Written by Menswear Style in Cars on the 22nd July 2020

The first half of 2020 won’t be forgotten in a hurry for any number of reasons, not least that we were shut in our homes for most of it. However, it will also be remembered as the Spring when there were fewer cars on the road and the pollution levels dropped in major cities, and when we started to realise we could do better in terms of our cars and the air we breathe. Growing in popularity all the time, electric cars are good for the environment, economical to run, and a great drive. With range capability improving each year, many models now have ranges exceeding 200 miles before they need a recharge. Here are six of the best to consider when you’re making a purchase.

Seat Mii Electric 

If space is at a premium, especially city parking, then the Seat Mii Electric is worth your attention. It’s most definitely a city car, as the range – just over 100 miles – isn’t up to some of its more expensive competitors. However, for those that just need a runaround for close-to-home driving, it is ideal. The pricing is extremely competitive at just over £22,000, and it scores well as a comfortable drive with both cruise control and lane assist. However, it’s perhaps not ideal if you have a large family, with only four seats.

Jaguar I-Pace 

With an interior so futuristic you feel like you’re in a sci-fi film, Jaguar’s first electric car can charge to 4/5 capacity in just an hour and a half, and drive over 250 miles on a single charge. Fun to drive, the Jaguar I-Pace isn’t cheap; you can expect to pay around £70,000 as a median price, although keep your eye open for deals. The rear visibility can also be an issue, as can the road noise. However, it has walked off with several trophies at the 2019 World Car Awards, including World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, and World Green Car.

Tesla Model 3 

Can any Tesla live up to the hype? The answer with the Tesla Model 3 is a qualified ‘yes’. With a top price of around £56,000, this affordable rung on the Tesla ladder isn’t just an electric car but a desirable executive model too. The Standard Range model has a range of around 250 miles on a single charge, and the Long Range version manages over 320 miles – excellent if you do a lot of driving. The only negatives would seem to be the noise levels at speed (and with a top speed of 162mph, that’s potentially a lot of noise), and quibbles about the quality of the build – perhaps a little unfairly, as the body of the car is designed primarily for safety in the event of an accident. If you are a lucky owner of a Tesla, you might need to get parts for it. If required you can buy parts for Tesla on euspares.co.uk. Each car requires careful maintenance, and a Tesla is no exception.

Renault Zoe 

Another city star, in terms of acceleration and interior space, the Renault Zoe feels like a regular car. It just costs a fraction of the money to run. Ranging from the high twenties to just under £34,000, it’s smart inside and out, and has an impressive range compared with similar-sized and priced alternatives. The 52kWh battery manages around 245 miles on a single charge, making it ideal for shorter trips. In terms of downsides, the driving position isn’t ideal, and there is no automatic emergency braking. Winner of the What Car? 2020 Small Electric Car category, this is already a standout choice.

Audi E-tron 

Named like something out of a futuristic film, the Audi E-tron is direct competition to the Jaguar I-Pace, although doesn’t have quite the range on a single charge managing just over 200 miles. An incredibly smooth drive, it does win out on luxury and space despite the disappointing distance between charges. Price range is from £60,000 to £93,000. The Sportback model has an impressive selection of features including sport air suspension, and a 10.1” full HD touch screen navigation display. Group 1 Audi can help you find the perfect electric Audi model for you in a price range that compliments your budget. Add a level of sophistication and luxury to your company by looking at business offers for Audi E-tron. Choosing electric models means you can save money on fuel costs and do your part in helping reduce your carbon footprint.

Kia e-Niro 

The 2019 What Car ‘Car of the Year’, the Kia e-Niro ably manages around 250 miles on a single charge, and is an excellent all-rounder on price, performance, interior, and general practicality. Priced from £33,000 to £40,000, this is an excellent mid-range choice. The variety of features includes smart cruise control, smart regenerative braking to recharge the battery, and lane following assist, making it the ideal car if you’re regularly in heavy traffic. With zero CO2 emissions, the Kia e-Niro is excellent for city driving.

Whether you’re looking for family car practicality around your home town, or a luxurious sports feel, electric cars increasingly have something to offer you. And they’re only getting better.

We list the Seat Mii Electric, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model 3, Renault Zoe, Audi E-tron, and Kia e-Niro in this guide to The 6 Best Electric Cars of 2020.