What is the best country to buy an electric car
Best electric cars 2024 the EVs to buy and those to avoid
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, its gone even faster. It can cover up to 305 miles on a charge and can accept charging speeds of up to 270kW if you can find a charger with enough oomph, only the Porsche Taycan and Maserati GranTurismo Folgore can match it.
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. Its also nicer inside, and unlike both the Tesla and Taycan, there are physical buttons for regularly-used features. Theres no doubting the tech, which is easy to use and the screens are clear and responsive.
Its not quite perfect, though. With a starting price of more than 80,000, its quite pricey even if resale values are very good. And theres a bit of whine from the motor but if you can overlook that, it really is a fine electric car.
"Most of the E-tron GT's dashboard controls take the form of physical buttons, making quick adjustments really easy on the move," Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor
Best electric cars to buy 2024
The result is a claimed battery range of 338 miles dropping slightly to 322 miles if you opt for the all-wheel-drive version. When you do need to top up, the E-GMP platforms electronics will allow you to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 18 minutes when using a 220kW rapid-charger.
Kia EV6
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 either in RWD or AWD form, along with a high-performance GT version, with the entry-level model being our current favourite. Not only does it offer a claimed range figure of up to 328 miles from its 77.4kWh battery, but we also found its 7.3-second 0-62mph time to be quick enough.
MG ZS EV
MGs pitch to UK car buyers is based around value, and the MG ZS EV fits that brand ethos to a tee. While it doesnt stand out in terms of its technology or driving experience, the ZS EV is competent in these areas and a suitable alternative if you arent quite sold on the MG4. The cars real strength lies in its practicality, affordability and long warranty.
Nissan Ariya
As a previous Auto Express Car of the Year award winner, the Nissan Ariya still offers the stellar combination of practicality, quality and refinement that greatly impressed us when it first arrived. The electric SUV market is moving fast and some rivals have started to edge ahead of the Ariya, but it is still well worth considering. Not only does Nissans zero-emission family car claim up to 329 miles of battery range, but its surprisingly enjoyable to drive as well.
Skoda Enyaq
The Enyaq is an all-electric family car that is typically Skoda: that is to say it's practical, well-equipped, comfortable and decent to drive. With top-spec models able to cover over 300 miles from a full charge, it soothes any range anxiety and just gets on with being an excellent family car that just happens to run on battery power.
How to choose an electric car: our top tips
Although some drivers may be a little hesitant about moving to electric power, the selection of models to choose from is only increasing and so are their capabilities. It means theres likely to be an EV with the price, range, practicality and performance to suit most requirements.
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Interactive map Electric vehicle purchase incentives per country in Europe (2021 update)
Interactive map Electric vehicle purchase incentives per country in Europe (2021 update)
This interactive map shows the market uptake of electrically-chargeable vehicles (ECVs) and the availability of incentives to promote electric car sales for each of the 27 member states of the European Union.
Key observations
- Across the European Union, purchase incentives for electrically-chargeable vehicles (ECVs) still differ greatly per country, both when we look at the nature of these tax benefits as well as their monetary value.
- This year, 17 countries offer purchase incentives (such asbonus payments or premiums) to buyers of ECVs down from 20 in 2020.
- 10 EU member states do not provide any purchase incentives for electric cars at the moment that is four countries more than last year.
- Belgium (10.7% ECV market share)
- Bulgaria (n/a)
- Cyprus (0.5% ECV market share)
- Czech Republic (2.5% ECV market share)
- Denmark (16.4% ECV market share)
- Estonia (1.8% ECV market share)
- Latvia (2.7% ECV market share)
- Malta (n/a)
- Poland (1.9% ECV market share)
- Slovakia (1.9% ECV market share)
- A more detailed overview of all fiscal stimuli for electrically-chargeable cars in the EU can befound here.
Note: GDP per capita and ECV market share for each country are full-year 2020 figures.
12 best EVs available in Australia
Australia still lags behind the developed world when it comes to the number of electric vehicles on its roads, around 6000 at last count. In Norway, with a population around five times smaller than Australia, more than 62,000 electric vehicles were sold in 2017 alone.
Okay, 62,000 electric vehicles. Are you serious?
Seriously serious. Norway's generous tax concessions for buyers of electric vehicles together with a policy decision that by 2025 only new cars with zero emissions will be sold in the country, has deepened that nation's love affair with electrically powered vehicles.
But Norway is not alone.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts, there will be 125 million electrical vehicles on the world's roads by 2030. China, France and the Netherlands lead the charge for the strongest orientation to pure battery electric vehicles, while Japan, Sweden and the United Kingdom have the highest share of plug-in hybrid cars.
The Chinese Government has long encouraged the purchase of electric vehicles through subsidies and incentives so it's hardly surprising that more than 1.3 million New Energy Vehicles (electric and hybrid) were sold in 2018.
So why are Australians slow to surf the electric wave?
Well, a few reasons really, with price probably the most prohibitive factor.Hyundaiand Nissan are some of the only brands that offers an all-electric model, in the form of the Ioniq Electricand Leaf respectively, for under $60,000.
Add on the luxury car tax, import duties, and stamp duty and suddenly the price of saving the planet seems an insurmountable one.
Then, there is range anxiety. Although research tells us that the average Australian daily commute is less than 20km each way, buyers remained reluctant to trust that they could do the school run, get to work, pick up the groceries and get back home again on a single charge.
Also, our poor, well almost non-existent, rapid electric car charging network failed to offer the same convenience or confidence enjoyed by drivers of petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.
Times, however, are ev-changing. While the federal and state governments dawdle over electric vehicle-enabling policy and wring their hands over a further drop in revenue from the fuel excise, car manufacturers and industry are taking charge.
We now have a larger number of somewhat affordable and luxury electric vehicles available in Australia. And not only are they more affordable but their driving range, too, is better than ever before.
Industry has also taken steps to try and combat range anxiety by investing in a high-speed charging highway powered by renewable energy across the country.
The Australian Government recently boosted that initiative with a $6 million injection of funds to help ensure a charging station at least every 200km. High-speed charging stations can now also be found in some shopping centres, hotels, airports, tourist attractions and places of business.
How do I choose an electric vehicle?
It probably goes without saying but its best to opt for a vehicle that best suits your needs. Consider things like the distance you travel each day, whether your route is flat or hilly, city or suburbs, how many people you will be carrying and where you intend recharging your electric SUV or sedan.
As mentioned previously, the average Australian commuter puts around 40km on the clock each day, mostly around city streets. Driving through city traffic is actually an advantage in an electric vehicle with the energy harvested from hard braking used to regenerate the battery.
The electric cars available in Australia, generally have a real-world range in excess of 200km (not all BMW i3's though) so in theory you should manage most of the working week without a recharge.
It pays to note that actual range depends on a number of factors including how aggressively you drive, how flat your route is, how much energy can be regenerated through braking and coasting, your temperature settings on the climate control and if you are using the radio and satellite navigation.
Where, and how often, you need to recharge your vehicle is also something to consider. Charging at home or work is usually through a normal 240-volt/15 amp electricity supply. The rate of charge depends on the vehicle's onboard charger, so usually 2.5kW 7.0kW, and can take between four to 10 hours.
You can also have a dedicated EV charging unit installed at your home which will cut down on the charging time. Publicly accessible super chargers provide power to the battery at a faster rate (25kW-135kW) which means that some batteries can be charged in 30 minutes.
How much will it cost to charge my vehicle?
The recharging cost at home, if you are not using solar, depends on the electricity cost in your area, the tariff you are on and whether you recharge at peak times.
The average cost of electricity in Australia is $0.30 per kilowatt, and it takes around 18kW to travel 100km, so it will cost you an average $5.40 to travel 100km, less if you are on a lower tariff.
In comparison, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, it will cost an average $16.65 to travel 100km with petrol in your tank and $7.50 per 100km with diesel.
EVs are also cheaper to own as service costs are reduced because you don't have to have items like spark plugs, engine oil and filters changed.
Electric vehicles are also easier on the brakes as regenerative braking fuels the battery rather than wearing out the brake parts.
Okay, so talk me through my choices
Australia has a wide range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles on offer, but until recently, if you were in the market for a pure Battery Electrical Vehicle (BEV), your choice was limited to the Nissan Leaf, the BMW i3 or the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (until 2013).
But 2018 signalled the start of a processions of new arrivals from Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Jaguar, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Tesla with the run expected to gather pace as car manufacturers the world over let us in to their electric delights.
Electric Cars
Are you planning on buying a electric car? Well, we know that fuel type is one of the most crucial things while buying a car and with so many options available out there, it gets really difficult to find a good car which suits your pocket. Hence, we have put together a complete list of best electric cars. Mercedes-Benz EQS, Tata Tiago EV and MG Comet EV are the 3 most popular cars under this preference. Explore the extensive list of electric cars in India, including details about pricing, images, videos, comparisons, expert reviews, users reviews and more. Carwale recommends the Mercedes-Benz EQS as the top choice in the electric car category.
Top 10 Electric Cars
| MODEL | PRICE |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz EQS | Rs. 1.62 Crore |
| Tata Tiago EV | Rs. 7.99 Lakh |
| MG Comet EV | Rs. 6.99 Lakh |
| Tata Punch EV | Rs. 10.99 Lakh |
| Tata Nexon EV | Rs. 14.49 Lakh |
| Mahindra XUV400 | Rs. 15.49 Lakh |
| BYD Seal | Rs. 41.00 Lakh |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Rs. 46.05 Lakh |
| Kia EV6 | Rs. 60.97 Lakh |
| MG ZS EV | Rs. 18.98 Lakh |
Best electric cars 2024 the EVs to buy and those to avoid
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, its gone even faster. It can cover up to 305 miles on a charge and can accept charging speeds of up to 270kW if you can find a charger with enough oomph, only the Porsche Taycan and Maserati GranTurismo Folgore can match it.
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. Its also nicer inside, and unlike both the Tesla and Taycan, there are physical buttons for regularly-used features. Theres no doubting the tech, which is easy to use and the screens are clear and responsive.
Its not quite perfect, though. With a starting price of more than 80,000, its quite pricey even if resale values are very good. And theres a bit of whine from the motor but if you can overlook that, it really is a fine electric car.
"Most of the E-tron GT's dashboard controls take the form of physical buttons, making quick adjustments really easy on the move," Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor
