An electric car can cope perfectly well with ‘family life’. Or, in other words, multiple people, too much luggage and not enough time. But have you found ‘The One’?
Before you settle for what seems like a compromise, it may be worth looking slightly ahead. Here are the most family-friendly electric cars still to launch in the UK this year.
1. Renault Megane E-Tech Electric
Due: Autumn 2022
If you’re looking for a family hatchback, the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is one worth considering. It’s the sort of car to be looking at if you’ve also looked at VW’s ID.3.
Renault will offer the Megane E-Tech with a 60kWh battery first, that delivers a real range of around 230 miles. Charging rapidly is at a maximum speed of 130kW, which is pretty average.
Take an electric car suitability check
2. Volkswagen ID.5
Due: Mid-2022
The ID.5 is a sporty version of the ID.4. If it’s anything like the ID.4, there will also be a whole line-up of possibilities to choose from (put your usual journeys into our EV match tool to work out which battery pack would suit you best).
3. Skoda Enyaq Coupe IV 80
Due: March 2022
A coupe version of Skoda’s first bespoke EV, the Coupe iV 80 has (yes, you’ve guessed it) an 80kWh battery, which offers 316 miles. The rapid charging at 150kW DC is fairly attractive.
Compare this to: the VW ID.4, Nissan Ariya
4. Nissan Ariya
Due: September 2022
The British-built Leaf made Nissan an electric pioneer, but it is hoping the Ariya will have an even bigger impact on the growing SUV market. It is set to be a rival to the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4. The autonomous modes offer to give you a helping hand for boring motorway miles or for squeezing this big car into tight spots with confidence.
It will cover up to 310 miles between charges (87kWh) or 233 miles from 63 kWh, but five different versions have been confirmed for the UK, with single-motor, front-wheel-drive and twin-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrains offered. Prices will start at £41,000.
5. Volvo C40 Recharge
Due: early 2022
The Recharge C40 is Volvo’s very first EV coupe. While the Volvo XC40 Recharge (Volvo’s first EV) stands upright and looks boxy, the Volvo C40 takes a more dynamic approach on the design front. This hasn’t been overdone like the bigger models that often end up looking a little jacked up.
Most like: definitely a Volvo
Electric comparisons: Audi e-tron
6. Genesis GV60 Premium
Due: June 2022
This is a family car for lovers of driving who haven’t lost touch with their inner boy-racer. But it’s also simple and elegant. The 800 volt charging system is top class, and will make your longest journeys a breeze when plugged into an ultra-rapid charger. With a real range of around 240 miles and priced at around £50,000 it’s by no means a cheap option.
7. Audi Q4 e-tron
Due: 2022
Compared to Volvo, Audi’s an old-timer – and this is a minor update on their popular electric model. Audi has boosted the max charge speed for the 77kWh versions, shaving a few minutes off each rapid charge. It also gets a better infotainment system with links to Alexa to add to your shopping list, open a garage door, all as you drive.
Most like: well, an earlier Audi e-tron
Electric comparisons: VW ID.4
8. Mercedes EQV campervan
Due: unknown
Any family could fall in love with a campervan. An overnight version of the MPV that gets full marks as an electric family transporter. A top range of 147 or 226 miles from 60kWh or 90kWh battery packs, less depending on the exact conversion. Prices expected to be a big jump up from the EQV starting price of around £70,000.
Most like a: Mercedes V-Class
Electric comparisons: Nissan e-nv200
9. BMW iX
Due: November 2022
Its looks divide, but this large SUV packs in latest electric motor technology, in car entertainment and driver assistance systems.
The entry-level iX xDrive40 has a maximum range of 257 miles from its 70kWh battery. The xDrive50 will have a range of 380 miles thanks to a 100kWh battery.
10. New Kona Electric
The Kona is a well-loved, affordable EV and this could be more reasons to love one. The 2021 redesign only made it more appealing to family drivers – lots of in-car tech, heated rear seats and better remote connectivity. A new, slightly larger version has been spotted out on the road by keen-eyed pundits, so expect a new release sometime in 2023. It may be worth waiting for.
11. The VW ID.Buzz
Due: Late 2022
Its two-tone paint finish is unashamedly inspired by the classic. And it’s roomy with 1,121 litres of boot space. A 77kWh battery with support for 170kW rapid charging is expected to give it around 250 miles of range. Prices probably from £43,000. But it won’t be ready for you this summer, so we think it might be worth waiting for the 7-seater version in 2023.