Then buy a ... Renault R5 E-Tech
Renault has tapped deeply into a nerve here. Not just in terms of the R5′s so-retro-it-hurts styling, although that in itself has the potential to break down more than a few EV adoption barriers (rule one of EV adoption: build cars people might actually want to buy…). Renault has also done what was, not so long ago, unthinkable – build a compact electric car with decent range for a reasonable price. Okay, so the R5 isn’t Dacia-cheap, and nor is it Hyundai Inster-cheap, but it doesn’t need to be as that fabulous styling does the heavy lifting when it comes to picking people’s pockets. The interior looks great too, and it’s roomy up front, but actually quite cramped in the back. Performance is decent rather than thrilling, but the R5 is fun to drive. It could do with a bit more range for long hauls, but for most people the claimed 400km range, or the actual 320km, should be enough.
[ Renault 5 delivers retro fun and a nippy driveOpens in new window ]
Plus: The look, the way it drives, the tempting price tag
Minus: Others are cheaper, rear-seat space ain’t great, range is nothing special
Equals: Finally, an electric car you can love for something other than being electric
Also try: Alfa Romeo Junior
Alfa engineers may love a saloon, but they can’t ignore the public’s preference for a crossover. Of course, it’s not sold only as an EV. Junior comes with a selection of powertrain options: a 136hp 1.2-litre petrol regular hybrid or an all-electric in either 156hp or 280hp output (both front-wheel drive). Range is promised to be 406km on a full charge of the 156hp version. It may share the Stellantis parts bin, but don’t be fooled: this is not just a dressed-up Opel or rebadged Peugeot. The real magic with Junior is how it handles itself on the road. This car is fun. Somehow, weighing in at 1.5 tonnes, Junior feels light and agile. That’s a feat other EV cars simply cannot manage.
BYD Seal
It’s incredibly fast, sleekly styled and though the interior dances along the line between plush and bling, it just about manages to stay on the right side of it. Thanks to its “Blade Battery” set-up, BYD – which is at heart a battery maker – has an edge on rivals in terms of its packaging and also its battery chemistry. The Seal is not without its flaws, though. We’ve driven several Seals and in a few cases we found the steering to vibrate more than on others. Yet its overall ride quality is supple and cosseted, while it threads very neatly through the bends. Overall, it’s a surprisingly strong offering that looks smart, is fun to drive, delivers impressive range and is remarkably well-priced.
[ Watch: Test driving the BYD Seal ExcellenceOpens in new window ]
Wild card: Volkswagen ID. Buzz
There’s a lot wrong with the Buzz. The standard model only seats five when it really ought to seat seven, the range from the 77kWh battery model is nothing to boast about, and it’s wildly expensive when it really ought to be a relatively affordable van-based family car. None of which will matter a jot once you experience the serene and easy-going driving experience, perched up high, looking out through the widescreen windows, and enjoying the cosseting ride comfort. Plus, it’s still the coolest-looking EV around – if you want to genuinely show off your green credentials, this is how to do it.
Buyer’s guide series: What car should you be driving in 2025?
What should I buy if I want a high-end executive car?
What should I buy if I need an ‘affordable’ second car?
What car should I buy if I need a small runaround?
What car should I buy if I need a seven-seater?
What should I buy in 2025 if I need a ‘reward for life’ car?
