Everyday Electrics: 8 Best Low Emission Cars for 2021

In 2020, a total of 59,945 electric vehicles (EVs) were registered, which is a 27 per cent increase from the previous year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

If you’re looking to buy your first electric car but are unsure where to start, the energy team at Uswitch have brought together eight models to add to your shopping list, plus a checklist to follow when shopping for your very first electric car. 

VW iD3 – From £38,000

Volkswagen has made no secret that the ID3 is the following people’s car and a new chapter for the company to embark on an electric, more sustainable future. 

The five-door hatchback comes with a 45kWh battery pack that can travel up to 200 miles and feels airy and spacious, despite its compact design. So if you are looking for your next family car, the VW iD3 is perfect for you. 

Find out more about the VW iD3 here: https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/electric/electric-cars/id3.html. 

Tesla Model 3 – From £40,000

It should come as no surprise that Tesla‘s Model 3 proved popular among car lovers this year. At its reasonable price of £40,000, the car is the one with the most name recognition across Elon Musk’s brand and has even earned a spot on the Car and Driver’s Editors Choice List.

The sleek design has a better level finish than the Model S and includes an intelligent spacious interior, with a range of 263 miles per charge. 

Find out more about the Tesla Model 3 here: https://www.tesla.com/en_gb/model3. 

Fiat 500 – From £20,000

The Fiat 500 is a well-known staple car that has built up a reputation for its chic design over the years. 

But some might say it’s time for a makeover. While still paying tribute to its classic look, the new, all-electric Fiat 500 offers a sleek and modern finish, while its range can go as far as 199 miles on a combined cycle charge. 

Coming in a fleet of new colours including Celestial Blue, Ocean Green, Mineral Grey and much more, there will be a Fiat 500 to suit all your needs. 

Find out more about the electric FIat 500 here: https://www.fiat.co.uk/500-electric/new-500-cabrio-la-prima/exterior.

Renault Zoe – From £25,000

Recently revealed to be Europe’s most popular EV, the Renault Zoe should be at the top of your list when considering an electric vehicle – and for a good reason. 

Sticking with its classic 2012 design, Renault focused its efforts on the critical problem areas from previous models and managed to provide an interior leap ahead of other cars – including a powerful motor and range of up to 245 miles. 

Despite its classic look, the car remains one of the most comfortable and affordable electric vehicles on the road. 

Find out more about the electric Renault Zoe here: https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/zoe/versions-and-prices.html. 

Audi E-Tron – From £59,000

The Audi E-Tron is one of the brand’s most conventional models. Yet, unlike other companies such as Tesla and Jaguar, the car allows for a regular SUV driver to seamlessly switch to a more eco-friendly vehicle while not compromising on their style.

Coming in several different models, each E-Tron has a range of up at least 200 miles on one charge and includes a sizeable 605-litre boot, LED headlights and charging points on either side of the vehicle. 

Find out more about the Audi E-Tron here: https://www.audi.co.uk/new-models/e-tron/e-tron/technik.html. 

BMW i3 – From £38,000

As one of the smallest but expensive EV’s out there, BMW has undoubtedly made a name for itself with its all-new BMW i3. The car first made its debut way back in 2013 and stood out for its fashionable and iconic style, but the new version manages to look just that little bit better. 

With its easy to drive features and range of up to 175 miles a charge, the car has a plush interior, a new silver roofline strip and enough space for you to get comfortable as you drive. 

Find out more about the electric BMW i3 here: https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/all-models/bmw-i/i3/2020/highlights.html.

Mini Electric – From £16,000

The Mini Cooper has been around for years and is often a favourite brand for many UK drivers. But how about a new electric version?

Selling strongly over the last decade, Mini has recently released a brand new electric version of their Cooper classics, complete with a range of 144 miles on each charge and a sleek, comfortable interior. 

Find out more about the electric Mini range here: https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/range/mini-electric.html. 

Peugeot e-208 – From £25,000

Like Audi, Peugeot deliberately made the all-new E 208 that everybody knows and loves completely normal. However, the car is anything but.  

With a range of up to 217 miles on one charge, the electric version has a sleek, high-quality environment, including a gloss centre console and wireless charging pad. 

So if you are looking for something a bit more familiar when it comes to an electric vehicle, the Peugeot e-208 should be next on your list to check out. 

Find out more about the Peugeot e-208 here: https://www.peugeot.co.uk/models/new-208.html.