10 Best Electric Cars to Buy in 2024

Electric cars have firmly established themselves in the automotive mainstream, now accounting for nearly a fifth of all new car sales in the UK.

This trend is set to increase with impending rules restricting access to major cities and the impending ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035.

As more consumers contemplate the switch to electric vehicles, the question arises – which models should be on your radar in 2024?

Historically, range anxiety has deterred potential buyers from embracing electric cars fully.

However, advancements in technology have alleviated these concerns, with many models now capable of exceeding 200 miles on a single charge, and some significantly more.

As the landscape evolves, selecting the right electric vehicle becomes not just a matter of range, but also of performance, comfort, and affordability.

Here are 10 of the best electric cars to buy in 2024.

Tesla Model 3

Since its launch in 2019, the Tesla Model 3 has consistently been regarded as one of the best electric cars.

Now, thanks to its latest round of updates, it’s the model to beat and is also considered the top executive car.

The Model 3 is great to drive, offering sweeter handling than the rival Kia EV6 or Polestar 2. It’s fast and surprisingly practical.

The near-complete lack of physical buttons and switches may not suit everyone, but the enormous 15.4-inch central screen is at least user-friendly.

Factor in that the Model 3 is also competitively priced, and that buying one provides access to the brand’s ultra-fast and convenient Supercharger network, and it’s easy to recommend.

Volkswagen ID Buzz

The retro design of the Volkswagen ID Buzz has garnered so much affection that the manufacturer could have easily cut corners on engineering and still sold as many as it could produce.

Instead, the German brand has clearly put everything into the car, resulting in a vehicle that combines the practicality of an MPV with the comfort and refinement of a premium SUV and the low running costs of an electric car.

The ID Buzz is enjoyable to drive and capable of reaching motorway speeds faster than many conventional family SUVs, such as the 1.5-litre petrol-engined Volkswagen Tiguan.

It also offers endless space, providing more room for passengers and luggage than the Jaguar I-Pace or Tesla Model Y.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

The Porsche Taycan offers all the typical benefits of an electric car but distinguishes itself by delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

Entry-level models feature 322bhp, while the top-tier Turbo versions boast up to 751bhp, enabling a rapid 0-62mph sprint in just 2.8 seconds.

With an exceptionally low centre of gravity and responsive steering, the Taycan is remarkably agile, offering a more engaging connection to the road than the Mercedes EQS.

Range anxiety is mitigated as all Taycan variants are expected to cover around 200 miles on a single charge under real-world conditions.

Inside, the Taycan is elegantly appointed and surprisingly practical, especially in the recommended estate-like Cross Turismo variant.

While the Taycan starts from £88,000, its combination of performance, luxury and usability justifies the investment.

BMW i4

The BMW i4 impresses with its speed, with certain versions achieving 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds.

Compared to single-motor variants of its rival, the Polestar 2, the i4 demonstrates superior traction, especially in slippery conditions.

It also excels in comfort during long journeys and maintains a remarkably quiet cabin at high speeds.

Offering a respectable range of up to 367 miles between charges, along with an intuitive infotainment system and a luxurious interior, the i4 presents a compelling alternative to the Tesla Model 3.

However, potential buyers should consider that the Model 3 provides access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, which is crucial for frequent motorway travellers.

Additionally, whether purchased outright or through financing, the i4 generally carries a higher price tag compared to most of its competitors.

Audi E-tron GT

The Audi E-tron GT embodies the essence of a grand tourer: sleek, swift and capable of covering substantial distances effortlessly.

Officially clocking a 0-62mph sprint in 4.1 seconds, it has demonstrated even quicker performance in tests.

With a range of up to 305 miles on a single charge and the ability to handle charging speeds up to 270kW, it rivals only the Porsche Taycan and Maserati GranTurismo Folgore in its class.

While slightly less aggressive in handling than the Taycan, the E-tron GT still delivers exceptional driving dynamics, surpassing the Tesla Model S in entertainment value.

Its interior surpasses both Tesla and Taycan with physical buttons for commonly used functions alongside intuitive and responsive technology.

However, priced starting at over £80,000, it may be considered costly despite its strong resale value.

BYD Seal

BYD is one of the fastest-growing electric car makers and the Seal is a standout model, rivalling the Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID 7.

The Seal is offered in two versions, each offering impressive acceleration and an official range of up to 354 miles.

Its suspension is finely tuned for British roads, striking a balance between stability and comfort over rough surfaces.

While the front cabin space is ample, the rear passenger room falls short of the ID 7 and comfort trails behind the Model 3.

The interior features a large touchscreen reminiscent of Tesla’s design, capable of rotating between portrait and landscape orientations, though it lacks the same level of responsiveness.

Nonetheless, the interior design exudes a futuristic appeal that aligns with its contemporary aesthetic.

Volkswagen ID 3

The Volkswagen ID 3 is a versatile offering in the electric vehicle market.

It delivers a satisfying driving experience, boasts a good level of equipment, and provides comfortable handling during journeys.

Available in two versions, Pro and Pro S, the ID 3 caters to different preferences.

The Pro variant features a 58kWh battery with an official range of 265 miles, while the Pro S model upgrades to a larger 77kWh battery, extending the range to an official 347 miles.

Despite costing a hefty £34,000, the ID 3 comes generously equipped with standard features and safety technology.

MG4

MG’s electric hatchback offers exceptional value for money, with prices starting from £26,900.

Despite its affordability, opting for the base model doesn’t mean sacrificing features; it includes luxuries like adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors as standard.

The MG4 impresses further with competitive range figures.

The 50.8kWh battery variant offers up to 218 miles between charges, while the more expensive 61.7kWh models extend this to 281 miles.

For those seeking both impressive range and acceleration that rivals high-performance cars like the Porsche Taycan 4S, the MG4 XPower variant is ideal, boasting 429bhp and four-wheel drive.

While competitors such as the Cupra Born and Renault Megane E-Tech offer quieter rides, more refined handling, and sleeker interiors, they also come with significantly higher price tags compared to the MG.

Cupra Born

The Cupra Born is a slightly more exhilarating and sophisticated alternative to the Volkswagen ID 3.

Both models share a substantial amount beneath the surface, making distinctions between them challenging for the average observer.

Mechanically, the Born and ID 3 are very similar, offering options of 58kWh and 77kWh batteries, which provide official ranges of 264 and 341 miles respectively.

Real-world testing showed the smaller battery achieving 183 miles (winter) and 219 miles (summer), while the larger one managed 235 and 285 miles.

For most drivers, the smaller battery option makes practical sense due to its ample range, especially in the well-equipped V1 trim.

Fiat 500e

The Fiat 500e represents a modern take on an iconic vehicle, offering affordability with a starting price under £20,000. 

It makes it a viable option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a capable electric car.

The base model provides a range of 115 miles, adequate for urban commuting.

However, the larger 42kWh battery is recommended, offering an official range of up to 199 miles and enhancing overall usability with improved acceleration.

In the city, the Fiat 500 Electric shines due to its compact size and tight turning circle, which contribute to excellent manoeuvrability and unexpected enjoyment while driving.

Nevertheless, its practicality is somewhat compromised by a small boot and cramped rear seats, placing it slightly behind competitors like the slightly larger and marginally more expensive Vauxhall Corsa Electric and BYD Dolphin.

In 2024, the electric vehicle market offers an exciting array of options for every type of driver, from city commuters to long-distance travellers.

With advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, range anxiety is increasingly becoming a thing of the past, making electric cars a viable choice for more consumers than ever before.

Whether you prioritise efficiency, performance, or cutting-edge technology, these electric cars deliver on multiple fronts.