Electric cars have become a far more established part of the UK new-car market, with EVs accounting for almost 30% of sales, according to Autocar’s 2026 assessment of the sector. The publication’s latest ranking puts the Skoda Elroq at the top, ahead of the BMW iX3, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Renault 5 and Porsche Taycan.
The ranking reflects how quickly the EV market has broadened. Buyers can now choose between affordable small cars, performance-focused crossovers, long-distance SUVs and electric sports saloons, while improvements in battery efficiency, charging infrastructure and production costs have made battery-electric vehicles more viable for private customers and fleets.
Skoda Elroq takes the value-and-versatility lead
Autocar named the Skoda Elroq its overall best electric car, citing the compact SUV’s combination of practicality, efficiency, driving comfort and pricing. The Elroq starts at £33,970 and has a listed WLTP range of up to 372 miles, while Autocar awarded it a 4.5-star rating.
Based on the same broad formula as the larger Skoda Enyaq, the Elroq brings a more compact footprint while retaining a spacious interior and a large boot for its class. Autocar highlighted practical details including underfloor storage for charging cables, a boot storage net and an adjustable parcel shelf.
In the publication’s road test, the Elroq recorded an everyday efficiency figure of 4.8mpkWh. Autocar said that 270 to 300 miles was readily achievable in real-world use for the versions it tested. The Elroq 85 SE L, which has a 355-mile WLTP range, is among the variants eligible for the UK government’s £1,500 Electric Car Grant.
The review also identified limitations. The Elroq is not positioned as a particularly engaging car on demanding roads, and its weight is more apparent outside urban driving. Adaptive suspension is available only on more expensive versions.
BMW iX3 raises the bar for range and high-power charging
The second-placed BMW iX3 represents BMW’s Neue Klasse EV technology and design direction. Starting at £60,655, the electric SUV has a claimed WLTP range of up to 500 miles and achieved a 435-mile tested range in Autocar’s overview.
Charging is central to the iX3’s appeal. BMW’s SUV supports charging at up to 400kW and is claimed to replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in 21 minutes when connected to a compatible ultra-rapid charger. Autocar said it reached its peak 400kW charging rate during testing and returned 4.0mpkWh.
Beyond range, the iX3 was praised for controlled handling and accurate steering despite a kerb weight close to 2.3 tonnes. However, Autocar found its suspension can feel firm on rougher roads, while the highly digital interior may not suit drivers looking for conventional physical switches. The publication nevertheless described the driver-assistance systems as useful and unobtrusive.
Performance and affordable EV choices broaden the market
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N took third place and earned the highest rating in the group at five stars. The performance electric crossover uses a dual-motor powertrain producing 641bhp and 549lb ft of torque. In Autocar’s testing, it accelerated from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds and from 0-100mph in 7.8 seconds.
Its performance comes with compromises: the Ioniq 5 N is less efficiency-focused than the leading SUVs, weighs 2.2 tonnes and remains a large vehicle. Still, its adjustable driving modes and handling credentials position it as an electric alternative for buyers prioritising driver involvement.
At the other end of the market, the Renault 5 was ranked fourth as a more affordable electric option, with prices from £21,495 and a listed WLTP range of up to 248 miles. Fifth-placed Porsche Taycan remains the performance saloon in the group, starting at £88,200 with a WLTP range of up to 421 miles.
The ranking underlines an increasingly competitive EV market: the leading models are no longer defined only by electric powertrains, but by how effectively they combine range, charging performance, cost, practicality and driving character.
