Top 10 Electric Cars That Will Charge Up Your Ride in 2024
Electric cars have made significant strides, making them more feasible than ever. But which ones should you consider? This list showcases electric vehicles excelling in various aspects: range, practicality, driver appeal, and value. Whether you seek utility or cutting-edge technology, we've got you covered. Each car, meticulously selected by Autocar journalists, shines in its respective category. Let’s explore what makes them stand out and why they deserve a spot on your radar. Here are the top electric cars currently available for purchase.
10 Best Electric Cars
1. Cupra Born
Autocar's annual test of electric cars crowned the Cupra Born as the champion for its exceptional handling and fun factor, surpassing rivals like the MG 4 XPower and Abarth 500e. With a perfect balance of size, power, range, and price, the Born offers engaging performance without compromising efficiency. Its rear-driven chassis, precise body control, and spacious interior make it a compelling choice. Offering a real-world range of 220 miles, it's ideal for both daily commutes and weekend getaways. The Cupra Born embodies the spirit of affordable EVs, reminiscent of a modern Volkswagen Golf GTI, making it a standout choice for eco-conscious drivers.
2. Fisker Ocean
Henrik Fisker, renowned for his Aston Martin designs, now ventures into electric vehicle (EV) territory with a pragmatic stance on range. His Fisker Ocean SUV boasts a 106kWh battery, rivaling luxury brands like Mercedes and BMW but at half the cost. Lab tests claim a 440-mile range, with real-world tests confirming up to 400 miles. This substantial range, combined with affordability, may reshape perceptions of EV ownership, particularly for those without home charging. Despite pricier competitors, the Fisker Ocean offers unmatched value and practicality in the EV market.
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Creating visually appealing electric vehicles poses challenges due to their unique design requirements. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out among its peers as an affordable yet stylish option, drawing inspiration from retro designs like the 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupé concept. Its distinctive appearance addresses typical EV design issues, making it both desirable and practical. Representing a departure for Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 embodies cool family transportation with electric power, breaking new ground for the manufacturer.
4. Mercedes-Benz EQS
Tesla revolutionized in-car digital technology with the Model S, but now Mercedes-Benz enters the game, challenging Silicon Valley's supremacy. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQS introduced the Hyperscreen, a vast touchscreen dashboard combining a digital instrument console, a 17.7in infotainment screen, and a 12.3in passenger screen. Despite its overwhelming tech, opinions on its appeal remain divided. However, Mercedes doesn't rely solely on screen size; its third-generation MBUX software offers improved navigation and user-friendliness, making it a top choice among luxury electric cars.
5. Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
New cars are rekindling the importance of on-board comfort, especially with EVs. Expectations for a gentle, quiet ride are high, yet not always met. The Mercedes EQS SUV stands out for its exceptional comfort, boasting minimal road noise and smooth handling. For alternative options, consider the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or BMW i7 limousine, which also delivers great comfort in different shapes and price ranges. Comfort seekers in EVs have compelling choices to explore.
6. MG 4 EV
The common belief that electric cars are too pricey and lack sufficient range is challenged by the MG 4, manufactured in Ningde, China, and offered in the UK by SAIC. Available with 51kWh, 64kWh, or 77kWh battery packs, pricing starts at just under £27,000, offering up to 323 miles on a single charge. Coupled with its rear-driven chassis and refined driving dynamics, the MG 4 presents a compelling option, boasting value and a spacious four-seat cabin. Ignoring it would be unwise.
7. Porsche Taycan
Porsche revolutionised the luxury car scene with the Taycan electric saloon in 2019, boasting exceptional handling, driver engagement, and rapid-charging prowess. Now, a new Taycan is on the horizon, promising enhancements in range, performance, and efficiency. Despite its weighty 92kWh battery, Porsche's ingenious design, which involves carving out sections beneath the battery, achieves a lower driver position and overall vehicle profile, enhancing handling and center of gravity. Opting for a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive model ensures optimal chassis balance. With various body styles and performance levels available, from saloons to pseudo-off-roaders, Porsche offers abundant choices. Notably, its 800V charging capability places it ahead of rivals in real-world rapid-charging tests, outperforming competitors like the Audi E-tron GT and Hyundai Ioniq 6.
8. Rolls-Royce Spectre
Charles Rolls foresaw electric motors' luxury car potential in the early 20th century, realised now by his co-founded company, albeit after 120 years. The Rolls-Royce Spectre debuts as the top-tier luxury EV praised globally for its ride comfort, smooth one-pedal driving, cocooning quietness, and impressive handling. While competitors like the BMW i7 and Mercedes EQS offer opulence and low noise, Rolls-Royce still reigns supreme for luxury and occasion, setting a standard that even Goodwood’s experts acknowledge.
9. Tesla Model S Plaid
Tesla's Model S Plaid boasts unprecedented acceleration, clocking remarkable times in tests. With a staggering 1020bhp and three electric motors, it blitzes 0-60mph in just 2.4 seconds, 0-100mph in 4.6 seconds, and covers a quarter mile in 9.6 seconds. Surpassing renowned hypercars like the Bugatti Veyron Supersport and Ferrari SF90 Stradale, it's a 2.2-tonne executive saloon, not a lightweight hypercar. Priced at £130,000, it leads the pack in speed and emissions-free travel. While electric hypercars remain untested, the Model S Plaid reigns supreme for now, embodying Tesla's relentless pursuit of excellence under Elon Musk's leadership.
10. Volkswagen ID Buzz
Volkswagen has reimagined its classic Type 2 ‘microbus’ with the ID Buzz. Positioned between a car and a van, it fits standard parking spots and is easy to maneuver in traffic. With a family-friendly exterior and spacious interior, it surpasses luxury EVs. Options include a long-wheelbase version with seven seats. Retro design and planned variations like four-wheel-drive and camper vans make the Buzz stand out. It's a practical, desirable EV, avoiding typical van conversion limitations.
If the new EVs aren’t your thing or too costly for you to start with, check out these most affordable used cars in Milton Keynes.
Source and Images: AutoCar UK