We can still remember a time when the only electric car on our street came in the morning to drop off the milk. But in 2022, things are changing.
The Goverment will ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, environmental issues continue to rage, and fuel prices are through the roof. If this doesn’t make you rush to examine the electric and fuel-efficient cars for sale in the UK, then we don’t know what will.
If you’re thinking of making the electric switch, now’s as good a time as any. The Government has agreed to spend £1.6billion on the charging infrastructure and manufacturers are really kicking off their electric assaults.
Even five years ago, electric cars were mainly from premium carmakers. But now, more reasonably priced cars are out there. Here are our top five.
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1. Fiat 500 Electric
This latest model from Fiat immediately dates the petrol-powered 500. It’s near-silent, only comes with an automatic gearbox (like most other electric cars), and should do close to 200 miles between charging.
The infotainment is swish, modern, and endlessly helpful, something that can’t be said for a few other cars on this list. But better than all of that, it retains the 500’s retro charm but adds just a slice of modernity.
2. MG 5 EV
Considering the size of the price, the MG5 EV is one of the biggest bargains on the UK market today. There’s gotta be a reason why so many Uber drivers have switched to them already.
You’re looking at a 467-liter boot and a 250-mile range for sub £300 per month. It drives fine for an estate, and it’s proving to be reliable so far.
3. Mini Electric Hatch
Definitely the most fun car on this list. It’s a riot to drive, with an immediacy of the line that few cars in the price bracket can match. The handling, despite the added weight, is still fun and engaging.
It looks brilliant, and you can even spec one with wheels in the shape of a plug socket. The real-world range isn’t all that, but you’ve gotta ask yourself how often you drive more than 150 miles in one go anyway.
4. Peugeot e-208
This is essentially a regular 208 with a battery and motor instead of petrol and an engine. This isn’t a bad thing though, as this means you get those strong looks, an interesting and tech-heavy interior, and a great drive, all wrapped up in a zero-emissions package.
The official range of 217 miles but expect it to be more like 200 in real-world conditions. Plus Peugeot offers some novel finance offers.
5. Kia e-Niro
The most expensive on this list, but also one of the most practical. The e-Niro is a mid-sized electric SUV, meaning you can seat four adults in comfort and it’ll easily take you 250 miles on a charge assuming you stump up for a model with the long-range battery pack, which we heartily recommend.
Comes with Kia’s stonking seven-year /100,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first) too.
