Time to go electric
With more and more electric cars appearing on our roads, it’s becoming more difficult to decide which one is right for you. Sure, they all have that all-important futureproof electric engine, but that’s not all that matters – you must take other things into consideration too, such as space, reliability, and, of course, style. Our following suggestions will help you in your search for your dream electric car.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 holds its own effortlessly against premium rivals such as the Audi Q4 e-tron. Not only is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 a great example of showcasing next-gen electric car tech, with capable performance and charging ability, but it’s also one of Hyundai’s most visually appealing cars to date.
There are two battery options available, the 58kWh and the 73kWh battery, with three power outputs. The former is paired with a single 168bhp motor delivering a range of 238 miles, and the latter comes with a 214bhp battery with a range of 280 miles. The top-spec variant uses the same 73kWh battery, but it adds a second motor at the front – meaning you get a combined total of 301bhp.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts at around £38,000, so not the cheapest of cars, but comparing it to its rivals, it’s a fair price to pay for what you get under the hood.
Kia EV6
By 2040, Kia aims to be an all-electric car company – these are big words from a big manufacturer, but if the Kia EV6 is anything to go by, then they are certainly on the right path.
There are two battery options available for the Kia EV6, the 226bhp rear-wheel-drive configuration and the 321bhp dual-motor car with all-wheel drive. Coming later down the line is a performance GT model with 577bhp, so if you want that extra bit of power, perhaps you should wait it out that little bit longer. All options have a 77.4kW battery – meaning, if you’re considering the rear-wheel-drive configuration, you should be able to get an impressive 328 miles from it.
With prices starting at around £41,000, we recommend taking some time to research what trim is right for you – depending on your chosen trim, you could be treated to 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, twin 12.3-inch curved displays, integrated sat-nav, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, among a truckload of other features.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s first-ever all-electric SUV is also one of the best-looking too. Beautifully sculpted design throughout, packed with state-of-the-art technologies, and a maximum electric driving range of up to 280-379 miles, the Mustang Mach-E delivers that iconic quality you’d expect from a Mustang.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E doesn’t even think about compromising on speed, with the fastest 346bhp all-wheel-drive version going from 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds and offering 273 miles of range. The ‘standard’ battery range comes with a 68kWh battery and offers an impressive 243 miles of range. Moving up the range to the 88kWh battery, you’ll get a claimed 379 miles for the rear-wheel drive model and 335 miles for the all-wheel drive First Edition SUV model. The Ford Mustang Mach-E can be yours for just over £47,000.
Tesla Model 3
When people think of an electric car, the chances are they’ll think of a Tesla. Tesla is the Apple of the electric car world – with its sleek modern broad mainstream appeal, Tesla’s hold on the market has been strong since its first release way back in 2008.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact executive saloon that easily rivals the likes of the Mercedes C-Class and the BMW 3 Series. Combining a minimalist style, space-age technology, amazing performance, and cutting-edge charging tech that can deliver 360 miles on a single charge (depending on chosen model), then the Model 3 is hands down worth its popularity.
The entry-level Model 3 claims up to 267 miles on a single charge – this also gives you 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 140mph. If you have more cash to throw at your next car, then perhaps consider the four-wheel-drive Long Range version that has two electric motors and a larger battery that gives you 360 miles and 0-60mph in just 4.2 seconds. But wait, there’s more, the Model 3 Performance model gives you a range of 352 miles and a speedy 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds. The Tesla Model 3 starts at just under £46,000.
BMW iX
It’s no secret that BMW has delivered some of the finest electric cars over the years – from the i8 sports car to the i3 supermini – BMW has never let its customers down. The BMW iX is BMW’s first battery-powered SUV to be built on a dedicated EV platform.
The iX currently has three versions available. The first is the 332bhp xDrive40 with a 71kW battery that gives you a range of 257 miles, while the second 516bhp xDrive50 version and the upcoming 611bhp M60 version give you a battery size of up to 105kW, delivering a maximum range of 380 and 357 miles respectively.
All versions of the BMW iX feature a four-wheel drive and have a dual-motor setup. And, despite it being on the weighty side (2,400kg), the car handles extremally well, even around those tight corners.
Taking a step inside, you’re greeted by high-quality materials that are second to none. You’re also treated to an amazing dual-screen infotainment setup too, featuring the latest version of BMW’s iDrive. The BMW iX is not one for the budget shoppers out there, coming in with a hefty price tag of around £77,000.