LIKE it or not, electric cars are the future. Stats show that one in five new cars sold in the UK is an electric vehicle, with 2025 likely to set new records for battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales.
It’s now possible to pick up an electric car for an affordable price. As more electric cars are sold, prices will continue to fall.
Alongside the increase in new car sales, we’re also seeing a growing used market for electric vehicles, with many battery-powered versions cheaper than petrol- or diesel-powered equivalents.
If you’re considering going electric, there’s no better time to buy. But where should you invest?
Sun Motors experts have read the reviews, crunched the numbers and hit the road to provide our choice of the best electric cars for 2025.
Before we start, it’s worth saying that we’re only ranking 100% battery electric vehicles (BEVs), not plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
The benefits of driving an electric car
- Environmental
- Often cheaper than fuel
- Zero noise
- Smooth and rapid acceleration
The environmental benefits of an EV are clear, with no emissions from the battery-powered motor.
What’s good for the planet is also better for you, your passengers and wallet, too.
Have you seen the price of fuel today? Electric vehicle charging is often cheaper than filling a tank with petrol or diesel (although costs can rise if you use public chargers, The Independent warns).
The biggest savings come if you’re able to install a home charger.
READ MORE USED CAR BUYING
As well as saving money on fuel, servicing and maintenance costs can be lower, too, say the RAC.
Changes to the EV vehicle tax mean that almost all electric vehicles will now be charged, but it depends on the age of your vehicle. You can find details on the Government website.
Electric vehicles are safe, easy and fun to drive. Almost zero noise from the engine and smooth and rapid acceleration make driving a joy.
Electric vehicles are fully automatic, meaning no gear changes. Most electric vehicles come equipped with some serious in-car entertainment, too.
Depreciation on an EV can be higher than a petrol or diesel equivalent, say financial experts at This Is Money.
Bad news if buying new, but good news if you’re searching for a used bargain.
Buying a used car? Find cars for under £150 on Sun Motors here.
Our pick of the best electric cars for 2025
Here are some of our favourite electric vehicles for sale today. To make it easier, we’ve grouped them into specific categories, including best budget electric car, family electric car and luxury electric car.
Best budget electric car
MG ZS EV
Model: MG ZS
This quintessentially British brand is now Chinese-owned and is committed to building low-cost electric cars.
The MG ZS EV is a high-quality electric SUV and at less than £20k new, represents a bit of a bargain, says Carwow, as long as you can put up with a few rough edges.
BMW i3
Model: BMW i3
The BMW i3 is a superb car and a bargain on the used market, says Autotrader. It’s small, stylish and affordable, with this 2020 BMW i3 coming in at under £10k.
Dacia Spring
Another honourable mention is the Dacia Spring, the first all-electric model from Dacia.
It’s a fun, capable and cheap car from this rapidly growing brand. Expect reliable motoring with no frills, all at an affordable price.
Best electric family car
Kia EV6
Model: Kia EV6
OK, so it’s not cheap, but the Kia EV6 is safe, spacious and can charge rapidly – making it ideal for growing families, WhatCar? says.
All come with Kia’s bulletproof warranty, providing years of stress-free motoring.
Skoda Enyaq iV
The Skoda Enyaq iV has picked up a whole host of 5-star reviews, with drivers wowed by its size, performance and practicality.
Skodas are, let’s face it, a bit dull, but as an everyday driver, the all-electric Skoda Enyaq iV is a fantastic family car.
VW ID. Buzz
For those with a big family (and a budget to match), the ID. Buzz is an incredible electric vehicle. You can choose from sizable 5, 6 or 7-seat versions and three trim types.
It’s both retro and futuristic looking, but even more than that, it’s a massive amount of fun to drive, says WhatCar?. (We want one.)
Best luxury electric car
Tesla Model Y
Model: Tesla Model Y
OK, so it’s not the frankly bonkers Model S, but the Tesla Model Y is still a luxury EV we’d choose.
It’s fast and fun while also being spacious and practical, says Autotrader. As well as a superb car, you also get access to the Tesla charging network.
Mercedes-Benz EQS
It’s not affordable, but it is luxury. The Mercedes-Benz EQS can last for almost 500 miles on a full charge, with rapid charging delivering a 180-mile boost in just 15 minutes.
Delivering 0-60mpm in less than 4 seconds, it’s supercar performance while protecting the planet.
Audi A6 e-tron
The Audi A6 eTron is an executive saloon that makes a statement. Its battery holds charge for longer than the rivals, it’s fast, aerodynamic and looks awesome.
Well, we think so. The rear wheel drive is powered by a powerful 282bhp electric motor, taking less than 7 seconds to reach 60mph.
Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today
If you’re part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start
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Enjoy:
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Electric vehicle FAQs
Still got questions about buying an electric car? Here, we answer some of them in the straightforward style you expect and respect from the Sun.
Is it worth buying an electric car in the UK now?
We can’t tell you what to buy, but we can tell you there’s no better time than today to buy a new or used electric car.
The technology is now tested and used, which means you can buy and drive an EV with confidence. Overall running costs are lower and we love the driving experience.
The best buys are in the used market, with many electric vehicles much cheaper than internal combustion engine equivalents.
Before buying, do your research and ensure you’ve got somewhere that’s accessible and affordable to charge your EV. Ideally, that’s going to be a charging point at your home.
Electric car charging points near me: How to find electric charging points
You can find local charging points using Google Maps, Plugshare or Zapmaps. As well as desktop sites, they all have mobile apps that can help you locate an electric charger nearby.
Is it cheaper to tax an electric car?
It used to be free to tax electric vehicles, but that’s changing on 1 April 2025. You can check out the new rules to see what you’ll need to pay and when on the Government website.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
The cost to charge your electric car depends on a range of factors, including battery size and level of charge.
It also depends on how you charge it (rapid chargers can be faster but take more power) and where (it’s cheaper to charge at home than a public charging point, for example).
Charging experts PodPoint reckon a home charge will cost £13 on average. A rapid charge at a service station could cost up to £20.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Again, it depends on the variables outlined above. If you’re charging your car at home, most people leave it plugged in overnight to wake up to a fully charged and ready-to-go battery.
Rapid 150kW ultra-fast forecourt chargers can deliver up to 100 miles of power in 10 minutes, says Fleet News.
Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
