The United Kingdom's automotive market is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) offerings, with many of the nation's most popular car models now available in all-electric variants. This development aims to simplify the transition for drivers considering the switch from internal combustion engines.
Over 160 different EV models are currently on sale in the UK, providing consumers with a broad selection. The strategy of offering electric alternatives to existing popular gasoline and hybrid models makes it easier for drivers to familiarize themselves with EVs, as they often share similar designs and interiors with their combustion-engine counterparts.
Electric Options Across Budgets
From compact city cars to luxury sedans and family SUVs, there are electric alternatives designed to suit various financial needs. While many electric versions are priced higher than their gasoline equivalents, some models offer comparable or even lower pricing.
City Car: The Fiat 500e, the electric version of the iconic city car, delivers up to 118bhp and offers a range of up to 199 miles. It can charge to 80% in 30 minutes. Its mild-hybrid counterpart starts at approximately £18,995, with the EV version beginning at £20,995.
Hatchback: The Vauxhall Corsa Electric, a close relative to the popular petrol Corsa, offers 134bhp and a range of up to 265 miles. Its exterior and interior designs are nearly identical to the petrol model, which starts at £20,090, while the electric version begins at £26,780.
Compact SUV: The Peugeot e-2008, the electric variant of the family SUV, boasts 154bhp and a range of up to 248 miles. It can recharge from 20% to 80% in 27 minutes. The petrol version starts at £24,195, with the electric model priced from £27,995. Both models feature a 434-litre boot.
Mid-Size Luxury SUV: The BMW iX3, the electric counterpart to the BMW X3, is presented as a long-distance luxury EV with a claimed range of up to 500 miles. The petrol BMW X3 starts at £54,870, while the iX3 is priced from £62,080.
Family Estate Car: The Audi A6 e-tron serves as the electric equivalent to the Audi A6 Avant. While the A6 Avant offers up to 201bhp and considerable luggage capacity, the e-tron variant provides 456bhp (with launch control), a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds, and a range of up to 444 miles. The petrol A6 starts at £54,060, and the A6 e-tron is available from £65,165.
Seven-Seater SUV: Volvo's EX90 is the electric version of its popular XC90 seven-seater SUV. It offers a range of up to 376 miles, can fast-charge in 22 minutes, and reaches 680bhp with a 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds. The mild-hybrid XC90 begins at £66,270, while the EX90 is priced from £73,160.
Luxury Saloon: The Mercedes EQS offers a premium EV experience, mirroring the luxury of the S-Class. It provides over 500 miles of range and can gain up to 199 miles of range from just 10 minutes of rapid charging, featuring steer-by-wire technology. The EQS is noted as being less expensive than its combustion-engined counterpart, with the petrol S-Class starting at £103,450 and the EQS from £91,765.
Sports Car: While not a direct match, the Porsche Taycan offers electric performance for enthusiasts. The Taycan delivers 429bhp, a top speed of 143mph, and a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds, with a range up to 434 miles. This EV option starts at £88,400, compared to the petrol 718 Cayman's starting price of £57,275.