Choosing an electric vehicle for the first time can be daunting but leasing offers drivers the opportunity to live with an electric car without the commitment of a purchase. Doing your homework will prove invaluable to making sure your transition into driving an electric vehicle is a successful one. Read on to discover which EVs we think should make your shortlist.
1. Kia EV3
The EV3 sits below the Niro, EV6 and EV9 in Kia’s electric line-up as the brand's smallest electric car, but don't let that fool you because it can officially travel the furthest of them all, enabling up to 375 miles in the form of the Long Range variant. It offers good levels of equipment and performance at an affordable price.
Providing a comfortable journey facilitated by soft suspension, adjustable levels of regenerative braking even allow the vehicle to harvest energy while decelerating. There's a digital driver's display, a 5.3in climate-control panel and a 12.3in infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come as standard, as well as a rear-view camera among other features.
2. Tesla Model 3
Offering long range and fast charging, the Tesla Model 3 has won numerous awards, is good to drive, offers plenty of tech, and makes a practical and spacious executive car choice. Tesla drivers get access to Tesla’s national Supercharger network.
There are 4 versions to choose from and the long range, all-wheel drive trim offers up to 436 miles of range on 18-inch wheels thanks to a 79kWh battery.
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
A big electric family SUV with a large boot and generous standard equipment, the Ioniq offers ultra- rapid charging as well as respectable range with the larger battery version delivering up to 354 miles. Choose from 2 battery sizes, rear or 4-wheel drive and one of 5 trims. Pixel-style lights give this vehicle a futuristic feel. You can top up at lightning speed too, with a 10-80% charge of the biggest battery taking just 18 minutes. Performance is good, coupled with secure handling, but if it’s even more fun you want then the Ioniq 5 N is worth a look (pictured above).
4. Skoda Elroq
This is an affordable SUV that has been applauded for ticking all the boxes expected of it. Smallish yet practical, rear space is decent and there’s plenty of space for 3 to be comfy in the back.
It has a good peak charging rate, getting you from 10-80 percent in as little as 28 minutes. An official range between charges of up to 360 miles makes this a practical choice for those who like to drive longer distances and the boot also provides a respectable 470 litres holding plenty of luggage on those longer journeys.
5. Kia EV9
A large 7-seater SUV for big families and drivers frequently needing to carry a large numbers of passengers, the EV9 is refined, practical, relatively affordable and has a well-appointed, high tech interior. With 3 trims to choose from, all EV9 models get the same big battery.
A 6-seat configuration option enables second-row seats to swivel 180 degrees when the vehicle is stationary and the EV9 provides range of up to 349 miles as the long range single-motor model and 313 miles if you choose the dual-motor version.
6. Renault 5 E-Tech
Taking design influence from the 1970s original while nailing the modern look and feel, you get a 148bhp motor and can choose either a 40kWh or 52kWh battery. Hailed as one of the best small EVs on the market, this Renault 5 provides up to 252 miles of quoted range and a comfortable ride perfect around towns and cities. It's agile and responsive with a hint of sportiness keeping it nippy and fun.
Unexpectedly for such a compact vehicle, the Renault 5 E-Tech has a 400-litre boot which is bigger than most of its rivals. Rear doors enhance the practicality even further.
7. Volvo EX30
One of the best-value premium family-crossover EVs, the Volvo EX30 has a high-quality, premium interior and is well built with decent levels of kit. Not only is it good to drive, it can deliver up to 296 miles on a single charge if you opt for the Extended Range version. With 422bhp on the Twin Motor Performance version, it can be exhilarating to drive too, though most families will be quite happy to stick with one of the single motor options.
8. VW ID.7
Big on comfort, space and range, the VW ID.7 offers drivers a tech-rich driving experience and refined, quiet travel. Almost silent on the motorway, this vehicle makes long journeys a breeze, offering comfort and entertainment, delivered through its infotainment screen. If you choose the Pro S Match model the range is a claimed 434 miles which puts it among the best in its class.
9. Porsche Taycan
No top 10 list could be complete without a Porsche and the Taycan now offers more range than ever and charges quicker than almost any other EV on the market. Including active suspension and smart infotainment it offers supreme performance too. It's essentially a supercar in the guise of a practical...(sensible even...) 4-door saloon with enough storage to make it an all-round great choice, if you have the budget.
10. Dacia Spring
Leaping from one end of the scale to the other, to the budget end of the budget class, you'll find the Dacia Spring, possibly the cheapest electric car you could lease!
The Spring brings no frills electric travel into the remit of almost anyone, as long as you can make do with a vehicle that has enough space for only 2 adults and 2 children and a boot just big enough for a week’s groceries. Admittedly you won't be bowled over by the range or charging capabilities either, but it does the job if you need a simple runaround for suburban use.