Elon Musk’s controversial public image has led some Tesla enthusiasts to explore electric vehicle alternatives. Fortunately, the EV market is thriving with compelling options from established automakers and innovative newcomers alike. If you’re seeking a top-tier electric car without the Tesla baggage, here are ten of the best EVs available in 2024, each offering unique strengths and appealing to diverse needs. We’ve driven and evaluated nearly all of these models to bring you expert recommendations.
1. Best Affordable EV: Dacia Spring
Price: From £14,995
Range (Claimed): Up to 140 miles
Battery Size: 26.8kWh
The Dacia Spring proves that affordability and electric mobility can go hand-in-hand. While it may not boast cutting-edge sophistication, this compact EV excels in urban environments. Its 140-mile range is perfectly adequate for city commutes and errands, and the ride is surprisingly comfortable for its class.
Inside, the Spring comfortably accommodates two adults and two children, with enough boot space for daily necessities or a weekend trip’s luggage. Even base models come equipped with air conditioning, and higher trims feature a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. A dedicated app adds convenience by enabling remote charging control and pre-conditioning of the cabin temperature. For most buyers, upgrading from the entry-level model is worthwhile to access enhanced features and performance without a significant price increase. The Dacia Spring remains remarkably budget-friendly, topping out at just £16,995, making it a compelling entry point into the world of electric vehicles.
2. Best Small EV: Renault 5
Price: From £22,995 (TBC)
Range (Claimed): Up to 250 miles
Battery Size: 40-52kWh
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is more than just a stylish retro revival; it’s a genuinely impressive small EV packed with substance. Its eye-catching design translates even better in person, exuding a cool, futuristic charm. Despite its compact footprint (under four meters long), the Renault 5 offers surprising interior space, comfortably seating four adults with a boot capable of handling a couple of cabin suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries.
The driving experience is where the Renault 5 truly shines. Its comfortable ride effectively absorbs road imperfections, while its nimble handling makes navigating city traffic a breeze. The car is genuinely enjoyable to drive, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and turn heads wherever you go. Renault has equipped the 5 with impressive technology and features, exceeding expectations for its price point. With a range of nearly 200 miles on the smaller battery and up to 250 miles with the larger option, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is poised to be a leader in the small EV segment.
3. Best Used EV: Kia Niro EV
Price (Used): From £13,000
Range (Claimed): Up to 283 miles
Battery Size: 39-64kWh
As the used EV market expands rapidly, the Kia Niro EV stands out as a top choice. Its initial popularity, particularly among ride-sharing services, has resulted in a healthy supply of used models. Demand remains high for the Niro EV due to its practicality and reliability, making them sell quickly on the used market.
The Niro EV is a spacious and well-built family car with a generously sized boot, making it a favorite for both families and professional drivers. It offers a comfortable and easy driving experience with good visibility, and a reputation for reliability. The larger 64kWh battery version provides a substantial range of nearly 300 miles on a single charge. Real-world range predictions are known to be accurate, adding confidence for drivers. Purchasing a used Niro EV wisely may even allow you to benefit from the remainder of Kia’s industry-leading seven-year new-car warranty, further enhancing its value proposition.
4. Best Seven-Seater EV: Kia EV9
Price: From £65,025
Range (Claimed): Up to 349 miles
Battery Size: 99.8kWh
The Kia EV9 is a standout electric SUV, impressing with its striking design, premium quality, and family-friendly practicality. The interior features beautifully crafted sustainable materials and offers a bright, spacious, and airy cabin. Beyond aesthetics, the EV9 delivers a comfortable driving experience and impressive battery and motor efficiency. While the most expensive Kia model to date in the UK, the EV9 still represents excellent value compared to similarly sized all-electric SUVs.
Its large 99.8kWh battery is essential to power this substantial vehicle, providing a long range and ensuring responsive performance. The Kia EV9 masterfully blends style, sustainability, and practicality in a large electric SUV package, making it an ideal choice for families needing ample space and zero-emission driving.
5. Best Electric Sports Car: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Price: From £65,000
Range (Claimed): Up to 278 miles
Battery Size: 84kWh
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N redefines electric performance, offering thrilling handling and dynamic driving engagement. It boasts exceptional grip, precise steering, and superb body control, allowing for quick and confident cornering. Visually, the Ioniq 5 N is distinguished by sporty accents, including racing stripes, a muscular body kit, performance-oriented interior controls, bucket seats, and a unique sound experience.
Addressing the typical silence of EVs, Hyundai has ingeniously incorporated a sound generator that simulates the auditory feedback of a traditional hot hatchback. This system mimics engine revs, exhaust pops, and bangs, creating an immersive and surprisingly addictive driving soundtrack. While purists might initially be skeptical, the simulated sound enhances the sporty feel without feeling artificial. The Ioniq 5 N delivers genuine driving thrills, albeit at a price point that may surprise traditional hot hatch enthusiasts.
6. Best EV for Sustainability: Polestar 4
Price: From £59,900
Range (Claimed): Up to 385 miles
Battery Size: 100kWh
The Polestar 4, a premium coupe SUV, prioritizes sustainability without compromising luxury or performance. It incorporates a range of eco-conscious materials, including recycled PET plastics and reclaimed fishing nets in its seats and carpets. The vehicle also utilizes recycled steel from post-consumer and post-industrial sources, and employs a rigorous tracking system for precious metals in its EV system to ensure ethical sourcing through the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process.
Polestar sets a new standard for transparency by providing detailed information on its website regarding recycled and natural materials. They meticulously trace the origins of materials ranging from leather to rare-earth metals, and provide comprehensive carbon footprint data across various stages of vehicle production. One unconventional design element is the absence of a traditional rear window, replaced by cameras and screens for rear visibility. Beyond its sustainability focus, the Polestar 4 is aesthetically pleasing both inside and out, offering strong performance, ample space, comfortable ride, and seamless Google-powered infotainment integration.
7. Best EV for Range: Volkswagen ID.7
Price: From £50,550
Range (Claimed): Up to 436 miles
Battery Size: 77-86kWh
The Volkswagen ID.7 marks Volkswagen’s serious entry into direct competition with Tesla, particularly in the range and practicality departments. While Tesla retains a price advantage with the Model 3, the ID.7 counters with exceptional space and class-leading range, addressing a key concern for many EV buyers.
The ID.7 Pro Match, equipped with a 77kWh battery, achieves a claimed range of 381 miles, closely rivaling the Tesla Model 3’s 390 miles. Upgrading to the Pro S Match with an 86kWh battery extends the range to an impressive 436 miles. Beyond range, the ID.7 distinguishes itself with its refined and comfortable driving character. The ride quality surpasses typical Volkswagen standards, leaning towards the smooth and composed feel of a Mercedes-Benz. Its quiet operation further enhances the relaxed and premium driving experience, making long journeys effortless.
8. Best Luxury EV: BMW i7
Price: From £101,765
Range (Claimed): Up to 387 miles
Battery Size: 105.7kWh
The BMW i7 reigns supreme in the luxury EV segment, especially with the Tesla Model S currently unavailable in the UK. While Mercedes-Benz has traditionally dominated the luxury car market, BMW has stepped up to surpass its rival with the 7 Series and the all-electric i7, despite the polarizing front-end design with its prominent grille.
The i7 prioritizes silent luxury, taking EV refinement to new heights. BMW collaborated with composer Hans Zimmer to create unique sounds for the i7, providing subtle auditory cues of movement within the near-silent cabin. The rear passenger experience is equally opulent, featuring a massive 31-inch 8K screen that descends from the ceiling and a high-end 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system. The BMW i7 redefines electric luxury, offering an unparalleled blend of sophistication, technology, and serene driving.
9. Best Family-Friendly EV: Renault Scenic E-Tech
Price: From £37,495
Range (Claimed): Up to 379 miles
Battery Size: 60-87kWh
The Renault Scenic E-Tech carries forward the Scenic nameplate’s legacy as a family-focused vehicle, now reimagined as an all-electric SUV. While embracing a more rugged SUV aesthetic, it remains squarely aimed at families, offering practicality and spaciousness. Large rear doors provide easy access to a roomy backseat capable of comfortably accommodating three passengers. Tech-savvy kids will appreciate the innovative armrest with integrated swivel-out phone holders and USB charging ports.
The cabin features a large Google-powered touchscreen infotainment system, a digital driver display, and ample storage compartments for family essentials. The Scenic E-Tech prioritizes comfort and practicality over outright speed, delivering a composed ride for everyday driving. While our test car’s 20-inch wheels occasionally resulted in a slightly firm ride, the overall experience is well-suited for family transportation.
10. Best EV Coming Soon: Vauxhall Frontera
Price: From £23,495
Range (Claimed): Up to 248 miles
Battery Size: 44-51kWh
The Vauxhall Frontera represents a significant departure from its 1990s predecessor. The new Frontera, while still an SUV, is considerably more refined and offers exceptional value. Notably, the entry-level electric Frontera is priced the same as the petrol hybrid version, making EV ownership more accessible.
The Frontera boasts an appealing design and will be available in six colors, all with a contrasting roof. The interior is spacious, featuring a 460-litre boot that expands to 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded, easily accommodating a bicycle. Despite its competitive price, the Frontera is well-equipped, featuring dual 10-inch digital displays for driver information and infotainment. The front seats are ergonomically designed for long-distance comfort and upholstered in sustainable recycled materials. The Vauxhall Frontera is poised to be a compelling and affordable entry into the electric SUV market.
This article is based on expert reviews and information available as of November 2024 and is intended to provide helpful content for consumers researching electric vehicles.
