Top 10: the best electric cars on sale today

EV sales are still rapidly increasing in most countries, despite some of the unfair negative press they’re receiving.

As such, it seems only right to offer a guide to the best ones currently on sale.

And because the ban on the sale of combustion cars is fast approaching, the number of EVs on the road is only set to increase. 

But with so many great electric cars on offer today, picking the right car for you isn’t always the easiest task. The list you're about to see has been selected by a judging panel of expert motoring journalists for each’s prowess in a specific area. We will explain exactly what makes it so good and why each one deserves its place on this list.

Join us, then, as we reveal our top 10 electric cars.

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 472km (293-mile) maximum range is perhaps less impressive, but the fast-charging rates (200kW) make long journeys feasible.

The Buzz is endlessly specious, too, and can easily carry five, six or seven adults (depending on length) and their luggage with total ease due its 1211-litre (42cu ft) boot. For context, you can get a whopping 16 carry-on luggage 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. 

2. Tesla Model 3

Tesla's family electric saloon is, simply put, one of the best electric cars you can buy today. Better still, the Model 3 recently underwent a mid-life update, with the new version gaining a refreshed front end, revised interior layout and a slimmed-down model line-up. 

The dual-motor Long Range remains the pick of the line-up, now offering up to 678km (421 miles) of range for £50,000 or $55,000. 

The Model 3 undercuts its rivals on price by a good margin; the BMW i4, for example, is more than £8000 or $10,000 more expensive 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. 

3. Cupra Born

While the Born hatchback shares its electric platform and interior tech with the Volkswagen ID 3, it's a more engaging and fun electric car to drive. You can get a 58kWh battery model that offers up to 408km (261 miles) of range, but you’re better off paying extra for the 77kWh model, which promises up to 550km (342 miles) on a charge. 

Choose the bigger battery and you get more power, too.

The Born shines for its size, space, price and real-world range, but excels for being an engaging electric car that can genuinely be enjoyed at pace. Thanks to its balanced rear-driven chassis and neat, precise, handling, it feels composed and athletic through corners. 

Even better, there is now a hot VZ version with 240kW (326hp) and 600km (372 miles) of range.

4. Kia EV9

Big, bold, and brilliant, the Kia EV9 is one of the best electric SUVs on sale today thanks to its good range, decent efficiency and superb interior flexibility. The entry point to the EV9 range is much more reasonable compared to rivals like the Volvo EX90 and, using a single-motor, rear-wheel drive layout, promises a range of up to 562km (349 miles). 

GT-Line and GT-Line S models get a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain and a range of up to 504km (313 miles). Choose the range-topper and you can have the EV9 with a six-seat configuration, with the second-row featuring swivelling chairs for a lounge-like feel. 

The single-motor rear-drive Air is softer and more relaxing, while the dual-motor version has a more composed and assured drive thanks to its four-wheel-drive set-up. Both are comfortable and pliant over bumps, with only consistent imperfections and sharp edges upsetting the ride quality somewhat. 

The EV9 excels inside, too, with heaps of space for both front and rear passenger – and even with the third row of seats up you still get 333 litres (11.8cu ft) of boot space. 

5. Porsche Taycan

If you’re looking for a performance electric car, the Porsche Taycan is the model to go for. The brand’s first bespoke electric car recently received an extensive reconfiguration, gaining new battery and charging technology, more power and styling tweaks. 

The range opens with a rear-drive, single-motor model, followed by a trio of dual motor versions: the 4S, Turbo and Turbo S. Topping the range is the Taycan GT, a 760kW (1020hp) track-focused monster developed by Porsche’s legendary GT division. The super saloon can sprint from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in a staggering 2.2sec. 

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. In fact, its cornering balance and precision is probably more of a standout than its impressive performance. 

The first-generation model suffered from a lack of real-world range and efficiency. Porsche has worked to change this with a new version of its Battery Performance Plus model. Fitted with a 105kWh battery, the Taycan promises a range of up to 679km (422 miles) - and it can be charged from 10-80% in just 18 minutes thanks to 320kW charging speeds. 

The Taycan is available in both saloon and estate body styles.

6. Kia EV6

The Korean brand's electric crossover 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 580km (361 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. 

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 100km/h (62mph). And if performance is of greater importance, there is the range-topping EV6 GT model with 448kW (641hp). 

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, the most efficient version can travel 570km (354 miles) on a charge.

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. 

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. 

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.

While the SE model’s 351km (218-mile) range will be enough for most, the more expensive 61.7kWh model can do up to 452km (281 miles) on a single charge. If you want your MG 4 with a bit more pace, the XPower model which develops 320kW (435hp) 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. 

9. BMW i4

From every aspect, the BMW i4 excels, be it range, comfort, or refinement. The German brand’s electric saloon was recently facelifted, gaining new tech and more range.

The pick of the lineup is the 250kW (340hp) eDrive40, which promises a range of up to 600km (373 miles). If you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of range for additional performance, the M50 is the model to go for, with its dual-motor powertrain developing 400kW (536bhp). 

The i4 is 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 iDrive infotainment system is easy to use, 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 All-Wheel Drive trim – is more cheaper than the i4, and can travel further on a charge. 

10. Hyundai Kona Electric

If you’re looking for an electric crossover with a futuristic look, a spacious interior and solid range, the Kona Electric is the model of choice. Its styling isn’t to everyone’s taste, but you can’t fault Hyundai for being a little more daring with the design of its second-generation Kona EV. 

The Korean crossover is available with either a 48kWh or 65kWh battery, with the larger pack offering a range of up to 513km (319 miles) of range. That’s better than the technically related Kia Niro EV, which can travel up to 457km (285 miles) on a charge. Prices are reasonable too.

To drive, the Kona is comfortable and easygoing. It handles predictably, with light and accurate steering, despite a noticeable amount of body lean. But on the whole it's relaxing and reassuring, which is all this sort of car needs to be. You get full control of the car’s regenerative braking system and there are several driving modes to choose from.

The cabin is light and airy, and there is plenty of room in the back for taller passengers. Up front the dashboard is dominated by a large touch operated infotainment screen, but we’re pleased Hyundai chose to include lots of physical buttons and knobs for the climate control, as well as other functions. 

Other EVs to consider...

Fiat 500e

While its 320km (199-mile) range isn’t particularly impressive, the cute little Italian supermini has bags of charm and it's great to drive around town. It’s cheaper than rivals like the Peugeot E-208 and BYD Dolphin too. 

BMW i7

BMW’s luxury electric saloon shines for its suite of technological features, but its ride quality is what makes it really stand out. The i7 rides like no other EV, isolating bumps and imperfections with ease, while cocooning you in a lavish and materially rich cabin. In the back you get a huge 31.3in Theatre Screen, Amazon Fire TV and 5G connectivity.

Range is up to 623km (387 miles) and recharging 101.7kWh battery from 10-80% takes around 34 minutes when using a 195kW charger. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

If you want your EV to come with insane performance, a playful chassis and a suite of drive modes to make it as fun to drive as a petrol car, then your only choice is the Ioniq 5 N.

Thanks to its 448kW (641bhp) powertrain, the Ioniq 5 N feels insanely fast, but it’s not the car’s speed which makes it a good performance car. The 5 N shines most for its excellent handling, which you can tune to make it more playful should you wish to test its chassis to the limit. And it comes with various modes to make the car feel more engaging. For example, there is a fake gearbox which mimics an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a fake exhaust note that is played through the speakers in the cabin. 

Volkswagen ID 7 

The ID 7 electric saloon is arguably the German brand’s most convincing electric Volkswagen to date. The firm’s flagship EV serves as a battery-powered alternative to the Passat and is worthy of praise because of its brilliant ride, excellent interior space and practicality and neat handling. You get a brilliant 700km (435 mile) range with the big battery version, and if you’re after more space, you can have the ID 7 in estate form.