Even though there’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding electric vehicles, global car makers are rapidly expanding their ranges with new hybrid and fully electric models.
Robust sales in China along with growing acceptance in Europe have been spurred (or perhaps better stated, energized?) by the introduction of several more budget-friendly models, which have made electric vehicles more accessible to the general public.
Even within the US, significant doubt exists regarding the future trajectory of battery electric vehicles due to Trump’s imposed tariffs And despite the overall negative attitude toward electric vehicles at The White House, sales are forecasted to increase by 16% in the U.S. in 2025, as per research firm Rho Motion (through Reuters ).
More significantly, many of the world's largest car manufacturers are currently unveiling impressive vehicles as they transition from internal combustion engines to electric motors and batteries.
The much-lauded Renault 5 E-Tech For instance, has already garnered many awards and honors in Europe, whereas Kia’s massive EV9 At the close of 2024, an electric SUV won the World Car of the Year award; the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N claimed both the World Performance Car honor and the World Urban Car distinction went to the fully electric Volvo EX30.
Distant from merely being quirky outliers, contemporary electric vehicles truly stand out as some of the finest automobiles available – full stop. After test-driving numerous models over the past year, here are the eight that have left the biggest impression on me.
8. Mini Cooper Electric
In simple terms, Mini’s second attempt at electrically powering its iconic hatchback has proven much more fruitful compared to their initial effort.
The small battery packs, exorbitant prices, and limited range are now things of the past, as we welcome an era with 250 miles of electric driving, quicker charge times, and updated design both inside and out. Indeed, the cabin of Mini’s newest electric vehicle has been transformed into real highlight .
In homage to Sir Alec Issigonis’ classic 1959 Mini, the BMW Group has incorporated a large circular touchscreen display to manage all vehicle functions, adding some personality to the experience.
Known as the Mini Interaction Unit (MIU), this feature allows you to seamlessly switch among different Mini 'Experiences'. With just a touch of an impressively responsive toggle switch, the screen and cabin atmosphere shift from a sporty go-kart feel to a nostalgic, nearly vintage ambiance.
Everything runs on the latest BMW Group operating system, version 9, which is built upon the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack. As such, it responds swiftly and comes with several impressive features, including the capability to show real-time video feeds from corner cameras and superimpose navigation instructions or lane guidance in a clean digital layout.
Owners have the ability to engage in various games on the display through AirConsole compatibility, allowing for an enjoyable gaming session. Angry Birds As the car charges, which typically takes about one hour and 20 minutes using quicker public charging stations.
However, what’s even more significant is that it performs and maneuvers just like a genuine Mini, offering quick acceleration and accurate steering that make it exhilarating to handle when the routes become curvy.
- Read more: I tested Mini's latest-generation OLED infotainment system, and it shows that being digital doesn’t necessarily mean lacking character.
7. Polestar 4
Similar to Kia, Polestar has quickly broadened its electric vehicle offerings over the last twelve months, transforming from a single-model brand to one with a trio of vehicles. The introduction of the Polestar 3 and 4 continues where the Polestar 2 sedan left off.
Both SUV crossovers, the Polestar 4 arguably sparked the most conversation among people, mainly due to being the initial production vehicle to eliminate the rear window in favor of relying exclusively on rear-view cameras and monitors.
Some doubts linger regarding the ease-of-use of the design since pets may be reluctant to use the dimly lit trunk, and drivers will need to get accustomed to relying on a screen for visibility instead of a traditional rear-view mirror. However, it has an appealing appearance and stands out uniquely among currently available vehicles.
There’s a monstrous 100kW battery pack available, along with the choice between a 272 horsepower output from a single 200kW motor or twice as much power using a twin-motor setup at 400kW.
The stronger choice offers exceptional speed on the highway and provides a smooth ride due to its adaptive dampers. However, even the model with 200 kW delivers ample power and boasts an impressive range of 385 miles before requiring a recharge.
Fast charging can bring your battery up to an 80% level within about half an hour when starting at around 10%, using DC quick chargers. Additionally, the car comes equipped with the Android Automotive OS which includes built-in Google Maps integrated into the vehicle’s systems. This allows for smart navigation that considers your current charge levels and suggests optimal stops for refueling along your route.
And since this is a Polestar — embodying the essence of Swedish sleekness — it comes equipped with elements such as a breathing guidance application within the entertainment system and an expansive electrochromic glass rooftop that can filter out sunlight or allow natural light inside, providing a spacious Scandinavian driving ambiance.
It doesn't come cheap though, at $56,000 / £59,990 / AU$$81,500, which means it's a direct rival to the recently updated Tesla Model Y .
- Read more: I drove the new screen-obsessed Polestar 4 – and its lack of a rear windscreen isn't the only thing it should be remembered for
6. Dacia Spring
The one recurring accusation that is leveled at electric vehicles is that they are often reserved for the wealthiest in society. Even those “more affordable” models once tickled the $50,000 / £50,000 / AU$80,000 mark.
Then, along came the Dacia Spring , a working-class hero that offered all-electric motoring for just £14,995 (around $19,000 / AU$30,000). If you can handle things being simple, the Spring ticks many boxes.
It weighs just 951kg (2,096lbs), for a start, and features a tiny 26.8kWh battery pack that is good for around 140 miles of range on a single charge in slightly more powerful 48kW motor models. But even those run out of puff at 78mph.
Before I tested the Spring, Dacia’s public relations team believed it was necessary to set my expectations—essentially positioning the vehicle as an affordable electric car primarily suited for urban commutes and not much more than that.
However, I disregarded everything and promptly embarked on a long 140-mile round trip without giving it another thought. Can you believe it? It performed flawlessly.
Certainly, you'll need to adapt to the fact that the Spring is one of the slower cars on the road during springtime, yet it manages to stay competitive on highways and offers a fairly pleasant ride. It may be noisy, however, it comes equipped with heaters, power windows, and adjustable electric side mirrors. Isn’t that all you’d hope for?
Spend slightly more and the provided infotainment system isn’t bad at all, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a reversing camera and parking sensors. But you don’t really need them, seeing as the Spring isn’t much bigger than an eBike.
Above all else, charging from a 7kW wallbox at home takes just four hours (although a 30kW max charging speed makes public charging long and boring) and it’s an absolute blast to drive. Small, nippy and reminiscent of the basic hatchbacks of the 1980s.
Fun, cheap cars are essential for keeping large swathes of the population moving and, so long as you don’t mind going back to basics, the Dacia Spring nails its brief and then some.
- Read more: I’ve driven the Dacia Spring – and it's cut-price electric motoring at its bare-bones best
5. Hyundai Ioniq 9
If you are in the market for a giant, people-moving electric vehicle, there are now a number to choose from. Kia’s EV9 is excellent, the Volvo EX90 Is fashionable, though somewhat incomplete in some areas, and the VW ID Buzz continues to be one of the most trendy methods for traveling without using fossil fuels.
As mentioned, the Hyundai Ioniq 9, which I operated in South Korea not too long ago It is arguably the standout among them, blending innovative design with smart, functional features and an electric range that enthusiastically invites long drives.
It can be configured with either six or seven seats internally, where the six-seater version feels more akin to flying business class on Emirates Airlines rather than cramming into a typical compact vehicle.
At present, the only confirmed price we have is in South Korean won (67 million). Local markets are still determining the exact costs elsewhere. However, based on insider information suggesting a figure around £65,000 (approximately $84,000 or AU$133,200), it seems quite substantial for what you get.
The highest-spec Calligraphy edition I managed to obtain from Seoul to Busan came equipped with high-definition displays at the back, seven exceptionally comfy seats, and an interior adorned with upscale details like brushed aluminum accents and durable yet luxurious leather-like materials.
It's not really a powerhouse when it comes to performance (you need Hyundai Ioniq 5 N If you prefer that, the Ioniq 9 can still switch modes, with the top-of-the-line Performance AWD version featuring dual 160kW motors delivering a total of 430 horsepower to all four wheels.
However, this model is more of a docile powerhouse, preferring smooth travels on the open road with an impressive range of up to 335 miles provided by its massive 110.3 kWh battery pack. Even so, charging only takes about 24 minutes when using a 350 kW charger to increase charge levels from 10% to 80%.
- Read more: I have driven Hyundai's sizable Ioniqu 9, and it stands as the most opulent electric vehicle the company has produced to date.
4. Tesla Model 3
Frankly, this might not be the ideal moment to tout anything associated with Elon Musk, yet the revised Model 3 stands out as not just the finest Tesla I've experienced behind the wheel, but also among the top electric vehicles currently available.
However, before I face an irate crowd, I should acknowledge that first, I comprehend why numerous current Tesla owners wish to part ways with their cars, and secondly, I concur with those who continue to think the Model 3 possesses 'dynamically' identifiable issues.
Once you overcome the notion that a Tesla isn't truly a "driver's car," it becomes hard not to marvel at its electric vehicle performance—apparently tackling many of the issues that typically make living with an electric car frustrating day-to-day.
The entertainment system stands out as exceptional (though slightly over-reliant on touchscreens), the process of charging is particularly enjoyable, and due to significant improvements in overall sophistication and construction quality, the newest Model 3 provides a notably cozier and higher-end interior feel.
Tesla’s app is, unsurprisingly, one of the best in the business, making it easy to locate charge points, check on charge status and remotely fiddle with car settings.
Furthermore, the backseat occupants enjoy amenities usually reserved for much pricier, upscale vehicles. Actually, the cabin has an open and inviting atmosphere, which makes it particularly appealing for family use or those with small children.
Thankfully, all of these updates have also been applied to the Model Y , which receives a comparable visual redesign. However, will this be sufficient to help Tesla overcome its present challenges?
I truly hope so, as the company largely initiated the electric vehicle revolution and their offerings are currently at their peak performance level. It would be unfortunate if this innovative approach isn’t continued with the latest Model S, Model X, and perhaps even the Model 3. that new Roadster We've often been promised this for a long time.
3. Maserati GranCabrio Folgore
Similar to Porsche, Maserati is another brand that has ICE-d its EV plans , due to insufficient support from its parent company, Stellantis.
It's straightforward to comprehend why hypercar enthusiasts wouldn't wish for the powerful MC20 to lose its twin-turbocharged V6 'Nettuno' engine. However, when it comes to the more laid-back GranCabrio, embracing an all-electric drivetrain doesn't seem like such a far-fetched idea.
Not far off, considering the vehicle boasts a 92.5kWh battery along with three 300kW electric motors, delivering astonishing speed. Thanks to an overboost feature, the maximum output reaches 818 horsepower, enabling it to go from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds. It’s truly outrageous.
However, the sleek and lavish Maserati isn't solely focused on rapid acceleration or navigating winding roads; it also excels at cruising gracefully around Lake Como—or the environs of Surrey in the UK, where I put it through its paces.
Even though it has immense strength, it remains easy to handle. The soft top, which can be lowered in merely 15 seconds with a simple tap on a supplementary touchscreen, further enhances its luxurious feel.
However, once the roof is installed, the refinement is outstanding, with the cabin maintaining an almost complete silence that is periodically interrupted by the gentle sound of heated seats warming your neck and advanced propulsion noises kicking in as you press down on the accelerator.
Stunning both internally and externally, Maserati’s inaugural attempt at an electric convertible (MG is currently the only real competitor) is truly remarkable.
It's disappointing that the approximately 260-mile range doesn’t measure up to what you'd expect from a classic Grand Tourer, and due to its hefty price tag of £185,610 ($206,995/roughly AU$328,000), very few people will have the chance to drive this vehicle at all.
2. Porsche Macan EV
Recently, Porsche has been making news headlines partly due to sluggish electric vehicle sales and diminishing interest in its electrified vehicles.
To such an extent, the German brand has stated that they are contemplating fitting combustion engines into models that were initially planned to be exclusively electric-only.
It seems like a regression, with the most recent development being Macan EV is excellent, boasting Porsche's latest in-car software, impressive range and Turbo variants that will embarrass most supercars in a drag race.
Boasting 584 horsepower available (which can go up to 639hp using Launch Control), the Macan Turbo is a powerful vehicle, yet it remains comfortable and practical for daily use. It offers ample room for five occupants and includes the choice of adding another touchscreen display for the front seats.
More budget-friendly and more efficient models are available, yet even the high-end Turbo can travel up to 336 miles per charge. It also boasts a peak charging capability of 270kW for quick replenishment times.
Even more remarkable is the infotainment system, built on Android Automotive OS, known for its swift responsiveness. It launches incredibly quickly upon startup and can swiftly map out even the most intricate transcontinental journeys, including suggested recharge stations, all within moments.
Porsche was the pioneer in being the first company to introduce higher degrees of Apple CarPlay Integration into its vehicles means you can adjust settings without leaving the ecosystem—or just switch the DAB radio station—right from within your device.
However, its dedicated smartphone application is also remarkable, offering features such as planning routes on your device and sending them directly to the vehicle, remotely controlling temperature settings, scheduling charging times, and analyzing detailed driving statistics.
Unfortunately, the primary obstacle for many will be the cost, as the Copper Ruby Metallic Turbo model I evaluated was priced at £118,761 (approximately $153,500 or AU$243,200) once all the options were selected. Yikes.
- Read more: Inside the latest Porsche Macan – the Android-driven electric vehicle set to challenge Tesla
1. Kia EV3
Kia, along with its sibling company Hyundai, was one of the initial manufacturers beyond Tesla to wholeheartedly embrace electrification, committing entirely to electric vehicles. current line-up The reflection of vehicles underscores this reality.
The EV6 remains a pioneer, both in the past and present, whereas the EV9 defeat Volvo and Range Rover to become the world's first luxury seven-seater SUV powered entirely by electricity.
A smaller EV2 is coming next year and some markets are already enjoying the mid-sized EV5 SUV – but it was the EV3 that took top marks from me this year , purely because I felt it would happily slot into the lives of the majority of drivers.
The chunky, Stormtrooper-inspired looks, the clever use of interior space and the tempting price tag (£32,995 in the UK or around $35,000 when it eventually goes in sale in the US in 2026) make it a solid everyday option that doesn’t break the bank.
Offered with either a 58.3kWh or the larger 81.4kWh battery pack, EV3 is good for either 267 or 372 miles.
Despite not packing the same fast-charging 800V electrical architecture as the EV6 and EV9, it still manages a 20-80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes from a rapid charging outlet
What’s more, Kia’s overall efficiency is solid and the estimated range read-outs are accurate, giving owners assurance that it will make it to the exotic final destination of those longer road trips.
Where the EV landscape was desperately missing an everyday vehicle that could garner the same reputation as Volkswagen’s Golf in Europe or Honda’s CR-V and Toyota’s Rav 4 in North America, Kia’s EV3 arguably answers that call.
- Read more: I’ve driven the Kia EV3 and it's one of the best electric vehicles for most people right now
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