Range anxiety is a thing of the past. We round up the best EVs on sale right now — from city cars to long-distance cruisers.
The EV market has matured
Just a few years ago, buying an electric car meant compromising on range, charging speed, or practicality. In 2026, that's no longer true. The best EVs now offer 300+ miles of real-world range, 150kW+ rapid charging, and interiors that rival premium petrol rivals.
The question is no longer "should I go electric?" — it's "which one?"
Best all-rounder: Hyundai IONIQ 6
The IONIQ 6 is the EV we'd recommend to most buyers. Its 800V architecture means it can charge from 10–80% in around 18 minutes on a 350kW charger. Real-world range sits comfortably above 280 miles in the long-range rear-wheel-drive version. The interior is calm, well-built, and genuinely comfortable on long journeys.
It scored 88/100 in our full review — the highest of any EV we've tested.
Pro tip: The IONIQ 6 qualifies for lower Benefit-in-Kind tax rates, making it an excellent company car choice.
Best performance EV: Porsche Taycan
If you want an EV that drives like a sports car, the Taycan is in a class of its own. The dual-motor version produces 476hp and reaches 62mph in 4.0 seconds, yet it's also refined and comfortable enough for daily use. Porsche's 800V charging architecture is class-leading.
It's expensive — prices start at £83,000 — but nothing else combines this level of performance, refinement, and charging speed.
Best budget EV: Tesla Model 3
The refreshed Model 3 is a significant improvement over its predecessor. The interior quality has been substantially upgraded, the ride is more comfortable, and the range has increased. At around £40,000 for the Long Range version, it's not cheap — but the combination of performance, range, and Tesla's Supercharger network makes it exceptional value.
Our review scored it 87/100.
Best SUV EV: BMW iX
The BMW iX xDrive50 offers 380 miles of WLTP range and a genuinely premium interior that feels like a step above most rivals. The iDrive infotainment system is excellent, the ride is supple, and the exterior design — controversial when launched — has aged well.
If you need an electric SUV and want something that feels properly premium, the iX is the one.
What to look for when buying an EV
Range figures quoted by manufacturers are WLTP estimates — real-world range is typically 15–20% lower, especially in cold weather or at motorway speeds. Always check independent real-world range tests before buying.
Charging speed matters as much as range. A car with 250 miles of range that charges at 50kW will take much longer to top up than one with 280 miles that charges at 150kW.
- Real-world range (not just WLTP)
- Maximum charging speed (kW)
- Charging network compatibility
- Battery warranty (usually 8 years / 100,000 miles)
- Home charging setup costs