Best electric cars 2024 – the EVs to buy and those to avoid

Since its launch in 2019, the Tesla Model 3 has consistently been one of our favourite electric cars. Now, thanks to its latest round of updates, it’s the model to beat – as well as being our favourite executive car.

The Model 3 is great to drive, offering sweeter handling than the rival Kia EV6 or Polestar 2. It’s fast, too (ridiculously so in Performance guise), and surprisingly practical.

The near-complete lack of physical buttons and switches (even the indicator stalk has been replaced with haptic buttons on the steering wheel) won’t suit everyone, but the enormous 15.4in central screen is at least pretty user-friendly.

Factor in that the Model 3 is also competitively priced, and that buying one gets you access to the brand’s ultra-fast and convenient Supercharger network, and it’s easy to recommend.

"Every time we test a Tesla, it proves vastly more efficient than its rivals; the Model 3 averaged 3.7 miles per kilowatt hour of electricity used on our real-world test route," – Dan Jones, Reviewer

Read our in-depth Tesla Model 3 review

There’s so much affection for the retro design of the Volkswagen ID Buzz that its maker could easily have penny-pinched on the engineering and still sold as many as it could make.

Instead, the German brand has clearly thrown everything at the car, and this has resulted in something that combines the practicality of an MPV with the comfort and refinement of a premium SUV and the low running costs of an electric car. 

The ID Buzz is good to drive – it can sprint up to motorway speeds faster than many conventional family SUVs, such as the 1.5-litre petrol-engined Volkswagen Tiguan – and is endlessly spacious, meaning more space for passengers and luggage than you'd find in a Jaguar I-Pace or Tesla Model Y.

"I've not come close to maxing out the ID Buzz's available boot space yet – even on trips to Ikea and the tip," – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor

Read our in-depth Volkswagen ID Buzz review

If you're looking for all the usual electric car benefits but want something that's also absolutely thrilling to drive, the Porsche Taycan is the car for you.

Even entry level models come with 322bhp, while range-topping Turbo versions offer up to 751bhp – enough for a 0-62mph sprint time of just 2.8sec. An incredibly low centre of gravity and impressive steering makes the Taycan feel very agile. It gives you a better connection to the front wheels than the Mercedes EQS, for example, and only the near-identical Audi E-tron GT can match it for grip.

Don’t worry about range, either; all versions of the Taycan should be capable of taking you 200 miles between charges in real-world conditions.

The Taycan is wonderfully classy inside, too, and surprisingly practical, particularly if you go for the estate-like Cross Turismo version we're recommending here. So, while the Taycan certainly isn't cheap, it's worth every penny.

"With its longer, flatter roofline giving passengers significantly more head room than you'll find in the regular Taycan, the Cross Turismo's rear seats can easily accommodate a couple of six-footers," – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor 

Read our in-depth Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo review

The BMW i4 is fast, with some versions able to reach 60mph from a standing start in just 3.8sec. The i4 is also better at putting its power down than single-motor versions of the rival Polestar 2, especially in slippery conditions. Plus, it's comfortable on long journeys, and extremely hushed at high speeds.

Factor in a decent range of up to 367 miles between charges, a great infotainment system that’s easy to get along with, as well as its plush interior and it's a compelling alternative to a Tesla Model 3. 

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that the Model 3 guarantees access to the excellent Tesla Supercharger network – important if you cover a lot of motorway miles. Plus, whether you’re buying outright or on a finance deal, the i4 will cost you more than most rivals.

"The i4 is noticeably more settled than the BYD Seal in urban environments, its suspension smothering patches of broken Tarmac with a greater degree of sophistication," – Dan Jones, Reviewer

Read our in-depth BMW i4 review

MG's electric hatchback car is staggering value for money – particularly in entry-level SE trim. But don’t think that by going for the cheapest choice you’ll be left lacking in kit, though; luxuries such as adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors come as standard.

Elsewhere, the MG4 impresses with a competitive range of up to 218 miles between charges with the cheapest 50.8kWh battery. The more expensive 61.7kWh models, meanwhile, can travel up to 281 miles between charges according to official figures. If you want to match a good range with the kind of acceleration which can embarrass a Porsche Taycan 4S, then go for the MG4 XPower, which gets 429bhp and four-wheel drive.

Some rivals, such as the Cupra Born and Renault Megane E-Tech are quieter, more polished to drive and have smarter interiors than the MG, but then they also cost thousands more to buy.

"In high-end Trophy trim, the MG4 comes packed with kit, yet is still temptingly affordable," – Oliver Young, Used Cars Reporter

Read our in-depth MG4 review

Think of the Cupra Born as a slightly more fun, and slightly more classy alternative to the Volkswagen ID 3. Both models share a great deal under the skin, but with only a few exceptions, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference.

Mechanically, the Born and ID 3 very similar, with a choice of 58kWh and 77kWh batteries, delivering official ranges of 264 and 341 miles – although in our real-world tests, the former returned 183 miles (winter) and 219 miles (summer), with the latter managing 235 and 285 miles. 

We think the smaller battery makes most sense because the range should be plenty for many drivers, and the V1 trim comes with pretty much everything you’d need.

"The Born feels very roomy up front, with plenty of handy cubbyholes, while a couple of six-footers will be comfortable in the back," – Doug Revolta, Head of Video

Read our in-depth Cupra Born review

Grand tourers need to be sleek, fast and capable of covering huge distances. And for that alone, the Audi E-tron GT lives up to its name. Officially, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.1sec, but at the hands of our testers, it’s gone even faster. It can cover up to 305 miles on a charge and can accept charging speeds of up to 270kW. If you can find a charger with enough oomph, only the Porsche Taycan and Maserati GranTurismo Folgore can match it.

The E-tron GT is a little softer than the more agile Taycan, but it still drives superbly, and is far more entertaining than a Tesla Model S. It’s also nicer inside, and unlike both the Tesla and Taycan, there are physical buttons for regularly-used features. There’s no doubting the tech, which is easy to use and the screens are clear and responsive.

It’s not quite perfect, though. With a starting price of more than £80,000, it’s quite pricey even if resale values are very good. And there’s a bit of whine from the motor – but if you can overlook that, it really is a fine electric car.

"Most of the E-tron GT's dashboard controls take the form of physical buttons, making quick adjustments really easy on the move," – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor

Read our in-depth Audi E-tron GT review

BYD might not mean much to you now, but it's one of the fastest-growing electric car brands globally, and the Seal – a sleek four-door rival to the Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID 7 –  is unquestionably its standout product.

Two versions of the Seal are available, and depending which you choose will be fast or very fast, and has an official driving range of up to 354 miles (we managed 255 miles in our winter range test). The suspension is well configured for British roads because it's firm enough to feel surefooted, but supple enough to soak up broken Tarmac.

Space in the front is good, but in the back it's less spacious than the ID 7 and less comfy than the Model 3. The interior is dominated by a huge Tesla-style touchscreen which can rotate from portrait to landscape, but unlike the Tesla, it's not the last word in responsiveness. But there's no criticising the interior design, which looks suitably futuristic.

"The Seal has a smaller front boot than the Model 3, but I discovered that it’s an ideal size for a single carry-on suitcase." – Dan Jones, Reviewer

Read our in-depth BYD Seal review

The Fiat 500 Electric is another reimagining of the icon, and with a starting price of less than £20,000, proves that a great electric car needn’t break the bank. For that, you’ll get a range of 115 miles which is fine for round-town use. As a result, we think it’s worth spending a little more for the larger 42kWh battery which has an official range of up to 199 miles. Its zippier acceleration improves all-round usability.

The 500 Electric excels in the city, though, where those compact dimensions, plus a tight turning circle make it very manoeuvrable – and surprisingly good fun. However, the boot is small and the rear seats are cramped, meaning its practicality is a step behind the likes of the (larger but only slightly more expensive) Vauxhall Corsa Electric and BYD Dolphin.

"Around town, the 500's accurate steering and tight turning circle make weaving through traffic a breeze, and there's very little noise, including from the electric motor," – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor 

Read our in-depth Fiat 500 Electric review

The Volkswagen ID 3 is a jack-of-all-trades. It’s good to drive, well-equipped and pretty comfy on the move, but struggles to stand out against the best of its rivals in any one area.

There are two versions of the ID 3: Pro and Pro S. The former is the entry level version – that gets a 58kWh battery which means it can officially manage 265 miles between charges – while Pro S cars get a larger, 77kWh battery, which provides a 347-mile official range.

But while the ID 3’s isn't cheap, it's packed with standard equipment and safety kit. Even so, if you're considering one, you should check out the MG4 or Tesla Model 3 first.

"The ID 3 makes liberal use of soft-touch materials – they're on top of the dashboard, on the door panels and pretty much everywhere in your immediate eyeline," – Dan Jones, Reviewer

Read our in-depth Volkswagen ID 3 review

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