Electric cars are steadily becoming pretty popular in the UK and it’s not hard to see why. They have lower road tax rates, they’re better for the environment, they can be ‘refuelled’ at home and they’re significantly cheaper to run. There’s also the government’s plug-in car grant, which knocks off 35% of the value of brand new plug-in cars, up to a maximum £3,500 discount. This can really make buying and owning an EV a simple and sensible choice. Today we’re looking at which models (excluding Tesla) will go the furthest on one single charge. Most motoring enthusiasts will be aware that the Tesla Model S has a 379-mile range, the Model 3 has a 348-mile range and the Model X a 314-mile range, but not everyone is a fan of the Tesla brand. So we are concentrating on what the other brands have to offer. All of these results are based on manufacturer figures show on their websites, so expect some changes in the real world as a result of different aspects such as outside temperatures, average speeds and how many passengers and cargo is in the car. Let’s get started.
Jaguar I-PACE - 292-mile range
The I-PACE is realistically one of the only viable alternatives to the Audi e-Tron for premium buyers. The two are in hot competition with one another, which means there is a lot at stake. Luckily, the British designed I-PACE is a real delight. Its looks are unique and appealing, the acceleration is swift, to say the least, just 4.5 seconds from 0-60 mph, and it’s got a great big boot too. What more can you ask for? Of course, the interior is exquisite, as you would expect from a Jaguar Land Rover product, and the onboard technology isn’t nearly as minimalistic as that of a Tesla. The cabin isn’t radically over-designed, it is just pleasingly luxurious and the dashboard shares a similar infrastructure to the E-PACE. Priced from £60,995 inc the government's plug-in car grant.
KIA e-Niro - 282 mile range
Another one from South Korea, only this time form Hyundai’s rival, KIA. The e-Niro is based on the fuel-powered Niro, only with an electric motor where the engine once sat and some light aesthetic alterations, mainly for aerodynamic purposes. So, that means the e-Niro is just as much of a loveable, joyful small SUV with bags of character, just like the regular Niro, It’s also a purpose-built family car with a sizeable boot and features that will appeal to parents and children alike. There is one area the e-Niro surpasses the Hyundai’s for certain, and that’s on the warranty. KIA provides a massive 7 years/ 100,000 miles warranty with all of their cars, which is the best on the market. The e-Niro is on sale now with prices starting from £34,495 after the government's plug-in car grant.
Hyundai KONA - 278-mile range
The Hyundai KONA Electric comes with a massive 278-mile range and it can charge up to 80% in a modest 75 minutes. Buyers will love that the KONA looks a bit more reserved than other EVs. It’s still eye-catching and modern, but it doesn’t look like it has been dragged off the set of the next Star Wars. The KONA electric is priced from £27,250 after the government grant, although, due to popular demand, there is a waiting list for this vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz EQC - 259-mile range
The Mercedes EQC is a pure battery-powered luxury SUV and it rivals the likes of the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace. The EQC is packed with all the elegant and innovative technology associated with Mercedes-Benz. Further features include four-wheel drive, a choice of well-equipped trims and it's fast. But the good news is the EQC features an 80kWh lithium-ion battery with an electric range of up to 259 miles between charges, so range anxiety fears can be dismissed. Prices from £65,640.
Renault Zoe - 245-mile range
The new ZOE makes switching to an electric car a very sensible choice. The new modern design of the ZOE features bold curves, more great looks and an impressive driving range of up to 245 on a single charge. Prices start from £25,670 after the plug in grant.
Nissan Leaf e+ - 239-mile range
The Nissan Leaf was the first electric car to win World Car of The Year almost 10 years ago, and since then there’s been very few ‘EV’s even nominated for the prestigious award. In the meantime, the Leaf has just got better and better. The Leaf e+ is miles ahead of the competition in the small electric car market, miles. Rapid charging to 80% will take an hour and a half however this is offset by the fact the new model will return a superb 239 miles on one charge. The new model is also a pretty good looking thing, with beautiful angles and a contrasting coloured. The LEAF e+ is the number one selling electric car in Europe and the e+ Tekna is on sale now from £35,895 including the government grant.
Audi e-tron - 237-mile range
It might start to feel like we’ve been going on about the e-tron a bit too much recently, but we can’t help it, we simply adore it. The e-tron, we think, is the most likely car to convert petrol and diesel buyers from the premium SUV market (which is massive) into electric SUV owners. Why? Because it looks like a normal Audi SUV, which means it’s aesthetic, desirable and classy. The e-tron is also extremely well developed. Despite the fact it is one of the largest EVs on the market, it only takes half an hour to achieve 80% charge in a rapid charger, and 100% will conquer about 241 miles, according to the manufacturer. Not bad! Obviously, it’s not particularly cheap, prices start from £71,560 - which isn’t budget-friendly for most of us but it will stand out to a huge market of premium buyers.
Peugeot e-208 - 217-mile range
A brand new model to the market and the first release of an all-electric car for Peugeot. The e-208 uses a 50kWh battery and 136hp electric motor to deliver a combined 217-mile driving range from full charge. The all-new Peugeot e-208 arrives in showrooms in 2020 and is priced from £25,050 including the government grant.
Vauxhall Corsa-e - 209-mile range
The Corsa-e offers a range of 209 miles, a maximum power output of 100kW/136PS and maximum torque provided by an electric motor of 260Nm. You can charge up the battery at home through a normal household socket or use a Wallbox and get a full charge in 7.5 hours. 80% charge in just 30 minutes can also be achieved from a rapid charger point. The starting price for the all-new Corsa-e is from £30,665 for the SE NAV model before the government grant.
BMW i3 - 186-mile range
The i3 was the first fully electric car available from a premium manufacturer in the UK and it has been a pretty popular model since its launch, with BMW upgrading, replacing and improving it continuously. BMW has even released an i3 ‘S’ model with better performance and improved styling. The i3 can now achieve a very sturdy 193 miles of electric range on a single charge. It’s fair to say that this is a car that buyers haven’t struggled to adapt to. The boot space is great for a hatchback and the car can comfortably ferry around 4 passengers. The i3 is on sale now from BMW and prices start from £35,350 which is reduced to £31,850 after the government grant.
Take a 24hr test drive in a BMW i3
MG ZS - 163-mile range
The ZS EV from MG is a family-friendly electric car which has a single 143hp electric motor providing power to the front wheels. The battery pack produces 44.5kWh of energy with 163 miles possible before needing to plugin. Rapid charging takes just 40 minutes to add 80% charge so not bad for a more affordable EV. The MG ZS EV Excite starts from £22,245 after the government grant.
Take a test drive in an electric car