Volkswagen
There’s something for everyone in Volkswagen’s electric car range. The e-Up city car mixes compact proportions with zero-emissions technology, while the larger e-Golf offers more of the same in a family hatchback package. If you’re after more power and range, then the Golf GTE blends a 148bhp petrol engine with electric power – as does the Passat GTE in spacious saloon and estate body styles.
Tesla
Tesla’s automotive celebrity status means the firm is never far from the headlines, but away from the hype, it builds some excellent electric cars. The entry-level – although it’s far from short on equipment – Model 3 kicks things off in the executive car class, while the Model S takes the luxury and performance a step further. Finally, the Model X adds an extra pair of seats and heaps more space.
Jaguar
Jaguar has only made one electric car to date – although there are more on the way, including a plug-in version of its XJ luxury saloon – but it got it right the first time with the I-Pace. Blistering performance and an official 298-mile range are astonishing for a zero-emission SUV.
Kia
Kia’s range of electric and plug plug-in hybrid models is broad enough to suit just about everyone and starts with the compact battery-electric Soul EV. If you need more space but still want to watch your carbon footprint then there’s the Ceed Sportswagon PHEV estate, then there’s a choice of three SUVs: the all-electric e-Niro, a plug-in hybrid version of the same model and the XCeed PHEV.
Hyundai
Like its sister brand Kia, Hyundai has a broad range of electric cars. The Ioniq hatchback is available both as a plug-in hybrid and a pure-electric model, while the excellent Kona Electric SUV promises a range of up to 279 miles. For those truly dedicated to alternative fuel motoring, the Nexo SUV uses a fuel cell and hydrogen power.
Renault
Renault was one of the earliest arrivals on the electric car scene, so it’s had time to hone and polish its offerings. There’s a choice of two small cars: the Twizy, a cheap and cheerful quadricycle that’s ideal for city driving and the Zoe supermini, which is a great all-rounder with more space and an official range of 238 to 245 miles.
