The electric vehicle (EV) industry has come a very long way since the introduction of the iconic Nissan Leaf in 2010. We commence 2022 with an incredible portfolio of pure electric cars for all aspirations, needs and budgets. The migration to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving is now unstoppable!
2021, though a very challenging year for the broader automotive sector, was an incredible year for electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK. Both, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) performed strongly, setting new records for the total number of new car registrations and market share!
In 2021, a whopping 190,727 BEVs (pure electric cars) were registered, an increase of 76.3% from 2020. Sales of PHEVs increased by 70.6% between 2020 and 2021 (a total of 114,554 PHEVs were registered in 2021). The combined market share of BEV and PHEVs was nearly 20%.
In sharp contrast, the sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars underperformed significantly, with sales down 48.1% for diesel cars and 15.7% for petrol cars. We at e-zoomed expect this trend of increased adoption of EVs and the decline in ICE registrations to continue for the next few years for the following reasons:
- Consumers continue to make consumption choices that are better for the environment. This trend is fast gaining pace in the UK and abroad, given that the ‘climate crisis’ has been headline news nearly everyday! Consumers recognise that electric cars, in particular, pure electric cars are greener and better for the environment, compared to petrol and diesel cars. Consumers also recognise that zero-tailpipe emission EVs help improve the worsening air quality of our villages, towns and cities.
- Consumers have also understood the significant financial savings from driving electric cars. An electric car can be fully charged from as little as £5. A significant saving, compared to spending up to £100 to fill a full tank of fuel. Moreover, given the continued increase in petrol and diesel prices, consumers are keen to mitigate the risk of burning more of their household budgets on expensive petrol cars! An electric car costs between 3 pence and 5 pence per mile to drive. No, a petrol or diesel car cannot beat that!
- Lastly, automotive manufactures have shown significant commitment and enthusiasm for the EV sector. 2021 has been a record year for the introduction and availability of electric vehicles (EVs), of all body types and budgets. The newest EV cars are characterised by attractive exterior styling, longer EV range, higher performance and cheaper prices! Moreover, automotive manufacturers (OEMs) are also evolving their strategy and product offering to meet the impending ban of the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK (2030).
Bottom-line, the future for the automotive sector and consumers is reasonably clear. The migration to EVs will continue unabated and petrol and diesel vehicles will be discarded to vehicle scrapyards! In 2021, the Tesla Model 3 electric car continued to reign in pole position as the best-selling electric car, followed closely by the all-electric Kia e-Niro.
Best Pure Electric Cars 2022: Top 10
We have focussed our assessment of the best electric cars for 2022 on the most popular body types, in particular, electric hatchbacks, electric saloons, electric SUVs and electric estates. We were keen to conclude a balanced mix of these body types, to give a more comprehensive picture for varied needs and budgets. We have considered a number of factors, to include:
- Price.
- Electric car range (WLTP).
- Practicality for families (seats, boot space etc).
- Charging capability (to include the EV battery size and the onboard charger).
- Build quality and technical specifications.
- Ease to drive and park (in particular, in congested towns and cities).
- Driving performance and experience.
The list below is not in any particular order, as we do believe families or individuals have different requirements, based on budgets, needs and aspirations. However, most families and individuals will find one of the pure electric cars on the list below, perfect for their circumstances!
Model | Body Type | EV Range | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Volkswagen ID.3 | Hatchback | 214 – 336 miles | From £30,870 |
Kia EV6 | SUV (crossover) | 328 miles | From £40,895 |
Tesla Model 3 | Saloon | 278 – 360 miles | From £40,990 |
Porsche Taycan | Saloon | 208 – 288 miles | From £70,690 |
Tesla Model Y | SUV (crossover) | 298 – 315 miles | From £54,990 |
Skoda ENYAQ iV | SUV | 256 – 333 miles | From £31,995 |
Audi e-tron | SUV | 194 – 249 miles | From £62,025 |
Peugeot e-208 | Hatchback | 217 miles | From £29,725 |
MG5 EV | Estate | 250 miles | From £27,595 |
Polestar 2 | Hatchback | 273 – 335 miles | From £39,900 |
All these electric vehicles (EVs) can be leased via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The All-Electric Volkswagen ID.3 Hatchback
The All-Electric Volkswagen ID.3 Available For Lease Via e-zoomed (credit: VW)
At A Glance | |
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Price: | From £30,870 |
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Hatchback |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in three battery sizes: 45 kWh/ 58 kWh/ 77 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 214 – 336 miles |
Charging: | 50 kW rapid charging standard. Mid-range models 100 kW and top-end model 125 kW |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Top Speed: | 99 mph |
0-62 mph: | 7.3 seconds |
Boot Space: | 385 L |
The launch of the Volkswagen ID.3 five-door family hatchback is part of the company’s broader strategy, to offer affordable EVs to the mass-market via the VW ID. family range of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The 2020 ID.3 was first shown as the concept ID prototype electric car at the Paris Motor Show in 2016.
The all-new ID.3 five-door hatchback launch model ‘ID.3 1st Edition’ was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The EV model has been positioned as an affordable electric car for ‘everyone’. The battery-electric vehicle (BEV) ID.3 model is marked as ‘3’, as this will be the third most important chapter for the German automotive company, after the Beetle and Golf models.
The plug-in electric car uses the MEB bespoke electric platform. Manufacturing commenced in November 2019. As another first for Volkswagen, the ID.3 is carbon neutral upon delivery to its customers.
The pure electric ID.3 has received positive reviews from Auto Car, Auto Express and What Car?. According to What Car “There are few electric cars that ride any better, unless you spend an awful lot more dosh.”
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
A good option for families looking to switch to pure electric driving | Will disappoint those seeking a futuristic styling and design |
Design is ‘familiar’ and not futuristic | Infotainment system could be improved |
Good range and vast options of battery sizes | Interior materials feel cheap for some variants at higher price |
Plenty of space (boot and interior) | Rear view slightly limited |
The All-Electric Kia EV6 Crossover
The All-Electric Kia EV6 Crossover (credit: Kia)
At A Glance | |
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Price: | From £40,895 |
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | SUV (crossover) |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 77.4 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 328 miles |
Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 18 minutes). On board charger: 11 kW AC |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Top Speed: | 116 mph |
0-62 mph: | 5.2 seconds |
Boot Space: | 490 L |
The pure electric compact crossover from Kia was introduced in March 2021. It is the first EV from Kia built on a dedicated EV platform, the E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), also used by the Hyundai IONIQ5 EV.
The Kia EV6 pure electric crossover is positioned for success. The exterior styling is eye-catching, coupled with an equally impressive interior standard specification and quality. Despite the sporty roofline, the EV6 has ample room for passengers seated in the rear seats. The EV also has a decent boot capacity (490 L).
The EV6 is one of the few pure electric cars that has a lot to offer an EV owner, without breaking the bank. Prices start at £40,895 (the EV does not qualify for the PiCG grant). The EV is available both as a rear-wheel drive (RWD) and an all-wheel drive (AWD), with one EV battery option (77.4 kWh). The electric vehicle (EV) has an impressive range up to 328 miles. Also worth noting is that the EV can be charged up to 350 kW DC charging at public EV charging stations, achieving an 80% charge in less than 20 minutes!
The EV is practical and versatile, and more than appropriate for most family requirements, to include, school runs, family outings, day trips, weekend getaways, grocery shopping and a lot more!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Good looks and exterior styling | Rear-visibility poor/ blind spots |
Standard technology specifications high | Only available in one EV battery option |
Good electric range and DC charging up to 350 kW | All-wheel drive (AWD) not standard for all variants |
The All-Electric Tesla Model 3
The All-Electric Tesla Model 3 (credit:Tesla)
At A Glance | |
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Price: | From £40,990 |
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Saloon |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in three battery sizes: 53 kWh, 78 kWh, 82 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 278 – 360 miles |
Charging: | Up to 250 kW rapid charging standard. On-board charger 11 kW AC (3-Phase) |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Top Speed: | 162 mph |
0-62 mph: | 3.1 seconds |
Boot Space: | 425 L |
The all-electric Tesla Model 3 is a best-selling electric vehicle globally. Since its unveiling in 2016, the Tesla Model 3 has been making history. Within a week of opening the booking for the ‘affordable’ Tesla, orders had topped 325,000 units. As of December 2020, more than 800,000 pure electric Model 3 cars have been delivered.
Deliveries to US customers commenced in July 2017. In February 2019, the Model 3 become the best selling plug-in electric car in the US. For the UK market, the Model 3 bookings opened in May 2019, with deliveries commencing in June 2019. The Tesla Model 3 continues to dominate the UK Best Sellers list of battery-electric vehicles, with pole position in 2021.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
A best-selling electric car | Expensive. Cheaper pure electric alternatives available |
Fast electric performance | Build quality can be improved |
Good EV battery range and Supercharger network | Low rankings in 2020 What Car? Reliability Survey |
The All-Electric Porsche Taycan Saloon
The All-Electric Porsche Taycan (credit:Porsche)
At A Glance | |
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Price: | From £70,690 |
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Saloon |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 79.2 kWh (performance battery)/ 93.4 kWh (performance battery plus) |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 208 – 288 miles |
Charging: | Up to 270 kW DC rapid charging. On-board charger 11 kW AC |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Top Speed: | 162 mph |
0-60 mph: | 2.7 seconds |
Boot Space: | 366 L |
The Porsche Taycan battery electric vehicle (BEV) was initially previewed as the Mission E concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015. Taycan (Turkish) translates as ‘lively young horse’ in reference to the ‘leaping horse’ in the Porsche crest (Porsche confirmed the name in 2017).
The Taycan prototype did make an appearance at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed (2019). Taycan has taken inspiration from both the Porsche Panamera and the Porsche 911. The Taycan is built on an entirely new platform codenamed J1. Projected production of 40,000 units per year.
As one can expect, a Porsche never disappoints when it comes to performance. The Taycan EV is no different. Given the instant torque from a pure electric car, a Taycan can comfortably achieve 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds. But of course, luxury and performance from this famed marquee does not come cheap. The battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is available in 8 variants, priced from £70,690 for the entry-level model, to £139,910, for the top of the range EV model.
The electric vehicle (EV) is without an iota of doubt, stunning in design, style, quality and performance. But it has its limitations in terms of interior space, to include the limited headroom for rear seat passengers and small boot. Having said that, the pure electric Taycan is exhilarating to drive and perfect for consumers that want to own a Porsche, but with stronger environmental credentials!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Fantastic looking, luxurious and comfortable | Expensive. Cheaper pure electric alternatives available |
Powerful and fast electric performance | Electric range not as good as other EVs |
DC charging up to 270 kW | Limited space in the rear and boot |
The All-Electric Tesla Model Y
The All-Electric Tesla Model Y (credit:Tesla)
At A Glance | |
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Price: | From £54,990 |
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | SUV (crossover) |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 75 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 298 – 315 miles |
Charging: | 250 kW rapid charging standard. On-board charger 11 kW AC (3-Phase) |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Top Speed: | 155 mph |
0-60 mph: | 3.5 seconds |
Boot Space: | 854 L |
The Model Y is a Tesla Model 3 based crossover with inspiration also taken from the Tesla Model X SUV. However the Model Y does not have the iconic ‘falcon wing doors’ used in the Model X. The Model Y has been developed to further increase the ‘mass market appeal’ of Tesla pure electric cars. A strategy very similar to the successful Tesla Model 3. However, unlike the Model 3, the Model Y has room for up to seven adults with an optional third row. The extra seats are an additional cost.
The battery electric vehicle (BEV) is packed with technology, to include, 12 sensors to detect nearby vehicles, a 160 m forward facing radar for a long-range view of distant objects and 360 degrees cameras to provide maximum visibility. The Model Y has ‘Full Self-Driving’ capability (option priced at US$ 10,000 in the US and EUR 7,500 in Italy). The Model Y will compete head-on with the Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV and also with the award winning Jaguar I-PACE electric SUV.
Tesla commenced Model Y deliveries for the US market in early 2020 (6 months ahead of schedule). There are currently two trim options, but a third option is expected in due course.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Better priced than a Tesla Model X | Expensive. Cheaper pure electric alternatives available |
Fast electric performance | additional 3rd row passengers will have very limited headroom given the sloping roofline |
Good EV battery range and Supercharger network | Full Self-Driving option not cheap |
The All-Electric Skoda ENYAQ iV SUV
The All-Electric Skoda ENYAQ iV SUV Available To Lease Via e-zoomed (credit: Skoda)
At A Glance | |
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Price: | From £31,995 |
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | SUV |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 62 kWh/ 82 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 256 – 333 miles |
Charging: | Up to 125 kW Rapid Charging. On board charger: 7.2 kW AC |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Top Speed: | 99 mph |
0-60 mph: | 8.2 seconds |
Boot Space: | 585 L |
The Skoda ENYAQ iV is Skoda’s first pure electric SUV and second battery-electric vehicle (BEV). The EV uses the Volkswagen Group’s MEB EV platform (the Volkswagen all-electric ID.3 uses the same platform). The nameplate has been derived from the Irish name ‘Enya’, which means ‘source of life’. The ‘E’ refers to electromobility and the ‘Q’ characterising the final letters of SKODA’s SUV family.
The Skoda ENYAQ is an affordable pure electric SUV, well suited for families keen to migrate to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving, seeking affordability and practicality. The e-SUV has been awarded the maximum five stars by WhatCar? and the reviewer describes the EV as “practical, good to drive, smart inside and well-equipped”.
The electric vehicle (EV) is available in two EV battery sizes: 62 kWh and 82 kWh. The 62 kWh battery pack has a WLTP range up to 256 miles, while the 82 kWh battery has a zero-emission range up to 333 miles. The EV can be charged up to 125 kW at public DC charging stations. However, not all variants include 125 kW as standard.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Affordable electric SUV for families and good all-rounder | Electric performance won’t set the heart racing |
Ample interior (rear seats) and boot space | On board charger limited to 7.2 kW AC |
Good quality interior | Not all variants come with 125 kW DC charging as standard |
The All-Electric Audi e-tron SUV
The All-Electric Audi e-tron SUV (credit: Audi)
At A Glance | |
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Price: | From £62,025 |
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | SUV |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 71 kWh/ 95 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 194 – 249 miles |
Charging: | 120 kW DC Rapid Charging (on-board charger: 11kW AC) |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Top Speed: | 124 mph |
0-62 mph: | 6.6 seconds |
Boot Space: | 660 L |
The Audi e-tron SUV was unveiled as a concept car in 2015 (quattro concept), at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The e-tron battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is the first mass-market zero-emission pure electric vehicle from the German automotive manufacturer. The EV was delivered in 2019.
The e-tron SUV is a luxurious and spacious EV, perfect for families needing ample interior space and practicality without compromising on comfort! The rear seats are comfortable with excellent legroom and headroom. The electric vehicle (EV) is a smooth drive and well suited for weekend getaways and day trips with the family. The EV has a ‘familiar and conventional’ design, helpful for those consumers keen on ‘familiarity’ when migrating to zero-emission electric driving.
The e-tron SUV is available in two EV battery sizes: 71 kWh and 95 kWh, with WLTP ranges of 194 miles and 249 miles respectively. Though an 11kW on-board charger comes as standard, only the 55 quattro variant is capable of DC charging up to 150 kW. The 50 quattro variant can charge up to only 120 kW.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Ample interior space for large families and luggage | Cheaper pure electric SUV are available |
Interior quality high and luxurious | EV range not as good as some rivals |
Familiar and conventional exterior design | Electric performance not as good as competitors |
The All-Electric Peugeot e-208
The All-Electric Peugeot e-208 Hatchback (credit: Peugeot)
At A Glance | |
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Price: | From £29,725 |
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Hatchback |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 50 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 217 miles |
Charging: | 100 kW rapid charging standard (80% charged in under 30 minutes). On-board charger 7.4 kW AC |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Top Speed: | 93 mph |
0-62 mph: | 8.1 seconds |
Boot Space: | 311 L |
The Peugeot pure electric e-208 hails from the Peugeot 208 supermini portfolio, first unveiled at the Geneva Motors Show in 2012. The second generation 208 was unveiled by the French automotive manufacturer in 2019, at the Geneva Motor Show. At the same time, the company also unveiled the all-electric e-208 hatchback supermini. Peugeot has retained ‘familiarity’ with the design, for the e-208 all-electric hatchback. The battery electric vehicle (BEV) is very similar to its sibling petrol and diesel internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
The pure electric e-208 comes with 3 driving modes: Sport, Normal and Eco. The Eco gives priority to range, while the Sport gives priority to performance (0-60 mph: 8.1 seconds). The Normal mode is for everyday use.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
A good option for zero-emission city driving | Limited interior space |
Good looks and practical | More expensive than other smaller EVs |
Good range (rapid charging as standard) | Infotainment system can be improved |
The All-Electric MG 5 EV
The All-Electric MG5 EV (credit: MG)
At A Glance | |
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Price: | From £27,945 |
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Estate |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 61.1 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 250 miles |
Charging: | 100 kW DC Rapid Charging. On board charger: 7kW AC |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Top Speed: | 115 mph |
0-60 mph: | 7.3 seconds |
Boot Space: | 464 |
The MG5 electric vehicle (EV) is the second pure electric car from MG, after the all-electric MG ZS EV. The MG5 electric estate car is targeted at families seeking to buy a practical and affordable zero-emission EV. The MG5 EV does not disappoint in terms of affordability, with prices starting at £27,945 (not including the grant). The MG5 EV is priced below £32,000 and therefore eligible for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG).
The 5 seater e-estate is practical and family-friendly, without compromising on comfort. The rear seats are comfortable for adults, with a decent boot space (464 L). The electric vehicle (EV) is available in one EV battery option (61.1 kWh) with an electric range up to 250 miles (WLTP). The EV is more than appropriate for most family requirements, to include, work trips, school runs, family outings, grocery shopping, weekend trips and a lot more!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
A genuinely affordable family electric estate | DC charging limited to 100 kW |
Good electric range | Not the most inspiring drive |
Practical and ample boot space | Interior quality can be improved |
The All-Electric Polestar 2 Hatchback
The All-Electric Polestar 2 (credit: Polestar)
At A Glance | |
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Price: | From £39,900 |
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Hatchback |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 64 kWh/ 78 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 273 – 335 miles |
Charging: | 150 kW Rapid Charging. On board charger: 11kW AC |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Top Speed: | 127 mph |
0-60 mph: | 4.7 seconds |
Boot Space: | 405 L |
Volvo Cars, the Swedish luxury vehicles manufacturer, announced in 2017 that Polestar would commence manufacturing high-end performance electric vehicles (EVs) to compete head-on against Tesla. The manufacturer introduced the first Polestar car in October 2017, the limited edition hybrid Polestar 1, inspired by Volvo’s Concept Coupe introduced in 2013. Fast forward to 2019, and Polestar had unveiled its first mass-market 5 door all-electric car, the Polestar 2.
The Polestar 2 interior has the hallmarks of classic Volvo styling with ‘minimalism’ and ‘clean Scandinavian design’ at its core. However, the CEO of Polestar has been quick to point out that the Polestar 2 design has not been limited by traditional Volvo designs based on practicality, comfort and safety. The Polestar 2 has been designed in a more progressive and performance oriented manner. The interiors themes have been curated around three cities as inspiration: Shanghai, Berlin and London.
The all-electric hatchback is perfect for families already familiar with the advantages of owning and driving a Volvo car i.e. a fantastic reputation for safety and quality. Of course, the electric Polestar further enhances this enviable reputation, given the environment-friendly nature of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) i.e. no tailpipe pollution!
The EV is practical and versatile without compromising on quality and comfort. The rear seats are comfortable for adults, with ample legroom and headroom. The electric vehicle (EV) is available in two battery sizes (64 kWh and 78 kWh) with a zero-emission electric range of up to 335 miles (WLTP). More than appropriate for most family requirements, to include, school runs, family outings, day trips, weekend getaways, grocery shopping and a lot more!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Very good electric range with the Long Range option | An expensive EV. Cheaper options available |
Interior quality high and good headroom for rear passengers | DC charging limited to 150 kW |
High electric performance and impressive styling | Colour options relatively dull colours |