Best Electric Cars This Year
The rise in the popularity of electric and hybrid cars in the UK isn’t surprising given the government’s “Road to Zero” strategy. The strategy means that petrol and diesel vehicles will be phased out from 2030 with no new sales after 2040. So, choosing electric makes sense and gets you ahead of the game.
Electric cars reduce your carbon footprint and offer lower running costs as well as helping the environment. More people than ever recognise the advantages and choose an electric vehicle (EV). Sales of these vehicles now equate to 16% of overall sales volume. If you’re looking to join those buying or leasing an EV, you’ll want to know the best new electric cars in 2023. We’ll introduce you to new models and favourites that feature in our list of best electric cars available right now. If you are new to electric cars, you can learn more through our electric car leasing guides.
Best EVs for 2023 featured in this article
Quick Comparison
Looking for the best EV? Compare models in the table below for an overview of each car in our list including vehicle class, EV range, charging times, and cost.
Class
Range*
Charging Time*
Purchase Cost
MG4
Small family car
Standard: 218 miles
Long Range and Trophy: 281 miles
Standard: 80% in 40 minutes
Long Range and Trophy: 80% in 35 minutes
Standard: £26,995
Long Range: from £29,440
Trophy Long Range: £32,440
New Hyundai Kona
Subcompact crossover SUV
SE Connect: 189 miles
Premium and Ultimate: up to 300 miles
SE Connect and Premium (39kWh battery): 80% in 50 minutes
Premium (64kWh battery) and Ultimate: 80% in 47 minutes
SE Connect: £31,811.00
Premium (39kWh battery): £33,161.00
Premium (64kWh battery): £31,111.00
Ultimate: £39,261.00
Tesla Model Y
Small crossover SUV
Standard: 215 miles
Long Range: 270 miles
Performance: 270 miles
Standard: 80% in 45 minutes
Long Range: 80% in 30 minutes
Performance: 80% in 30 minutes
Standard: £44,990
Long Range: £52,000
Performance: £59,000
Porsche Taycan
Executive car
255 miles
80% in 22.5 minutes
From £79,200 for the standard model
BYD Atto 3
Compact crossover SUV
200 miles
80% in 40 minutes
From £36,500
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Compact crossover SUV
Premium: 238 miles
Ultimate: 315 miles
80% in 32 minutes
Premium: from £43,390
Ultimate: £49,890
Kia Niro EV
Crossover SUV
285 miles
80% in 60 minutes
£36,545
Polestar 2
Compact executive car
Standard range: 215 miles
Long range: 273 miles
Standard: 80% in 31 minutes
Long range: 80% in 32 minutes
Standard: £44,950
Long range: up to £63,950
GWM Ora Funky Cat
Small family car
193 miles
80% in 48 minutes
From £31,940
BMW IX
Mid-size luxury crossover SUV
xDrive40:264 miles
xDrive50: 380 miles
M60: 348 miles
80% in 30 minutes
xDrive40: £69,000
xDrive50: £101,850
M60: £116,000
*Based on the maximum range according to the manufacturer
*Based on fast charging times. Home charging takes considerably longer.
When considering which electric car to choose, you’ll want some advice about popularity, range, and price. We’ve selected three vehicles that make an excellent lease or purchase choice in these areas.
Best electric cars for range
Range anxiety is one of the biggest issues associated with leasing an EV. Nobody wants to run out of juice with no charging points close by. The good news is that many newer models can achieve a 200+ mile range.
On the luxury side of EV, A chosen favourite with an impressive range is the beat the BMW IX with a manufacturer estimation of 380 miles for the xDrive50, although real-world reports suggest a range closer to 300-320 miles. That’s still a notable achievement.
If the purchase price is off-putting, our competitive BMW IX special offers provide a cost-effective low monthly cost, for business or personal use.
Most popular electric Car
The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling electric car in the UK for 2022. 35,551 units of this model were sold in the country. Tesla also took second place in the list of best-selling EVs in the UK with its Tesla Model 3 selling 19,071 units.
Lowest priced Electric car
In terms of price for features and performance, the MG4 is the best-value electric car UK. You can buy the Smart EQ Fortwo for less. But, if you want a car that fits more than two people and gives you a decent driving experience, the MG4 is the cheapest electric car around. The standard model has an RRP of £26,995 with the long-range model available from £29,440.
It’s time to dig deeper into the EVs on our list. Discover what you can expect from each model and what the pros and cons are.
MG4
There’s no beating the MG4 in terms of affordability. This family hatchback retails at £26,995 for the standard model, £29,440 for the long-range option, and £32,440 for the Trophy Long Range trim. The styling is sharp, for such a reasonable price. The MG4 has a strong fast charging time of around 30 minutes to 80% and an estimated range of 281 miles if you opt for the long-range upgrade. Although, it’s worth mentioning that charging can take up to 16 hours and 50 minutes at home using a standard plug socket. An electric home charger is recommended.
Other stand-out features of the MG4 include the large rear legroom and a 363-litre boot. It’s a practical and functional small family car.
Pros
Better value than some more expensive family EVs.
Good to drive with easy handling.
Long range for an affordable cost.
Great tech features.
Cons
The touchscreen is slightly messy to get used to.
An interior that has some cheap plastic features.
Road noise is easy to hear from the interior.
New Hyundai Kona EV
Three big things to say about the new Hyundai Kona; it features the latest smart tech, looks sleek and streamlined and has a range of around 300 miles in the Premium and Ultimate models. The fast charging time of approximately 47 minutes is very desirable too. If you’re using a 7.2 kW home charger, the charging time is considerably longer at around 9 hours 15 minutes.
Lastly, the Hyundai Kona features 17” wheels and body-coloured wheel arches that add to the adventurous vibe of this subcompact crossover SUV.
Pros
Good range on a single charge.
A fun drive.
The equipment range offers alot.
Cons
Interior isn’t as impressive as other EVs.
Boot size isn’t great.
Fast charging times aren’t easy to achieve.
Tesla Model Y
The biggest-selling electric vehicle in the UK in 2022, the Tesla Model Y looks a little like the Model 3 but it’s longer, wider, and taller. You get more space which is a big advantage for a small SUV. In fact, if you put the rear seats down, you have a considerable 1,869-litres of load space. Upgrade to the Long Range or Performance models and you get an estimated range of 270 miles, so there’s no need for anxiety. The fast charging speed for the Tesla Model Y is 30 minutes to 80% at the high end of the range. For home charging, you can expect a charging time of around 8 hours 15 minutes depending on the type of charger used.
Looking at other main features of the Tesla Model Y, the panoramic glass sunroof and highly responsive infotainment screen, are both worthy of a mention.
Pros
Vehicle performance is excellent.
Charging is easy and the impressive range eases anxiety.
You’ll never struggle for luggage space.
Various safety features.
Cons
There’s a rear camera system in the centre display but it can still be difficult to see when reversing.
It feels like the driver control functions should be closer to the driver rather than contained on the touchscreen.
The interior is could offer more in terms of styling and appearance.
Porsche Taycan
This EV isn’t your most affordable choice. But it definitely delivers in terms of performance, agility, and overall wow factor. The £79,200 RRP of the standard Porsche Taycan may be hefty but you get an experience that’s way beyond other EVs. From the electrically adjustable comfort seats to the 10-speaker sound package, the Taycan makes a real statement. It also has a blistering fast charging time of 22.5 minutes. Although, home charging takes around 12 hours.
Everything about this executive car is hugely impressive including the Porsche Connect package and Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (PVTS) for enhanced control and security.
Pros
Breathtaking acceleration of 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds as standard.
Dream handling.
Stunning interior.
Cons
Boot space isn’t the biggest.
High purchase price
Options are endless so be prepared to spend a lot more than the purchase price for the standard model.
BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto 3 is a new entrant to the UK EV market. It’s the first EV from BYD available to buy in the country and it’s not a bad option if you’re looking for a family vehicle and you’re more concerned about features than branding. The BYD Atto 3 has an advertised range of 200 miles and a fast charging time of 80% in 40 minutes. For home charging, choose the top spec and you get an 11kW wall box for a charging time of around 6 hours 30 minutes.
This compact crossover SUV has the tech you’d expect from a modern EV and an interior that’s just the right side of quirky.
Pros
A comfortable ride for trips around town.
A funky interior that’s a welcome change from black.
Plenty of tech at a decent price.
Cons
Not the greatest on the ergonomics front.
Rear headroom is not sufficient for comfort.
The infotainment system needs more clarity.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a welcome addition to the upmarket end of the EV sector. It’s a serious rival to the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Tesla Model Y with its combination of smart tech, performance, range, and charging time. The car has an advertised range of 315 miles in the Ultimate option and a fast charging time of 80% in 32 minutes. The fastest home charging time for this EV is around 6 hours. Driving long distances is a joy due to the lack of range anxiety and the super comfortable interior.
Plus, this compact crossover SUV has a fabulous infotainment system as standard and it’s notably spacious.
Pros
Running costs are low.
Practicality combines with smart tech.
The driving experience is enjoyable.
Cons
Not the most affordable EV on the market.
Styling isn’t inspirational.
The 39.3-inch turning circle makes tight turns difficult.
Kia Niro EV
If Looking for a crossover SUV with plenty of space for the family, The Kia Niro is an excellent choice in terms of equipment and space. There are five comfortable seats, so it’s a great electric family SUV. You get a range of 285 miles and fast charging to 80% in 60 minutes. Home charging takes longer at around 10 hours. There’s also a 10.25-inch infotainment display, and cabin storage of 451 litres.
Overall, the Kia e-Niro is a practical family vehicle that you can purchase at an affordable price.
Pros
Range is good for an SUV.
Spacious enough to comfortably accommodate a family.
Handling is excellent.
Cons
Doesn’t look modern.
Home charging takes a significant length of time.
The interior isn’t that great.
Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 has emerged as a major player in the EV market. It looks incredible with a crisp and modern finish. This is a car that makes a stand-out design statement without being flash and not taken seriously. There’s substance as well as style to the Polestar 2. There’s also plenty to recommend this EV from a charging point of view. The Polestar 2 has a range of 273 miles with the Long Range model. Fast charging takes 32 minutes to 80%.
The most refreshing aspect of this compact executive car is its sense of integrity. It’s a practical choice with a great look.
Pros
Driving is excellent.
Batteries offer a great range when they’re new.
Styling is clean and classy throughout.
Cons
Some people may find the ride a little firm.
The narrow rear view could be improved.
The EV’s competitor Tesla Model 3 is more affordable.
GWM Ora Funky Cat
This is one of the best small electric cars around if you’re searching for a compact family vehicle with “funky” styling as the name suggests. This GWM Ora Funky Cat is the first car from Chinese car firm GWM ORA available for sale in the UK and it’s made an impact. Think influences of the Fiat 500 at the rear and a touch of the Mini and the Volkswagen Beetle at the front. Cuteness and quirkiness come in the form of headlights and taillights performing when you open the door. The practical features of this car include a range of 193 miles and fast charging of 80% in 48 minutes with home charging to 80% taking around 5 hours 24 minutes.
This small family car also features twin 10.25-inch displays that have clear graphics and are easy to use. There’s also an integrated voice recognition system.
Pros
Comprehensive list of equipment.
Plenty of space in the cabin.
An array of driver assistance tech.
Cons
Boot is not as spacious as some other small family EVs.
Range is not as impressive as some competitors.
Driving isn’t a particularly fun experience.
BMW IX
BMW is known across the world for its achievements in technology. These achievements continue with the BMW IX. You can relax in the comfort and luxury of this mid-size luxury crossover SUV which has an advertised range of 380 miles for the xDrive50 option, and a fast charging time of 80% in 30 minutes.
Aside from the overall excellent tech spec of this EV, there’s a real sense of occasion about it. It simply exudes quality. If you have a significant amount of cash available, the BMW IX is well worth the investment.
Pros
An interior that’s all about quality.
High level of efficiency.
Fabulous to drive.
Cons
Boot is smaller than its rivals.
The purchase price is eye-watering.
Not everyone is a fan of the look.
Electric cars are consistently evolving with innovative technology and feature with an array of vehicles across various classes. From the affordable MG4 to the high-end and high-cost BMW IX, there are EVs across different body types and personal requirements such as the popularity and reliability of the Tesla Model Y as well as the space of the Kia Niro EV.
What next?
Search our full range of electric leasing deals available for both personal and business.
If you're looking to learn about the benefits of leasing a car through your business, learn more about electric business car leasing or our electric car leasing guides.