Top 5: Electric vehicles in the UK
Electric vehicles such as the Mercedes EQS are available in the UK. Photo: Mercedes-Benz
As sales of electric vehicles are booming in New Zealand thanks to the Government rebate system, the UK is also seeing an increase in sales.
Electric vehicles accounted for 15.2% of new car sales in October in the UK thanks in part to regulations in many cities against internal combustion engine vehicles and more charging stations.
In New Zealand, the top-selling electric vehicles year-to-date are the Tesla Model 3 (2256 registrations), MG’s ZS EV (703), and 624 Hyundai Konas sold.
Whichcar? UK website recently named its top 10 electric vehicles and there is no surprise to see which is number one. Here are their top 5 picks, with two currently available in New Zealand.
5 Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is due to arrive in New Zealand in 2022. Photo: Kia
The Kia EV6 is an even better electric car than the closely related Hyundai Ioniq 5, because it's more enjoyable to drive and slightly classier inside. At the same time, like the Ioniq 5, it offers a long range and the ability to charge up very quickly. Just bear in mind that cheaper rear-wheel-drive EV6s make more financial sense than the faster four-wheel-drive models.
4 Skoda Enyaq iV
The Skoda Enyaq is set to go on sale in New Zealand next year. Photo: Skoda
The Skoda Enyaq is practical, good to drive, smart inside, and well-equipped. Perhaps most impressive of all, though, is the value it offers – the ‘60’ version is priced in line with smaller alternatives, including the Kia e-Niro, and is eligible for a £2500 grant from the Government.
3 Porsche Taycan
So far this year, 90 Porsche Taycans have been sold in New Zealand this year. Photo: Liz Dobson
If you're looking for all the usual electric car benefits but want something that's also absolutely thrilling to drive, the Porsche Taycan is the car for you. It's even reasonably practical and wonderfully classy inside, so while it's certainly not cheap, it's worth every penny.
2 Volkswagen ID.3
VW NZ is still negotiating if the ID.3 will be available in New Zealand.
Thanks to rear-wheel drive, accurate steering, and fine body control, the ID.3 is enjoyable to drive. What's more, its practicality is up with the roomiest family hatchback, predicted resale values are superb and it’ll be cheap to run for both company and private buyers. Throw in a strong performance and a long-range, and it's a brilliant choice.
1 Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the best selling vehicles in New Zealand this year. Photo: Andrei Diomidov Photography
Few cars received as much hype before their launch as the Model 3, and even fewer can match what it offers in reality. Tesla's most affordable car is great to drive, packed full of tech, fast (ridiculously so in Performance guise), and surprisingly practical. Factor in a competitive price, especially given its sheer pace, and it’s not only the best all-around electric car on sale today, but one of the best choices full stop.
