Top 10 best electric cars 2024

We’re almost spoiled for choice when it comes to electric cars these days. Though we’re hardly complaining as it means there's a plethora of EVs ranging from city cars to SUVs and funky family minibuses, like the Volkswagen ID.Buzz now on showroom floors, and the selection is constantly growing! It only makes finding the best electric car more difficult but our expert road test team are well up to the task. 

Almost every manufacturer offers an electric car nowadays – including the likes of Lotus, Jeep and even Rolls-Royce – while there are plenty of new electric cars coming out in the near future to be excited about, too

It’s not just EVs that are evolving, though; the UK’s network of rapid and ultra-rapid electric-car chargers continues to expand, making it easier to live with EVs and cover long distances in them, too.

Electric cars are also more relaxing and easier to drive than their petrol and diesel-powered counterparts thanks to silent powertrains and stunning performance on tap, while zero tailpipe emissions and rock-bottom running costs make EVs extremely appealing to company-car drivers.

So, if you're in the market for a new electric car, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together a round-up of the top 10 best electric cars on sale right now in 2024…

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1. Kia EV9

Forget everything you know about Kia; the EV9 is representative of how far the brand has come in the last few years. Available with up to seven seats, the Kia EV9 is incredibly spacious, yet it’s packed to the brim with all the latest technology. We like Kia’s tri-screen infotainment system – even if it does lag sometimes – and are pretty impressed by the quality of the materials used around the cabin. Of course, that’s without even mentioning the brand’s industry-leading seven-year warranty.

Entry-level Kia EV9 models are able to cover an impressive 349 miles on a charge, while Dual-Motor cars offer pretty substantial levels of performance. Starting from around £60k, it is rather expensive for a Kia, but few rivals offer this level of space, comfort and technology for the price. With that in mind, we think the Kia EV9 is thoroughly deserving of the prestigious title of DrivingElectric Car of the Year for 2024.

Read our full review of the Kia EV9 to find out more.

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2. Tesla Model 3

Although it may not be able to match its SUV sibling in the sales charts, a recent facelift means the Tesla Model 3 no longer exists in the Model Y’s shadow. Thanks to some refinements in efficiency, Long Range cars can now cover an impressive 421 miles on a single charge. It’s the base Rear-Wheel Drive model we’re most taken with, though; few EVs offer the same level of range, performance and tech – especially for under £40,000.

Like all Tesla models, the Model 3 gets full access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, as well as a heap of technology as standard. As before, there’s a 14-inch screen in the front, loaded with features, games and gizmos, however, there’s now also an eight-inch display in the back for the rear passengers, making longer journeys a breeze. This, alongside the Model 3’s pretty decently-sized boot is why we gave it the Best Family Electric Car award for 2024.

Read our full review of the Tesla Model 3 to find out more.

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3. Renault Scenic

Proof that being taller makes you more attractive, the Renault Scenic has recently been transformed from a dowdy people carrier to a hip and high-riding SUV and we’re in love. Building on the already solid foundation set by the electric Megane hatchback, the new Renault Scenic is even more spacious, full of neat family-friendly features and has one of the best infotainment systems we’ve ever tried. Powered by Google software, the display is pin-sharp and snappy, plus it’s packed with features and begs the question why more manufacturers don’t leave in-car tech to tech companies.

Another big reason to choose the Scenic is its powertrain; no, it’s not the fastest, nor the most exciting SUV to drive, but we think most buyers will care more about its class-leading 379-mile range. What’s more, the Renault manages to undercut its Tesla Model Y rival on price by a significant margin, plus with a bucketload of standard kit included, we see little reason to spend out on anything other than the well-equipped base Techno model. Tres bièn, Renault.

Read our full review of the Renault Scenic to find out more.

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4. Jeep Avenger

From a brand with roots firmly planted in serious off-roaders such as the Wrangler, the Jeep Avenger brings something entirely different to the table. The Avenger has been built with the purpose of navigating through the city streets rather than the California Mojave desert. With its rugged looks, a surprising amount of storage and decent 250-mile range it adds up to a really usable family car. At times the Avenger feels a little short of performance but a comfortable ride and easy handling in the city still make it a solid choice. 

There are competitors like the Kia Niro EV offering more range and space, but there’s something about the Avenger’s personality that gives it an edge. And while off-road enthusiasts might want to hold out for the four-wheel drive version, most people will be happy that the launch model delivers plenty of range and performance.

Read our full review of the Jeep Avenger to find out more.

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5. Peugeot E-2008

The small electric SUV market is expanding quickly with numerous manufacturers trying to get their share, but the Peugeot E-2008 stands ahead of most with a decent real-world range and practicality at a price that won’t break the bank. 

The 2008 lacks the excitement factor when it comes to driving and the driving position itself may feel awkward to some. On the positive side, it offers reasonable charge times and the interior is a standout feature, especially after the 2023 facelift, which also improved the infotainment system. 

Read our full review of the Peugeot E-2008 to find out more.

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6. Hyundai Kona Electric

We fell in love with the Kia Niro EV when it first launched, but its sister car, the Hyundai Kona Electric, takes everything we love about that model to the next level. If you can get past its strikingly futuristic exterior, you’ll find the Kona is a practical and easy to live with electric family car. The Kona’s well-built cabin features all the latest tech, yet Hyundai hasn’t forgotten ergonomics, meaning there’s plenty of tactile buttons that are easy to press whilst on the move. Its 466-litre boot is also up there with the roomiest in class, while supple suspension makes the Kona ideal for driving around town.

Speaking of town driving, the entry-level Hyundai Kona Electric starts from just over £36k and is ideal for urban-based buyers with its 234-mile range. Those looking to go further afield can upgrade to the 65kWh car with its 305-mile range, however, both versions are capable of a 10-80% rapid charge in around 40 minutes. Oh, and did we mention that, like all Hyundai models, the Kona Electric gets a superb five-year, 100,000-mile warranty? We think that’ll do just nicely.

Read our full review of the Hyundai Kona Electric to find out more.

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7. Skoda Enyaq

The Enyaq is Skoda’s first dedicated electric car, and undeniably one of the best on sale today. In typical fashion for the Czech brand, the Skoda Enyaq is all about space; its 585-litre boot is one of the largest of any electric family cars, while the flat rear floor means it’s easy to sit three adults abreast in the rear. That’s not forgetting all of Skoda’s signature ‘Simply Clever’ features which include an ice scraper built into the charging port flap, a folding crate in the boot and an umbrella hidden within the driver’s door – just like in a Rolls-Royce.

There are several versions of the Skoda Enayq to choose from; we’d skip the base ‘60’ model, unless you only plan to use the SUV for the school run. The mid-spec Skoda Enyaq 85 Edition marks the sweet spot in the line-up, with a long list of equipment and, more crucially, a strong 345-mile range figure. If you’re after something to set your pulses racing, Skoda also offers the Enyaq in sleek Coupe form, as well as in high-performance vRS guise with over 330bhp.

Read our full review of the Skoda Enyaq to find out more.

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8. Porsche Taycan

Porsche has a long history of building some of the most impressive and exciting cars on sale and with the Taycan, it doesn’t disappoint. The Porsche Taycan wows with its amazing driving experience and impressive battery ranges, making it one of the best electric cars there is. Solid German build quality adds to the appeal but it’s not all sunshine and roses – this premium ride comes with a hefty price tag, and backseat passengers might feel a bit cramped. Plus, be prepared for a bumpy ride over poor surfaces.

With a quoted range of up to 421 miles, depending on model choice and if you opt for the Performance Battery Plus option, and quick charge times, it’s not just about performance. Inside, the Taycan’s interior is a showstopper, especially if you opt for the fancy features like the optional passenger display and top-notch materials such as the full leather interior and optional trims, but these add to the cost. If you can stomach the price tag though, you will have a car which very few other EVs can touch.

Read our full review of the Porsche Taycan to find out more.

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9. MG ZS EV

The MG ZS EV stands out in the electric vehicle market with its competitive range and family-oriented design. The introduction of the Long Range version in 2021 further broadened its appeal, giving drivers more choices. There are a few minor features on the vehicle which could be improved, such as the somewhat unexciting driving experience, rapid charging speeds that aren’t as fast as some rivals and interior quality that also could be better. Despite this, it's an incredibly well rounded car for the price.

The MG ZS EV remains a great option for those seeking an electric car without breaking the bank. It's a balance of practicality and affordability that not many brands can achieve, an enticing option for people looking to make the switch to EV. 

Read our full review of the MG ZS EV to find out more

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10. BMW i5

The BMW i5 does a fine job of showcasing the brand’s best qualities. It impresses with its premium feel and superb infotainment system - the BMW iDrive that continues to deliver one of the best user experiences in the industry. Despite minor concerns about its urban manoeuvrability and a few rivals having slightly more range, the i5 provides an exceptional driving experience, offering ample performance and refinement. The price tag is high but the i5 proves to be one of the most well-rounded electric executive saloons money can buy.

Read our full review of the BMW i5 to find out more.

Best electric cars to buy now

1. Kia EV9
2. Tesla Model 3
3. Renault Scenic
4. Jeep Avenger
5. Peugeot E-2008
6. Hyundai Kona Electric
7. Skoda Enyaq
8. Porsche Taycan
9. MG ZS EV
10. BMW i5

How to choose the best electric car for you: top tips

1. There’s an electric car for everyone now

Electric cars have come a long way since the days when the G-Wiz and Nissan Leaf were the only EVs on the road. In 2023, the choice is immense. At one end of the spectrum, you have budget-minded models like the MG4 EV and Kia Niro EV, as well as compact city cars like Fiat 500, while at the other end are ultra-premium models like the BMW i7 and Mercedes EQS SUV. There's also more than a few high-performance flagships that casually boast close to 1,000bhp power outputs.

One thing they all have in common is a near-silent running gear that can provide zippy performance and – more importantly for some – a relaxing driving experience previously reserved only for the most luxurious cars on the road. With instant torque on tap, no gearchanges to deal with and regenerative braking that can allow for ‘one- pedal’ driving, there’s a lot to like about being between the wheel of an EV.

2. Make sure you can reliably top up your electric car 

There’s a lot to like about owning an electric car, however you need to think about how you’re going to keep your zero-emissions pride and joy topped up! It’s not a problem if you have private off-street parking, as installing a home wallbox will allow you to recharge overnight, ready for the next day.

Don’t worry if you’re one of the many people who use on-street parking, as cities like London are now well served by public charging points, so you can get away with not having a charger at home or work. If you do less than 200 or so miles a week, a top-up from a public charging point every few days should be sufficient.

You may need to think twice about switching to electric if your average daily mileage exceeds the range of the car you’re considering. But, thanks to the growing number of rapid-charging points you can find dotted around the UK, particularly at service stations, longer journeys are now a cinch for most electric cars, too.

3. Low running costs make up for higher price tags

One unavoidable downside of switching to electric is the higher starting prices of EVs compared to their combustion-engine counterparts. For example, while the petrol-powered version of the Vauxhall Corsa hatchback starts from just over £18,000, the zero-emissions Corsa Electric is currently priced at over £32,000.

But the real savings are to be made in running costs. Electric cars attract just 2% company-car tax even though it is set to gradually increase, require less frequent servicing and cost less to ‘fuel’, on average, than their petrol or diesel equivalents. Plus, all electric cars are zero-rated for VED (road tax) and exempt from the London Congestion Charge zone until 2025, so you’ll avoid those fees for a few more years, too.

4. Consider leasing an electric car

Because electric cars generally sport higher price tags than their petrol-powered counterparts, and because their features and technology are evolving fast right now, leasing may be a better option for some. There are downsides, such as there being no option to own the car at the end of the contract, but electric cars are so popular right now that there are plenty of deals out there, allowing you to get behind the wheel of the latest models for a fixed monthly amount.