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Electric cars are more popular than ever, with a huge variety of zero-emission machines making it even easier for motorists to make the switch to an EV.
In fact, electric cars accounted for 16.1% of new car sales in the UK so far this year. And the number of EVs on the road is only set to increase because of the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel modes from 2035.
But with so many great electric cars on offer today, picking the right car for you isn’t always the easiest task. Here, we count down our top 10 electric cars.
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1. Volkswagen ID Buzz
Combining the practicality of an MPV with the comfort and refinement of a premium SUV, the Volkswagen ID Buzz is a brilliant all-round electric car.
Oozing retro charm due to its classic VW camper-inspired design, the ID Buzz is excellent to drive, being both comfortable and offering accurate handling. Its 260-mile range is also impressive, allowing for a mix of both urban and motorway driving.
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1. Volkswagen ID Buzz
The Buzz is endlessly specious, too, and can easily carry five adults and their luggage with total ease due its 1211-litre boot. For context, you can get a whopping 16 carry-on cases in the back of the Buzz; that’s eight more than the BMW iX.
Resale values are strong, too, making the ID Buzz a highly compelling alternative to an ICE-powered SUV.
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2. Tesla Model 3
Rarely does an electric car receive so much interest before its launch, and the same can be said about the game-changing Tesla Model 3. The American brand’s smallest car is a cut above its rivals in all areas, offering sweeter handling than the Kia EV6 and Polestar 2 and fierce acceleration.
The Long Range is the pick of the bunch, offering up to 374 miles of range on a single charge and unrivalled levels of efficiency.
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2. Tesla Model 3
Better still, the Model 3 undercuts its rivals on price by a good margin; the BMW i4, for example, is almost £7000 more than the Tesla.
Plus you get access to Tesla’s brilliant ultra-fast Supercharger network, which is both easy to use and convenient when travelling long distances.
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3. Genesis GV60
While you might not have heard of the Genesis brand, you’ll soon be adding one to your shortlist if you’re after a good-looking, fast and high-end electric SUV.
Genesis is part of the same group as Kia and Hyundai, with the GV60 built on the same electric platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. What might surprise you is the fact that the GV60 feels more premium and upmarket than both on the inside, with most surfaces covered in top-notch materials and metals. The infotainment system is also very intuitive.
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3. Genesis GV60
And because it has a 321-mile range, the GV60 is good for longer journeys – and it can be charged at up to 238kW which means you can plug in for a 10-80% boost and be back on your way in around 18 minutes.
Factor in the GV60’s amazing performance – 0-62mph in just 4.0sec – and you have a very compelling electric car.
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4. BMW iX3
While its chunky looks divide opinion, the BMW iX3 is a classy electric SUV that is better to drive than many of its rivals. It handles better than the Jaguar I-Pace, while also offering a comfortable and quiet ride.
With an official range of 285 miles, it can travel further than the Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes EQC. In the real world though you’re more likely to see a range of around 250 miles.
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4. BMW iX3
The interior doesn't feel as plush as the E-tron or the EQC, but there are lots of good quality materials used throughout – you have to reach lower down on the doors to find the less pleasant scratchy plastics.
BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, however, is excellent. The rotary controller is far easier to use than the touch-based setups of the Audi Q8 E-tron and Mercedes EQC.
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5. Kia EV6
The Korean brand's electric SUV is more enjoyable to drive and classier inside than the technically related Hyundai Ioniq 5. It can also go further on a single charge, too, with the RWD single-motor variant offering a range of up to 328 miles.
Like the Ioniq 5, the EV6 can be charged at up to 238kW, which means it will take around 20 minutes to stop for a 10-80% charge – this is, of course, if you can find a charger that powerful.
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5. Kia EV6
While the EV6 doesn’t ride as well as some of its rivals, it has excellent handling that makes it more enjoyable to thread through corners. There isn’t much feel from the steering, but there is minimal body lean and lots of grip.
The cheaper rear-wheel-drive model is the most appealing, even though the all-wheel-drive car is quicker to 60mph. And if performance is of greater importance, there is the range-topping EV6 GT model with 577bhp that can out-run a Porsche Taycan.
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6. Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
If you’re looking for a performance electric car that can easily carry your family pet, then the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is the model to go for. The range-topping Turbo model offers up to 751bhp, which is enough for a 0-62mph time of just 2.8sec. If power isn’t your first priority, the entry-level 322bhp variant is a good alternative.
Due to its low centre of gravity and impressive handling, the Taycan feels agile and taut around corners, with excellent levels of grip. Only the near-identical Audi E-tron GT can match it for thrills.
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6. Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Range isn’t a highlight, with the longest range model capable of travelling up to 318 miles on a single charge. Still, all versions of the Taycan can do 200 miles in real-world conditions.
Inside the Taycan is very refined – and in Cross Turismo trim, surprisingly practical. While it is expensive to buy, the Taycan is one of the best electric cars on sale today.
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7. Hyundai Ioniq 5
With its larger proportions and sleek looks, the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s appeal runs deeper than its practical and yet attractive package. Entry-level versions can take up to 238 miles between charges according to official figures, while higher-trim variants can travel up to 285 on a single charge.
And if range is a real concern then the rear-wheel-drive 315-mile range model is the Ioniq 5 to go for. Charging is another strong point because the Ioniq 5 has a brilliant 238kW peak charging rate, allowing for a 10-80% top-up in as little as 20 minutes.
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7. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Beyond its range and charging credentials, the Ioniq 5 offers loads of space inside, with plenty of legroom for adults to stretch out, even with the driver’s seat pushed back.
You can fit seven carry-on suitcases in the boot - the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID 4 can both swallow more though.
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8. MG 4
Presenting excellent value for money, the MG 4 EV is a fantastic electric hatchback that is better to drive and live with than its more expensive rivals.
The entry-level SE trim might be the cheapest in the range, but it's packed full of useful kit, such as adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors.
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8. MG 4
While the SE model’s 218-mile range will be enough for most, the more expensive 61.7kWh model can do up to 281 miles on a single charge – and it costs under £30,000. If you want your MG 4 with a bit more pace, the XPower model which develops 429 bhp will appeal to those looking for an EV with the kind of acceleration that would embarrass a Porsche Taycan 4S or Audi RS e-tron GT.
Rivals like the Cupra Born and Renault Megane E-Tech are quieter than the MG 4, and offer a more refined driving experience. And while the MG 4’s interior doesn’t feel as premium as these rivals, they cost much more to buy.
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9. Skoda Enyaq iV
Practical, well-equipped and good to drive, is the Skoda Enyaq the best electric SUV you can buy? It’s not just the range-topping models that get all the luxuries; even the entry-level models come with dual-zone climate control and 19in alloy wheels and cruise control.
What really makes the Enyaq so appealing is the value it offers. The ‘60’ version is priced similarly to smaller electric cars such as the Kia Niro EV. And even in this trim, you won’t feel hard done by when it comes to range, because the 60 can travel up to 246 miles on a charge.
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9. Skoda Enyaq iV
It’s a good car to drive too, with accurate, light steering which allows you to place the car exactly where you want it.
Add in the fact that the Enyaq rides better than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y and you have a great electric car that can handle just about anything, be it your morning commute or a weekend away with the family.
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10. BMW i4
From every aspect the BMW i4 excels, be it range, comfort, or refinement. It intelligently blends performance and efficiency, too, with the eDrive 40 capable of travelling up to 365 miles on a single charge, while also being able to sprint from 0-62mph in 3.8sec.
In our summer real range test, the i4 travelled further on a single charge, managing a distance of 316 miles and beating both the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
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10. BMW i4
It’s at home on long distance journeys, being both comfortable on motorways and extremely hushed at higher speeds. Inside, the refinement is continued with plush metals and leathers – the infotainment system is great, too.
However, it is worth noting that the Model 3 comes with a better charging network, which makes it easier to cover motorway miles. And the American saloon – in Long Range trim – is £6900 cheaper than the i4.