Electric vehicles continue to improve, with greater ranges and faster charging times. Here are the top electric vehicles available right now.
Electric cars are sometimes known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) because owing to their electric motor and battery pack, they emit none of the toxic exhaust pollutants that petrol and diesel-powered equivalents do, and they have significantly reduced operating expenses. Only fully electric vehicles are free from the £15 daily London Congestion Charge. These aren’t the only benefits; the lack of a combustion engine allows for a more inside room, and electric cars can accelerate rapidly due to the way electric motors transmit power. The Tesla Model S, for example, is still one of the quickest automobiles ever built.
However, electric vehicles are not yet for every lifestyle. It is more expensive to purchase than a conventional car of the same type, and you have to consider the extra time it takes to charge the battery compared to a petrol or diesel car. It takes time and effort to find a charger. However, the situation is changing and new charging stations are popping up all the time. Choosing between companies and systems can seem confusing, but our guide to the best-charging stations should make charging while driving easier. Electric vehicles are rapidly gaining popularity. If you drive long distances often, check out our guide to the best hybrid cars. Our list of the best plug-in hybrids may also appeal to urban drivers. Otherwise, check out the top electric cars on sale right now.
Kia Niro EV review
The original Kia e-Niro is one of the most attractive electric cars money can buy. Kia’s small electric SUV is now in its second generation, improving on its predecessor in almost every way. The newly rebranded Kia Niro EV seems to be an amalgamation of everything the Korean brand has learned in recent years. Externally, Niro inherits many of the funky design cues from his larger Kia Sportage, but the internal drivers are the same space-age look found in his pricier Kia EV6. Greeted by dash tech. Only one powertrain combination. It has a 201-hp electric motor with a 64.8 kWh battery in the front. It offers a range of about 285 miles and accelerates the Niro EV from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Of course, if electric drive alone doesn’t convince you, the standard Niro is available in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups.
The battery capacity is still just under 65kWh (although Kia switched manufacturers for the new model), and the front-wheel-drive electric motor still puts out 201 horsepower. The 0-100 km/h time has improved, going from his 7.5s on the old car to 7.8s. One might expect the pace of progress in the battery-powered segment to go even faster with the new generation than its predecessor. This is especially true if it is an important model in the brand’s lineup. His 60% of Niro buyers are expected to drive a fully electric vehicle compared to 35% and 5% of HEV and PHEV versions respectively. But while the stats haven’t changed much, everything about this electrical system is new.
Most striking is its sharp new look. The old car’s old-fashioned styling has been abandoned in favor of something completely modern. The angular face has a hint of sportiness, while the sides draw attention to the rear with dramatic C-pillars, which can be finished in contrasting shades depending on the exterior color. The body is now 65mm longer, 10mm wider and 10mm taller. The second-generation Niro EV is powered by the new Hyundai-Kia K3 platform, with a white body that uses more high-strength steel in its construction. increase in size. Step inside and it’s clear that it resembles Kia’s flagship electric vehicle, the EV6.
The dashboard has a very similar layout to its big brother, with the same dual-spoke steering wheel and a dual-purpose touch panel. At the touch of a button, buttons and physical dials toggle control of climate or infotainment functions. This is very sleek and works just as well as the 10.25-inch infotainment system above it. That’s standard Kia fare. That said, menus are logical, load times are fast enough, and graphics are decent but not as flashy as competing systems. It sits alongside a digital instrument cluster – also 10.25 inches.
Nissan Ariya SUV review
Nissan’s range in recent years can be called a sea of mediocrity. But that changes with Nissan’s first electric vehicle, the Arya, as the Leaf is actually one of the most versatile electric SUVs. Similar in size to the iconic Qashqai crossover, the Ariya is much more premium than other models in the Japanese brand’s lineup. With a ton of plush materials, tech, and ambient lighting, it’s easy to convince yourself that you’ve just stepped into something much more expensive. It comes with a high level of standard equipment such as zone climate control, a 360-degree camera system, and a power tailgate. His entry-level 63kWh battery should provide plenty of range for most buyers with a range of about 250 miles. However, if you plan to cover longer distances frequently, you can also spec a larger 87kWh battery for a range of 310 miles.
A clever EV menu in the infotainment and navigation system suggests stopping charging while driving, if necessary and adjusts the battery to the optimal state of charge upon arrival. Apple and Android Auto are also standard. Ariya’s native software is stable, but the owner may prefer to use these systems with his 12.3-inch screen. This technology is combined with great material quality. Wood-look decorative inlays accommodate touch-sensitive climate control. We prefer physical knobs and switches for ventilation, but Ariya’s gentle touch registers welcome tactile feedback.
Nissan also lives up to its Japanese heritage. Atmospheric LED lighting is inspired, for example, by traditional Japanese paper lanterns. It’s a cool touch that adds an all-important personality to an electric car. This is partly because without an internal combustion engine, it has little driveability like a conventional car. has no performance problem. Ariya’s front-mounted 215-horsepower electric motor delivers smooth acceleration and plenty of speed for a family SUV, backed by a massive 300Nm of torque to propel the car with near-silent composure. . The on-the-fly refinement is certainly very good, and the suspension tuning is a little firmer, but still provides enough power to be comfortable overall. However, you can drive surprisingly directly. The steering is light and positive. Like other electric cars, the battery mass in the chassis is kept low, but despite this, the Ariya is much more agile and more responsive to driving than its closest competitors.
Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Ariya, based on his CMF-EV platform, is much softer than, for example, Renault’s Megane E-Tech Electric, but being a larger car, it offers more interior space. . Backseat space is great and despite our car having a sloping roofline and his £1,295 panorama his sunroof, we have no issues with rear-seat headroom. The luggage capacity of 466 liters is decent, but not far behind the Kia EV6. There is plenty of storage space, including a lidded tray in the sleek center console.
BMW i4 hatchback review
The BMW i4 offers the luxury and performance you expect from a sports sedan in a zero-emission package. The top-of-the-line i4 M50, the first electric car to be adapted by BMW’s ‘M’ division, offers the thrill of a sports car while remaining practical thanks to four doors and a hatchback tailgate. I’m here.
The i4 retains the distinctive design of its petrol and diesel cousins, the 4 Series, with a large kidney grille in the nose. However, on the i4, the grille is blocked and the exhaust is replaced with a cowling for better airflow and efficiency. The i4 has a maximum range of 367 miles, but this BMW is by no means a cheap electric car, so expect it to cost a lot.
Depending on the model, the 2023 i4 feeds one or two electric motors with electrons. The eDrive35 is one of two single-engine rear-drive options with a 281-horsepower unit. The eDrive40 has a single motor producing 335 horsepower on the rear axle. The M50 has electric motors on both axles, which together provide all-wheel drive, producing 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft. He tested the M50 and he achieved 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. It’s faster than his rear-wheel-drive M3 Competition. The rear-wheel drive i4 rolls on a standard 18-inch rim set. 19 inches is optional. Conversely, the all-wheel-drive M50 comes with the 19 or 20, with adaptive dampers and a variable-ratio steering system.
The i4 M50 we drove has instant power and propulsion, and although it weighs considerably more than the M3, its lower center of gravity makes it move with confidence and grace. BMW says the single-engine, rear-wheel-drive i4 eDrive40 can go up to about 300 miles (about 300 miles) on a full battery. The twin-engine, four-wheel-drive M50 has the same 81.5kWh battery but has a range of 245 miles. These i4 models have a charging capacity of 200 kilowatts and can add 88 to 108 miles in just 10 minutes. The entry-level eDrive35 has a small battery with a net capacity of 66.0 kWh and is said to have a range of about 260 miles and a maximum charging speed of 180 kW.
Using the Level 2 onboard charger (up to 11 kW), the i4 can charge the battery from zero to 100% in less than 8 hours. According to the EPA, the most efficient i4 model is the eDrive40 with standard 18-inch wheels. This model received a 109 MPGe City and 108 MPGe Highway rating. The addition of the larger 19-inch wheels slightly lowers those figures and also undervalues the more powerful M50 model. We haven’t put every i4 through the 75-mile freeway route, but this is part of a larger testing program to determine real-world efficiency. Just two miles ahead of EPA’s estimate. For more information on i4 efficiency ratings, please visit the EPA website.
Volkswagen ID.4 SUV review
Volkswagen has taken its first complete step into the EV market with the ID.3. The ID.4 offers the car’s superior performance and design in a larger and more stylish SUV package. All models come standard with features such as heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a navigation system. An optional panoramic sunroof and two-tone white interior give the cabin a modern and spacious feel.
Volkswagen has unveiled his sporty GTX version of his ID.4. This may not be able to compete with the Tesla Model Y’s performance, but with his 298 horsepower from two electric motors, he accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. When the range is more important, the Pro Performance spec offers 322 miles, while the entry-level Pure’s 211 miles should be plenty for everyday around-town use. Whether you’re driving a high-performance EV or a less powerful electric car, you’ll notice an instant response when you press the gas pedal. It’s actually quite addictive.
Volkswagen decided to design his ID.4 a little differently, limiting available torque to allow smoother progression. This affects your ability to sprint at full speed but is probably better suited to car setup and family hauling directions. Those craving a faster pace have the 295-horsepower GTX version, though Tesla Model 3 AWD long-range models are faster and cheaper, so it would be hard to back up the fastest ID.4. The ID.4’s nimble steering and soft suspension help keep the weight down, and long highway road trips require adaptive cruise control to help you get to your destination in perfect comfort. In a 3-way test, the ID.4 judged the Ford Mustang Mach E and Hyundai Ionic 5 to be the best at low-speed drivability. Don’t expect too much driving fun.
you won’t be disappointed. Ultra-fast acceleration isn’t the ID.4’s forte, but the 295hp GTX version is capable of decent speed turns 0-100km/h he handles in 6.2 seconds. That’s decent, but Ford’s pace isn’t the same as the Mustang Mach E. The Government Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) is no longer available to EV buyers. Currently, the cheapest way to own is the entry-level 146hp Life Pure, which costs around £37,000.
The mid-range style car is now over £40,000 before prices skyrocket, with the top-of-the-line GTX Max at £58,000. So if you’re not willing to pay a lot for that 6.2-second sprint time, you’ll find more value in the Life, Style, or Family variants. , reducing daily operating costs. ID.4 is no exception. Commercial users in particular will benefit from his low non-cash tax rate of 2% for 2022/23. The ID.4’s 126 kW onboard charging capacity lags behind the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s 800 kW specification. 11kW wallbox at home. The Pure and Pure Performance models have a maximum range of 213 miles, while the GTX and Pro Performance are 300 miles and 320 miles respectively on a single charge.
The ID.4’s MEB platform architecture is widely used throughout the VW group and has good overall reliability. Ford seems to agree, as an engineering partnership with Volkswagen should leverage its MEB technology for future blue oval electric vehicles over the next few years. Although not included in Driver Power’s customer satisfaction survey, the ID.4 has been largely positive and stands well against its main competitors. However, Volkswagen itself placed him disappointingly 18th out of 29 in the Best Brands survey.
The ID.4 not only received a full 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests but also achieved Advanced status, a sign of the superior safety technology installed in the car, thus improving overall safety. certainly deserves mention. Volkswagen’s all-electric family SUV scored 93% for adult protection, 89% for child occupant protection, and 85% for car safety systems. The standard kit for all ID.4 versions includes Adaptive Cruise Control, City Emergency Braking, Driver Fatigue Alert, High Beam, and Lane Assist, while the Max version adds Side and Travel Assist technology.
Tesla Model 3 saloon review
Whereas the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X paved the way for stylish long-range electric vehicles, the Model 3 aims to deliver it in a mainstream package. Although more expensive than originally expected, the starting price of £40,000 makes it a strong contender for conventional power models. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds for the Performance version and a maximum range of around 360 miles for the Long Range version make it a far cry from competitors such as the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4. And the Jaguar XE.
There are still some questions about delivery times, build quality and reliability, but the performance, technology, and luxurious interior are more than enough to convince many customers. unrivaled. It’s more expensive than most electric cars on this list, but below other models from Jaguar, Audi e-Tron, and Tesla.
Tesla has a reputation for building the fastest accelerating cars on the road. The Model 3 follows suit regardless of the specific powertrain. The entry-level, rear-wheel-drive Model 3 should feel a little more agile, as it’s lighter than the more powerful model due to the lack of a second electric motor. Performance stats are decent, with the cheapest Model 3 easily matching similarly sized EVs.
For those looking for the ultimate driving experience, the Performance version’s dual motor all-wheel drive is perfect. Acceleration is breathtaking, featuring incredible offline performance and effortless overtaking. There’s enough power on hand to handle some of the fastest performance sedans in most everyday situations in a short amount of time. Ride and handling aren’t quite up to the same impressive standard, but they’re still very impressive. The Model 3’s steering is pretty meaty in all modes, and can’t be called precise. The suspension feels stiff, but not uncomfortable. The Model 3 can’t quite catch up to the BMW 3 Series when it comes to handling/handling balance or absolute driving pleasure. When it comes to the driving experience, the Polestar 2.
The Mustang Mach E lags behind the Tesla in absolute performance, but overall it’s worth driving. Elsewhere, the Model 3’s brakes are strong, plush, progressive, and not overly grippy like other EVs. The car’s considerable weight is kept under control thanks to an internal battery and well-thought-out suspension tuning. Overall, the Model 3 is a great handlebar. Don’t expect the last word in sporty dynamics. The entry-level rear-wheel drive model does 0-60 km/h in 5.8 seconds and has a top speed of 140 km/h thanks to a single 180 kW motor, while the 3 Performance model has two electric motors to deliver 335 kW. Power generation – equivalent to 449 hp. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 262 km/h, more than enough for a supercar-competing sprint. The Long Range AWD model uses two motors but sacrifices a bit of performance in the name of increased range.
Tesla has a reputation for building the fastest accelerating cars on the road. The Model 3 follows suit regardless of the specific powertrain. The entry-level, rear-wheel-drive Model 3 should feel a little more agile, as it’s lighter than the more powerful model due to the lack of a second electric motor. Performance stats are decent, with the cheapest Model 3 easily matching similarly sized EVs.
For those looking for the ultimate driving experience, the Performance version’s dual motor all-wheel drive is perfect. Acceleration is breathtaking, featuring incredible offline performance and effortless overtaking. There’s enough power on hand to handle some of the fastest performance sedans in most everyday situations in a short amount of time. Ride and handling aren’t quite up to the same impressive standard, but they’re still very impressive. The Model 3’s steering is pretty meaty in all modes, and can’t be called precise. The suspension feels stiff, but not uncomfortable. The Model 3 can’t quite catch up to the BMW 3 Series when it comes to handling/handling balance or absolute driving pleasure. When it comes to the driving experience, the Polestar 2.
The Mustang Mach E lags behind the Tesla in absolute performance, but overall it’s worth driving. Elsewhere, the Model 3’s brakes are strong, plush, progressive, and not overly grippy like other EVs. The car’s considerable weight is kept under control thanks to an internal battery and well-thought-out suspension tuning. Overall, the Model 3 is a great handlebar. Don’t expect the last word in sporty dynamics. The entry-level rear-wheel drive model does 0-60 km/h in 5.8 seconds and has a top speed of 140 km/h thanks to a single 180 kW motor, while the 3 Performance model has two electric motors to deliver 335 kW. Power generation – equivalent to 449 hp. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 262 km/h, more than enough for a supercar-competing sprint. The Long Range AWD model uses two motors, but sacrifices a bit of performance in the name of increased range.
