While the percentage of electric cars on UK roads has grown considerably in the past few years, sales in recent months have slowed.
This has largely been driven by private buyers, who are delaying their purchase of EVs. In fact, 77 per cent of new electric cars sold in November went to fleets and businesses, with the cost of purchase continuing to be a barrier to private buyers, as does the infrastructure.
But 2024 could be the turning point when more buyers adopt electric cars, with a great range of important and more accessible cars set to arrive in dealerships. The government is also introducing its zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires manufacturers to have 22 per cent of their sales to be electric, which will help to drive growth.
Let’s take a look at the electric cars that are set to drive a growing number to make the switch.
Dacia Spring
Dacia introduced its Spring a couple of years ago, and it took the title of Europe’s most affordable electric car. Despite several calls for it to be introduced in the UK, Dacia has so far resisted. But that will change in 2024 when the Spring gets its British debut.
Set to be priced from less than £20,000, it could be a game-changing model in getting more buyers to go electric, not least with attractive finance offers. It will be a substantially refreshed version that will be sold here, too.
Citroen e-C3
Another exciting arrival to the affordable EV market in 2024 will be the new Citroen e-C3. This funky crossover-inspired electric car will bring a 199-mile range, with the firm announcing it will start at ‘less than £23,000’.
An even more affordable version could be on its way, too, with Citroen saying that the e-C3 will start from €19,990 (£17,119). The new e-C3 is likely to attract lots of buyers to the Citroen brand as a result.
Renault 5
Renault is looking to its past when developing its next generation of electric cars, and next year will see the introduction of the retro Renault 5. Set to make its debut at February’s Geneva Motor Show, the 5 E-Tech will be the French firm’s most important car in years.
It’s worth remembering Renault has plenty of history when it comes to making accessible EVs – in particular, the Zoe – and this ‘5’ should prove its continued commitment to helping buyers of all incomes to make the switch.
Mini Cooper Electric
Despite a fairly high price and a limited range, Mini’s current Electric – based on the 3-door Hatch – has sold well, and already accounts for a significant chunk of this British brand’s sales. That’s not all that surprising considering Minis are often used as city cars.
But next year sees the introduction of the new Mini Cooper, which will be offered in two electric derivatives, both of which offer a significantly improved electric range of up to 250 miles. With prices set to reduce compared to the outgoing car, it’s one to watch.
Ford Explorer
When it comes to electric cars, Ford has been a little behind the curve, but that will change in 2024 with the introduction of the Explorer – a new mid-size electric crossover. It’s not on this list for its low price, but rather because it will appeal to Ford’s extensive pool of customers already driving cars like the Puma and Kuga, many of which might be considering going electric.
The Explorer is based on the Volkswagen Group’s electric car platform, and will even be produced in the same factory where the Fiesta was made before it was discontinued earlier in the year. While the Explorer has been delayed already, it’s expected to arrive by the middle of 2024.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Again, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is not a car that’s going to serve as an affordable EV, but this sporty crossover is important for one key reason – proving that electric cars can be fun to drive.
Developed by Hyundai’s highly-regarded ‘N’ division, the firm has not just taken the usual sporty EV recipe of just giving the car more power and leaving it at that but has made a whole range of changes to enhance the way it drives. It could be the EV to tempt traditional ‘petrolheads’.
MG4
And now for an EV that has undoubtedly already helped to shift the dial in terms of EV adoption, and that’s the MG4. MG is now a significant player in the electric car world, but the MG4 in particular is a real stand-out product.
It’s won a whole range of awards already and despite its modern styling, generous equipment and great driving experience, it currently is still the most affordable EV you can go out and buy today at £26,995. As a result, it’s now one of the most popular EVs around, not least to private buyers.
Vauxhall Corsa
Vauxhall’s Corsa is on track to be the UK’s third most popular car in 2023 and bucks the trend of buyers not wanting crossovers. Alongside petrol versions, it’s also available as an EV and has been since its launch in 2020.
While the electric Corsa might only make up around 10 per cent of sales of this supermini, it’s played an important role in helping to ‘normalise’ EVs when a nameplate as big as the Corsa is offered as an electric car.
