The top 5 electric vehicles on the market in 2018

Although last week the UK government officially removed plug-in hybrid grants and reduced discounts for certain EV’s (electric vehicles), this change has reflected the huge reduction in costs for EV’s. This has meant that the market for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly driving is more accessible than ever for the average driver! If you’re still looking to invest, we’ve compiled a helpful list of the 5 best cars currently available in the UK:

1.     Nissan Leaf

Unanimously regarded in the industry as the number one EV for drivers, the second-generation Nissan Leaf is a truly commendable vehicle. It’s relatively cheap for EV’s – priced at around £26,000 – and has one of the cheapest costs for running, with a claimed range of 217 miles on a full charge. The design of the second generation is also a lot sleeker than the first, vying for mainstream appeal rather than sci-fi undertones. A great choice for first-time buyers.

2.     Hyundai Kona Electric

We’ve got a stronger contender here folks, but barrier for entry is a lot higher. Priced at just under £32,000, it’s one of the pricier options for first-time buyers. However, your initial investment will gift you an incredibly efficient EV. First-time buyers are offered a Kona Electric with 39kWh or 64kWh battery packs, boasting a relative range of 300 miles on a full charge. Additionally, the Kona Electric has a very impressive design, looking more like a sports car than a family vehicle. Its driving does err more on the side of practicality than fun, but its pros definitely outweigh the cons.

3.     BMW i3

This is an immediately recognisable EV, with its striking, bulbous build separating it drastically from its competitors. However, don’t let the looks fool you – this EV is a lot of fun to drive, as the instant torque makes acceleration a breeze with the standard i3 managing a 0-60mph time of 7.2 seconds. Compact dimensions and its use of super-light carbon fibre makes it an excellent car to drive in a city. The only thing that might put off first-time buyers is the eye-watering price of around £34,000 – but there are plenty of monthly finance deals to ease this transition.

4.     Jaguar I-Pace

A great EV for families, the I-Pace is perfect for eliminating any unsightly fuel bills, claiming a range of almost 300 miles. However, the downside is the lengthy charge up time from a flat battery (averaging at around 12 hours on your standard mains plug!) Even so, it’s one of the best fully electric cars to drive available on the market, with a handling that blows away the competition – there is an ease and a sense of control that is unlike any other EV. Plus, a smooth design and barrels of space make this a formidable choice for your first EV. Unfortunately, with a price tag of around £63,000, it really puts this out of most people’s shopping baskets. Still, if you have the means to invest in one of the best EV’s out there, we would highly recommend.

5.     Tesla Model S

Tesla were undeniably a driving force in the mainstream inception of EV’s, and its impressive line-up is still steadfast in the market. The seven-seater Model S boasts a futuristic 17 inch touchscreen that accesses the full array of car controls in a practical way. The doors open up in the classic gull-wing fashion Tesla is known for, making it easy to fit people in or get out in even the tightest spaces. It’s eco-friendly, quick and luxurious – it also has the choice of an 80kWh battery that offers a staggering 311 miles on a full charge. However, it is the most expensive price tag on this list, averaging around £75,000 in the UK. Still, Tesla boasts one of the most impressive EV offerings on the market today.