As electric cars become increasingly mainstream, the number of practical electric cars available continues to grow. Only a year or so ago, there were precious few large and spacious models available, but that certainly isn’t the case any more.
Here we round up the top 10 practical electric cars, each able to comfortably swallow passengers, luggage, or both – and all with a long driving range and fast charging, countering any arguments that EVs aren’t practical enough for day-to-day life.
Zap-Map’s top 10 practical electric cars
Audi e-tron
Offering lots of space, the Audi e-tron is available with a choice of powertrains – and even shapes, though it’s the SUV rather than the Sportback that makes it into this list.
A range around the 250 mile mark, plus a spacious interior for occupants, large boot, and 150 kW DC charging means the e-tron is a practical family workhorse.
BMW iX
BMW’s long-distance weapon comes in the shape of the iX large SUV. With a range of up to 380 miles available, it certainly ticks the box for distance able to be covered.
Featuring a large boot, plenty of occupant space, and a luxuriously appointed cabin, the BMW iX is a more expensive choice on this list, but worth the cash.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E has come along and instantly competed in the family-SUV class. It’s thanks to a mixture of attributes, including a sporty drive, variety of battery and motor options, and practical interior.
Driving range tops out at 379 miles on a charge, but there are shorter-range models available – all are significant though – plus there’s ultra-rapid charging fitted for fast trips.
Citroen e-SpaceTourer
The Citroen can easily be carbon-copied for the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Life and Peugeot e-Traveller – same vehicle, different badges – so we’ve cheated and added three models for the space of one in this Top 10.
If it’s practicality you want, a van-based MPV is about as good as you get this side of a minibus, and the Citroen/Vauxhall/Peugeot combo can seat anything between five and nine adults.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Looking like a concept car that slipped through the accountants’ net, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a fantastic looking car. But it’s also larger than the styling makes out, which means a spacious interior and boot.
It’s all because it shares EV-specific underpinnings with the Kia EV6 – though suspension settings etc have been changed – so it also gets ultra-rapid charging, and a range of almost 300 miles.
Kia EV6
The next-generation EV from Kia sees a tailored electric-only platform and stylish exterior house some great features. Space inside is huge for the car’s footprint, and the boot is considerable too.
With a 77.4 kWh battery, range is as good as 328 miles on a charge for the single-motor option – there’s a dual-motor machine available too – with ultra rapid 200+ kW DC charging fitted.
MG5 EV
The affordable electric estate has recently been given a significant battery update, increasing capacity to 61 kWh, allowing for a range of 250 miles on a charge.
Considering the previous model was a very practical electric car, this Long Range version – still affordably priced – adds even more practicality to the mix, alongside faster DC charging at up to 80 kW.
Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo
The Porsche Taycan is a superb EV; quick, fun to drive, and with a good amount of space. But to be truly practical, a saloon isn’t going to cut it. Which is where the Sport Turismo estate comes in.
With the same variety of power options and a couple of battery packs, the driving range frequently comes in at over 300 miles on a charge. It’s essentially got all the benefits of the superb Taycan, but with a larger boot.
Skoda Enyaq iV
This spot could equally have gone to the Volkswagen ID.4, but the Skoda has a few neat touches that just pip the VW to the post. Built on the same MEB platform as the VW ID. range and the Audi Q4 e-tron, the Enyaq iV has a large, family friendly interior.
A variety of powertrains gives buyers options, but the top-range model offers 336 miles on a charge, and recharging can be carried out at 125 kW, making this one of our top 10 practical electric cars
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model 3 has quickly become the best selling EV in the UK, but there’s a chance the US firm could break its own records with the Model Y. Range is as good as 331 miles on a charge, and there’s the handy Tesla Supercharger network to quickly top-up too.
Featuring the same variety of models as the Model 3, the Tesla Model Y has a larger boot, can be picked as a seven seater, and is basically a Model 3 with more interior and load space.
