Top 10 best family electric cars 2024

Built on a dedicated EV platform, it features an advanced 800V electrical architecture, enabling much faster charging. This cutting-edge technology is currently shared only with the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-tron GT, along with similar Kia models.

The Ioniq 5 is not just a technical marvel; its retro-futuristic design and high-quality interior also draw significant attention. Despite its size and weight, the car offers an engaging driving experience with strong performance, good grip, and just enough adjustability to keep things interesting. It is also a relaxing cruiser with excellent noise suppression, a comfortable ride, and a luxurious feel that suits an electric car perfectly. The well-designed interior provides ample space in the back and a practical trunk.

In a recent group test, the long-range, rear-wheel-drive version of the Ioniq 5 narrowly beat the Skoda Enyaq iV, impressing testers with its engaging drive and bold design. This version, with its 77kWh battery and single motor, offers the best balance of performance, price, and range.

Prices start at £43,445 for the 168bhp rear-wheel drive model with a 240-mile range, and go up to £57,945 for the top-of-the-line Namsan Edition with a 321bhp twin motor and all-wheel drive. If you need more excitement, a 641bhp N model is set to hit showrooms later this year. Matt Prior, who drove a pre-production version, was highly impressed, praising its engaging handling and powerful performance.

Kia has nearly perfected the balance of driver appeal and practicality in the electric car market with the EV6, a sister model to the Ioniq 5. Built on an advanced EV-specific platform, the EV6 boasts an attractive design, spacious cabin, and an engaging ride thanks to its rear-wheel-drive chassis.

The EV6 offers three trim levels and options for single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive, with power ranging from 226bhp to 321bhp. A GT version with 577bhp is also on the horizon. It supports public rapid charging up to 239kW, allowing the 77.4kWh battery to charge quickly. The car can travel up to 328 miles on a full charge (WLTP standard).

However, the EV6 is not the cheapest among its peers, and its sporty nature means it doesn’t offer the smoothest ride. The cabin quality is not as refined as the Ioniq 5, and the steering lacks some feedback.

Despite these drawbacks, the EV6 excels in agility and performance, even in single-motor models, making it appealing for drivers who enjoy a spirited drive. The upcoming GT model, priced around £60,000, offers an exhilarating 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and features a Drift Mode for extra fun.

Ford entered the full-sized electric car market a bit late but made an impact by branding its first electric model under the popular Mustang name. The Mustang Mach-E, a five-seater crossover, offers a stylish design, impressive range, and competitive pricing.

Starting at just over £40,000 in the UK, the Mach-E isn't the cheapest option, but the WLTP-accredited 379-mile Extended Range version costs nearly £50,000. This model provides a practical family car option, outdoing premium rivals by up to 30% in claimed range and value.

In Extended Range RWD form, the Mach-E focuses more on chassis balance and driving enjoyment rather than sheer acceleration. Though not outright fun due to its weight and synthetic steering, it stands out as one of the more enjoyable driver's cars in its class. The GT version offers strong straight-line speed and playful handling in corners but can become scrappy when pushed to its limits.

The Mach-E's spacious and airy cabin defies concerns of being merely stylish. While its design is somewhat plain and the materials are not as high-end as some European competitors, it remains a solid and practical electric vehicle option.

Skoda excels at taking Volkswagen Group mechanics and packaging them into more practical, spacious, and better-value cars. The Skoda Enyaq iV is a prime example, built on the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, and Audi Q4 E-tron. It hits a sweet spot in the electric SUV market with its clever design and impressive features.

The Enyaq iV boasts a roomy, high-quality cabin comparable to Audi's, with excellent personalisation options. Its mature chassis setup provides a medium-firm, well-controlled ride that inspires confidence without compromising range. The 201bhp 80-badged version offers satisfying performance and a 333-mile range, making it suitable for long trips.

For budget-conscious buyers, the 60 model has a 58kWh battery with a 250-mile range. The upcoming 80X Sportline adds a front motor for extra power and four-wheel drive, while the 302bhp vRS model will feature sporty styling.

Despite its strengths, the Enyaq iV is slightly held back by the more distinctive Ioniq 5, some awkward design choices, intrusive safety features, and a modest standard equipment list.

The Tesla Model Y, the more practical sibling of the Model 3, offers greater cabin space with its taller and slightly longer body. It shares the same minimalist interior and access to Tesla's excellent Supercharger network, a significant perk for many.

Priced from £51,900, the entry-level Rear Wheel Drive model features a single motor, 6.6-second 0-60mph time, and a 287-mile range on 18-inch wheels. The Long Range version boasts 434bhp, a 5.0-second 0-60mph time, and a 331-mile range. For extreme performance, the 507bhp Performance model hits 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds.

The Model Y offers ample passenger space, a minimalist cabin, and generous storage split between front and rear boots. However, the interior lacks the premium feel expected at this price, and the reliance on a central touchscreen for most functions can be cumbersome.

Dynamically, the Model Y has quick, heavily weighted steering and requires precise handling, with limited adjustability. The firm suspension results in a jostling ride, and poor acoustic insulation allows road and suspension noise to intrude.

Overall, the Model Y is an effective electric SUV but falls short as a premium vehicle.

The ID 4 is Volkswagen’s second car on the MEB platform, following the ID 3. It’s larger and pricier but crucial for VW's goal to dominate the EV market, especially given the global demand for SUVs. Volkswagen claims the ID 4 offers Touareg-level practicality in a Tiguan-sized package, making it an attractive option.

The ID 4 delivers on space with a roomy front and a 531-litre boot, larger than the Tiguan's. Clever battery placement under the floor provides rear space comparable to a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, although the rear bench is slightly high, affecting headroom.

Two battery sizes are available, linked to the rear-mounted electric motor's output. The 146bhp and 168bhp models have a 52kWh battery, while the 201bhp model comes with a 77kWh battery, offering a 328-mile WLTP range. There’s also a 261bhp dual-motor, four-wheel-drive version and the 295bhp GTX model, which is more a fast cruiser than a true performance car.

The 201bhp version is brisk and refined, with well-tuned controls and a mature ride. However, the simplified interior ergonomics, with minimal buttons, can be less user-friendly—a common issue in modern Volkswagens that the brand is addressing.

Overall, the ID 4 provides a practical, intuitive EV experience with a spacious interior, though it could benefit from more user-friendly controls.

Nissan, known for pioneering mainstream EVs with the Leaf, has finally added another model: the Ariya, a premium family SUV. The Ariya offers a range of up to 329 miles and adds a fresh option to the crowded electric SUV market.

The Ariya boasts a modern and sleek design with a premium interior that rivals luxury brands. It features high-quality materials and tech, including dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment. The spacious cabin includes thoughtful touches like a sliding center console and a handy dash drawer.

You can choose between single-motor, front-wheel-drive and dual-motor, four-wheel-drive layouts. The single-motor version comes with either a 63kWh or 87kWh battery, providing 215bhp and 239bhp, respectively. The dual-motor e-4orce setup, available only with the larger battery, offers 302bhp or 388bhp in the Performance model, which can do 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds.

The Ariya is composed and capable but not thrilling to drive. Its light and precise steering is offset by somewhat soft body control and noticeable body lean in corners.

Although the Ariya isn't as groundbreaking as the original Leaf, it has much to offer. However, with prices starting just under £50,000, it's a significant investment.

If you need a seven-seat electric SUV, your choices are limited to the expensive Tesla Model X or the more affordable Mercedes-Benz EQB. The EQB is smaller and cheaper but not exactly a bargain.

The EQB is an electric version of the GLB compact SUV. It’s well-packaged, so the motors and battery don’t compromise its versatility. The third row seats are adequate for kids and short trips for adults, and the second row can slide for more legroom or luggage space.

Inside, the EQB feels premium with wall-to-wall TFT screens and Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system. It prioritizes comfort and refinement over thrilling performance. Both the 225bhp EQB 300 and 288bhp EQB 350 offer decent but not exceptional speed, with a relaxed driving experience.

However, the EQB's 100kW charging limit is below the class norm of 150kW, and its 257-mile range is average. Starting at just under £55,000, it’s priced similarly to the Tesla Model Y and higher than the Audi Q4 E-tron and Skoda Enyaq iV, which offer better performance and range.

BYD stands for "Build Your Dreams," though this name might not resonate much with European customers. Despite that, the Atto 3, BYD's first model in the UK, shows serious intent.

The Atto 3 is a credible alternative to established models, falling between the Kia Niro and VW ID.4 in size. It uses BYD’s e-platform 3.0, featuring an in-house built battery, motor, and semiconductors.

With a 201bhp motor and a 60.5kWh battery, the Atto 3 offers a range of 261 miles. It’s comfortable and composed to drive, ideal for family use rather than spirited drives.

Inside, the Atto 3 contrasts with its plain exterior, boasting a bold dashboard and an optional 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen. Prices start below £40,000, offering good value. While it might not be the dream car, it’s a solid and practical choice for family needs.

If a full-sized Audi E-tron feels too pricey for your first premium EV, consider the smaller Q4 E-tron. It offers both standard and Sportback styles and uses Volkswagen’s MEB platform, which allows for four-wheel drive and over 300bhp. However, it shares its platform with less expensive models like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV.

European buyers seem unfazed by its distinctive look or somewhat plain interior quality. The Q4 E-tron has a range of nearly 300 miles in its long-range versions but struggles to stand out dynamically or in design. While it’s a solid choice, Audi needs to offer more to justify its premium status compared to its Volkswagen Group siblings.