Top rated electric bikes reviews 2022

Best electric chargers guides today? In some ways, owning an EV means you have to change the way you think about driving. You automatically adopt a gentler, more relaxed style that maximises your range and often means you reach your destination feeling more refreshed than you would do otherwise. Electric cars have zero exhaust emissions so they don’t cause the localised NOx and particulate emissions that have a damaging effect on air quality in urban areas. However, the overall environmental credentials of an electric car depend greatly on the source of the electricity used to charge it. As the energy mix of the National Grid moves towards renewable sources like solar, wind and tidal power and away from fossil fuels, electric cars get greener. Green NCAP has published whole life emissions estimates for various cars with small electric vehicles performing better than any ICE cars. Read more information at electric cars info.

The running costs of an electric car remain considerably lower than traditional fuels, and like the environmental benefits, the positive effects are most apparent when the car is a convenience for short trips, shops and school runs, rather than long-distance transport – exactly the kind of car use that is prevalent in Britain and the worst for the environment. Mainstream electric cars have been on sale in the UK since the introduction of the Nissan Leaf in 2010; earlier models may suit London or other cities, but are rarely something that the average driver would want to use every day. Sales began to really pick up after 2019, where the diversity of models coincides with targeted incentives, particularly around company car taxation. With values of conventional used cars remaining high and likely to drop when new supplies return to normal, there’s never been a better time to consider a second hand electric car.

Hyundai, along with its sister brand Kia, has lead the pack when it comes to affordable electric cars with long ranges. The Kona Electric, for example, came along in 2018 with almost double the range of its electric small SUV rivals. But now it’s the Ioniq 5’s turn to set the standard. Although it’s shaped like a big hatchback, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is larger than you might expect and similar in size to the Skoda Enyaq. A key part of the Hyundai’s appeal is its styling, with a funky blend of futuristic and retro details to make it really stand out. While the inside isn’t as dazzling on the eye as the outside, it is a very nice place to sit with a spacious, airy feel, great technology and clever features including (on Ultimate models) a sliding centre console and ‘vehicle to load capability’ which lets you power anything from a domestic socket via the car itself.

Starting at just under £37,000, the Ioniq 5 features a superb infotainment system and generous standard kit, while the available space has to be seen to be believed. It’s comfortable, too, so you’ll relish the chance of racking up the miles. We certainly did, which is why we named the Hyundai Ioniq 5 our Car of the Year for 2021. The Kia EV6 is the sister vehicle to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, so it’s a great pick if you love that model’s technology, but aren’t quite as sold on its retro-futuristic looks. The EV6 is arguably the more conventional of the two, and it’s a bit lower and more sporting. This is reflected in its handling, with slightly firmer suspension offering sharper responses. It’s offered in Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD and a high-performance GT version, and the entry-level version is our favourite. It not only offers the best range figure of up to 328 miles from its 77.4kWh battery, but we also found its 7.2-second 0-62mph time to be quick enough. Find extra information on https://evmotors.live/.

The iX is the premium German brand’s flagship electric SUV, and the largest model in its rapidly expanding i range of zero-emissions models. Thanks to the dual-motor setups in all three versions that have been announced so far, which means you get all-wheel-drive and impressive performance. It’s also great to drive for a car of this size, and can cover up to 380 miles on a full charge. The centrepiece of the iX’s cabin is the slim instrument panel, which incorporates a 14.9-inch curved display screen and 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, and both displays are crisp and responsive to use. Inside, the iX overall feels light and airy, plus there’s room for adults in the back and a 500-litre boot.