The best electric cars

Electric Vehicles 

Two significant things happened during lockdown. OK, there were many more we know, but in an automotive sense they were these: one, cars stayed at home because we weren't using them and as a result the air became much cleaner; and, two, consumers started considering electric cars as their next lease car.

We know this at Gateway2Lease because we noticed many of you configuring leases for an electric vehicle on our website. But the publishing people over on consumer magazine What Car? noticed a similar effect reporting that some 26% of the online browsers surveyed would consider an electric car or perhaps a plug-in electric as their next vehicle.

As a result, What Car? came up with its electric car awards to help consumers towards the right cars. A rather good idea, so we thought we'd have a look at the winners in greater detail to help you towards your next electric lease car.

Best Value Car - SEAT Mii Electric 36.8kWh

With a retail price starting below £20,000, the Mii electric is certainly an accessible way into electric cars for first timers. And we have the electric Mii to lease starting from £206 per month. The Mii electric offers a single, fully-loaded trim which includes metallic paint, fast-charging (DC at 40 kW), Lane Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition and parking sensors. It has a 160 mile range and can be charged from 0-80% in under one hour with a DC rapid charger. At home, using a 7kWh charger, it will take you five hours to fully replenish the battery.

Best Small Car - Peugeot e-208 Allure Premium

The Peugeot e-208 is part of the great new 208 supermini range where you can choose what powertrain you would like. But we'd definitely recommend this electric version. The car has excellent range - up to 217 miles - thanks to the 50kWh battery and its 136hp electric motor. The car also supports rapid charging of up to 100kW, reaching 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes if you are on a long journey and need to top up. You can lease the Allure version from us from £251 a month, along with the rest of the brilliant Peugeot 208 range .

Best Family Car - Hyundai Ioniq Electric Premium

We'd certainly not quibble with this winner. The Hyundai IONIQ Electric was launched in 2016 as part of the IONIQ range, the world's first car planned from the start to offer three electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric. In 2019, the IONIQ range was upgraded with added technological features and a refreshed look, as well as 36% added battery capacity in the Electric model. The Electric Premium, chosen by the What Car? judges, offers a range of 193 miles on a single charge, is great to drive and its hatchback configuration makes it a seriously practical proposition for most families. We can lease an IONIQ Electric premium from £232 a month - that's a lot of hatch with very little in the way of running costs.

Best Family SUV - Kia e-Niro 64kWh 3

Another great choice from the judges, especially as Kia has made more of these models available for the UK market. The e-Niro is capable of up to 282 miles of electric range from a full charge and offers an excellent specification with plenty of convenience and safety features. The electric motor is rated at 201bhp, so it's seriously quick when you want it to be. Our Kia e-Niro lease prices start from £277 per month.

Best Luxury SUV - Jaguar I-Pace EV400 S

The Jaguar I-Pace might be a luxury SUV, but it's also seriously quick: it will zap off the mark to 60mph in a scintillating 4.5 seconds thanks to its two electric motors, and despite its weight will reward the keen driver with its fine driving dynamics. In June the car was given some updates including faster charging capability - a 50kW rapid charger will add up to 39 miles in 15 minutes, while a 100kW ultra-rapid charger will add up to 78 miles over the same period. Range is good for 292 miles. If it sounds like the car for you, then we have some great Jaguar I-Pace car leasing deals .

Best Executive Car - Tesla Model 3 Performance

Tesla - it's the brand that made electric motoring really exciting. And with the Model 3, Tesla has provided a car that really suits both the UK business market, and those drivers who want to experience a Tesla but at a more attainable price. And what will they experience? Well it's quick, quick, quick...you'll hit 60mph in just over 3 seconds! Of course, you won't get the stated range of 329 miles if you keep driving it like that, but on longer journeys, the Tesla keeps going while other electric cars have to stop and charge up. Our Tesla Model 3 leasing offers start from just over £400 a month.

Best Performance Car - Porsche Taycan 4S

You know when Porsche is getting involved with electric cars, things are getting serious. The Taycan is the sports car maker's first attempt at a fully electric car, and it's a winner straight out of the garage. As you would expect, performance is key to the Taycan. Two electric motors, located on the front and rear axles, deliver all-wheel drive and 530 PS (390kW) on Porsche's overboost system (further raised to 571PS - 420 kW - if you choose the optional Performance Battery Plus). A sprint to 62 mph takes just 4.0 seconds, and if you head off onto the unrestricted autobahns of Germany, it will carry on to 155mph. Takes your fancy? Check out our Porsche Taycan leasing deals here .

Best Seven-Seater Car - Tesla Model X (7 seat)

Another winner for Tesla, this time with its Model X - the 5m long SUV with gull-wing doors. In fact those doors make getting into the rear seats relatively easy, and we're not just talking kids. It's brilliantly practical both for what it can carry for its 314 miles of range. It can also, seeing it's a Tesla, be indecently quick. If you need a big family wagon, with a bit of theatre, then this is for you: our Tesla Model X leasing deals can be found here .

---

View our latest blog posts