Best electric cars 2021

Jaguar’s first ever electric car can travel for more than 250 miles on a charge in real-world conditions. What's more, it's fast, fun to drive and has the classiest interior of any Jaguar to date. There are rivals that cost less to buy and can be charged at a faster rate, but the I-Pace is still a very appealing choice.

The e-208 has a higher quality interior than the rival Renault Zoe, along with more rear head room and extra safety kit. There's no compromise on boot space compared with petrol versions of the 208, either, but like them it has a driving position that won't suit some people.

Like the cars above, the e-Niro banishes range anxiety. In fact, the 253 miles that it managed in our Real Range test is one of the best figures we've recorded so far. You also get good practicality, performance, comfort and equipment, although prices have risen significantly since 2019, when we named the e-Niro our Car of the Year.

For the money, the Volkswagen ID.4 is a very good car. It’s practical, the 77kWh battery provides a great electric range, you get lots of standard equipment (in 1st Edition trim) and it’s pretty comfortable and quiet on the move. We think the closely related Skoda Enyaq iV offers even better value, though.

Aside from some styling details and the fact the combustion engine has been replaced with an electric motor, the iX3 is essentially a BMW X3 – and that's a good thing. It means you're getting a practical and classy SUV with the best infotainment system around. And it means it steers and handles better than rivals, while also providing a comfortable ride. Zero emissions and a long range between charges are merely very welcome bonuses.

If ever a car was born for urban driving, it’s the new Fiat 500. It's shorter than its key rivals, so fits into spaces they won’t, while a tight turning circle, ultra-light steering and great forward visibility make it especially easy to manoeuvre as it darts around tight city streets in a refined, smooth manner. As a bonus, it has a good range, so isn't just limited to the urban sprawl. And, of course, unlike rivals, it's available as a convertible.

The Skoda Enyaq is practical, good to drive, smart inside and well-equipped. Perhaps most impressive of all, though, is the value it offers – the ‘60’ version is priced in line with smaller alternatives, including the Kia e-Niro, and is eligible for a £2500 grant from the Government.

If you're looking for all the usual electric car benefits but want something that's also absolutely thrilling to drive, the Porsche Taycan is the car for you. It's even reasonably practical and wonderfully classy inside, so while it's certainly not cheap, it's worth every penny.

Thanks to rear-wheel drive, accurate steering and fine body control, the ID.3 is enjoyable to drive. What's more, its practicality is up with the roomiest family hatchbacks, predicted resale values are superb and it’ll be cheap to run for both company car drivers and private buyers. Throw in strong performance and a long range, and it's a brilliant choice.

Few cars received as much hype before their launch as the Model 3, and even fewer can match what it offers in reality. Tesla's most affordable car is great to drive, packed full of tech, fast (ridiculously so in Performance guise) and surprisingly practical. Factor in a competitive price, especially given its sheer pace, and it’s not only the best all-round electric car on sale today, but one of the best choices full stop.

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