Best electric cars 2026

If you’re thinking about buying an electric car, you’re not alone and you’ve come to the right place. 

Our expert road testers have driven every electric car available in the UK, comparing them all over hundreds of miles, in all kinds of driving conditions and head-to-head against rivals. Our tests take-in motorway, B-road and urban driving to pinpoint which EV models truly stand out from the ever-growing pack. 

Being ranked as one of our best electric cars has never been tougher. We look at everything from battery range and charging speeds, to price, practicality, driving experience, technology, design and overall value for money – ensuring you get a complete picture before making any buying decisions.

Our list of best electric cars is constantly updated too, as new EVs are launched on to the market and existing models are refreshed to keep up. You’ll always get the latest and best expert EV buying advice on this page…

Best electric cars to buy now

The Skoda Elroq is our 2025 Car of the Year and the best electric car currently on sale, in the view of our expert road testers. Click the links below to jump to our mini-review on each of our top 5 EV models or jump down for the best EVs in each class…

1. Skoda Elroq 

Our favourite electric car of the moment is a consummate family vehicle with few weak spots.

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• Prices from £32,000
• Maximum battery range: 355 miles
• Auto Express Car of the Year 2025
• Best electric car overall

Skoda doesn’t tend to miss the mark when it launches new cars, and the Skoda Elroq, a small electric SUV, is no different. In fact, the marque has done such a good job with the Elroq, that we named the car as our Car of the Year at the 2025 New Car Awards, where it beat the likes of the Renault 4, Renault 5 and Fiat Grande Panda to the crown.

Skoda has taken a slightly different approach to the Elroq’s styling and it’ll take a little while before the new grille-less front end starts looking like a Skoda to us. But a sophisticated cabin, quick charging speeds (up to 175kW), and competitive pricing (starting from under £32,000) make the Elroq one of our favourite EVs and the top choice for young families.

It’s a sign of how well Skoda understands its buyers that the Elroq drives almost exactly as you’d hope a family car would. It feels substantial but not unwieldy, has a mature ride quality but doesn’t loll around in corners, and it’s very easy to meter out as much or little power as you need at any speed. Even on the maximum setting, the regenerative braking system doesn’t quite offer one-pedal driving, so you’ll need to use the brakes, but it’s a very easy set-up to manage.

The Elroq’s interior is smart and modern. A few too many controls are buried within the touchscreen – a Renault Megane or Scenic is a little easier to interact with on the move – but the screen is otherwise very intuitive. There’s loads of room front and rear too, with large thigh cushions for the rear seat passengers to account for the higher floor, and a decent 470-litre boot.

“The Elroq is so good that we see it creating a bit of a dilemma for Skoda: why would anybody need the larger Enyaq now?” – Ellis Hyde, news reporter.

• Who will like it? Family car buyers prioritising practicality, quality and value in a compact SUV package
• Who won't like it? There are still those with hang-ups about the Skoda brand

Skoda Elroq review Latest Skoda Elroq deals

2. BMW iX3

The iX3 isn’t just an outstanding and groundbreaking EV, it’s a crucial model for BMW as it aims to compete in the EV era.

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• Prices from £59,500
• Maximum battery range: 492 miles
• Best premium or luxury electric car

The iX3 will go down in the history of BMW as the car that launched the ‘Neue Klasse’ architecture - BMW’s advanced new electric car technology. There was a huge amount of hype around the iX3 and all our tests of the car so far suggest it was justified. 

This is a mid-size premium SUV and it came out on top of our 2026 premium SUV supertest where our expert road test team put it head-to-head with four key rivals on UK roads. 

First, the iX3’s numbers are outstanding. The longest range iX3 versions have official WLTP ranges of close to 500 miles, and the xDrive50 M Sport model achieved the longest range in our supertest with close to 300 miles and 2.7mi/kWh efficiency on our controlled test route. In warmer conditions on the international launch we were able to average around 4 miles per kWh for an estimated range of 450 miles. There’s also 400kW fast charging capability, if you can find a suitable charger, so topping up will be extremely fast.

The performance of the iX3 is certainly potent but BMW has sensibly avoided the livewire responses of some electric SUVs. It all feels very controlled and capable from behind the wheel. We think that the driving position is pretty much perfect for this kind of car, with loads of adjustment to suit different drivers. 

In town you get an excellent view for placing the iX3 with confidence while the accurate, if slightly weighty, steering provides more of that reassurance on the open road. The ride might be slightly firm for some tastes, partly due to the standard 20” wheels, and the steering wheel design is certainly quirky but otherwise the iX3 puts in a spotless performance.

As a family car, the BMW iX3 is similarly adept. The ‘Panoramic iDrive’ main screen is an odd eight-sided oblong shape but this actually helps usability, putting key controls close at hand in positions that become familiar. There’s also the remarkable instrument display running the whole width of the dash with key information. There are few physical buttons but it all works well. 

Great build quality, generous rear passenger space and a 520-litre boot that’s a match for key rivals complete a BMW iX3 package that sets a high bar for the competition. 

“Twisting roads reveal the car’s true potential, because even over aggressive bumps and cambers in the road, the iX3 is totally unflustered.” - Jordan Katsianis, news editor. 

• Who will like it? SUV buyers looking for the latest EV tech and top capability in a fine driving package
• Who won't like it? People who favour conservative design could be put off.

 BMW iX3 review Latest BMW iX3 deals

3. Renault 5 

The retro cool Renault has more than just style on its side, it's a slick small car package in all respects.

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• Prices from £21,500
• Maximum battery range: 249 miles
• Best for town and city driving

The Renault 5 is a brilliant fusion of retro design and everyday practicality. It takes design cues from the classic seventies original, but is also a thoroughly modern design, packed with neat touches yet also very fairly priced, starting from around £21,500 when you take the Electric Car Grant into account.

With a 148bhp motor and the option of a 40kWh or 52kWh battery, it claims to provide up to 252 miles of range and can sprint from 0-62mph in just eight seconds. It’s one of the most desirable small cars in years, and brings a winning combination of style, technology, and enjoyment to its segment.

The Renault 5 is a pleasure to drive, offering a smooth, comfortable ride that feels right at home on city streets. The handling is responsive and agile, with just enough sportiness to keep things fun through corners. The suspension works hard to smooth out rough roads, providing a ride that’s both comfortable and confident. Real-world efficiency suffers a little at speed, but you should be able to get 200 miles on a charge in the larger-battery version. 

When we drove the car in a mix of environments (including on the motorway), we achieved 4.1 miles per kilowatt-hour, rising to 5.0mi/kWh around town. This means you could see well over the claimed WLTP combined range.

Space is another plus point for the Renault 5, with its 326-litre boot trumping many competitors, including the MINI Cooper E. Rear doors make everyday life even more convenient, while the seats are inspired by those from the classic Renault 5 Turbo and offer excellent comfort on long journeys.

Inside, the R5 strikes a fine balance between nostalgia and modern tech. The Google-based infotainment system is intuitive, updatable and loaded with useful features. 

“The Renault 5 plays heavily on nostalgia and there’s so much joy in this little package that it’s impossible not to be impressed” – Jordan Katsianis, news editor.

• Who will like it? Anyone looking for a trendy, practical small EV.
• Who won't like it? Retro isn't for everyone.

Renault 5 reviewLatest Renault 5 deals

4. Fiat Grande Panda

Bigger and more sophisticated car than its predecessor, the Grande Panda retains the same core qualities: simple, durable and affordable.

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• Prices from £21,000
• Maximum battery range: 199 miles
• Auto Express Supermini of the Year 2025
• Best value electric car

Starting from just over £21,000, the new Fiat Grande Panda is one of the cheapest electric cars currently on sale in the UK. And it only comes with one battery choice, a 44kWh pack which officially provides up to 199 miles of range on the WLTP combined cycle. 

Our testing has shown the Fiat to be very efficient at slow speeds and around town. The 199-mile figure dropped considerably once we ventured onto faster roads, with the squared-off front end hampering aerodynamics. We saw a real-world range of around 145 miles on a route that was evenly split between city, country roads and high-speed motorways. This should be plenty for most commutes and short journeys. 

On the road, the Fiat Grande Panda is calm and composed, and its slim shape makes it feel right at home on narrow city streets. The handling is tight and it's quick to respond when you turn the wheel, but it doesn’t quite have the same sporty edge as the Renault 5. 

Where the Grande Panda performs slightly better than the Renault is over rough road surfaces. When driving through central Turin in Italy, the Grande Panda’s suspension made light work of cobbles, potholes and speed humps. It felt very polished and quite plush for a car of its size. Overall visibility is very good and with its stubby dimensions you shouldn’t find it too difficult to park in narrow spaces.

The Grande Panda is also reasonably practical for a car in this class. There are plenty of storage cubbies dotted around the cabin, and the boot is a decent size at 412 litres. This is much larger than in rivals such as the Citroen e-C3, which only has 310 litres of boot space, or the Renault 5 with its 326-litre capacity. 

If you carry passengers more than you do bulky cargo, the Fiat might feel a little cramped for taller occupants, especially in the rear. The floor is quite high and there’s a hump that can eat into foot space. 

“On the road, even in somewhat dreary weather, the exterior looks fresh and vibrant. Its sleek face hides the headlights, daytime running lights and even a clever retractable charging cable. This is just the start of a whole host of clever detailing that’s evident almost everywhere you care to look.” - Jordan Katsianis, senior staff writer.

• Who will like it? Those looking for the maximum bang for their buck from a compact electric car.
• Who won't like it? People doing regular long journeys may look for more power and refinement.

Fiat Grande Panda reviewLatest Fiat Grande Panda deals

5. Renault 4

The more practical small SUV cousin to Renault's 5 supermini, the 4 has a lot of the same qualities but is a better fit for family buyers.

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• Prices from £25,500
• Maximum battery range: 247 miles
• Auto Express Small SUV of the Year 2025

Renault is clearly on a roll at the moment, and if you thought the Renault 5 was the best retro-inspired car the manufacturer could create, the Renault 4 asks you to think again.

Starting from around £25,500, the Renault 4 is one of the best-value small SUVs currently on sale. There’s just one powertrain – the same 148bhp motor and 52kWh battery that you’ll find in the Renault 5 supermini.

While the battery might be the same as in the R5, the extra space offered by the R4’s small SUV-style body doesn’t have a negative impact on efficiency. The maximum claimed WLTP range is 247 miles, which is just five miles less than the smaller Renault 5. When we drove the Renault 4 over a mixture of roads, we saw an average of 3.8mi/kWh and a real-world range of just shy of 200 miles. We reckon a more considered driving style would see you get much closer to the claimed range.

On the road, the Renault 4 is smooth and comfortable, with Renault opting for a slightly softer set-up for the R4 than its R5 sibling. This doesn’t mean the R4 isn’t fun to drive; on the contrary, there's a willingness to change direction that’s missing in plenty of its rivals. The suspension does a good job of smoothing out rough roads, especially at higher speeds. Things can feel a little harsh at slower speeds, however.

Space is another plus point for the Renault 4. It has a 420-litre boot, which is much larger than rivals like the Fiat 600e, which has 360 litres of space, but the R4 can’t quite match the 556 litres in the Ford Puma Gen-E. The rear door openings are nice and wide, and the boxier shape helps give a little more head and legroom for passengers than they get in the Puma Gen-E.

Renault hit on a winning formula when it came to the interior of the R5 and sensibly reused it in the R4. Inside, the 4 strikes a balance of being modern and tech-filled while retaining a touch of retro nostalgia. The Google-based infotainment system is intuitive, and comes with loads of useful features. It’s one of the best infotainment systems you can currently find in any car.

“The Renault 4 draws inspiration from the company’s back catalogue, but the E-Tech model is light years ahead in terms of quality. While the dashboard layout is identical to the R5’s, the separate climate controls and stubby infotainment control stalk on the steering column will also be familiar to anyone who’s driven a modern Renault.” – Alex Ingram, chief reviewer.

• Who will like it? Anyone seeking a family-friendly small car with a bit of style.
• Who won't like it? Limited rear leg-room may preclude those with older children.

Renault 4 reviewLatest Renault 4 deals 

Best electric cars in each class

Our top 5 EVs above are the best overall as judged by our team of expert road testers but if you're looking for a specific kind of EV, our category recommendations are the ones to choose... and not all of them are in our top 5. 

From buyers with families to those who mainly drive in town or on the motorway, these are the top picks for different use cases. Click the links to jump to the mini review on each car. 

Tesla Model Y

Tesla's minimalist design and outstanding EV technology make the Model Y a tough act to beat

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• Prices from £45,000
• Maximum battery range: 390 miles
• Best for range and charging

With its long range, mind-boggling performance and minimalist, hi-tech cabin, it’s not hard to understand why the Tesla Model Y has been such a hit since it went into production in 2020. In fact, you’ll struggle to not stumble across a dozen Model Ys wherever you go in Britain these days.

The car’s refresh in 2025 only added to its appeal with a range of up to 311 miles for the entry-level rear-drive model and a charging speed of up to 250kW, making it one of the fastest-charging cars in its class.

High performance has always been a Tesla hallmark and the Model Y delivers here too. Even the 279bhp base model is brisk with a 5.6-second 0-62mph time, while the Model Y Performance makes 460bhp and gets from 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds. It’s got a firm but controlled ride, but the new car is much more refined and comfortable than the previous version.

The centrepiece of the Model Y’s minimalist cabin is a large 15.4-inch touchscreen. Unlike its Model 3 sister car, the Model Y does have an indicator stalk, but it is flimsy and difficult when trying to cancel a turn signal.

Space is in abundance in the Model Y. Despite the curved roof, it’s a tall car, which makes it easy when transporting bulky items. The boot has a low floor and thanks to having 890 litres of space with the rear seats in place, it eclipses rivals including the Kia EV6 or Audi Q4 which only have 490 and 520 litres, respectively.

“When it comes to charging, few manufacturers can touch the convenience that Tesla can offer. Drive to your nearest Supercharger, park up and plug in. Once you have enough charge, you can leave, and your usage is charged by direct debit each month. We really wish all charging networks were this easy to use.” - Alex Ingram, chief reviewer.

Tesla Model Y reviewLatest Tesla Model Y deals

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Classic VW design married to a hugely practical interior make the ID.Buzz a great fit for those with lots to carry

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• Prices from £60,000
• Maximum battery range: 293 miles
• Best 7-seat electric car

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz channels the design of the classic Type 2 bus and campervan models but brings the technology bang up to date with its electric powertrain. It’s an expensive family car at over £60,000 but you’re buying a huge amount of capability. 

There’s not much point paying extra for the faster GTX model, the ID.Buzz drives well and is fast enough in standard guise, but you should pay the small premium for the long-wheelbase version that brings seven seats into play. On our 4,000-mile long term test of the LWB ID.Buzz, it excelled at family life with its light, airy interior offering room for seven adults or five adults with a giant boot area of 1,340 litres behind. 

The long-wheelbase ID.Buzz also gets a larger 86kWh battery for an official driving range of up to 293 miles. On our tests we were able to return around 3.0mi/kWh in mixed driving for a real-world range of 260 miles.

This is a big vehicle but the van-like dimensions with short overhangs make it surprisingly manoeuvrable and easy to drive. The seating position is high with an excellent view out of the front and steering is light enough to make you forget those super-size dimensions.

"Don’t go expecting the traditional sluggish Volkswagen campervan drive from the ID. Buzz. The single-motor’s 282bhp and (more relevant) 560Nm of torque mean the car feels positively rapid for its size and shape." - Dean Gibson, senior test editor

VW ID.Buzz review Latest VW ID.Buzz deals

Mercedes CLA

Classy, comfortable, with a long range; the CLA is a fine long distance companion 

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• Prices from £45,000
• Maximum battery range: 461 miles
• Best long distance electric car

Pros

• Excellent ride comfort and refinement
• Superb efficiency and range
• Keenly priced against the competition

Cons

• Some rivals are a little more spacious
• Touchscreen ergonomics still have room for improvement
• Design pushes the boundaries of taste

Mercedes didn’t get off to the best start in the electric car market but the electric Mercedes CLA came as an impressive return to form. The compact executive saloon and Shooting Brake estate manage to mix the traditional Mercedes-Benz qualities we’re familiar with from the C-Class and E-Class with a cutting-edge EV powertrain. 

As a long distance car, the CLA ticks all the boxes with EV range or 461 miles and 800-volt charging now included (it wasn’t at launch) to get the most out of the fastest public chargers. We tested the car head-to-head against the Tesla Model 3 in 2025 and it came out the winner. Then it was part of our tough long-range EV test in February 2026, recording the best real-world range of 303 miles and the top charging speed of 2.9kWh per minute.  

The ride quality and refinement in the cabin while on the move in the CLA are the standout features of the driving experience. It’s a very relaxing place to cover miles with the brakes and throttle calibration working beautifully. Mercedes has even managed to ensure that the CLA drives well on twistier roads with great body control for stability and confidence in the bends. There are more exciting cars of this type to drive but none feel more resolutely unflustered than the CLA. 

The exterior design of the CLA is fairly lowkey but inside Mercedes has gone bolder. It might be a little in-your-face for some tastes but the latest infotainment tech works extremely well and we are very impressed by the improvements in materials quality compared to Merc’s last generation of EV models. 

The rear seats are roomy for what is a relatively compact car with a flat floor to help with foot room. We’d like to have more storage options in the cabin but the front and rear boots provide a good amount of luggage space for the class.

“The rear window is reasonably sized, but its lower edge is quite high, so rear visibility isn’t too generous.” - Alastair Crooks, senior staff writer

 Mercedes CLA reviewMercedes CLA deals

Compare the best electric cars

Check out the specs of our top electric car recommendations below and click the links to jump back up to the mini-reviews. 

How we choose the best electric cars

Our extensive testing programme examines every new car on sale in detail.

We test every aspect of the vehicle’s make-up. But with pure-electric models we pay particular attention to the following areas – and so should you when taking your test drive: 

• Long real-world driving range in warm and cold weather
• Fast charging speeds
• Good regenerative braking system with natural responses
• Infotainment includes features that find and manage charging
• Good charging cable storage

Beyond that, we test the same things we look for on any car, from the driving experience to the infotainment system and the practicality of the interior. All are carefully evaluated by our experts to determine exactly where the car sits in relation to similar models that you might be considering. 

We also know that price is a huge factor for EV buyers, with 52% of our readers telling us that finding the best deal is the most important part of the car-buying process for them, so our experts also analyse the market to carefully compare the prices, plus the leasing and finance deals, of each model. All-in-all, our extensive testing process is designed to bring you the definitive verdict on the best electric cars to buy. 

If you'd like more recommendations around your specific electric car requirements, check out these guides:

• Longest range electric cars
• Fastest charging electric cars
• Best luxury electric cars
• Best electric SUVs
• Best 7-seater electric cars
• Best small electric cars
• Cheapest electric cars
• Fastest electric cars

Not sure if electric cars are right for you? Take a look at the best hybrid cars or best plug-in hybrid cars available according to our road test team. 

There's more information to help you make your electric car choices in our full guide on if you should buy an electric car