge, but even when that does run out, you don't need to worry too much because Tesla's brilliant Supercharger network will always have your back. 

The Model 3 might not be the most inspiring thing to look at inside or out, but the technology on offer via that giant central touchscreen makes VW's efforts look half-baked.  You'll need to get used to everything (and we mean everything) being controlled through that screen, however, and there are better quality interiors around. But the Tesla is spacious and well-equipped. 

We can't complain about the way the Model 3 drives, with a sorted ride and composed handling. Even the basic ones are very fast, but the Tesla Model 3 Performance is astonishingly rapid, going from 0-62mph in 3.1 seconds. Want to bait supercars without the local pollution? This is the car. 

On the face of it, the Cupra Born is simply a rehashed Volkswagen ID.3 with an angry face. But it's so much more than that. It's almost an electric hot hatch (almost...) with suspension that's been tuned to make the Cupra Born genuinely fun to drive. If ever there was an EV that could attract the attention of die-hard petrolheads, this is it.

You get similar powertrain offerings to the Volkswagen ID.3, including a punchy 'e-Boost' model with 230PS providing acceleration that could almost keep a Tesla Model 3 on its toes. We reckon the regular 204PS model is more than sufficient, though, while buyers get a choice of two battery packs: 58kWh or 77kWh. The latter provides a range of up to 340 miles.

It's inside the Cupra Born where you'll notice the biggest difference from the Volkswagen ID.3. OK, its cabin isn't without its irritations (why do you have to stroke the volume control on the steering wheel?), but it looks and feels classier than the VW. It's comfortable and spacious, too, with more room for passengers than the Cupra Leon hot hatch.

Who'd have thought it'd be MG that cornered the market for cheap electric cars? It's a brand that's better associated with British sports cars, hot hatches and - in recent years - below-par Chinese-built hatchbacks. But the MG4 EV is one of the best electric hatchbacks on sale, and that's before you factor in the sub-£30k price tag.

For the price of a Renault Zoe, you get a Golf-sized family car with a decent range (up to 281 miles) and a seven-year warranty, not to mention a long list of standard equipment. Even the top-spec MG4 EV Trophy is significantly cheaper than the Volkswagen ID.3 (its main rival) and comes with a genuinely impressive kit list, including a 360-degree camera, built-in navigation, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

What really makes the MG4 EV stand out against other MG models (including the MG5 and MG ZS EV) is its clever packaging. It's been designed from scratch as an EV, without the need to accommodate a big petrol engine. That means it's a lot more spacious inside than many cars of this size. And as the electric motor drives the rear wheels, it's also a lot of fun to drive: good news for traditional MG buyers who have fond memories of cars like the MG B.

It’s taken a little while for BMW to catch-up to some of its competitors in the EV market, but it now has an extensive range of fully electric vehicles, and the i5 is a great example of a supremely comfortable saloon cruiser.

This all-electric 5 Series follows the brief of its combustion-powered predecessors: it’s good in almost every area with a refined driving experience and a fantastic look and feel. It stares the Porsche Taycan square in the face and laughs, with greater range and more space for passengers and luggage, while delivering a similarly excellent drive. 

Talking of range, the i5 can do up to 354 miles on a single charge, although real-world usage will likely bring that figure closer to 300. Still, that’s a decent slug, which will get you across a fair proportion of the country before you need to start considering a charging stop. For those who want to really kick things up a notch, there’s an M60 variant, which will do 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds, although max range drops to 315 miles.

The BMW i5 may be a little 'safer' when compared to some of the other vehicles in our best electric cars rundown, but it delivers a familiar BMW 5 Series experience, which means you're in good hands.

Volkswagen has a growing range of competent and long-range electric cars, but there's nothing that really tugs at the heartstrings. Until now, that is, with the charming VW ID.Buzz.

Taking clear inspiration from a decades-old icon, the Type 2 Bus, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz MPV brings the same mix of practicality and style into the 21st century. And like the old bus, the engine (or rather electric motor) sits at the back, leaving a bluff front end and wheel-at-each-corner design to maximise space. 

And there's plenty of that inside, with a vast front cabin and (optionally) electric sliding doors that reveal generous rear-seat space for three. It's a shame you don't get individual rear seats, but even more of a pity that we'll have to wait a little while longer for a seven-seat version to finally arrive. Despite that, though, we love the airy and smart cabin, with its bright finishes and premium feel. 

Another thing that's notably un-van-like is the driving experience. In fact, it drives like a very well-sorted electric car, with SUV-like handling but an even smoother ride than other VW electric cars. It's really quiet, too, and while performance isn't electrifying right now, there will be faster models in time. 

Nissan knows how to make a good electric car. The original Nissan Leaf was one of the very first mass-market EVs, launched way back in 2011, during a time when diesel was still considered the eco fuel of choice for many.

The market's moved on a lot since then, though. Car manufacturers desperately need an electric SUV in their line-up to be considered relevant. Enter the Nissan Ariya. Set to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-e, the Nissan Ariya combines the brand's expertise with the Nissan Leaf EV and hugely popular Nissan Qashqai family SUV.

And the result is impressive. While its modern exterior styling knocks the Nissan Leaf's out of the park, the interior is truly revolutionary. Spacious, of course, while also finished in the highest quality materials. You get an impressive new dual-screen infotainment system, too. Combine the ultra-modern interior with a 329-mile range, and we reckon the new Nissan Ariya is one of the best electric SUVs you can buy.

The old Kia e-Niro was one of the best all-round electric cars but, while it charmed buyers with its versatility and low running costs, it couldn't be accused of having much in the way of style.

That's all changed with the latest Kia Niro EV (note the name change). While the new model doesn't build on its predecessor a great deal in terms of facts and figures (its official range figure is up just three miles to 285), it does have a huge amount more charisma. And technology. And all the kind of things you want in an electric car.

That's because, since the old e-Niro was launched, Kia's invested a lot of time into developing its larger electric cars. And a lot of that investment is now dripping down into the new Kia Niro EV. It might be a more affordable option, but its interior is almost as plush as the cabin in the EV6 (even with sustainable materials such as vegan leather seats). The passenger's seat can be fully reclined (ideal for taking a kip while charging), while the Niro EV supports vehicle-to-load charging, so you can use its high-voltage battery to power a kettle or even charge other electric vehicles.

There was much excitement in the car world when the Volvo EX90 was first announced, due to it being the spiritual all-electric successor to the brilliant and hugely successful Volvo XC90. Then, however, we were made to wait the thick end of two years for it to arrive. But now it finally has, it's certainly been worth the wait.

Yes, the XC90 continues in a heavily revised plug-in hybrid form, but the EX90 takes Volvo's expertise with large seven-seat luxury SUVs, and brings it right up to date. Yes, the EX90 is very expensive, but that's partly because its initially only offered in high-end trim levels with hugely powerful Twin Motor all-electric drivetrains and massive batteries. However, we do expect more affordable versions to be offered in short order, and these will probably be even more appealing.

But for now, the plushly trimmed and immensely spacious seven-seater cabin has just about every gadget you can think of, while the cool Scandi design is typically Volvo, and perfectly compliments the car's imposing exterior style. With those hugely powerful drivetrains, the EX90 is enormously quick for such a vast car, while the ride is impressively smooth and the handling is surprisingly agile. 

Few car manufacturers have been as prolific as BMW in punting out new EV after new EV. In recent years, there's been a steady stream of all-electric models from the Bavaria-based carmaker, and that doesn't look like it's going to stop any time soon. And for our money, the BMW iX1 is one of the firm's best.

That's for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it's great to drive, like any BMW simply has to be. It provides a really good balance of comfort and control, with the suspension mopping up the worst of road surfaces, but giving enough sharpness to allow you to have some fun. Performance is appropriately strong, and your progress is also appropriately quiet. Just what you want in a family SUV, then.

Worried that the teeny BMW iX1 isn't big enough to be a family SUV? Don't be. The iX1 has grown quite a bit compared to the previous X1, so it's really not that teeny any more. Four adults and a decent amount of luggage will fit very comfortably, and squeezing in a fifth person won't be out of the question, either. Best of all, as electric BMWs go, the iX1 is comparatively affordable, so buying one shouldn't break the bank. Chuck in the plush interior, generous equipment, impressive safety and very decent range, and you have a very capable all-rounder.

The new MINI Cooper Electric is certainly not the first all-electric version of the MINI hatchback, but it is comfortably the best. The all-important range has improved hugely for one thing. While the old MINI Electric would struggle to bust 100 real-world miles on a full charge, the official WLTP figures suggest you'll get up to 249 miles out of this new one.

An electric MINI has to be about far more than range, though. It also needs to be about style, fun and charm. It certainly has the style bit nailed, with retro-modern looks that, as always, take their inspiration from the 1960s original, but with a fresh twist for 2024. That goes for the interior, too, which has funky design, high-grade materials and a one-of-a-kind circular touchscreen.

The fun bit is covered by the MINI's trademark agility. It may look the same as the petrol-powered MINI released at the same time, but while that car shares much with the previous MINI, the all-electric one is built on a platform that's brand-spanking new. As any MINI should, it dances from bend to bend with impressive alacrity, and the potent pace from the electric motor keeps you on your toes as well. And the charm? Well, when there's this much fun to be had, you can't fail to be charmed by the latest MINI.