Global electric vehicle market is currently thriving, with more and more consumers falling in love with the quiet, economical, and smooth driving experience offered by electric cars.
According to the data from the authoritative UK car magazine “What Car?”, in 2024, nearly one-fifth of new car buyers chose an electric vehicle. While most purchases came from businesses and company fleets, there were still thousands of individual consumers opting for new electric cars.
However, buyers are faced with more choices than ever before, whether it’s small electric cars, electric SUVs, or models in between. The variety of brands available can be overwhelming, making it crucial to make the right decision.
“What Car?” recently released the list of the best electric cars for 2025, evaluating winners in the market through thousands of hours of testing by a professional team in aspects such as range, performance, comfort, and practicality. They also highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of various models.
The Renault 5 stood out for its value for money and practicality, claiming the top spot. Tesla Model 3 and Porsche Taycan excelled in performance and secured higher rankings. Let’s take a look at the top ten electric cars in the list and their basic performance details.
• Performance Parameters: Acceleration from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.9 seconds, range of 253 miles (approximately 407 km) for the 52kWh battery version, zero emissions, 5 seats, insurance group 22E.
• Pros: Comfortable suspension, excellent Google-based infotainment system, attractive pricing (the top configuration of Renault costs less than £30,000, approximately $39,000).
• Cons: Relatively narrow rear legroom, no discount offers.
• Review: The Renault 5 stands out with its retro styling and practicality, earning the title of outstanding champion in the electric car category for 2025. Its 52kWh battery version offers a range of 253 miles, comparable charging time to Citroën ë-C3 and Mini Cooper SE. Comfortable interior, convenient physical air conditioning controls, and superior cargo space compared to Fiat 500 and Mini.
• Performance Parameters: Acceleration from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.8 seconds, long range (between 556-713 km), zero emissions, 5 seats, 594-liter trunk capacity, insurance group 36D.
• Pros: Quick and reliable Tesla Supercharger network, long range, strong practicality.
• Cons: Complicated interior controls, less fun to drive than petrol cars, blind spots from A-pillars.
• Review: The latest upgraded Model 3 outperforms in the executive electric car segment, leading in performance and handling. It surpasses Kia EV6 and Polestar 2, with intuitive 15.4-inch central touchscreen and strong pricing competitiveness, making it an ideal choice for long-distance driving.
And so on for the remaining 8 electric cars in the list.
While not all electric cars are worth purchasing, some lower-end models may have slow charging and poor handling. Even in luxury brands, there are instances of underperforming “lookalike” models. Some models might deter consumers due to insufficient range, rough interiors, or overpricing. Therefore, consumers must choose carefully to avoid regret later on.
City commuters should opt for 200-300 miles (322-483 km) range, while long-distance drivers require over 400 miles (644 km).
Models supporting fast charging (such as Tesla, BMW iX) can significantly reduce waiting time.
Some models may have high purchase prices but lower electricity and maintenance costs, so a comprehensive evaluation based on various factors is necessary.
Compared to traditional petrol cars, electric cars offer fast acceleration, low noise, but suspension and handling may differ among models, making test drives essential.
In conclusion, with advancing technology and improving charging infrastructure, factors that previously hindered people from buying electric vehicles are gradually diminishing. More and more individuals are starting to choose electric cars. But when making a purchase, consumers should carefully consider factors such as range, cost, and driving experience according to their needs, avoiding blindly following trends for flashy technology. Regardless of budget, there is always an electric car suitable for you.