The following is brought to you in association with our friends at Octopus Electric Vehicles (July 2021).
There are plenty of reasons to lease an electric vehicle. Slashing your motoring costs. Saving the planet. Saying goodbye to huge maintenance bills. So, once you’ve decided that an electric car is for you, comes the big decision: which model is the perfect fit for you? There’s a combination of factors to consider. Look and feel, of course, running costs and range between charges are all important.
If you are considering making the switch to electric check out some of the great grants available for EV chargers at your home!
Here is Octopus EV’s list of top picks in the electric vehicle world…
EVs perfect for city living
- Charging time: Fast (7kW) = 24 miles (range) per hour of charging / Rapid (50kW) = 130 miles (range) per hour of charging
- Cost per 10,000 annual miles: £7 on Octopus Go
- Speed: 0-62 MPH in 8.3 – 9 secs dependant on model
The Honda E is super responsive and able to make its way through tight and twisty city streets. It has incredible self-parking tech and one of the tightest turning circles in the market. With a real-world range of up to 105 miles, the Honda E offers a great electric option for anyone looking for a stylish urban run-around.
- Charging time: 11kW AC = 34 miles (range) per hour of charging / 85kW DC= 210 miles (range) per hour of charging
- Cost per 10,000 annual miles: £7 on Octopus Go
- Speed: 0-62 MPH in 7.3 – 9.5 secs dependant on model
The Fiat 500e is built on the classic Fiat 500 design, but uses an all-new dedicated EV platform, producing a real-world range of up to 135 miles. The Fiat 500e is ideal for driving around town; it’s small and relatively soft to drive, with a surprising turn of pace when accelerating thanks to its instant torque.
- Charging time: Fast (7kW) = 19 miles (range) per hour of charging / Rapid (50kW) = 140 miles (range) per hour of charging
- Cost per 10,000 annual miles: £7 on Octopus Go
- Speed: 0-62 MPH in 9 secs
The MX-30 is Mazda’s first fully electric car and combines style and convenience to make a beautifully designed and enjoyable to drive EV. Built with simplicity in mind, the MX-30’s convenience makes it ideal for short trips in and around town, whether that be on the school run or to the local shops.
EVs perfect for the family
- Charging time: Fast (7kW) = 23 miles (range) per hour of charging / Rapid (50kW) = 170 miles (range) per hour of charging
- Cost per 10,000 annual miles: £7 on Octopus Go
- Speed: 0-62 MPH in 7.3 – 7.9 secs dependant on model
With an extensive variety of options available, the ID.3 can be tailored to suit your lifestyle, and with a real-world range of between 170-280 miles, it’s suitable for almost all journeys. Built and designed with the city and urban environment in mind, it feels super comfortable to drive.
- Charging time: Fast (7kW) = 22 miles (range) per hour of charging / Rapid (50kW) = 130 miles (range) per hour of charging
- Cost per 10,000 annual miles: £7 on Octopus Go
- Speed: 0-62 MPH in 7.8 – 9.4 secs dependant on model
The Kia e-Niro was the first electric vehicle to win the What Car? Car of the Year prize, and no surprise, the punchy design, quality build and extended range means the e-Niro is a great electric choice. The Kia e-Niro is capable of a real-world range of up to 230 miles. The spacious interior is family friendly, and the slightly higher seating position helps visibility and makes you feel safer on the road.
- Charging time: Fast (7kW) = 23 miles (range) per hour of charging / Rapid (50kW) = 170 miles (range) per hour of charging
- Cost per 10,000 annual miles: £7 on Octopus Go
- Speed: 0-62 MPH in 4.7 – 7.4 secs dependant on model
Polestar is the Electric cousin of Volvo. The car has a combination of great braking performance, brilliant tech, impressive handling on country roads and, most importantly, everything is designed around the driver to help create a feeling of security. Polestar 2 is a precise EV that offers a great option for someone looking for an all-rounder.
High performance, luxury EVs
- Charging time: Fast (7kW) = 24 miles (range) per hour of charging / Rapid (50kW) = 160 miles (range) per hour of charging
- Cost per 10,000 annual miles: £7 on Octopus Go
- Speed: 0-62 MPH in 3.1 – 5.3 secs dependant on model
The best bang for your buck performance car (with a roof) that there is. It’s the future of fast, with supercar beating acceleration alongside a subtle and refined interior featuring some of the most amazing tech. It’s won countless awards, including the UK Car of the Year 2020. It accounted for 16% of all new car sales worldwide in 2019.
- Charging time: Fast (7kW) = 19 miles (range) per hour of charging / Rapid (50kW) = 140 miles (range) per hour of charging
- Cost per 10,000 annual miles: £7 on Octopus Go
- Speed: 0-62 MPH in 3.3 – 4.1 secs dependant on model
The e-tron GT is Audi’s second fully electric vehicle, equipped with rapid charging technology, impressive handling, and a sleek design. With an impressive range, the e-tron GT is a great option for comfortable long-distance driving. You can charge 65 miles in 5 minutes at an IONITY charger – one of the fastest on the market!
- Charging time: Fast (7kW) = 18 miles (range) per hour of charging / Rapid (50kW) = 120 miles (range) per hour of charging
- Cost per 10,000 annual miles: £7 on Octopus Go
- Speed: 0-62 MPH in 5.1 secs
The Mercedes-Benz EQC offers a fully electric mid-sized SUV. The EQC brings technology, alongside the traditional buttons and setup you may be familiar with to help you transition too electric. This is traditional Mercedes Luxury you will recognise with the quietest drive on the market and a super intelligent voice control system. It delivers a quiet and smooth drive, with easy steering and adaptable regenerative braking, it is customisable to you!