Electric cars make up over 1 in 5 new cars sold in the UK in 2025 so far. While that means there’s still some way to go to decarbonise our roads, EVs are outselling hybrid, plug-in hybrid and diesel cars by a big margin.
And it’s a small wonder why when there are more fantastic electric cars on sale today than ever. EVs are getting more capable and more affordable as time goes on, and now pretty much whichever type of car you want can be had with electric propulsion.
The best electric cars make range anxiety a thing of the past, offer an enjoyable driving experience, charge up as quickly as you can eat lunch and are packed full of the latest technology. Most importantly, they’re desirable, whether that’s for their funky design or sheer capability.
But which electric cars make it into our overall top 10? Our list is made up of the most popular cars according to RAC Drive readers. Read on to check out the best electric car picks.
Best electric cars: the shortlist
1. Renault 5
Price: from £22,995 Range: up to 250 miles
Renault has cooked up a real storm of excitement with its new electric small car. Drawing on the iconic shape of the original 5, the new model isn’t merely a retro rehash: it’s a brilliant EV in its own right.
It’s packed full of quirky details and design touches, while also having a high-quality interior with great technology, a comfortable and fun driving experience and enough range and efficiency to hold its own in or out of town. Factor in exceptionally keen pricing and it’s not hard to see why the new Renault 5 E-Tech is one of 2025’s star cars.
2. Kia EV3:
Price: from £32,995 Range: up to 375 miles
Kia continues its class-leading EV revolution, following on from the technological leap of the EV6 and the hugely practical EV9. The EV3 has visual echoes of the latter, but in a much more affordable and compact package.
Don’t think that a low price means compromises, though: the EV3 is packed full of standard equipment, plenty roomy enough for a small family and impressively comfortable and quiet on the road – if not the most fun to drive. The icing on the cake is the outstanding range capability of the Air Long Range model.
3. Tesla Model 3
Price: from £39,990 Range: up to 436 miles
It’s perhaps unsurprising that one of the world’s best-selling electric cars pops up in this list – but the improvements made to the latest Tesla Model 3 have simply expanded its appeal.
It’s still fast, loaded with technology and relatively affordable, but the Model 3’s already class-leading range and efficiency make it outstanding for short and long journeys alike. Improvements in quality, a good driving experience and Tesla’s unmatched Supercharger network make it one of the most compelling all-round EVs.
4. Volvo EX30
Price: from £33,060 Range: up to 295 miles
In case you missed the memo: Volvos are cool now. And the EX30 is one of the slickest yet, with a desirable look inside and out combined with bang up-to-date technology – all at a price tag similar to a petrol equivalent.
Sure, it isn’t the roomiest or longest-range EV out there, but fast charging means you needn’t wait around too much on a long journey. Combine that with a smooth ride and excellent performance from all versions and the EX30 has plenty to recommend it.
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5. Jeep Avenger
Price: from £29,999 Range: up to 248 miles
SUVs are all big, lumbering goliaths, right? Wrong, in the case of the Jeep Avenger anyway. Here’s a genuinely compact EV with a rugged design, lots of funky details and real kerb appeal. Being a Jeep, it’ll also go further off-road than its rivals.
But the Avenger is also good on the road and comes well equipped as standard. Good efficiency and an affordable price tag make it a cheap to run option, making up for the fact that it’s not all that spacious inside.
6. Cupra Born
Price: from £35,505 Range: up to 366 miles
The Cupra Born can be unfairly dismissed as a Volkswagen ID.3 in a fancy frock, but all the changes Cupra have added make it more desirable. And that’s not just exterior looks: the interior is more appealing, too, while the handling is that little bit sharper without ruining ride comfort.
A strong range on a charge means the Born is as capable as much more expensive EVs, while there’s plenty of kit and decent space for a small family. The fun driving experience is enhanced further by the VZ model, which is much faster but also offers the longest range of any Born.
7. BYD Dolphin
Price: from £26,205 Range: up to 265 miles
BYD offers Tesla-rivalling premium models like the Seal and Sealion 7, but arguably the most compelling model it sells is its cheapest. The Dolphin offers family car practicality and high-end comfort and technology features for the price of a smaller, more basic EV.
There’s tonnes of standard kit, a decent driving experience, strong efficiency and (if you avoid the entry-level Active model) more performance than you might expect. A six-year new car warranty and impressive further warranties on the battery and drive motor give you additional peace-of-mind, too.
8. Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Price: from £58,195 Range: up to 293 miles
Sometimes practicality trumps all else, and an electric SUV just won’t cut it. That’s where the ID. Buzz comes in. with its new six or seven-seat long-wheelbase form it’s more compelling than ever, offering van-like levels of space and versatility but a car-like driving experience.
A smooth ride and decent handling give the VW the edge over other electric seven-seaters, while there are loads of little touches to make family life easier. But the ID. Buzz’s biggest draw might still be its colourful, retro design.
9. Smart #1
Price: from £32,000 Range: up to 273 miles
Smart doesn’t make tiny, compromised city cars anymore: the #1 is a whole different kettle of fish. It’s a family hatchback-cum-SUV with lots to like, not just a keen starting price and a huge amount of standard equipment.
A quality feel, impressive safety, a roomy interior and modern tech are just some of the #1’s draws, as are a good all-round driving experience and fast charging speeds. The bonkers Brabus model is just about the fastest car you can get for the money, too.
10. BMW i7
Price: from £101,775 Range: up to 387 miles
It’s great that there are so many more affordable electric cars than there used to be, but what if you want the ultimate luxury driving experience? The BMW i7 is still yet to be beaten. Look past the divisive design and it’s an incredible, if expensive, package.
Effortless performance, an amazingly comfortable ride and surprisingly keen handling are just some of the ways the i7 delivers. Combine that with top-notch interior quality, oodles of luxury touches and clever technology including an electrically deployable Smart TV option, and the i7 is one of the best electric cars to be driven in, as well as to drive.
Best electric car FAQs
What are the best electric cars to buy in the UK?
Depending on your budget and needs, some of the best electric cars on sale right now include the fantastic new Renault 5, the practical and long-range Kia EV3 and the immensely capable Tesla Model 3.
Is it worth buying an electric car now?
There’s never been a better time to buy an electric car, in our opinion, simply because the EV options out there are so much more compelling than they used to be. If you can charge at home and save money, that’s the icing on the cake.
Do you pay road tax on electric cars?
Yes, since 1st April 2025 electric cars need to pay road tax for the first time, along with the Expensive Car Supplement added to EVs worth over £40,000. You can read more about the new rules in our electric car road tax guide.
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