Electric Cars – what’s new and on the horizon?

Abarth’s overhaul of the latest Fiat 500e is one of only a handful of electric hot hatches. Beneath the aggressive styling, sport seats and paint options, the 153bhp motor propels the city car to 62mph in seven seconds, accompanied by a simulated engine note and drive modes for race circuits. If you don’t have the willpower to eke out the published range, you’ll get 80% of it back in just 35 minutes at an 85kW chargepoint.

Electric range: 164 miles

List price (P11d): £34,140-£38,140

Available: Summer 2023

The first electric A6 saloon and Avant estate are set to break cover at the end of this year, sharing an EV-only platform with the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT. Production styling is said to be close to the concept version (pictured), combining a low roofline, long wheelbase and 469bhp performance with quattro all-wheel drive. Ultra-fast 270kW charging restores over 180 miles of range in ten minutes.

Electric range: 435 miles

List price (P11d): £75,000+ (est)

Available: Early 2024

BMW’s eighth-generation 5 Series will include a new battery-electric variant, available in saloon and (from 2024) Touring estate body styles. Drivers can choose from a 335bhp rear-wheel drive model with a range of up to 361 miles, or the high-performance, dual-motor M60 xDrive with 593bhp. Both can store up to five chargepoint memberships and begin charging without a payment card or app.

Electric range: 282-361 miles (saloon)

List price (P11d): £73,145-£96,785

Available: October 2023.

Chinese brand BYD Auto is a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest electronics companies, and the Dolphin is its first Golf-sized hatchback for Europe. It’s based on an EV-only platform and uses the company’s unique ‘Blade’ battery cells, utilising a more stable lithium-iron polymer (LFP) chemistry without compromising passenger space or range. The cabin is trimmed in “vegan leather” and includes generous rear legroom and a panoramic glass roof.

Electric range: 265 miles

List price (P11d): From £35,000 (est)

Available: Summer 2023, deliveries from Q4

Rivalling for the UK’s best-selling electric car, the Tesla Model 3, BYD Auto’s aerodynamic saloon car is based on its EV-only platform with ‘Blade’ battery cells integrated directly into the structure – instead of into modules mounted in a separate pack. Rear-wheel drive by default, the most powerful dual-motor, all-wheel drive model produces 523bhp and sprints to 62mph in a supercar-like 3.8 seconds.

Electric range: 323-354 miles

List price (P11d): From £45,000 (est)

Available: September 2023

SEAT sister brand Cupra’s first all-electric SUV is also its first model built in China. The Tavascan is a coupe-SUV based on the same architecture as the Volkswagen ID.5, and features a 77kWh battery with fast charging returning 62 miles of range in around seven minutes. Being a Cupra, it’s also tuned for performance; featuring adjustable sports suspension, progressive steering and 21-inch wheels, while the most powerful dual-motor model produces 335bhp.

Electric range: Up to 341 miles

List price (P11d): From £50,000 (est)

Available: Early 2024.

American newcomer Fisker is launching in Europe with a BMW iX3-sized electric SUV and headline-grabbing value for money – the entry-level Ocean boasts a 273-mile range with the same list price as the much smaller e-2008. UK customers will get two battery options with a choice of rear or four-wheel drive in three trim levels, ‘California mode’ which opens all of the windows with one button, and the ability to power electrical appliances from the battery.

Electric range: 273-440 miles

List price (P11d): £35,915-£60,745

Available: Now, deliveries from summer 2023

Slightly smaller than the Kuga, the Explorer is a compact crossover designed and built in Europe and sharing an EV-only platform with the Volkswagen ID.4. It includes a cabin packed full of useful storage and a 14.6-inch tablet-style central display which can slide up or down for easier access. Ford hasn’t confirmed powertrains yet, but expect similar battery options and range to its Volkswagen Group stablemates.

Electric range: >300 miles (est)

Price (OTR): From £40,000 (est)

Available: Late 2023

Following on from the Funky Cat launched in 2022, GWM Ora’s as-yet-unnamed European flagship has its sights set on Tesla, Hyundai and Kia. Recently revealed at the Fully Charged Live event, the retro-styled electric saloon will be available with two or four-wheel drive, the latter producing 400hp and reaching 62mph in 4.4 seconds. Occupants will get a luxurious interior with a 12-3-inch tablet-style screen and large panoramic roof.

Electric range: 300 miles

List price (P11d): From £45,000 (est)

Available: Early 2024

Similar in size to the hybrid HR-V, but based on an EV-only platform, the e:NY1 SUV is will rival the Vauxhall Mokka and Peugeot e-2008 in Europe. All versions use the same 201bhp motor and 68.8kWh battery, which can charge from 10-80% in three quarters of an hour and gain 60 miles of range in around ten minutes. It also includes a tablet-like 15.1-inch touchscreen, compatible with Android and Apple phones.

Electric range: 256 miles

List price (P11d): From £40,000 (est)

Available: Late 2023

Closely related to the DS 3, the Avenger SUV is the first ever electric Jeep. It gets parent company Stellantis’s latest 154bhp electric motor, but with low overhangs for off-road driving and SelecTerrain modes to maximise traction on mud, snow and sand. On tarmac, the Avenger features a suite of driver assistance technologies and 100kW fast charging, restoring 80% of the range in half an hour.

Electric range: 248 miles

List price (P11d): £35,645-£39,545

Available: June, deliveries from summer 2023

Kia’s new flagship is a futuristic-looking electric SUV with space for up to seven passengers and a maximum towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes. Larger than the Sorrento, the EV9 takes full advantage of its EV-only platform, offering additional storage space under the bonnet and a six-seat version with middle row seating that can rotate or recline. Ultra-fast charging restores 148 miles in 15 minutes, and the battery can supply power to electrical appliances too.

Electric range: Up to 336 miles

List price (P11d): From £65,000 (est)

Available: Late 2023

The result of a global collaboration between engineering teams in the UK, China and Germany, the Eletra takes Lotus into uncharted territory. It’s a high-performance luxury SUV, longer end to end than a BMW X5 available with a choice of 603bhp or 905bhp powertrains with a 112kWh battery. Technology rich, it includes EV-specific predictive navigation, hardware ready for automated driving, and can charge from 10-80% in 20 minutes.

Electric range: 304-373 miles

List price (P11d): £89,445-£119,945

Available: Now, deliveries summer 2023

Folgore – the Italian word for “lightning” – is Maserati’s umbrella for its growing electric line-up, and the Grecale SUV is its second battery-powered model. Performance is worthy of the trident badge, producing 550bhp from its dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain, while the cabin features recycled materials and gesture-operated climate controls, so drivers can keep their eyes on the road. Expect pricing to be higher than the 530hp petrol flagship.

Electric range: 310 miles

List price (P11d): £100,000 (est)

Available: Early 2024

Based on the Citan van, the EQT is a premium-brand alternative to the Citroën ë-Berlingo MPV. Mercedes-Benz will offer five-seat and long-wheelbase seven-seat versions, both of which will have space for three child booster seats in the second row and sliding doors for tight parking spaces. Both have a 45kWh battery compatible with three-phase chargepoints and DC rapid chargers at up to 80kW, restoring 80% of the range in 38 minutes.

Electric range: 175 miles

List price (P11d): From £42,000 (five-seat, est)

Available: Summer 2023

MG is going back to its roots with the Cyberster, which will be the UK’s first electric roadster when it arrives next year. Technical details are limited so far, but its dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain dispenses with the 0-62mph sprint in less than three seconds and the concept-like scissor doors will make it through to the production model.

Electric range: 497 miles

List price (P11d): £60,000 (est)

Available: Summer 2024

The first electric 308 hatchback and estate will complete one of the most diverse powertrain line-ups in Europe’s most popular vehicle segment – alongside petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions. Peugeot says the newcomer will include the new 154bhp motor with performance and efficiency-tuned driving modes, DC rapid charging at 100kW and optional support for three-phase, 11kW charging.

Electric range: 248 miles

List price (P11d): From £40,000

Available: Summer 2023

Peugeot will offer battery-electric versions of its entire model range by 2025, and the new 3008 and seven-seat 5008 SUVs will join that line-up within months. These will the first vehicles to use the new Stellantis mid-size EV platform, providing three powertrain options and two battery cell chemistries to maximise affordability and range. The smaller 3008 is due to break cover during the autumn.

Electric range: Up to 434 miles

List price (P11d): From £45,000

Available: Late 2023

Swedish-Chinese electric brand Polestar’s third model is a BMW X5-sized SUV, equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance features and powerful tablet-style touchscreen based on Google’s Android operating system. It’s launching a two dual-motor, four-wheel drive system and 111kWh battery pack, and an option to boost the standard 483bhp to 510bhp with the Performance Pack.

Electric range: 347-379 miles

List price (P11d): £79,845-£85,445

Available: Now, deliveries Q2 2024

Despite its name, the Polestar 4 coupe-SUV is smaller than the 3, but it’s also the fastest vehicle the company has built so far – 544bhp dual-motor versions reach 62mph in 3.8 seconds. Unusual for its lack of rear screen (there’s a camera on the roof instead), it’s designed for minimal environmental impact during production and includes ultra-fast 200kW DC charging and the ability to power external devices from the battery.

Electric range: Up to 372 miles.

List price (P11d): From £55,000

Available: Early 2024

Although it’s larger than previous models, Smart’s first SUV is a fresh take on the company’s traditional strengths. It features a long wheelbase within a similar footprint to cars like the Mini Countryman, with frameless doors and a potent Brabus version that can sprint to 62mph in 3.9 seconds. The premium-class cabin also includes a voice-controlled, AI-powered avatar to help minimise driver distraction on the road.

Electric range: 248-273 miles

List price (P11d): £35,895-£43,395

Available: Now, deliveries Q3 2023

Revealed in Shanghai earlier this year, the #3 is Smart’s largest model to date and the result of a collaboration between Chinese and European design teams. It’s an aerodynamic coupe-SUV, similar in size to the Volkswagen T-Roc and available with a choice of vivid colours and a powerful Brabus version. European market details will be announced at the IAA motor show in Munich in September.

Electric range: 300 miles (est)

List price (P11d): From £40,000 (est)

Available: Early 2024

Toyota’s electric coupe-SUV is likely to come to market as the BZ3x later this year, and was designed in France, reflecting its importance in Europe. The production version will be sold alongside a second-generation of the visually similar C-HR hybrid, but based on a different, modular EV-only architecture shared with the larger BZ4x. Concept versions highlighted sustainable production methods, including seating made with plant-based materials.

Electric range: 250-300 miles (est)

List price (P11d): From £38,000 (est)

Available: Late 2023

A British motoring staple for more than 40 years, the Astra line-up will expand to include its first battery electric variant in 2023, available as a hatchback or flexible Sports Tourer estate. Vauxhall claims high efficiency of almost five miles per kilowatt-hour from the new generation 156hp electric motor, while 80% of the range can be restored in half an hour at a 100kW+ chargepoint.

Electric range: 258 miles

Price (OTR): From £39,940

Available: June 2023

Think of Volkswagen’s flagship electric saloon as a successor to the Passat. It’s the first ID model with a new 282bhp motor and much faster 200kW charging system, while the aerodynamic silhouette offers a motorway-friendly range. Volkswagen claims to have addressed criticisms with earlier software and dashboard controls but has yet to confirm whether the estate version (previewed by 2019’s ID.Space Vizzion concept) will follow.

Electric range: 435 miles

List price (P11d): From £50,000 (est)

Available: Autumn 2023

Volvo’s smallest ever SUV is based on an EV-only platform shared with Smart, claiming generous cabin and luggage space and a low CO2 footprint. It’s launching with a choice of four interior options, including materials made from recycled denim and plastics, two battery capacities and a choice of two or four-wheel drive. The twin motor version produces 428hp, and is the fastest-accelerating Volvo in history.

Electric range: Up to 298 miles

List price (P11d): From £33,740

Available: June 2023 (order), November 2023 (deliveries)

Volvo’s flagship SUV is an electric sister product to the XC90, which will continue to be sold alongside it. There’s space for seven on board, a second cargo area under the bonnet, and a suite of cutting-edge sensors and precision maps to enable advanced driver assistance features. Both launch versions have four-wheel drive, producing up to 510bhp, and a 32-minute charge from 10-80%.

Electric range: 360-363 miles

List price (P11d): £96,200-£100,500

Available: Now, deliveries early 2024