If you’re in the market for a new car, you may be considering something a little more eco-friendly! Electric and hybrid cars are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, improve air quality and save money. But what are the best electric cars 2022?
With the petrol and diesel ban coming in 2030, many drivers are choosing an electric or hybrid car now before they become too popular. There’s also a huge range of choices on the used electric car market. This means that now could be a great time for you to invest in an electric car. There are so many benefits of getting an EV on finance and we can help you finance the electric car you’re looking for! Now, let’s take a look at the best electric cars UK.
Best electric car to buy 2022
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 was the 2nd best-selling car of the year last year and it’s easy to see why! For many drivers, the Model 3 is the epitome of electric cars. It’s the cheapest model in the Tesla lineup, with prices starting from around £40k, but it should not be overlooked. Even the entry-level model will be everything you could need and more. We’re a big fan of the Tesla Model 3 at UK Car Finance and would say it’s our best electric car 2022. The technology used in the Tesla Model 3 is second to none. Some of our favourite features include the Autopilot advanced driving system, superfast charging network, and dog mode to keep your furry friends cool.
Audi Q4 e-Tron
Audi’s take on the electric SUV model is really something to appreciate. If you’re looking for a family car with running costs and stylish looks, this could be the best electric car for you. The Audi Q4 e-Tron has an impressive official range of around 317 miles before you need to charge it so range anxiety could be a thing of the past with the 77kWh battery. The Q4 e-Tron has Audi’s predictable style and sophistication both inside and out. It’s a good-looking car that will definitely turn heads on the road. Inside the cabin space is excellent and comes with a whopping 520 litres of boot space so it’s perfect for those summer road trips and busy families.
Related – Should I buy an electric car?
BMW i4
One of the best electric cars 2022 is the BMW i4. The i4 is the staple of BMW’s electric future. BMW wants half of their global sales to be down to their EVs before 2030 so with this in mind they have really gone all in. The BMW i4 was launched last year and has been extremely popular since. One of the best things about the BMW i4 is that it doesn’t try too hard, it’s an immensely impressive electric car but looks like a 4 series at first glance. The i4 is often compared to the Tesla Model 3 in terms of style and range. The i4 can even compete with Tesla’s 367-mile range when you choose the M50 model.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is really impressive across the board. It has high-end charging capabilities, next-generation technology and very capable performance. The Ioniq comes in three different powertrains. The entry-level 58kWh battery delivers 238 miles and the high-end 73kWh produces around 280 miles on a single charge. The Ioniq is really comfortable and can be a great car for any commuter. On the outside, the futuristic look has been met with some reservations due to the ‘dinted’ looking side panel but it’s still one of the most impressive and best electric cars you can buy. It comes with plenty of tech and features as standard and all new models come with a five-year unlimited mileage.
Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Leaf was launched all the way back in 2010 so it was about time that Nissan threw another EV into the mix. With so many years of producing a well-loved electric car such as the Leaf, the pressure was on for Nissan to perform. The Nissan Ariya was released in July 2022 and it’s already making waves in the EV world. If you’re after a family-friendly SUV, the Ariya could be the one that turns your head. For us, it’s a great compromise between the Nissan Leaf’s electric capability and the style and practicality of a Qashqai. The Ariya is spacious, forward-thinking and finished with the highest quality materials.
Related – Debunking electric cars myths
MINI electric
No list of the best electric cars would be complete without a nod to the electric hatchback category. The MINI Hatch is also one of the best automatic cars available on the market today. If you don’t need as much space as some of the other cars on our list have to offer, the MINI electric is a great choice. There are 4 trim levels to choose from, so you won’t be limited in choice. The mini electric can charge from 0-80% in just 36 minutes and has a range of up to 145 miles. The battery range could be better but it’s what is expected of a smaller car. The MINI electric starts from around £27,000 and is one of the cheaper electric cars you can buy.
Skoda Enyaq iV
The Skoda Enyaq iV is probably the best electric car for both value and range. If your budget won’t stretch to the likes of the Tesla Model 3, the Enyaq iV can produce a massive range of 336 miles on a single charge. The Skoda Enyaq is comfortable, quiet, and refined and can suit a range of drivers. On the inside, the interior is nice but not the most exciting when compared to other EVs. However, the Skoda Enyaq will easily fit into your lifestyle and provide a pleasant and comfortable ride.
Cupra Born
In 2018, Cupra became a brand of its own, instead of being SEAT’s performance brand. Since then, Cupra has delivered some impressive models including the all-electric Cupra Born. The suspension makes the Born really fun to drive, with sharp handling and speedy acceleration. The punchy e-Boost engine allows the Cupra Born to rival the acceleration of the Tesla Model 3 but with a lower price tag. The Cupra born is one of the sportiest electric cars you can buy and can travel 0-62mph in just 7 seconds!
Find out more – Electric car range comparison
Volkswagen ID3
You may be more familiar with the Volkswagen e-Golf but the VW ID3 replaced it as the brand’s family electric car. The Volkswagen ID 3 can suit a range of drivers thanks to its choice of battery sizes and performance. The ID 3 sits in the mid-range category but still comes with plenty of interior space, decent size boot, and some handy storage cubby holes. The design is a little minimalist, but the large 10inch infotainment system makes up for it with some handy features. The Volkswagen ID 3 has an RRP of around £36,000 and can produce an impressive 340 miles.
Kia EV6
If you like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 is its sister vehicle. It’s a great choice if you want an electric car with good technology but doesn’t want too much of a futuristic style. When compared to the Ioniq 5, the EV6 has more of a sporty vibe, a lower build and responsive handling. We never normally say this but the entry-level model is one of the best, with a range of 328 miles and can go 0-62mph in just 7.2 seconds! When out on the road, you can benefit from its super-fast charging time of around 20 minutes to get from 10% to 80%.
