Best electric cars in the United Kingdom, according to AI.

The strongest all‑round electric cars UK buyers actually choose in 2026 include the Skoda Elroq, Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, MG4 Long Range, Kia EV3, Kia EV9, and BMW i4, all named as top picks in UK testing.

Below is a structured, UK‑specific list of the best EVs with exact model names, based entirely on the supplied What Car? and EV Compared rankings.

🇬🇧 Overall Best Electric Car in the UK

Skoda Elroq — Overall best EV in the UK Skoda Elroq — Overall best EV in the UK From £31,895, 360‑mile WLTP, 270–300 miles real‑world

💷 Best Value Electric Car

MG4 Long Range — Best value overall MG4 Long Range — Best value overall £29,495, 281‑mile WLTP, 220–250 miles real‑world, 140 kW charging

🚙 Best Mid‑Size SUV

Tesla Model Y (2026 refresh) — Best mid‑size SUV From £39,990, 373‑mile WLTP, 300–330 miles real‑world, 250 kW charging

🚗 Best Executive Saloon / Fastback

Tesla Model 3 Highland — Best executive EV From £39,990, 390‑mile WLTP, 310–340 miles real‑world

🧳 Best for Families (Compact SUV)

Kia EV3 — Top small electric SUV Kia EV3 — Top small electric SUV From £32,995, 375‑mile WLTP, 290–320 miles real‑world

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best Seven‑Seater

Kia EV9 — Benchmark seven‑seat EV Kia EV9 — Benchmark seven‑seat EV From £65,395, 336‑mile WLTP, 260–280 miles real‑world, 230 kW charging

🏁 Best Premium Compact

BMW i4 Gran Coupé — Best compact premium EV From £52,825, 365‑mile WLTP, 280–310 miles real‑world, 205 kW charging

🚗 Additional UK Top Picks from What Car?

These models also appear in the UK’s “10 best electric cars” list:

Mercedes GLC Electric (GLC250 85kWh Sport Auto2 5dr) — UK’s top‑rated EV in What Car?’s list MG4 Urban (53.9kWh Comfort Long Range Auto 5dr) — Highly rated budget EV Kia EV3 Standard Range 58.3kWh Air Auto 5dr — Best small SUV pick Tesla Model 3 84.7kWh Premium Long Range Auto 4dr — Top executive EV BMW iX3 — Still a strong premium SUV option

📊 Quick Comparison Table (from EV Compared)

All figures sourced from the supplied comparison table.

Model | Price from | WLTP Range | Real‑World Range | Max DC Charge Skoda Elroq | £31,895 | 360 mi | 270–300 mi | 175 kW Tesla Model Y | £39,990 | 373 mi | 300–330 mi | 250 kW Tesla Model 3 | £39,990 | 390 mi | 310–340 mi | 170 kW MG4 Long Range | £29,495 | 281 mi | 220–250 mi | 140 kW Kia EV3 | £32,995 | 375 mi | 290–320 mi | 100 kW Kia EV9 | £65,395 | 336 mi | 260–280 mi | 230 kW BMW i4 | £52,825 | 365 mi | 280–310 mi | 205 kW

❌ Model to Avoid (Used Market)

Nissan Leaf (2018–2021, CHAdeMO models) — Poor charging compatibility in the UK.

✅ If you want a shortlist of the top three for your needs (budget, family, long‑distance), what’s your priority?

Here's a practical, UK-focused rundown of the electric cars that reviewers rate highest and that people are actually putting on their driveways right now.

Best overall pick

Nissan Leaf – The latest generation has just been crowned Auto Express's top car, and reviewers call it the best electric car on sale with its superb mix of efficiency, comfort and practicality, all at a fantastic price, starting from £29,000 with up to 375 miles of range. It's also tipped elsewhere as one of the most established names in electric motoring, with the latest generation bringing it firmly into the current EV market as a strong all-round option.

Best family/mid-size SUV

Skoda Elroq – This was last year's Car of the Year and remains a firm favourite with testers. Autocar rates it the best EV you can buy right now, saying few compact SUVs can match its clever blend of versatility, range, maturity and sheer value for money. Certain versions, like the 85 SE L, have a WLTP range of 355 miles and qualify for the £1500 Electric Car Grant.

Best premium electric car

BMW iX3 – The new-generation model is winning awards across the board, rated as Auto Express's 2026 Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year and currently the best premium electric car, with battery range stretching up to 500 miles and a starting price around £53,000.

Best small/city car

Cupra Raval – A genuinely fun small EV that's climbing the charts fast. It's described as a real firecracker with sporty style and a fun drive, but also comfortable and well priced, starting from £24,000 with up to 277 miles of range, and named Supermini of the Year 2026.

Renault 5 E-Tech – If you want the small EV that started the current retro-chic trend, this is it. It's widely considered the best small electric car you can buy in 2026, and won the 2025 Car of the Year award from a jury of 60 European motoring journalists.

Best value SUV under £35k

Kia EV3 – Big battery, big practicality, small price tag. 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.

Best all-round SUV under £50k

Tesla Model Y – Still the default choice for many UK buyers. It's the top all-round pick under £50,000, leading on boot space (854 litres), charging speed (250kW, 10–80% in ~27 minutes), and WLTP range (332 miles).

Best large family SUV / 7-seater

Kia EV9 – For bigger families who need space and towing capability. It's the standout choice for families needing seven seats and towing, starting from £66,645 with 349 miles WLTP range and 2,500kg braked towing on AWD.

Best budget EV

Fiat Grande Panda Electric – Proof that affordable EVs don't have to feel cheap. Priced from £20,995, it makes 111bhp and 90lb ft of torque for a fairly gentle 11-second sprint to 60mph.

Renault 4 E-Tech – A strong alternative in the same price bracket, pitched as the most convincing all-round electric SUV under £25,000 to arrive in the UK market.

Quick summary by use case

The electric vehicle (EV) market in the UK is booming, with battery-electric cars making up nearly 30% of all new registrations. This surge is driven by manufacturer discounts, the ZEV mandate, low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company car tax rates, and the "76" registration plate change.

When looking at what UK buyers are actually signing on the dotted line for, a few standout models dominate the registration data and lease league tables. Rather than recommending abstract brand names, the specific models and trim levels that actual buyers choose in the UK include:

1. The Default Best-Sellers (The UK’s Volume Kings)

These are the cars you see at almost every public charging station and school run in the country. They dominate the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) registration charts.

• Tesla Model Y (Specifically the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive)
  • Why people buy it: The Model Y is the UK's default electric family SUV. Buyers choose the Long Range RWD version because it hits the sweet spot of range (up to 373 miles WLTP) and price, avoiding the extra cost of the Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive unless they genuinely need it for muddy country lanes. Its cavernous boot (with an massive underfloor storage area) easily swallows pushchairs and suitcases.
  • The UK perk: Unrivalled, seamless access to the UK's Tesla Supercharger network, which makes motorway road trips completely stress-free.
• Tesla Model 3 (Specifically the Rear-Wheel Drive / Standard Range)
  • Why people buy it: If you don't need the taller SUV ride height of the Y, the Model 3 saloon is the go-to executive lease car. The standard Rear-Wheel Drive model is the volume seller because of incredibly competitive lease deals. Following its "Highland" refresh, it has a whisper-quiet cabin on rough British tarmac and a real-world range that easily clears 250 miles on a charge.

2. The Best-Value Gamechangers (Budget-Friendly)

With the cost of living still front of mind, budget-conscious buyers are looking for the absolute maximum range and tech for their monthly PCP payment.

• MG4 EV (Specifically the MG4 EV SE Long Range or MG4 EV Urban)
  • Why people buy it: The MG4 has been a runaway success in the UK. Buyers looking for a cheap runabout opt for the Urban trim (which won What Car?’s Best Electric Small Car award), while those needing to commute longer distances choose the SE Long Range. It drives better than cars costing twice as much, feels sporty, and offers a proper hatchback shape that fits perfectly into tight UK parking bays.
  • Pricing: Under £30,000 brand new, with highly aggressive lease and PCP rates.
• Renault 5 E-Tech (Specifically the Techno trim)
  • Why people buy it: If you want something stylish and retro to replace a petrol supermini, this is the car of the moment. The mid-spec Techno trim is the sweet spot, giving you retro-futuristic looks, a high-tech cabin, and a highly respectable 52kWh battery (offering nearly 248 miles of range) for around £23,000. It has taken the UK urban EV market by storm.

3. The Family SUV Sweet Spots (Highly Rated & Practical)

These mid-sized family crossovers are aimed directly at buyers stepping out of a petrol Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage.

• Škoda Elroq (Specifically the Elroq 85 SE L)
  • Why people buy it: Škoda’s newest mid-sized SUV is widely regarded by UK automotive experts (including Autocar) as the best all-round EV you can buy. The Elroq 85 SE L is the most popular choice because it pairs Škoda's "Simply Clever" practical touches (like the umbrella in the door and a brilliant boot-net system) with a large battery that delivers up to 372 miles of WLTP range—all for a starting price of roughly £34,000.
• Kia EV3 (Specifically the EV3 Air Long Range)
  • Why people buy it: Kia has achieved massive success in the UK with the EV6 and EV9, and the compact EV3 brings that same bold, blocky styling down to an accessible size. Buyers buy the Air Long Range because it packages an enormous 81.4kWh battery into a small footprint, yielding a class-leading range of up to 375 miles. It is highly popular as a primary family car for those with tight driveways.

4. The Premium Fleet & Company Car Favorites

Thanks to the UK's 2% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate for fully electric cars, company car drivers represent a massive portion of the premium EV market.

• Audi Q4 e-tron (Specifically the Q4 45 e-tron S Line)
  • Why people buy it: The Q4 e-tron is a common sight in corporate car parks across the UK. Company car choosers flock to the Q4 45 e-tron (which offers a rear-wheel-drive 286bhp motor and over 300 miles of range) in the S Line trim, which adds the sporty styling, larger wheels, and premium cabin feel that British buyers love.
• BMW iX3 (Specifically the iX3 M Sport)
  • Why people buy it: While some premium EVs look like spaceships, the iX3 is popular because it looks and feels like a conventional, high-quality BMW X3. The M Sport trim is highly specified as standard (including a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and aerodynamic wheels) and offers superb real-world efficiency on the motorway.

Summary: Which should you choose?

• If you want the safest, most practical family choice with seamless charging, get the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD.
• If you want the best value for money, buy the MG4 EV SE Long Range.
• If you want a superb family SUV that feels like a 'normal' car, test-drive a Škoda Elroq 85 SE L.

When buying an electric vehicle in the United Kingdom, the decisive buying choice comes down to balancing cutting-edge charging infrastructure and maximum driving range against up-front affordability and compact city parking friendliness.

Tesla Model Y Seamlessly accesses the industry-leading Tesla Supercharger Network for rapid and reliable long-distance driving.Maximises practical cargo space and offers a flexible seven-seat interior layout configuration.

Renault 5 E-Tech Features a highly distinctive, award-winning retro design that has quickly turned it into a top seller.Delivers nimble city driving dynamics and compact exterior sizing tailored to tight British streets.

Kia EV3 Squeezes premium battery technology and extensive range figures into a smaller, highly competitive price bracket.Provides comprehensive long-term peace of mind on the road with an inclusive 7-year manufacturer warranty.

Škoda Elroq Brings a refined, well-built interior and comfortable ride tracking that mirrors larger, more expensive SUVs.Serves as a highly decorated family choice, picking up multiple major UK Car of the Year awards.

Feature | Tesla Model Y | Renault 5 E-Tech | Kia EV3 | Škoda Elroq Body Style | Midsize SUV | Hatchback | Compact SUV | Crossover / Small SUV Official Range (WLTP) | ~283–387 miles | ~252–260 miles | ~270–375 miles | ~230–370 miles Primary Trade-off | Sits above the government grant threshold | Sub-300 mile range is less suited to heavy motorway use | Higher trims quickly inflate the entry price | Infotainment lacks standalone physical climate buttons

Quick questions if you have time:

What kind of EV are you shopping for? How was the response layout?

The market-defining electric cars that people in the UK actually buy are heavily led by continuous chart-toppers from Tesla, alongside massive retail surges from South Korean, European, and value-packed Chinese models. In fact, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) now regularly account for over 25% of all new car registrations in the UK, hitting all-time high monthly volumes.

Rather than just focusing on general brands, the following specific models dominate UK sales data, registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and industry awards.

Tesla Model Y: This is consistently Britain's best-selling electric SUV. Families choose it for its class-leading interior cargo room, standard minimalist tech, and unparalleled plug-and-play integration with the Tesla Supercharger Network.

Tesla Model 3: The go-to premium saloon in the UK. It is immensely popular with both company-car fleet buyers (due to massive Benefit-in-Kind tax incentives) and private buyers looking for incredible efficiency and range.

Škoda Enyaq: A massive commercial success across Britain. It is often praised by car buyers over its closely related Volkswagen ID.4 sibling because it offers a more practical interior design, physical steering wheel buttons, and better overall value for money.

Škoda Elroq: The newer, slightly more compact sibling to the Enyaq. It immediately became one of Europe and the UK's most popular new EVs, winning Auto Express Car of the Year awards due to its competitive pricing and real-world family usability.

Kia EV3: This compact SUV has turned into a massive phenomenon, quickly securing the crown as the UK’s best-selling retail electric vehicle for private buyers. It wraps high-tech 800V architecture and up to a 375-mile official range into a sharply styled package that starts at under £33,000.

Renault 5 E-Tech: A massive sales triumph, officially crowned as Britain's favorite compact EV. Private buyers have bought them by the thousands due to its brilliant retro styling, nimble city handling, and a realistic driving range of up to 252 miles.

MG4 EV: The model that democratized electric hatchbacks in the UK. It continues to sell incredibly well because it undercuts European rivals on price while delivering sharp, sporty driving dynamics and a strong standard equipment list.

Volvo EX30: Volvo's small premium crossover has consistently sat comfortably in the UK's top 10 best-sellers list. Buyers love it because it provides a posh badge, premium interior aesthetics, and blindingly quick acceleration at an accessible entry price.

The Uncontested Market Leaders

These two specific models frequently fight for the absolute #1 and #2 spots on the overall UK electric car sales charts.

Tesla Model Y: This is consistently Britain's best-selling electric SUV. Families choose it for its class-leading interior cargo room, standard minimalist tech, and unparalleled plug-and-play integration with the Tesla Supercharger Network. Tesla Model 3: The go-to premium saloon in the UK. It is immensely popular with both company-car fleet buyers (due to massive Benefit-in-Kind tax incentives) and private buyers looking for incredible efficiency and range.

The Big Family SUV Favorites

Outside of Tesla, the mid-sized SUV market is heavily dominated by the Volkswagen Group and South Korean alternatives.

Škoda Enyaq: A massive commercial success across Britain. It is often praised by car buyers over its closely related Volkswagen ID.4 sibling because it offers a more practical interior design, physical steering wheel buttons, and better overall value for money. Škoda Elroq: The newer, slightly more compact sibling to the Enyaq. It immediately became one of Europe and the UK's most popular new EVs, winning Auto Express Car of the Year awards due to its competitive pricing and real-world family usability. Kia EV3: This compact SUV has turned into a massive phenomenon, quickly securing the crown as the UK’s best-selling retail electric vehicle for private buyers. It wraps high-tech 800V architecture and up to a 375-mile official range into a sharply styled package that starts at under £33,000.

The Budget & Compact Hits

Small, nimble electric cars are traditionally a cornerstone of UK city driving, and the market has recently shifted toward style-conscious retro designs and incredible value.

Renault 5 E-Tech: A massive sales triumph, officially crowned as Britain's favorite compact EV. Private buyers have bought them by the thousands due to its brilliant retro styling, nimble city handling, and a realistic driving range of up to 252 miles. MG4 EV: The model that democratized electric hatchbacks in the UK. It continues to sell incredibly well because it undercuts European rivals on price while delivering sharp, sporty driving dynamics and a strong standard equipment list. Volvo EX30: Volvo's small premium crossover has consistently sat comfortably in the UK's top 10 best-sellers list. Buyers love it because it provides a posh badge, premium interior aesthetics, and blindingly quick acceleration at an accessible entry price.

Key Buying Metric Comparison

Exact Model Name | Typical Segment | Why People Buy It | Starting Price (Approx) Tesla Model Y | Mid-size SUV | Unmatched charging network, massive boot space | ~£42,000 Tesla Model 3 | Saloon | Efficiency, high tech, strong fleet appeal | ~£40,000 Kia EV3 | Compact SUV | Best-selling private retail EV, superb range | ~£33,000 Škoda Elroq | Mid-size SUV | Award-winning value and family practical cabin | ~£31,000 Renault 5 E-Tech | Supermini / City | Iconic retro design, highly affordable and agile | ~£22,000 MG4 EV | Hatchback | Excellent value for money, fun handling | ~£23,500

If you are looking to narrow down your choices, let me know what your budget is, your typical weekly mileage, and whether you have access to a home charger. I can help pinpoint the exact trim or model variant that makes the most financial sense.

The top electric cars people in the UK are actually buying right now are led by Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, followed by a mix of practical SUVs/crossovers from Skoda, Kia, Audi, and others, plus rising Chinese options like BYD models.

These rankings come from SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) registration data, which reflects real buyer behaviour (fleet/company cars and private purchases). Sales have surged in 2026, with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) hitting record monthly shares around 28% in recent months like September.

Top-Selling Models (Based on Recent UK Data)

Here are the specific models dominating sales, drawing from 2025 full-year figures (the most complete annual picture) and 2026 monthly/YTD trends:

• Tesla Model Y — Consistently the UK’s best-selling or near-top EV (e.g., ~24,300 registrations in 2025). Its SUV practicality, strong range, access to the Tesla Supercharger network, and over-the-air updates make it a favourite for families and company car drivers.
• Tesla Model 3 — Often #1 or #2 (e.g., ~21,200 in 2025; led September 2026 with nearly 10,000 units). The refreshed saloon offers excellent efficiency, range (especially Long Range versions), low running costs, and strong appeal for fleet/BiK tax purposes.
• Skoda Enyaq — A strong performer in the family SUV segment (top 10 in both 2025 and recent 2026 data). It offers good space, value, and a solid drive, appealing to those wanting a practical electric crossover.
• Kia EV3 — Rising fast as an affordable, well-equipped family option (regular top 10 appearances, e.g., thousands of units monthly). It balances range, features, and price effectively.
• Skoda Elroq — Another Skoda success in the smaller crossover space (top 10 in multiple periods). It’s compact yet practical, with strong value for money.
• Audi Q4 e-tron and Audi Q6 e-tron — Premium choices that sold strongly in 2025 (top 5 combined). They appeal to buyers wanting luxury, build quality, and tech in the electric SUV space.
• BYD Seal and BYD Sealion 7 — Chinese models gaining rapid traction in 2026 (often top 5 in recent months). They offer competitive range, features, and pricing, with growing private and fleet interest.
• Other notables — Volvo EX30 (compact premium crossover, consistent seller), Ford Explorer (surprised with strong 2025 volumes), Renault 5 (popular among private buyers for its retro style and affordability), and Vauxhall Frontera (emerging affordable family option).

Quick Buying Tips for the UK Market

SUVs and crossovers like the Model Y, Enyaq, and Elroq dominate because they suit UK roads, families, and company car fleets. Smaller or more affordable options (e.g., Kia EV3, Renault 5) are gaining with private buyers amid incentives like the Electric Car Grant for eligible models under certain price thresholds. Tesla’s charging network remains a big plus for many.

Popularity shifts with new plate changes (e.g., big September surges) and incentives, but these models are the ones consistently registering in high volumes. Check current deals, test drives, and your specific needs (range, charging access, BiK tax if applicable) at UK dealers or sites like Auto Trader. Market data evolves quickly, so latest SMMT figures are the best guide for what’s actually selling.

As a UK buyer, I’d weight this toward cars that are both well reviewed and showing up in UK registration charts, not obscure “great on paper” EVs.

Data point: in September 2026, the UK’s best-selling BEVs were Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, BYD Seal, Kia EV3, Skoda Enyaq, Volvo EX30, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Skoda Elroq and Leapmotor B10; SMMT notes the September figures are preliminary until 5 October 2026. Full-year 2025 UK BEV leaders included Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q6 e-tron, Ford Explorer, BMW i4, Skoda Enyaq, Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq and Volvo EX30. (smmt.co.uk)

My UK shortlist — specific models

If I had to narrow it to five

1. Tesla Model Y — best default family EV.
2. Tesla Model 3 — best long-distance/company-car EV.
3. Kia EV3 — best mainstream non-Tesla compact family EV.
4. Skoda Elroq — best sensible family SUV.
5. Renault 5 E-Tech Electric — best small EV people are actually buying.

Quick buying advice for the UK

• If you can charge at home, EV ownership is much easier and cheaper; if you rely mostly on rapid public charging, do the maths carefully. Carwow notes public charging can be expensive enough to affect the running-cost advantage. (carwow.co.uk)
• Check insurance quotes before ordering; some EVs, especially higher-performance Teslas and premium models, can surprise you.
• For families, test the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq and Skoda Enyaq back-to-back.
• For company-car drivers, start with Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, BMW i4, Audi Q4 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology.
• If buying used, I’d also look at Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia Niro EV, Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3 and MG4 EV, depending on budget.

The best electric cars to buy in the UK currently include the Kia EV3, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Skoda Enyaq, BMW i4 and Ford Explorer. The strongest all-round recommendation for most buyers is the Kia EV3: it combines a relatively accessible price with good range and family-friendly practicality, and it is ranked best overall by The Independent.

Best UK electric cars by type

The models people are actually buying

For a realistic UK shortlist—not just theoretical “best cars”—focus on these models:

• Kia EV3
• Nissan Leaf
• Tesla Model 3
• Tesla Model Y
• Ford Explorer
• Skoda Enyaq
• Skoda Elroq
• Hyundai Kona Electric
• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Volkswagen ID.3
• Volkswagen ID.4
• BMW i4
• MG4 EV
• Renault 5 E-Tech
• Vauxhall Corsa Electric

The Ford Explorer is particularly relevant to UK buyers: Which? records 12,237 new UK registrations in 2025, showing that it is not merely a reviewer favourite but a model people are genuinely choosing.

Best choices by budget

• Under £20,000: Dacia Spring—choose it only if most journeys are local.
• Around £25,000–£30,000: MG4 EV, Citroën ë-C3 or Renault 5 E-Tech.
• Around £30,000–£35,000: Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq or Hyundai Kona Electric.
• Around £35,000–£45,000: Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3, Skoda Enyaq or Ford Explorer.
• Around £45,000–£60,000: Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer or BMW i4.
• Over £60,000: Kia EV9, Porsche Macan Electric or Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

The clearest recommendations

• Best for most UK households: Kia EV3 Long Range
• Best for frequent motorway travel: Tesla Model 3 Long Range or BMW i4 eDrive40
• Best practical family SUV: Skoda Enyaq 85
• Best cheaper family car: Skoda Elroq 60
• Best small car: Renault 5 E-Tech
• Best if you want maximum charging speed: Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Best value used EV: MG4 EV
• Best for seven seats: Kia EV9

Exact trim, battery and charging specifications vary considerably, so the most sensible configuration is usually the mid-range version with the larger battery, rather than the most expensive performance model.

In the UK, the EVs people actually buy tend to be a fairly predictable bunch: Tesla Model Y/Model 3, MG4 EV, Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW i4, and VW ID.3/ID.4. Here’s a UK-focused shortlist with exact model names.

Best overall / most-bought

Tesla Model Y RWD or Long Range AWD
The UK’s best-selling EV and often the best-selling car overall in some months. Huge Supercharger network, practical, efficient, strong software. Downsides: firm ride, no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, insurance can be high.

Best value family hatch

MG4 EV SE Long Range / Trophy Extended Range
One of the UK’s most popular affordable EVs. Good range, rear-wheel drive, 7-year warranty, strong lease/PCP deals. Interior and infotainment feel cheaper than premium rivals.

Best small/city EV

Vauxhall Corsa Electric Design / Ultimate
Very common in UK cities and fleets. Familiar Corsa shape, easy to drive, decent real-world range. Also consider Peugeot e-208 GT, Fiat 500e, and Mini Cooper SE if you want style over space.

Best family SUV

Kia Niro EV 3 / 4
Practical, efficient, long warranty, popular with UK families. Also shortlist: Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate, Skoda Enyaq 85 Edition, Volkswagen ID.4 Match / Pro, and Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback.

Best premium compact exec

BMW i4 eDrive40 / M50
Excellent to drive, good real-world range, proper BMW quality. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range is the tech/charging alternative, and the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor is the stylish non-Tesla option.

Best long-range / long-trip non-Tesla

Kia EV6 GT-Line RWD
800V charging means very fast top-ups, good range, practical. Also: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate, Skoda Enyaq 85, and BMW iX xDrive50 if budget allows.

Best 7-seat / large family EV

Kia EV9 GT-Line
One of the few genuinely usable 7-seat EVs on sale in the UK. Also consider Mercedes EQB 350, though it’s smaller inside than it looks.

Best performance EV

BMW i4 M50, Kia EV6 GT, MG4 XPower, Tesla Model 3 Performance. The MG4 XPower is the cheap shocker; the i4 M50 is the more polished all-rounder.

Best used EV in the UK

Nissan Leaf 40kWh / 62kWh
Huge numbers on the used market, cheap to buy, reliable, easy to run. Watch out for CHAdeMO rapid charging on older Leafs. Also: Renault Zoe R135, BMW i3 120Ah, Kia Soul EV 64kWh, Vauxhall Corsa-e.

UK shortlist for most people

1. Tesla Model Y – if you want the default best-seller.
2. MG4 EV – if value matters most.
3. Kia Niro EV – if you want a practical family SUV with warranty.
4. BMW i4 – if you want premium and driving fun.
5. Vauxhall Corsa Electric – if you want a small, familiar city car.
6. Kia EV6 / Hyundai Ioniq 5 – if you want fast charging without a Tesla.
7. Nissan Leaf – if you’re buying used on a budget.

The “best” one depends heavily on whether you can charge at home, your lease/PCP deal, insurance group, and company-car tax. In the UK, a great lease deal on an MG4 or Corsa Electric often beats a “better” car on paper.