Fuel prices got you considering the switch to an EV? Here are some of the best

Fuel prices are skyrocketing, which means that the cost of running a petrol, diesel or hybrid car is only going up. Electric cars are a tempting solution, because they’re so cheap to run, particularly if you can charge at home.

A mid-sized electric car, such as the Nissan Leaf, would cost about £6 if you charged it using an off-peak EV tariff. Sure, you don’t get as many miles from a ‘tank’ as you do in a combustion-engined car, but when the top-up is this cheap it still works out considerably cheaper.

Even if you would have to rely on the public charging network, it’s only the most expensive motorway chargers that really close the gap between electric and combustion engine running costs.

So, if the numbers stack up and you’re considering making the switch to an electric car, which one should you go for? Here, Carwow’s expert reviews team has picked out some of the UK’s best-selling cars and offered the best all-electric alternatives.

Best electric alternative to the Kia Sportage: Tesla Model Y

The Kia Sportage is the go-to family car for Brits, out-sold last year only by the smaller Ford Puma. If you’re looking for the natural all-electric alternative, it has to be the Tesla Model Y.

The basic version is reasonably priced, yet still feels just as posh inside as the more expensive Model Y Premium. You also get all the important tech you want, such as the big screen infotainment system that runs all the car’s functions. The Tesla isn’t as comfy as alternatives such as the Skoda Enyaq, but it’s great to drive with over 300 miles of range.

Full access to Tesla’s excellent Supercharger network of public charging is a bonus, and tends to be cheaper than other chargers, too.

Alternatives: Kia EV5, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Skoda Enyaq

Best electric alternative to the Jaecoo 7: Jaecoo E5

The Jaecoo 7 has taken the UK by storm. It’s the third-best-selling car so far this year, which is an incredible feat from a brand no one in the UK had even heard of a year ago.

The Jaecoo E5 is a bit smaller than the 7, but it’s still fantastic value for money and boasts similar Range Rover-esque styling (if you squint). It’s pretty practical and the interior has been designed to withstand family life, while the range is respectable compared with similarly priced alternatives.

Alternatives: MG S5 EV, Geely EX5, Leapmotor B10

Best electric alternative to the Renault Clio: Renault 5

The Renault Clio has long been our favourite small car, so it’s perhaps no surprise to learn that Renault also makes one of our favourite small electric cars.

Okay, so the Renault 5 isn’t particularly roomy, and its range isn’t fantastic if you go for the smaller battery. However, even the longer range model is refreshingly cheap and for that you get one of the funkiest car designs in recent memory. The interior design is interesting, the Google infotainment is intuitive, and it’s a joy to drive.

Unless you really need more space or a longer range, it’s genuinely difficult to find things to complain about.

Alternatives: Hyundai Inster, Citroen e-C3, Ford Puma Gen-E

Best electric alternative to the Volkswagen Golf: Skoda Elroq

The Volkswagen Golf has been a staple of family garages for decades, but the new kid on the block is the Skoda Elroq. If you’re looking for that Golf-like blend of being practical enough for a small family, stylish enough to keep up with the Joneses yet not too expensive, then the Elroq should be top of your shopping list.

If your budget can stretch to the biggest battery, it’ll do up to 355 miles between charges, but whichever version you go for it’s really efficient, which helps lower charging costs even further.

It’s such a good all-rounder it earned highly commended status in the Family Values section of the 2026 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.

Alternatives: MG4 EV, Volkswagen ID3, Kia EV3

Best electric alternative to the Hyundai Santa Fe: Hyundai Ioniq 9

Back in 2025 we named the Hyundai Santa Fe the Carwow Car of the Year, so when the Ioniq 9 – the spiritual all-electric successor to that car – came along, it had big shoes to fill. Fortunately, this is an excellent EV.

To start with, it’s a seven-seater, so if you’ve got a large clan to find space for, it’s ideal – and better yet, there are plenty of big vans that look on in envy at the Hyundai’s cabin space. You can comfortably fit adults across all three rows.

We crowned it the winner of the Comfortable Cruiser category, so when you’ve got kids screaming in your ear at least potholes and speed bumps won’t add to your stress levels.

Alternatives: Kia EV9, Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB, Peugeot E-5008

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.