The best electric cars 2026 – driven, rated and ranked

Electric cars have taken remarkable strides forward in recent years, so much so in fact that they have never been a more credible and usable alternative to ICE machines.

The first flock of EVs were mired by a number of major shortcomings, most notably their limited real-world ranges, high prices and slow charging speeds.

Fast-forward to 2026 and the outlook could not be more different, with EVs accounting for almost 30% of the UK car market.

Battery technology, public charging infrastructure, energy efficiency have all improved dramatically to make EVs far more desirable, while lower production costs have helped democratise them.

The UK government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) has also helped drive the cost of EVs down further, making them the go-to choice for families and fleets.

Happily, there’s a broad and diverse range of EVs on sale today, from 250-mile superminins to 500-mile SUVs that have the space and range to make them excellent all-rounders.

But which should you actually buy? To help you decide, our expert road testers have driven, assessed and evaluated every EV on sale. Some cars are also put through our instrumented road test, in which we gather empirical performance and refinement benchmarks at MIRA proving ground.

At a glance

The best electric cars

At present, we think the Skoda Elroq is the best EV you can buy right now.

Few compact SUVs can match its clever blend of versatility, range, maturity and sheer value for money. Plus several derivatives qualify for the £1500 ECG.

If you’re after something bigger – and with an incredibly long range – the BMW iX3 is a brilliant electric SUV. It will charge at 400kW, has a large practical cabin and feels like a true BMW to drive.

Our list also includes sporty saloons like the Porsche Taycan and superminis like the Renault 5.

1. Skoda Elroq

Four years ago, the Skoda Enyaq emerged as a comfortable, reasonably priced, well-conceived mid-size electric SUV.

Ostensibly the Skoda Elroq takes that formula and reworks it into a smaller, cheaper model. Yet it also represents a shift in design philosophy, all while being assertively strong in all areas.

Inside, it’s massive. The boot is particularly useful and among the largest in class (although that of the Renault Scenic is bigger) and the storage is on point. For instance, you can keep the charging cables in an underboot cubby or the storage net in the boot and the parcel shelf has multiple heights.

Adaptability also is high up on the list of reasons to buy. Top-spec models have a WLTP range of 360 miles, and even in our real-world testing 270-300 miles was easily achievable. When we road tested the Elroq, it achieved an everyday efficiency of 4.8mpkWh.

Several versions, including the 85 SE L, with its WLTP range of 355 miles, qualify for the £1500 ECG, making the Elroq an even more desirable proposition.

2. BMW iX3

There was a lot resting on the shoulders of the iX3 well before it was launched. BMW poured billions into the development of the Neue Klasse EV platform and at the same time adopted a radical new design language that will shape the brand for the foreseeable.

Pleasingly for BMW, its efforts have paid dividends, the iX3 climbing straight to the top of the class for its excellent range, charging speeds and handling dynamics. Fully charged, this big SUV can travel up to a staggering 500 miles and, thanks to 400kW ultra-rapid charging, it can boost its battery from 10-80% in a mere 21 minutes.

During our testing, the iX3 comfortably managed 4.0mpkWh and reached it peak 400kW charging speed when we hooked it up to a compatible rapid charger.

Much thought has also been put into the iX3’s dynamic ability, too, which is showcased by its poised handling and finely-tuned steering. For a near-2.3-tonne car, it hides its mass well, although its passively damped set-up can make it a little stern-riding.

You won’t find much physical switchgear inside, but iX3’s digital technology is advanced and easy to use. Particularly good are the ADAS, which are unintrusive and actually helpful, unlike many rival systems.

3. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N takes the Korean brand's electric crossover and sends it into electric sports car territory.

Utilising a dual-motor powertrain, the Ioniq 5 N produces 641bhp and 549lb ft of torque, hitting 0-60mph in a staggeringly fast 3.5sec and 0-100mph in 7.8sec when we road tested it.

Hyundai claims it has a range of 278 miles, too, thanks to an 89kWh battery – although during our testing it managed only around 230 miles on a charge.

While it may feel heavier and much bigger than a sports car, you can make it sound and feel like one. It has an inbuilt sound generator that lets you select several different 'engine' notes, working in tandem with simulated gearshifts.

A bit silly? Maybe, but it's more convincing than any other high-performance EV we've tested in terms of bridging the gap between piston and electric power.

Despite its heft, the hot Ioniq 5 is dynamically impressive and has the feel of a big performance saloon, while the engine note and simulated gears add a layer of engagement that makes it feel like a genuine driver's car.

And if you would prefer a saloon, you can now get the same thrills from the sleek Hyundai Ioniq 6 N.

See how the Ioniq 5 N stacks up against the market’s quickest machinery with our guide to the best electric sports cars

4. Renault 5

What we have here is the standout electric supermini. The Renault 5 effortlessly blends retro design with modern technology and does it all at an affordable price.

Inside, Renault has deployed colours and materials usually found in more expensive models, and it has all the latest tech, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It’s available with two different powertrains. The cheapest has a 120bhp motor and a 40kWh battery, while the more expensive has a 150bhp motor and a 50kWh battery, so more money equals more power and more range. Pleasingly, all versions are eligible for the full £3750 ECG.

Efficiency is the name of the game with small EVs, and the 5 paints a curious picture. During our time with a long-range model, it returned 5.0mpkWh in our everyday test, equating to a range of 260 miles, surpassing the WLTP range of 253 miles; but our motorway driving test sent its efficiency plummeting to 3.1mpkWh.

See where its ranks in our guide to the best small electric cars

5. Porsche Taycan

The Taycan, despite being an electric saloon, still feels every bit a Porsche product.

It deftly delivers close body control along with the perfect balance of communication in cornering forces, building up and abating in such neat, linear fashion.

It’s also devastatingly fast in a straight line. In full-fat Turbo S form, it will officially do the standard 0-62mph sprint in 2.4sec.

Range depends largely on which model you choose, but the biggest-battery option gives the Taycan an outstanding 422 miles on the WLTP combined test.

Our own testing of this model resulted in 3.7mpkWh, making for a real-world range of around 360 miles, which is very impressive for such a car with so much performance on offer.

Access remains quite tight for a luxury GT. Rear passenger space isn’t too generous considering the size, but the driving ergonomics are nothing short of superb.

And if you're after a bit more practicality, there are the Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo estate variants.

6. Volvo EX60

With a huge range, superfast charging speeds, and a rapid 0-62mph time, the Volvo EX60 is a brilliant electric SUV and a highly appealing alternative to the BMW iX3.

While its German rival is a bit more engaging, the EX60’s hushed and relaxing drive makes it a fine long distance cruiser. Opt for the P10 or above and you get adaptive dampers as standard, which bring genuine comfort in all settings.

We’ve only driven the P10 in the UK, and while its 410-mile range is impressive, it could only muster 320 miles on a charge – and couldn’t match the iX3 for efficiency.

However, the Volvo is the more practical mid-size SUV, with a slightly larger boot and better rear passenger space. Perceived quality feels higher than in the BMW too.

Prices for the entry-level P6 start from £56,860, but the range-topping P12 Ultra – which has a WLTP range of 503 miles – costs £70,360, which is more than a top-spec dual-motor iX3 M Sport Pro.

7. Volkswagen ID 7

There's a lot to like about the Volkswagen ID 7, the German firm's first electric saloon – and indeed the ID 7 Tourer, its first electric estate.

A good choice for those looking to drive longer distances, the ID 7 comes as standard with a single-motor powertrain, producing 282bhp and 402lb ft of torque.

Longer-range cars are equipped with an 86kWh battery that offers a range surpassing 400 miles and can take a maximum charging speed of 200kW.

The ID 7 drives brilliantly for such a large, heavy car. It's not quite as sporty as the Tesla Model 3 or BMW i4 but is very well rounded. It feels agile, offers more than enough poke and grips well in corners.

As for everyday practicality, the ID 7 possesses 532 litres of boot space and limo-like rear space. It really is the best in class in this respect: the whole family will be comfortable.

Many of Volkswagen's EVs have previously come under fire for poor material quality, but the ID 7 comes close to addressing most of these concerns, although the infotainment system is still frustrating to use and there's still a distinct lack of the material richness possessed by other premium options.

8. Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is still as hugely significant for the American EV brand as it has ever been, helping to spearhead its continued charge in Europe.

A great all-rounder, the compact saloon received a mid-life facelift in 2024, bringing with it a sharp design refresh, plus interior and technology updates.

Sensitive, direct steering is a huge draw for the Model 3, and it's fun and engaging in most driving situations. A 0-60mph sprint of 4.4sec is rapid, and few EVs will match it for the same price.

Refinement and ride were weak points in the old Model 3, but this one improves things slightly. It's still not as comfortable as it should be, but it's far quieter than before.

Range has increased too. While the old Model 3 offered 254 miles in its entry-level specification, the latest car manages 323 miles – and the Long Range Rear Drive version does 466 miles, which is far ahead of several rivals.

Furthermore, 2026-model-year cars benefit from an indicator stalk rather than the irritating buttons that were introduced as part of the facelift two years ago.

Prices start from around £40,000, which remains competitive in a market that's increasing in size year on year.

9. Kia EV3

The Kia EV3 crossover is one of the most well-rounded EVs for the average driver.

It mixes practicality, performance, range and versatility in a reasonably affordable package and is the far more appealing option among its rivals.

Importantly, it's an EV with an atmosphere that would make those aged eight or 80 feel at home, and that's a feeling many cars can't achieve.

Its large, 81.4kWh battery outshines rivals, enabling a range of 375 miles, but the clincher is its price, which kicks off at just £32,215. It's certainly a lot of car for the money.

During our testing, the EV3's managed an average efficiency of 3.4mpkWh and a real-world range of around 300 miles.

10. Fiat Grande Panda Electric

Fiat went on the charm offensive for its reincarnated Panda, delivering plenty of substance to match its nostalgic styling.

A lot of care has been put into the Grande Panda’s design. Creative touches like the embossed 'Panda' logos give it a standout character in the dog-eat-dog small EV class.

Priced from £20,995, the Grande Panda Electric makes 111bhp and 90lb ft of torque for a fairly gentle 11sec sprint to 60mph. Fast it is not, but then this is a small EV that will be used for school runs and supermarket sweeps.

It’s not the most dynamic to drive, but light steering and predictable handling make it ideal for nipping around town.

Its range is officially up to 199 miles, and during our testing we managed around a highly respectable 185 miles on a variety of mixed-speed roads.

Equally distinctive and appealing is the interior, which is roomy, is well-equipped, has proper physical buttons and isn’t spoiled by overcomplicated screens and technology.