Best electric cars to buy 2023
If you're thinking of buying an electric car in 2023, these are the models that should be on your list - the best EVs on the market right now
Pressure is growing on UK motorists to ditch their petrol and diesel-powered vehicles and switch to pure-electric cars, but which are the best electric cars available to buy now on the UK car market? We've tested every new electric car on sale in the UK and our expert team have delivered their verdicts in our in-depth reviews. Below, you'll find our 10 current favourites.
The number of EVs on the UK’s roads continues to grow, as more new electric cars are launched and used electric models become more readily available. The choice of new electric cars on sale to consumers will continue to expand as more manufacturers get on board with the technology in preparation for tightening emissions regulations and upcoming bans on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK and other countries.
At the same time, the electric car-charging infrastructure in the UK is improving, making electric cars more viable for more people. The wider availability of fast and rapid chargers at homes and workplaces, as well as in public spaces, means it's easier than ever to make the swap into a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and enjoy its lower running costs with relatively little inconvenience. Even if you can’t manage with a pure EV, today’s plug-in hybrids offer a good halfway-house option.
Although some customers might still be a little hesitant about making the switch to electric power, the large and growing selection of models to choose from means there will be an EV to suit most buyers. There's everything from small, city car-sized EVs such as the Fiat 500 to luxury models like the Mercedes EQS, but it’s the mid-size electric family car space where the choice is most rapidly expanding. The stylish Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a talented option, while the impressive Nissan Ariya, a superb all-rounder and our 2022 Car of the Year, has been joined by its Renault Megane E-Tech sister car. Ranges are on the rise too, with the longest range electric cars exceeding the 400-mile mark.
There are other benefits to pure-electric motoring besides the environmental ones - you’ll be exempt from London’s Congestion Charge and from paying road tax. Electric cars still remain more expensive than their combustion engined counterparts to buy, especially now the plug-in car grant has been axed, but running costs have been shown to be as much as 60 per cent less for electric cars than they are for petrol and diesel ones, even with the rising cost of electricity.
The best electric cars to buy now
Here we reveal our pick of the current EV options and, at the bottom of this page, give you some top tips that will help you decide whether an electric car is right for you...
- MG4
- Nissan Ariya
- Renault Megane E-Tech
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Kia EV6
- Skoda Enyaq iV
- BYD Atto 3
- Fiat 500
- Hyundai Ioniq 6
- BMW i4
1. MG4
MG is doing great things at the more affordable end of the electric car market at a time when costs are at the forefront of everyone’s thinking. The MG4 is an electric family hatchback at a price that undercuts many smaller supermini-sized rivals. It’s good to drive, debuts a sharp new styling direction for the brand and comes with impressive rapid charging abilities. At the price, it’s very hard to criticise.
There are two powertrain options both using a rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels. A 51kWh battery model with 168bhp opens the range or there’s the option to upgrade to a 64kWh battery and 200bhp. The 281-mile maximum range of the SE Long Range model is impressive, as is its 150kW rapid charging capability.
The MG4’s interior might not have quite the same high-class feel and advanced technology as some rivals but there’s a lot of space in there with decent rear legroom and a 363-litre boot. It’s functional and practical, while the MG4’s value-for-money credentials make it a truly competitive electric car that’s hard to ignore.
2. Nissan Ariya
If you're after a brilliantly capable, all-electric family SUV, then the Nissan Ariya should be at the top of your list. The Ariya's obvious talents will convince more family buyers to make the move to battery-powered motoring.
Comfortable and good to drive, the Ariya feels a huge step forward for Nissan in terms of quality, engineering and onboard technology. Its coupe-SUV body looks good, while there's plenty of useful practical touches in the cabin to make life that little bit easier.
The Ariya range starts with a 63kWh (usable) battery option, coupled with a 215bhp electric motor that provides a claimed 250 miles of range. A larger 87kWh battery option is also available with a choice of a 239bhp single-motor or 302bhp dual-motor e-4ORCE powertrains too, with the latter offering a seriously quick 5.7-second 0-62mph time.
But the Ariya isn't just about the numbers, we rate it so highly because it performs strongly across the board. It's the highest quality Nissan we've seen yet and an exceptional EV. We like it so much that we named it our 2022 Car of the Year.
3. Renault Megane E-Tech
Renault’s well-known Megane family hatchback has morphed into an electric-only model for its latest fifth generation, albeit one with obvious crossover styling cues. It shares technology with the slightly larger Nissan Ariya and impresses with its high quality cabin, large boot and user-friendly infotainment system.
Known as the Megane E-Tech, the car is only available in pure electric form, and the advanced CMF-EV platform that it shares with the Ariya actually allows a decent weight saving compared to rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3. At 1,636kg, the Renault is around 200kg lighter than the VW. That modest (for an EV) weight helps the 217bhp Megane to a 7.5s 0-62mph sprint and a 99mph top speed. All models have the same 60kWh battery and 280-mile WLTP range.
Unlike its predecessors that were firmly in the family hatchback camp, the new electric Megane E-Tech treads the line between hatchback and SUV. The car is relatively compact by modern EV standards, and manoeuvrable at 4,200mm long, but it offers a lot more cabin space than traditional family hatches like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The 440-litre boot enhances the Megane’s family car credentials further.
4. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai’s upmarket ambitions were comprehensively realised by the arrival of the Ioniq 5, and the model continues to trouble premium rivals such as the Audi Q4 e-tron and Tesla Model Y. Make no mistake, the Ioniq 5 is impressive across the board, showcasing next-gen electric car tech along with capable performance and charging ability normally reserved for high-end models like the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT.
Two battery options are available with three power outputs: the entry 58kWh battery is paired with a single 168bhp motor driving the rear wheels, delivering a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and a range of 238 miles. The 214bhp mid-spec version offers the best range, with a 73kWh battery increasing the total distance able to be covered on a single charge to 280 miles. The top-spec variant uses the same 73kWh battery, but adds a second motor at the front, giving a combined total of 301bhp and 605Nm of torque. Overall range falls slightly to 267 miles, although performance is much improved with 0-62 taking 5.2 seconds.
The Ioniq 5 features a superb infotainment system and generous standard kit, while the available space has to be seen to be believed. It's comfortable, too, so you'll relish the chance of racking up the miles. We certainly did, which is why we named the Hyundai Ioniq 5 our Car of the Year for 2021.
5. Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is the sister vehicle to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, so it's a great pick if you love that model's technology, but aren't quite as sold on its retro-futuristic looks. The EV6 is arguably the more conventional of the two, and it's a bit lower and more sporting. This is reflected in its handling, with slightly firmer suspension offering sharper responses.
It's offered either in RWD or AWD form, along with a high-performance GT version, with the entry-level model being our current favourite. It not only offers the best range figure of up to 328 miles from its 77.4kWh battery, but we also found its 7.3-second 0-62mph time to be quick enough.
With all-wheel drive, the next step up is undeniably faster, lopping two seconds off its benchmark sprint time. But it also has a slightly shorter range, costs considerably more and doesn't feel entirely comfortable to drive quickly.
Every version features impressive ultra-rapid charging at up to 250kW, so if you can find a fast enough public charger, a top up from 10 to 80 per cent is possible in less than 20 minutes. Its interior is no less desirable, thanks to a dashboard dominated by a pair of curved 12.3-inch screens for the instruments and infotainment setup.
6. Skoda Enyaq iV
The Enyaq iV is an all-electric family car that is typically Skoda: that is to say it's practical, well-equipped, comfortable and decent to drive. With top-spec models able to cover over 300 miles from a full charge, it soothes any range anxiety and just gets on with being an excellent family car - that just happens to run on battery power.
Skoda has come up with an innovative way of helping you to personalise your new Enyaq iV; instead of standard trim levels it offers four individual 'Design Selections' - Loft, Lounge, Suite and ECO Suite. Each provides a distinct design approach, with different materials used to create a certain style, while the SportLine Plus variant delivers a sleeker, sportier look with its 20-inch alloys and carbon-effect accents.
Standard kit is generous with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display, climate control, cruise control and rear parking sensors all featuring on the base model.
7. BYD Atto 3
BYD - which stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’ - is a new entry into the UK car market, and the Chinese brand has already hit the ground running with its Atto 3 crossover. It looks good, rides comfortably and there’s even an element of luxury when you take a seat inside.
You’d be forgiven for looking straight past all of these qualities, though, as the Atto 3 is chock-full of quirky features. When it comes to musical entertainment, Spotify is included as standard and accessed via a rotating centre touchscreen - but if you’d prefer a live gig, the door pocket strings are designed to act as a playable guitar. If fitness is more of your thing, the gear selector, air vents and door handle designs are all inspired by weightlifting equipment.
Novelties aside, the Atto 3 still has plenty of sensible qualities, including a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The 60.5kWh battery is good for a range of 260 miles on the WLTP combined cycle, and the 150kW rapid charging capability allows it to be topped up from 30 to 80 per cent in 29 minutes.
8. Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 nails its city car brief perfectly; it's competitively priced and offers low running costs along with plenty of Italian flair. Although the third generation car is a little bigger than its combustion-engined predecessor, the 500 EV is still at home darting through urban traffic. You shouldn't have any trouble parking, either, as even the entry-level models come with rear parking sensors as standard.
Two battery options are available: a 42kWh ‘Long Range’ version and a 24kWh ‘City Range’ variant. The City Range offers up to 115 miles of range from a single charge, although the bigger battery gives you a more practical 199 miles before needing to recharge.
Inside, the cabin is suitably stylish, while you'll benefit from a host of on-board tech. Base cars offer a 7-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while moving up through mid- and top-spec models brings a rear-view camera and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.
9. Hyundai Ioniq 6
Following on from the multi-award-winning Ioniq 5 certainly wasn’t an easy task, but Hyundai has managed to make further advancements with the Ioniq 6. While the two cars share a number of features under the skin, this curvy saloon has been designed to be as aerodynamic as possible in order to maximise efficiency.
The result is a claimed battery range of 338 miles - dropping slightly to 322 miles if you opt for the all-wheel-drive version. When you do need to top up, the E-GMP platform’s electronics will allow you to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 18 minutes - if you can find a 220kW rapid-charger.
The Ioniq 6 also feels even more refined to drive than the Ioniq 5; the drivetrain is smooth and offers plenty of power for overtaking. There isn’t much in the way of excitement, though, especially when compared to the Tesla Model 3. Fortunately, the hot Ioniq 6 N is on the way to address this issue.
Inside, the cabin is very similar to the Ioniq 5’s, but the material quality is just a little bit higher. This makes the Ioniq 6 feel like a more premium car to sit in, but it can’t quite match its sibling for luggage space. That said, the 401-litre boot should prove enough for most everyday needs.
10. BMW i4
The BMW i4 demonstrates the brand’s commitment to both an electrified future and its rich heritage for delivering cars that are great to drive. Arguably, the best part about the i4 is the way it handles – despite weighing in at over two tonnes, it feels brilliant through the corners with precise steering feels and impressive agility. In fact, near silent progress aside, you’d struggle to tell the difference between it and a fossil-fuelled 4 Series Gran Coupe.
The eDrive40 i4 produces 335bhp and 430Nm of torque, which should be plenty for everyday driving. There’s also a 536bhp i4 M50 version, which is the first electric car to be produced by BMW’s performance-focused M Division. The 335bhp model is offered in both Sport and M Sport trim levels, both of which come with a healthy amount of kit. M Sport models get mostly cosmetic upgrades for around an extra £1,500. Optional kit is rather expensive, however, and the i4 doesn't offer quite as much value for money as its rivals.
More great electric cars
With the range of electric car choice expanding so rapidly, competition to get into our overall best electric cars top ten list is fierce to say the least. Naturally a lot of very fine electric vehicles miss the cut so here are a few of the best.
If you need more assistance in narrowing down your electric car shortlist, click the links below.
Cupra Born
The Born is from SEAT’s sporty sub-brand Cupra; an electric hot hatch based on similar technology to the VW ID.3. It’s got a sharp, stylish look and feel, plus a choice of 201bhp or 227bhp powertrain options and that all-important fun factor. The ride is a little firm though.
BMW iX
BMW has delivered some fine electrified models over the years, with the revolutionary i8 sports car and more mainstream i3 supermini standing out as superb examples of the German manufacturer’s engineering skill.
The iX is the first of BMW’s battery-powered SUVs to be built on a dedicated EV platform. There are three versions available: the first is the 332bhp xDrive40 with a 71kW battery that’s good for a range of up to 257 miles, while the other two versions are the 516bhp xDrive50 and the upcoming 611bhp M60. These more powerful variants up the battery size to 105kW and will achieve a claimed maximum of 380 and 357 miles respectively.
All versions of the BMW iX feature a four-wheel drive, dual-motor setup and, although this contributes to a rather hefty kerbweight of over 2,400kg, the iX handles surprisingly well.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mustang Mach-E is Ford's first all-electric SUV, and is one of the most important cars for the blue oval in a generation. Starting from around £50,000, the Mach-E is a sporty EV that offers great handling and a generous list of standard kit, along with decent practicality.
The Mustang Mach-E is nothing like its iconic sports car namesake, but it's a well-crafted electric SUV that still offers a breadth of skills. And, if you're after more pace, the 480bhp Mach-E GT performance model is even faster, and boasts 'MagneRide' adaptive suspension.
Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 was the electric car many had been waiting for. It combines minimalist style, space-age technology, grin-inducing performance, cutting-edge charging tech – supported by the expansive and dedicated Tesla Supercharger network – and, most importantly, a long driving range.
The interior is nothing like what you’ll find in any BMW or Audi. The minimalist approach might not be to everyone’s taste but you can’t deny the wow factor.
MG ZS EV
MG’s pitch to UK car buyers is based around value and the MG ZS EV fits that brand ethos to a tee. While it doesn’t stand out in terms of its technology or driving experience, the ZS EV is competent in these areas. The car’s real strength lies in its practicality, affordability and long warranty.
Porsche Taycan
The Taycan is a massively capable and desirable electric car. It comes at a premium but the Porsche engineers have delivered a driving experience that few other EVs at any price can come close to matching.
Despite the inevitable extra weight compared to petrol powered Porsche sports cars, the four-door Taycan retains the brand’s trademark agility and performance. With up to 751bhp in the Turbo S variant and range of up to 315 miles in the 93.4kWh battery models, it’s a hugely impressive machine.
How to choose an electric car: top tips
Here's everything you need to make your electric car choices. For more information check out our full guide to living with an EV...
1. Decide whether an electric car will suit your lifestyle
Electric cars are not for everybody. Although the public charging infrastructure in the UK is improving quickly, regular long trips in an electric car can still prove problematic. The perfect usage pattern for an EV involves charging at home overnight when electricity tariffs are lower and not needing to top up the battery again during the day.
Ideally, you’ll need somewhere to charge at home, but you could get around this if there are EV charging points at work or plenty of public charging points nearby. If you do less than 200 or so miles a week, you could get away without having a home or work charger at all; just visit a public one every few days to top up.
If your average daily mileage exceeds the range of your electric car, we’d advise you to think twice, but the occasional longer trip should be perfectly manageable. As the technology improves and the average range of electric cars grows, more and more people will find that they could live quite happily with an electric car.
2. Don’t be put off by high electric car prices, running costs are the key
The list prices of electric cars can look expensive compared to equivalent petrol or diesel models, but looks are very likely to be deceiving. List prices are just one part of the cost of vehicle ownership and the overall cost becomes much more palatable when you factor-in the relatively low running costs of EVs - often around 60 per cent of those of a similar petrol model depending on usage patterns.
As a general rule, charging an electric car is cheaper than fuelling a petrol or diesel one - even if you use more expensive public charging points. The gap has narrowed in recent times with the rising cost of electricity but most electric car owners will still save by charging an EV at home rather than buying petrol or diesel for an equivalent car.
The free VED (road tax), the company car tax advantages and the lower maintenance costs that result from an EV’s fewer moving parts, and the lower cost of running an electric car will also help offset the higher upfront price.
3. Don’t worry about electric car practicality
There was a time when the majority of electric cars were conventional models with the internal combustion engine powertrain swapped out for an electric motor and batteries. This led to all sorts of compromises in terms of interior and boot space. But today, electric cars tend to be built on purpose-designed platforms that are created either purely for electric vehicles or to accommodate various kinds of propulsion systems. The end result is that electric cars deliver boot and passenger space equivalent to petrol and diesel rivals.
With everything from superminis and small SUVs to executive saloons and luxury SUVs to choose from, there should be an electric car to meet the needs of most buyers.
4. Enjoy the electric car driving experience
Electric cars tend to be heavier than petrol and diesel models, which means they can feel less nimble on twisty roads, but there are a whole host of benefits to the way they drive that many people will find preferable.
For a start you get near-silent cruising with next-to-no sound from the electric motors. In traffic, the car slows itself when you lift off the throttle, so it’s possible to drive around town using just one pedal, hardly ever touching the brake. It all makes for a very relaxed experience, yet the instant torque provided by the electric motor means that even everyday EVs have the potential to leave a hot hatch standing when pulling away from the traffic lights and in some cases, supercars too.
In some ways, owning an EV means you have to change the way you think about driving. You automatically adopt a gentler, more relaxed style that maximises your range and often means you reach your destination feeling more refreshed than you would do otherwise.
The UK electric car market: history and future
Electric cars have been around for well over a century but it’s only recently that they’ve started to gain a market foothold. In the early noughties, the Reva G-Wiz led the electric car craze, although that model hardly qualified as a car at all, as it was classed as a quadricycle. It used basic lead-acid batteries, similar to the electric milk floats that once frequented British streets in the early hours, and was slow, cramped and not very safe. It wasn't until the original Nissan Leaf came along that the process of electric car development went into overdrive.
As a five-door, five-seat hatchback, the Leaf offered the practicality of a conventional family car, and became the best-selling EV, albeit with sales figures significantly lower than its petrol and diesel counterparts. Initially the Leaf's range was 80 miles at best, but constant development and improvement have seen that range increase, while the arrival of the Leaf Mk2 in 2018 saw the car gain a range closer to that of a conventional petrol car.
Seeing the success of the Leaf, rival car makers got in on the act and introduced their own EVs. Hyundai, Kia, Peugeot, Citroen, Renault, Ford and Volkswagen were among the first brands to join the electric revolution, along with Polestar, and BMW, which its own 'i' EV sub-brand. Tesla helped shape the market with its range of all-electric cars, while prestige makers Audi, Mercedes and Genesis began producing their own luxury EVs, and various companies are building low volume all-electric hypercars. Today, the UK's 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is focusing minds and the number of brands without an all-electric offering is small and shrinking. There will only be more to come.
Looking into the future, you can only see the electric car market expanding, and fast. With comprehensive manufacturer buy-in fuelled by tightening emissions regulations from governments, electric car technology is improving fast - along with the infrastructure that makes running one easier. You might not be considering an electric car now but it’s a safe bet that you will be in the future.
Are electric cars environmentally friendly?
Electric cars have zero exhaust emissions so they don’t cause the localised NOx and particulate emissions that have a damaging effect on air quality in urban areas. However, the overall environmental credentials of an electric car depend greatly on the source of the electricity used to charge it. As the energy mix of the National Grid moves towards renewable sources like solar, wind and tidal power and away from fossil fuels, electric cars get greener. Green NCAP has published whole life emissions estimates for various cars with small electric vehicles performing better than any ICE cars.
Which electric cars have the longest range?
With ever-improving battery technology, electric cars are increasing their ranges. The MG4 is one of the more affordable EVs and it has an official range of up to 281 miles, which should be enough for most drivers. At the other end of the scale, pricier models such as the Mercedes EQS and Tesla Model S can offer well over 400 miles. Check out our list of the longest range electric cars.
For an alternative view, see our sister site Driving Electric's ranking of the top 10 best electric cars...
