Electric cars and SUVs continue to rise in popularity, inevitably meaning more and more carmakers are combining the two and launching electric SUVs. This makes a lot of practical sense as well as commercial sense since the increased height and other expanded dimensions of 4×4 and crossover vehicles make it easier to accommodate batteries. But with so much choice, which are the best electric SUVs?
The choice of electric SUVs on the market is ever-increasing, with all sorts of car manufacturers due to get in on the EV SUV act over the next few years. We’ve taken a look at the best 5 electric SUVs on sale right now. All of these cars are significantly cleaner than their combustion-powered counterparts, and as national energy supplies become less and less dependent on fossil fuels, the gap will continue to grow. There are, however, other benefits to EVs such as quieter powertrains, smooth power delivery, and excellent performance.
Top 5 best electric SUVs UK 2022
⦿ Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is a battery electric compact crossover manufactured by Tesla, Inc. Tesla unveiled it in March 2019, started production at its Fremont plant in January 2020, and started deliveries on March 13, 2020.
Tesla’s Model 3 hatchback is the US firm’s best-selling car in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why when you consider its competitive pricing, exceptional range, and great onboard technology. But, with the Model S saloon and Model X seven-seater SUV occupying the (much) more expensive top-end of the Tesla range, there is a definite niche waiting to be filled in the manufacturer’s all-electric lineup.
Priced from around £55,000, the all-wheel-drive Model Y will go head-to-head with the Audi Q4 e-Tron, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Mercedes EQA, and Volkswagen ID.4, although all of these rivals offer cheaper entry prices to their respective ranges than the Model Y.
⦿ Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is still one of our favorite electric SUVs. The Ioniq 5 offers a great balance of performance and range while charging speeds are among the best in class.
The Hyundai Ioniq is a battery-electric compact crossover SUV produced by Hyundai. It is the first product to be marketed under the electric cars-focused Ioniq sub-brand, and the first model developed on the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It was revealed globally on 23 February 2021.
The Ioniq 5 comes with one of two battery packs: a 58-kWh pack (delayed availability) or a 77.4-kWh pack. The smaller battery pack will serve as the base model for the Ioniq 5 range, and it comes with one electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Ioniq 5 models with the larger battery come with either rear-wheel drive or an additional motor up front that gives the vehicle all-wheel drive.
Priced from around £36,781 to £48,746, Hyundai claims it designed the rear window in such a way that when traveling at high speed the airflow would remove any rainwater. But when maneuvering or reversing, you do miss a wiper to help you see out the back. The Ioniq 5 is a spacious, well-equipped, and stylish EV that is nigh-on perfect for any family looking to make the switch to an electric car.
⦿ Genesis GV60
The Genesis GV60 is a battery-electric compact luxury crossover SUV produced by Genesis, a luxury vehicle marque of Hyundai. Slotted below the GV70, it is the first Genesis product to be developed on the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
Genesis unveiled the GV60 on 19 August, it was released globally on 30th September 2021. Codenamed JW during development, the vehicle sits on a dedicated EV platform shared by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. Powertrain details include a single-motor application for lower trim levels as well as a dual-motor all-wheel-drive model
Genesis couldn’t have picked a more competitive section of the electric vehicle (EV) market to try to break into, though. Why? Well, the GV60’s size puts it up against some well-established electric SUV rivals, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Jaguar I-Pace, and the Volkswagen ID 4.
Priced from around £47,005, the luxury offshoot from Hyundai has been on a roll lately. Its lineup of SUVs and sedans has been garnering praise as the vehicles fully rival models from established German luxury brands. Now it’s time to delve into the electric vehicle market, and its first entry, the 2023 Genesis GV60, represents a very solid start.
⦿ Jaguar i-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace was designed by Ian Callum. The concept version of the car, described as a five-seater sports car, was unveiled by JLR at the 2016 Los Angeles Motor Show and shown on-road in London in March 2017.
As an electric, five-seat SUV, the Jaguar I-Pace has a tricky brief to fill. After all, some people like their Jaguars to be smooth, quiet limousines, whereas others want their Jag to be rapid, with the growl of a large performance engine. Preferably V8.
The I-Pace was built by contract manufacturer Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, and the production version of the I-Pace was revealed in Graz on 1 March 2018.
Some of the electric drive technology has come out of the Jaguar I-Type electric Formula E racing car program, and the concentric motors were developed by JLR engineer Dr. Alex Michaelides.
Even with four passengers onboard and a boot full of luggage, the Jaguar I-Pace drives more like a sports car than a high-riding SUV. Its two electric motors drive the front and rear wheels kicking out 400hp, helping it accelerate from 0-60mph in a scorching 4.5 seconds. That’s faster than a Porsche Cayman sports car.
Plus, the Jaguar’s heavy batteries are tucked neatly under the floor which stops its tall body from leaning excessively in tight corners. The I-Pace is genuinely good fun to drive, with well-weighted steering and an eagerness to change direction.
The Jaguar I-PACE has an RRP range of £66,350 to £77,650. However, on Carwow prices for a new Jaguar I-PACE start at £61,066 if paying cash or £786 if paying monthly – saving on average £4,497. The price of a used Jaguar I-PACE on Carwow starts at £30,990.
⦿ Mercedes-Benz EQB
The final electric motor is the Mercedes-Benz EQB, there are sexier-looking Mercedes electric SUVs – and much more expensive ones. But the Mercedes-Benz EQB does a niche job with superb aplomb.
The EQB is part of the EQ family, a range that will expand to include 10 new models by 2022. The Mercedes-Benz EQB is based on the Mercedes-Benz GLB. The EQB is available in both front-wheel drive and 4MATIC branded dual motor all-wheel drive configurations. The Mercedes EQB will be available in five and seven-seat layouts.
Pricing starts at £549.50 for the base EQB 300 4Matic model and £59,051.91 for the more powerful EQB 350 4Matic. Both have standard all-wheel drive (hence the 4Matic nomenclature) and will be available in base, Exclusive and Pinnacle trim packages. The EQB might once have been considered a Tesla Model Y rival, but Tesla’s recent price increases mean the Mercedes now substantially undercuts the Model Y in price.
Of course, not every family can afford a £100k+ Model X Plaid, and some would rather enjoy a few more creature comforts than what is, basically, a van, so the EQB has the potential to be a big seller.
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