Now practically a fifth of new car sales in the UK, electric cars have become mainstream. More importantly, their increase will only quicken as regulations restrict the type of cars permitted into big cities and we approach the prohibition on the sale of new petrol and diesel models in 2035.

More people are thus considering converting to an electric car, but how can you choose which ones merit a place on your shortlist? Range anxiety, the concern that you won't have enough charge to get to where you're going, is the major reason that has historically prevented electric cars selling in bigger numbers. This is becoming less of a problem, though, since many models go a lot more than 200 miles between charges and many more are possible.

From our vast testing, which includes every electric car on the market, the Tesla Model 3 comes out on top. Our expert team of road testers pits each new model against a range of rivals to find out which delivers the greatest all-round package.

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1 Tesla Model 3

Strengths

• Rapid and consistent charging available via Tesla's Supercharger network
• Long range of charges
• Oddly useful

Weaknesses

• Fiddly inside adjustments
• Not as exciting as the top gasoline-powered competitors in handling
• Vision is hampered by windscreen pillars.

The Tesla Model 3 has been one of our favourite electric cars since its 2019 introduction. Thanks to its most recent upgrade cycle, it is now the model to surpass not just among executive cars but also our preferred one.

Driven well, the Model 3 has sweeter handling than the competing Kia EV6 or Polestar 2. It's also shockingly pragmatic and speedy, very rightly in Performance guise.

Not everyone will find the near-complete absence of physical buttons and switches (even the indicator stalk has been replaced with haptic controls on the steering wheel) appealing, but the huge 15.4in centre screen is at least somewhat user-friendly.

Consider that the Model 3 is also reasonably priced; purchasing one provides access to the ultra-fast and handy Supercharger network of the brand and makes recommendations simple.

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2 Volkswagen ID Buzz

Strengths

• Enjoyable to drive with a smooth ride.
• really useful
• solid resale values

Weaknesses

• Not a seven-seater, but fiddly air-con controls and infotainment.
• One might improve efficiency by means of

The Volkswagen ID Buzz's vintage style is greatly loved, hence its manufacturer could readily have penny-pinched on the engineering and yet sell as many as it could create.

Rather, the German company has blatantly thrown everything at the car, producing something that combines the low operating costs of an electric car with the comfort and sophistication of a luxury SUV and the utility of an MPV.

The ID Buzz is great to drive; it can sprint up to highway speeds faster than many traditional family SUVs, including the 1.5-liter petrol-engined Volkswagen Tiguan, and is extremely capacious, meaning more space for people and baggage than you would find in a Jaguar I-Pace or Tesla Model Y. 

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3 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Strengths

• Incredible point-to-point pace
• More spacious rear seats than in the coupé
• Wonderful interior quality

Weaknesses

• You might want to include a few reasonable alternatives.
• Range is not remarkable.
• Rivals not electrified have larger boots.

The Porsche Taycan is the vehicle for you if you want something truly exciting to drive yet are searching for all the typical electric car advantages.

Although range-topping Turbo variants provide up to 751bhp – enough for a 0-62mph sprint pace of under 2.8sec, even base level vehicles have 322bhp. The Taycan feels rather nimble with a very low centre of gravity and remarkable manoeuvrability. For grip, only the very identical Audi E-tron GT can match you to the front wheels than the Mercedes EQS.

Not about range either; all Taycan models should be able to get you 200 miles between charges under real-world conditions.

Particularly if you choose the estate-like Cross Turismo variant we are suggesting here, the Taycan is shockingly practical and exquisitely elegant inside too. The Taycan is thus worth every cent even if it isn't cheap.