New Volvo XC90

New BMW 3 Series

Jeep Avenger

Renault Captur

BMW X3

Kia Sportage

Aston Martin Vantage

best-electric-cars-2024-–-the-evs-to-buy-and-those-to-avoid

<p>Electric cars&nbsp;have&nbsp;now entered&nbsp;the mainstream, accounting for almost a fifth of&nbsp;new car sales&nbsp;in the UK.&nbsp;What's more, their&nbsp;rise is only going to accelerate as rules are introduced to limit the kind of vehicles allowed into major cities and we get closer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/new-petrol-and-diesel-cars-to-be-banned-from-2030/n15810">2035&nbsp;ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel models</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That means more buyers are thinking about switching to an electric car,&nbsp;but how can you decide which ones deserve a spot on your shortlist? Well, the&nbsp;main thing that has traditionally prevented electric cars selling in greater numbers&nbsp;is range anxiety – the fear that you won’t have enough juice to get to where you’re going. However, with plenty of models now capable of covering more than 200 miles between charges, and some a lot more than that, this is becoming less of an issue.</p>


Best electric cars 2024

Hatchback

<p dir="ltr">Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.</p>

<p dir="ltr">From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.</p>

<p dir="ltr">On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.</p>


RENAULT

MEGANE E-TECH

<p>Many electric cars are bought as company cars, and it’s safe to assume that most of those will spend a lot of their lives going up and down motorways. If that sounds familiar, the Renault Megane E-Tech may be worth a place on your shortlist.</p>

<p>A wealth of sound insulation means the Megane is much quieter at speed than a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4</a>, and the suspension is firm enough to prevent wallowing, while still offering great ride comfort.</p>

<p>The Megane’s 280-mile official range is slightly ahead of what an entry-level&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">Volkswagen ID 3</a>&nbsp;can achieve, too, but heavy depreciation means relatively high monthly payments for those buying on PCP.</p>

<p><em>"Details such as the chic fabric-topped dashboard and perforated leather steering wheel help the Megane's interior to stand out visually,"&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a></em></p>

<h3><strong>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-e-tech/hatchback/review/n24175">Renault Megane E-Tech review</a></strong></h3>


10: Renault Megane E-Tech

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Strong performance</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride – even on 20in alloys</li>
	<li>Great driving position</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Relatively heavy depreciation</li>
	<li>Rivals have more rear space</li>
	<li>Snatchy brake pedal</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.</p>


VOLKSWAGEN

ID.3

<p>The Volkswagen ID 3 is a jack-of-all-trades. It’s good to drive, well-equipped and pretty comfy on the move, but struggles to stand out against the best of its rivals in any one area.</p>

<p>There are two versions of the ID 3: Pro and Pro S. The former is the entry level version – that gets a 58kWh battery which means it can officially manage 265 miles between charges – while Pro S cars get a larger, 77kWh battery, which provides a 347-mile official range.</p>

<p>However, the ID 3’s high price tag means it’s hard to recommend one over an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a>.</p>

<p><em>"The ID 3 makes liberal use of soft-touch materials – they're on top of the dashboard, on the door panels&nbsp;and pretty much everywhere in your immediate eyeline,"&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a></em></p>

<h3><strong>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">Volkswagen ID 3 review</a></strong></h3>


9: Volkswagen ID 3

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Loads of standard kit and safety equipment</li>
	<li>Sprightly performance</li>
	<li>Decent to drive</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Iffy interior quality</li>
	<li>Tesla Model 3 can use better charging network</li>
	<li>Infotainment system needs some upgrades</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.</p>

<p>Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.</p>


FIAT

<p>The Fiat 500 Electric is another reimagining of the icon, and with a starting price of less than £20,000, proves that a great electric car needn’t break the bank. For that, you’ll get a range of 115 miles which is fine for round-town use, and in the real world is close to what you’d get from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/honda-e/hatchback/review/n20882">Honda e</a>&nbsp;or a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/electric/hatchback/review/n20910">Mini Electric</a>.</p>

<p>We think it’s worth spending a little more for the larger 42kWh battery which has an official range of up to 199 miles. Its zippier acceleration improves all-round useability.</p>

<p>The 500 Electric excels in the city, though, where those compact dimensions, plus a tight turning circle make it very manoeuvrable. However, the boot is small and the rear seats are cramped, meaning its practicality is a step behind the likes of the Mini.</p>

<p><em>"Around town, the 500's accurate steering and tight turning circle make weaving through traffic a breeze, and there's very little noise, including from the electric motor,"&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a>&nbsp;</em></p>

<h3><strong>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/hatchback/review/n84">Fiat 500 Electric review</a></strong></h3>


8: Fiat 500 Electric

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Decent range between charges</li>
	<li>Fun to drive around town</li>
	<li>Stacks up well financially</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Tiny rear seats</li>
	<li>Noisy on the motorway</li>
	<li>Rivals have longer electric ranges</li>
</ul>


Saloon

<p dir="ltr">Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.</p>

<p dir="ltr">At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.</p>


AUDI

E-TRON GT

<p>Grand tourers need to be sleek, fast and capable of covering huge distances. And for that alone, the Audi E-tron GT lives up to its name. Officially, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.1sec, but at the hands of our testers, it’s gone even faster. It can cover up to 305 miles on a charge and can accept&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">charging speeds</a>&nbsp;of up to 270kW – if you can find a charger with enough oomph, only the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/taycan/saloon/review/n20184">Porsche Taycan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/maserati/granturismo/coupe/review/n26333">Maserati GranTurismo Folgore</a>&nbsp;can match it.</p>

<p>The E-tron GT is a little softer than the more agile Taycan, but it still drives superbly, and is far more entertaining than a Tesla Model S. It’s also nicer inside, and unlike both the Tesla and Taycan, there are physical buttons for regularly-used features. There’s no doubting the tech, which is easy to use and the screens are clear and responsive.</p>

<p>It’s not quite perfect, though. With a starting price of more than £80,000, it’s quite pricey even if resale values are very good. And there’s a bit of whine from the motor – but if you can overlook that, it really is a fine electric car.</p>

<p><em>"Most of the E-tron GT's dashboard controls take the form of physical buttons, making quick adjustments really easy on the move," –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a></em></p>

<h3><strong>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/e-tron-gt/saloon/review/n22728">Audi E-tron GT review</a></strong></h3>


7: Audi E-tron GT

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Potentially rapid charging</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride and great handling</li>
	<li>Very well equipped and strong resale values</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Ionity rapid chargers are few and far between</li>
	<li>Not as spacious as a Model S</li>
	<li>Low-speed motor whine and gearbox shunt</li>
</ul>


<p>The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.</p>

<p>Like Abarth, some of Cupra's models including the Ateca and Leon are extensively reworked Seats, but models such as the Born and Formentor are exclusive to Cupra.</p>

<p>Whilst Cupras are closely related to equivalent models from Seat and Volkswagen, they are generally tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience.</p>


CUPRA

BORN

<p>Think of the Cupra Born as a slightly more fun, and slightly more classy alternative to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">Volkswagen ID 3</a>. Both models share a great deal under the skin, but with only a few exceptions, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference.</p>

<p>Mechanically, the Born and ID 3 very similar, with a choice of 58kWh and 77kWh batteries, delivering official ranges of 264 and 341 miles – along in our real-world tests, the former returned 183 miles (winter) and 219 miles (summer), with the latter managing 235 and 285 miles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We think the smaller battery makes most sense because the range should be plenty for many drivers, and the V1 trim comes with pretty much everything you’d need.</p>

<p><em>"The Born feels very roomy up front, with plenty of handy cubbyholes, while a couple of six-footers will be comfortable in the back,"&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta, Head of Video</a></em></p>

<h3><strong>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born review</a></strong></h3>


6: Cupra Born

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good range between charges</li>
	<li>Relatively fun handling</li>
	<li>Quiet cruising manners</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Much pricier than MG4</li>
	<li>Awful touch-sensitive dashboard buttons</li>
	<li>Slightly firmer ride than ID 3</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.</p>

<p dir="ltr">While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.</p>


MG MOTOR UK

<p dir="ltr">MG's latest electric car is staggering value for money – particularly in entry-level SE trim. Don’t think that by going for the cheapest choice you’ll be left lacking in kit, though;&nbsp;luxuries such as adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors come as standard.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Elsewhere, the MG4&nbsp;impresses with a competitive range of up to 218 miles between charges with the cheapest 50.8kWh battery. The more expensive 61.7kWh models, meanwhile, can travel up to 281 miles between charges according to official figures. If you want to match a good range with the kind of acceleration which can embarrass a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/taycan/saloon/review/n20184">Porsche Taycan</a>&nbsp;4S, then go for the MG4 XPower, which gets 429bhp and four-wheel drive.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Some rivals, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-e-tech/hatchback/review/n24175">Renault Megane E-Tech</a>&nbsp;are quieter, more polished to drive and have smarter interiors than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/mg-motor-uk">MG</a>, but then they also cost thousands more to buy.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"In high-end Trophy trim, the MG4 comes packed with kit, yet is still temptingly affordable," –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/oliver-young/n22317">Oliver Young, Used Cars Reporter</a></em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 review</a></strong></h3>


5: MG4

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Incredibly well priced</li>
	<li>Competitive range between charges</li>
	<li>Long warranty</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Some interior materials disappoint</li>
	<li>Slightly unsettled ride</li>
	<li>Infotainment system is fiddly</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.</p>

<p dir="ltr">BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.</p>

<p dir="ltr">All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.</p>


<p dir="ltr">The BMW i4 is fast, with some versions able to reach 60mph from a standing start in just 3.8sec. The i4 is also better at putting its power down than single-motor versions of the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/polestar/2/hatchback/review/n21641">Polestar 2</a>, especially in slippery conditions.&nbsp;Plus, it's comfortable on long journeys, and extremely hushed at high speeds.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Factor in a decent range of up to 367 miles between charges, a great infotainment system that’s easy to get along with, as well as its plush interior and it's a compelling alternative to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, it’s worth bearing in mind that the Model 3 comes with a significantly better-charging network – important if you cover a lot of motorway miles. Plus, whether you’re buying outright or on a finance deal, the i4 will cost you more than most rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"The i4 is noticeably more settled than the BYD Seal in urban environments, its suspension smothering patches of broken Tarmac with a greater degree of sophistication,"&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a></em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/i4/hatchback/review/n23575">BMW i4 review</a></strong></h3>


4: BMW i4

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Brilliant performance</li>
	<li>Impressive official range</li>
	<li>Class-leading infotainment</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Relatively expensive to buy outright</li>
	<li>M50 not as sharp as Tesla Model 3 Performance</li>
	<li>BMW lacks Tesla’s world-beating charging infrastructure</li>
</ul>


Estate

<p dir="ltr">Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.</p>


PORSCHE

TAYCAN

<p dir="ltr">If you're looking for all the usual electric car benefits but want something that's also absolutely thrilling to drive, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/taycan/saloon/review/n20184">Porsche Taycan</a>&nbsp;is the car for you.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Even entry level models come with 322bhp, while range-topping Turbo versions offer up to 751bhp – enough for a 0-62mph sprint time of just 2.8sec. An incredibly low centre of gravity and impressive steering makes the Taycan feel very agile. It gives you a better connection to the front wheels than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/eqs/saloon/review/n24120">Mercedes EQS</a>, for example, and only the near-identical&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/e-tron-gt/saloon/review/n22728">Audi E-tron GT</a>&nbsp;can match it for grip.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Don’t worry about range, either;&nbsp;all versions of the Taycan should be capable of taking you 200 miles between charges in real-world conditions.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Taycan is wonderfully classy inside, too, and surprisingly practical, particularly if you go for the estate-like Cross Turismo version&nbsp;we're recommending here. So, while the Taycan certainly isn't cheap, it's worth every penny.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"With its longer, flatter roofline giving passengers significantly more head room than you'll find in the regular Taycan, the Cross Turismo's rear seats can easily accommodate a couple of six-footers," –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a></em>&nbsp;</p>

<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/taycan/estate/review/n22960">Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo&nbsp;review</a></strong></h3>


3: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Incredible point-to-point pace</li>
	<li>More spacious rear seats than in the coupé</li>
	<li>Wonderful interior quality</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>You'll want to add a fair few options</li>
	<li>Range isn’t spectacular</li>
	<li>Non-electric rivals have bigger boots</li>
</ul>


ID. BUZZ

<p dir="ltr">There’s so much affection for the retro design of the Volkswagen&nbsp;ID Buzz that its maker could easily have penny-pinched on the engineering and still sold as many as it could make.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Instead,&nbsp;the German brand has clearly thrown everything at the car, and this has resulted&nbsp;in something 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.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The ID Buzz is good to drive – it can sprint up to motorway speeds faster than many conventional&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family SUV</a>s, such as the 1.5-litre petrol-engined&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/tiguan/estate/review/n17357">Volkswagen Tiguan</a>&nbsp;– and is endlessly spacious, meaning more space for passengers and luggage than you'd find in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/i-pace/estate/review/n122">Jaguar I-Pace</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a>.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"I've not come close to maxing out the ID Buzz's&nbsp;available boot space yet –&nbsp;even on trips to Ikea and the tip," –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/stuart-milne/n25965">Stuart Milne, Digital Editor</a></em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/idbuzz/mpv/review/n24946">Volkswagen ID Buzz review</a></strong></h3>


2: Volkswagen ID Buzz

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Pleasant to drive with a comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Hugely practical</li>
	<li>Strong resale values</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not available as a seven-seater - yet</li>
	<li>Fiddly air-con controls and infotainment</li>
	<li>Efficiency could be better</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


TESLA

MODEL 3

<p>Since its launch in 2019, the Tesla Model 3 has consistently been one of our favourite electric cars. Now, thanks to a recent update, it’s the model to beat – as well as being our favourite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/executive-cars/n2004">executive car</a>.</p>

<p>The Model 3 is great to drive, offering sweeter handling than the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/polestar/2/hatchback/review/n21641">Polestar 2</a>. It’s fast, too (ridiculously so in Performance guise), and surprisingly practical.</p>

<p>The near-complete lack of physical buttons and switches (even the indicator stalk has been replaced with haptic buttons on the steering wheel) won’t suit everyone, but the enormous 15.4in central screen is at least pretty user-friendly.</p>

<p>Factor in that the Model 3 is also competitively priced, and that buying one gets you access to the brand’s ultra-fast and convenient Supercharger network, and it’s easy to recommend.</p>

<p><em>"Every time we test a Tesla, it proves vastly more efficient than its rivals; the Model 3 averaged 3.7 miles per kilowatt hour of electricity used on our real-world test route,"&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a></em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3 review</a></strong></h3>


1: Tesla Model 3

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Fast and reliable charging via Tesla's Supercharger network</li>
	<li>Long range between charges</li>
	<li>Surprisingly practical</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Fiddly interior controls</li>
	<li>Handling not as entertaining as the best petrol-powered rivals</li>
	<li>Windscreen pillars hamper visibility</li>
</ul>


GWM ORA

<p>The Ora 3 has its strengths, including lots of safety kit and a long warranty, but it's too far behind key rivals in too many other areas to recommend.</p>

<hr />
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