The alternatives: 3 more great electric cars
We’re not going to Leaf it there. Here are the other EVS to look at…
Hyundai Ionic Electric
from £25,345 / hyundai.co.uk
What’s the story?
While the Leaf’s boot is big enough for a weekend away with your other half, anyone with a family to carry around could probably do with a bit more room. The Ionic offers enough space for various kit bags, homework folders and furry companions. It has a claimed range of 174 miles, which is significantly less than the Leaf’s… but hey, try to focus on all that boot space instead.
Is it any good?
A more luxurious alternative to the Leaf with a classier, easy-to-use dashboard, the Ionic oozes panache like few other EVS. Better still, it won’t set you back a huge amount more than the Leaf if you want to make the upgrade. That said, its general driving experience can be a little dreary, and that lesser range will hold you back on the odd occasion when you want to travel long distances.
TECH SPECS
Engine AC synchronous electric motor Power 119bhp Top speed 103mph 0-62mph 10.2secs Battery 28kwh Range 174 miles (NEDC) Weight 1370kg Stuff says ++++, A ood middle-of-the-road alternative to Nissan’s Leaf
Renault Zoe Q90
£22,970 + battery rental / renault.co.uk
What’s the story?
Electric car batteries aren’t so different from the ones in our phones: eventually, they both won’t be able to hold as much charge as they used to. The answer, according to Renault, is leasing the Zoe’s battery separately from the car (for around £60 a month, dependent on mileage). You’ll get a replacement when its range drops below 75% of what it was when the car was new.
Is it any good?
Like the Leaf, the Zoe addresses the two things that turn people off from going electric: price and range. You even get a home charging port included in the price. So if you can get over its cheap and cheerful aesthetic, there’s plenty to like here – just make sure you plump for the Q90 model, which is capable of fast-charging on the way to your in-laws. Assuming you really want to go…
TECH SPECS
Engine AC synchronous electric motor Power 87bhp Top speed 84mph 0-62mph 13.5secs Battery 41kwh Range 230 miles (NEDC) Weight 1468kg Stuff says +++,, A city car that’s capable of some truly astoundin savin s
Volkswagen e-golf
£32,730 / volkswagen.co.uk
What’s the story?
The basic premise of a VW Golf is that you know exactly what you’re getting… unless you’re talking about the e-golf, and then you might think you’re getting something totally different. But as it turns out, that’s not the case. It may be an all-electric car, but the e-golf takes pride in delivering that old blend of reliability and refinement while doing as little as possible to rock the boat. And it kind of works.
Is it any good?
Until the promised 48kwh edition arrives some time in the not-too-distant future, the e-golf’s range is limited compared to the SUV competition. Yet even now, its sheer quality of design and drive mark this out as one of the best electric cars you can buy – especially if you’re going to use it as a city slicker for zipping to work and back. Just be mindful about driving longer distances, though.
TECH SPECS
Engine AC synchronous electric motor Power 134bhp Top speed 93mph 0-62mph 9.6sec Battery 35.8kwh Range 186 miles (NEDC) Weight 1615kg Stuff says ++++, Part electric, all Golf, this VW is an eco-minded commuter’s dream