Every electric car rated
With the idea of going electric now entering the mainstream, here's how every model currently on sale stacks up...
The electric car market is growing fast, with more than 30,000 fully electric cars sold in the UK during the first six months of 2020 – an 86% increase on the same period last year.
It helps that today's buyers have a wider choice of models than ever to choose from. But while this is great news it can also make it hard to know where to start.
Here, then, we rate every fully electric car currently on sale, starting with the larger models. If you want to find out more about a particular car or see what savings are available through our New Car Buying service, just click on the relevant link.
Our pick Performance AWD
List price £56,545
Target Price £56,545
Target PCP na
Range 368 miles
For Incredible acceleration; brilliant handling; excellent practicality; strong resale values.
Against Dashboard feels flimsy in places; cheaper versions aren’t as good to drive.
What Car? rating 5 stars
Like a new Star Wars movie or a new iPhone, the Tesla Model 3 had a great deal of hype to live up to. Thankfully, it hasn’t disappointed.
This may be Tesla’s cheapest model, but it still has a huge range, plenty of power and just as much advanced self-driving technology as the larger and more expensive Model S luxury saloon and Model X SUV.
The Model 3 Performance’s Real Range figure of 239 miles is one of the longest we’ve achieved (although lesser versions can’t go quite as far between top-ups), while acceleration is nothing short of intoxicating.
At motorway speeds, the Model 3 Performance is more comfortable than M Sport versions of the rival BMW 3 Series, while its handling belies its weight; this is a heavy car, yet it grips with real tenacity once settled into a bend. The steering is precise, too, and you can adjust its weight to suit your tastes.
The Model 3 is also impressively spacious inside, while its saloon boot can hold more than those of conventional rivals such as the Audi A4 and the 3 Series.
Although the interior isn’t a match for an Audi’s or BMW’s when it comes to quality, it will please fans of minimalist design, with almost everything being controlled through an enormous, 15.0in infotainment touchscreen. It takes some getting used to, though, and there’s no smartphone mirroring capability.
Another big draw is Tesla’s Autopilot self-steering and adaptive cruise control system, which works really well on the motorway. You can also choose a Full Self-Driving Capability package that allows you to remotely ‘summon’ your car via your phone. And because Tesla provides free updates to its cars wirelessly, new features and upgrades are automatically applied when they become available.
Recharging the Model 3’s battery needn’t take too long, either. It can get from 0-80% in as little as 30 minutes using Tesla’s super-fast public Supercharger network, while home charging via a typical 7kW wallbox takes just short of 12 hours for a full charge.
With such a wide range of abilities on its side, then, it’s little wonder that the Model 3 is our reigning Large Electric Car of the Year.
Read our full Tesla Model 3 review >>
Jaguar I-Pace
Our pick EV400 S
List price £64,495
Target Price £61,459
Target PCP £712
Range 291 miles
For Plush interior; comfortable ride; precise steering; excellent real-world range.
Against No superfast charging options; futuristic looks compromise rear visibility
What Car? rating 5 stars
Read our full Jaguar I-Pace review >>
Porsche Taycan
Our pick 4S 420kW
List price £88,802
Target Price £88,802
Target PCP na
Range 287 miles
For Accelerates and handles as a Porsche should; the benchmark for interior quality.
Against Very expensive, yet you’ll still feel the need to add options; range isn’t spectacular.
What Car? rating 5 stars
Read our full Porsche Taycan review >>
Audi E-tron/E-tron Sportback
Our pick 55 quattro S line
List price £79,900
Target Price £77,524
Target PCP £880
Range 242 miles
For Incredibly refined at all speeds, plus it’s beautifully built and very well equipped.
Against Model 3 and I-Pace have better ranges; Sportback's plunging roofline hurts head room.
What Car? rating 4 stars
Our pick Long Range AWD
List price £82,245
Target Price £82,245
Target PCP na
Range 373 miles
For Crazy fast; huge boot; Tesla Supercharger network allows quick recharging.
Against Interior quality is disappointing given the price; ride comfort could be better.
What Car? rating 4 stars
Read our full Tesla Model S review >>
Polestar 2
Our pick 300kW AWD
List price £49,900
Target Price £49,900
Target PCP na
Range 292 miles
For Composed handling; great seats; impressive quality; good rear space.
Against Firm edge to ride; smaller boot than key rivals; restricted rear visibility.
What Car? rating 4 stars
Read our full Polestar 2 review >>
Mercedes EQC
Our pick 400 4Matic AMG Line Premium Plus
List price £74,610
Target Price £74,610
Target PCP £926
Range 259 miles CO2 0g/km
For Supremely quiet, with a comfortable motorway ride and decent infotainment.
Against Range could be better; not as practical or good to drive as key competitors.
What Car? rating 4 stars
Read our full Mercedes EQC review >>
Tesla Model X
Our pick Long Range AWD 7 Seat
List price £90,645
Target Price £90,645
Target PCP na
Range 315 miles
For Astonishing performance; seats seven; much cheaper to run than conventional rivals.
Against Below-par interior quality; expensive to buy; real-world range could be better.
What Car? rating 4 stars
Read our full Tesla Model X review >>
Hyundai Nexo
Our pick Premium SE CVT
List price £69,495
Target Price £69,495
Target PCP na
Range 414 miles
For Relaxing to drive; fuel cell tech means it can be refuelled as quickly as a petrol car.
Against Limited hydrogen filling stations; pricey compared with battery-electric rivals.
What Car? rating 3 stars
Our pick Fuel Cell CVT
List price £66,000
Target Price £61,500
Target PCP na
Range 312 miles
For Comfortable ride; zero emissions and quick to refuel thanks to fuel cell tech.
Against Few hydrogen filling stations; expensive; small boot and seats don't fold.
What Car? rating 3 stars
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