Best electric cars 2026

Thinking about buying an electric car in 2026? You’re not alone and you’ve come to the right place. 

Our expert road testers have driven and tested every EV available, comparing them all over hundreds of miles on UK roads, in all weathers, all kinds of driving conditions and head-to-head against rivals. The result is this constantly updated list of the best electric cars on sale. If you’re looking to buy an EV, these cars need to be on your shortlist.

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.

You’ll always get the latest and best expert EV buying advice on this page…

Best electric cars to buy now

• The Nissan Leaf is our 2026 Car of the Year and the best overall electric car to buy now.
• We strongly recommend the Skoda Elroq (our 2025 Car of the Year) as the best EV for families but if you need seven seats consider Kia’s PV5 Passenger.
• The Cupra Raval is the best small electric car on sale, and great fun to drive.
• The retro Renault 5 is the best urban electric car. 
• The BMW iX3 is the best premium electric car.

Click the links above to jump to our mini-review on each of our top 10 EV models..

1.Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is the best electric car on sale with its superb mix of efficiency, comfort and practicality, all at a fantastic price.

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• Prices from £29,000
• Maximum battery range: 375 miles
• Auto Express Car of the Year 2026

It’s safe to say that Nissan has reinvented the Leaf for the latest generation. The Japanese giant has done a fantastic job of turning the electric hatchback into a stylish crossover that is comfortable, refined, approachable and affordable.

The Nissan Leaf comes with two battery options: either a 52kWh battery with a WLTP range figure of around 280 miles, or a much larger 75kWh pack that brings the range up to 375 miles. On our tests, the car’s efficiency was comparable with that of key rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.3 or Kia EV3. Charging speeds are slightly on the slower side at up to 150kW with the larger battery, but you’ll still be able to charge from 20 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes.

On the road, the Leaf is calm and confidence-inspiring to drive, which is perfect for Nissan's target market. The suspension and ride quality are very impressive, the Leaf taking large undulations and potholes in its stride without feeling unsettled or jittery. Our extensive testing in Germany and the UK revealed an impressive lack of creaks or rattles, even when driving over really rough cobbles and scabby B-roads. 

Space is another plus point for the Nissan Leaf. Its 437-litre boot is larger than in rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.3, which has 385 litres, but can’t quite match the 460 litres in the Kia EV3. Both of these cars have boxier silhouettes without the sloping roofline of the Leaf – this eats into the space when loading bulky items, as well as rear passenger headroom but practicality is still very strong.

Nissan has found a good balance between the use of physical switches and touch-sensitive controls, although the latter do take some time to get used to. The infotainment system graphics look a little dated but it’s simple to use and the underlying Google software is easy to work out. For the price, the Leaf takes some beating. 

“There are good levels of sound deadening from road roar and very little wind noise, with the exception of the wing mirrors’ tendency to whip up a bit of a racket.” - Jordan Katsianis, news editor.

• Who will like it? Anyone looking for an outstanding all-round EV at a value price.
• Who won't like it? Families who need more space than the compact Leaf can offer
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Nissan Leaf Review Latest Nissan Leaf 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 £53,000
• Maximum battery range: 500 miles
• Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year 2026

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
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 BMW iX3 review Latest BMW iX3 deals

3. Cupra Raval

Cupra’s little electric car is a real firecracker with sporty style and a fun drive, but it’s also comfortable and well priced.

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• Prices from £24,000
• Maximum battery range: 277 miles
• Supermini of the Year 2026

The Cupra Raval opened the door to a new era of small electric cars from the Volkswagen Group. The underlying tech is also used by the Volkswagen ID.Polo and the Skoda Epiq, and in this feisty Cupra supermini it works a treat. 

There’s a sizable £10,000 price gap between the entry-level model and the VZ hot hatch flagship and we would recommend opting for a lower spec model with the larger battery. It gets you a range of 277 miles of range rather than the 186 miles of the base car and managed over 200-miles on our test, driving the car quite quickly. This makes the Raval more than capable of longer trips outside of its urban driving comfort zone.

Charging speeds are not dramatically quick but the relatively small batteries mean you won’t be hanging around for very long at all. Cars with the 37kWh battery can charge at either 50kW or 88kW, the latter meaning only 23mins is needed for a 10 to 80 per cent recharge. 52kWh battery models charge at 105kW matching rivals like the Renault 5 and electric MINI Cooper. 

The best bit, as you’d hope from the sporty Cupra brand, is the way the Raval drives. It’s eager and dynamic but also composed with great ride quality for a small car. On our test, it proved adept at ironing out the bumps on UK B-roads, also showing tenacious grip at the front end that really encourages you to enjoy the experience. It’s fast too, particularly in the hot VZ form where there’s 223bhp and 0-62mph takes 6.8s. 

Finally, the Raval is deceptively spacious with its roomy 441-litre boot and good back seat space for a small car. There aren’t really many downsides unless you dislike Cupra’s sporty design approach.  

“The VZ even comes with a launch control function that pulses vibrations through your seat; not something you’ll use on a regular basis, but a party trick all the same.” - Richard Ingram, deputy editor.

• Who will like it? EV buyers seeking a car that’s small, sporty and fun but also practical.
• Who won't like it? Anyone who finds Cupra’s bold design approach a little too much
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Cupra Raval review Latest Cupra deals

4. Skoda Elroq 

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

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• Prices from £32,000
• Maximum battery range: 355 miles
• Mid-size SUV of the Year 2026
• Car of the Year 2025

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
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  Skoda Elroq review Latest Skoda Elroq deals

5. Mercedes CLA

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

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• Prices from £39,000
• Maximum battery range: 461 miles
• Mid-size Company Car of the Year 2026

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

• Who will like it? Drivers who do a lot of long trips will love the range, charging and comfort.
• Who won't like it? Families may find the compact saloon body less practical than an SUV
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 Mercedes CLA review Mercedes CLA deals

6. Citroen e-C5 Aircross

Citroen’s electric C5 Aircross is a family-size SUV with superb comfort and a very tempting price tag.

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• Prices from £33,000
• Maximum battery range: 421 miles

Citroen isn’t necessarily the first brand that comes to mind when you’re looking for an SUV to cater for family life. The French firm has been better known for its smaller cars and MPVs in the recent past but it would be a mistake to let the Citroen e-C5 Aircross slip under your radar.

What Citroen is very much known for is ride comfort and that is where the e-C5 shines. Not everyone will appreciate the soft and highly cushioned feel of the suspension and it did attract some complaints on our long-term test but few cars at any price isolate you from bumps and rough surfaces so well. With light steering, good manoeuvrability and minimal cabin noise, the e-C5 has shown up as a brilliantly relaxing electric car to get about in during all of our tests.  

There are Long Range and Comfort Range models, with the former delivering a very healthy WLTP combined range of 421 miles - thanks to a 97kWh battery. Both this and the smaller battery (73kWh) Comfort Range version can charge at up to 160kW meaning 20 to 80 per cent charges take about 30mins. On our test of the Comfort range car it returned around 250 miles to a charge, that’s versus the WLTP test result of 320 miles. 

This is a highly adept family car with plenty of room in the back seats for adults and a vast 565-litre boot. Our road test team were very impressed with the amount of storage in the cabin with loads of cup holders, a roomy glovebox and other compartments dotted around to keep the interior clutter-free. 

Finally, there’s the price - possibly the real strength of the e-C5. It’s very well equipped even in entry-level guise where £33,000 will land you this spacious EV. Go for Max trim, which is still under £40,000, and you get high-end luxuries like a head-up display, leather-effect heated seats and a hands-free tailgate. No wonder it made the cut for our best electric cars list. 

“When the boot was full we did often have to leave the bulky parcel shelf at home; I’d always favour a retractable roller-type cover, given the choice” - Richard Ingram, Deputy Editor.

• Who will like it? Active families on a budget will love the e-C5’s space, comfort and value. 
• Who won't like it? Those who enjoy driving may find Citroen’s SUV a little soft and dull on a twisty road
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Citroen e-C5 Aircross Latest Citroen e-C5 Aircross deals

7. MG 4 Urban

More than an efficient, manoeuvrable town runabout, the MG 4 Urban has loads of space and a value-for-money trump card .

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• Prices from £23,000
• Maximum battery range: 258 miles 

MG has two electric hatchbacks both called MG4 and both completely different from one another. We won’t get into the hows and whys here, you can read our full reviews for that, all you need to know is that the MG4 Urban is the one we rate very highly. The reasons are simple. It’s one of the cheapest electric cars on sale in the UK but its size, specs and general capabilities are those of a much more expensive car. 

There are 41.9kWh and 52.8kWh battery versions offered with WLTP ranges of 201 and 258 miles respectively. On our test of the bigger battery car we managed 4.3 miles per kWh for a real-world range of 227 miles, very close to the official test results. 

The driving experience isn’t thrilling and with either 147bhp or 158bhp, neither version is fast by modern EV standards. What you get is a vehicle that lives up to its Urban name by being easy to pilot around town thanks to a big windscreen, short bonnet and tight turning circle. The one-pedal driving mode makes traffic-clogged streets easy to tackle, too. 

Even at the low £23,000 entry-price, the key equipment you need is included and this family hatchback has more space inside it than many mid-size SUVs. The 577-litre boot is a particular highlight, about the same as the space in a much larger Kia Sportage. The 98-litre underfloor storage is ideal for charging cables and you can fold the seats down for 1,364-litres of space. 

"Access is excellent courtesy of the large back doors. As well as being longer than the fronts, the opening is taller, too, so if you need to get a child into a car seat, it should be easier than in most rivals at the same price point." - Dean Gibson, senior test editor.

• Who will like it? Buyers who need a spacious, efficient and classy EV on a tight budget.
• Who won't like it? Fans of bold design and enthralling handling will find it forgettable
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MG4 Urban review Latest MG4 Urban deals

8. Volvo EX60

The EX60 is Volvo’s luxurious take on the premium mid-size SUV. Safe, solid and stylish, it’s a thoroughly desirable thing.

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• Prices from £57,000
• Maximum battery range: 501 miles

You know what you’re going to get from a Volvo SUV. The brand’s classy, comfortable interiors and relaxed driving experiences work a treat with electric power and so it is in the EX60. While the BMW iX3 mirrors that brand’s more dynamic approach, the EX60 is a very viable alternative for those who prefer to take things easier. 

The specs are pretty good too. Even the base rear-wheel drive P6 cars have 369bhp and 5.9 second 0-62mph potential - the 83kWh battery gives a 380-mile WLTP range. The Flagship P12 version has a massive 117kWh battery and breaks the 500-mile barrier on the WLTP tests, while 671bhp means 3.9s for the sprint.

Charging is also a strong suit, the 800-volt architecture means all models can suck in power at over 320kW - the higher spec cars charge at 370kW and can go from 10 to 80 percent charge in under 20 minutes. We returned 3.2 miles per kWh on our test of the base car which is good for a 300-mile real world range. 

The EX60 doesn’t make its performance obvious in the way it drives. It glides about, the suspension ironing out the surface. Noise in the cabin is minimal and it’s super relaxing to cruise around in Volvo’s soft yet supportive seats. The small steering wheel and good visibility make it feel nimble enough around town and responsive on the open road - an iX3 is just a touch sharper. 

The minimalist interior is of good quality, the Google-based infotainment works well and even tall adults will be comfortable in the back. You can get Volvo’s built-in booster seats to raise smaller kids up to a safe level. A 523-litre boot is competitive and the 58-litre frunk is perfect for cables. 

“We love how some of the shortcut buttons alter depending on whether you’re stationary or moving. The one-pedal drive setting, for example, switches to the door-mirror control when you’re parked up.” - Richard Ingram, Deputy Editor 

• Who will like it? Those who want a luxury car feel from their mid-size SUV.
• Who won't like it? Anyone who isn’t a fan of minimalist design and wants a sharper drive
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Volvo EX60 review Latest Volvo EX60 deals

9. 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 Electric. 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
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Renault 5 reviewLatest Renault 5 deals

10. 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, news editor.

• 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 review Latest Fiat Grande Panda 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