Best electric cars in 2022
Looming legislation to ban combustion engines and consumer demands have increased electric vehicles' popularity. Nowadays, you will find the best electric vehicles for your daily commutes and even long-distance versions with better battery technology to last longer. Many people opt for electric cars to cut back on carbon emissions and enjoy quiet and smooth rides.
In Ireland, public charging stations are increasing as many people invest in electric vehicles. However, if you have an EV, you should clock up your day's driving and find a suitable battery for your needs.
With electric vehicle manufacturers increasing daily, you can find a range of EVs on the market. Whether you fancy an SUV style or hatchback, here are the best electric cars on the market:
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Nissan Leaf
Renault Zoe
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Skoda Enyaq iV
Audi e-Tron GT
Tesla Model Y
Kia EV6
Fiat 500 Electric
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 presents a distinctive retro-futuristic design with an impressive interior. Hyundai was among the first companies to produce electric versions of mainstream cars from a bespoke EV model platform. The 800-volt electronic architecture speeds up the charging speed, and you can choose from a range of batteries depending on your needs. Standard Ioniq 5s have a 38kWh battery that can last for 312 kilometres on a single charge.
Aside from the impressive specs, the electric car is efficient with family practicality. It comes with a boot capacity of 527 litres, and adults can sit in the back comfortably. The EV is ideal for someone looking for a family car that isn't an SUV or a tall crossover.
Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf is a practical hatchback perfect for driving around town. It is comfortable and easy to drive, with a decent charge range of 160 miles for everyday use in summer and 100 miles during winter. You can charge the EV to full capacity within seven and a half hours via a 7kW wall box. With a 50kW charger, you can get 80% capacity in an hour. That means you don't have to worry about the range if you use it to go to work and back.
Driving the Nissan Leaf is comfortable around town despite the suspension being firm to support the weight of the batteries. Nissans also have e-Pedal systems, which boost the resistance from the motor and allow you to drive using an accelerator. You don't have to hit the brakes unless it's an emergency. ProPilot driver assistance system also aids with cruise control, traffic jam, and lane assist since it can control the car at low speeds.
Renault Zoe
Renault Zoe feels like a regular car behind the wheel but quieter, perfect for running errands and short commutes. The electric driving range of Zoe is 245 miles, which covers most short journeys. While Renault Zoe is mini-sized with little cabin space, it has some design features worth noting. The smooth bodywork and Renault's electric model's signatures, like metallic blue details in the badges, make it stand out. The switchgear and infotainment screen is similar to Clio, and the interior surfaces are smooth. You can choose from three trim levels; Iconic, GT Edition and Play.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a dynamic electric vehicle with a signature blue oval. Being the first Ford Mustang electric car, it has gained attention for its crossover body style and impressive range. While the warp speed isn't impressive like Tesla's, the chassis brings some driving satisfaction with its poise. Its longest range is 379 miles with an 88kWh battery, ideal for daily use. The standard range is 273 miles with the 68kWh battery variant.
With its stylish interiors and spacious cabins, Ford Mustang Mach-E treads a fine line between versatility and style. While it doesn't have the characteristics of other sports cars in the Ford Mustang range, it is engaging and fun to drive with exceptional EV characteristics.
Skoda Enyaq iV
Skoda usually adapts the Volkswagen Group mechanicals with a skateboard platform and gives it a practical body. The Skoda Enyaq iV is not an exception; it has a well-equipped interior and is easy to drive. The chassis set-up is medium-firm, unappealing to keen drivers, but the tight control inspires confidence. With its 201bhp in the '80' version, you can enjoy a range of 333 miles for long journeys, making it one of the best electric cars. The 58kWh battery pack is suitable since it yields a 250-mile range if you want something to drive around town.
Audi e-Tron GT
The Audi e-Tron GT is a spacious coupe that can seat five people and provide an airy interior space. The interior has real vents to ensure clean air, and an aerodynamic addenda and diffuser to make the interior spaces more comfortable. Audi e-Tron GT's long body gives the occupants good legroom, but the headroom can be uncomfortable for tall passengers.
Like other EVs, it has two powerful motors for the front and rear wheels. You can blast the car up to 62mph in under three seconds due to the 646 horsepower. With its battery capacity of 93kWh, you can enjoy 283 miles of range without recharging.
Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y adapts many features from its brother, Model 3, but offers more cabin space and is slightly taller. It's a more practical EV version from Tesla suitable for a family outing. The ample passenger space, large cabin and airy interior improve its practicality despite the minimalist furnishings. The storage spaces are also generous for road trips. Besides, you can find various battery ranges to suit your needs. The long-range version of Model Y has a 315 miles range and can charge fast.
You will enjoy a smooth ride since the vehicle has a dynamic template with a heavily weighted and quick-geared steering. The firm suspension makes it easy to navigate, while the Autopilot driver assistance system helps you control the car. You can also use the self-driving support system but should be vigilant.
Kia EV6
Kia EV6 was created using the Hyundai Group's E-GMP architecture, which has an 800-volt technology. The EV can recharge to 80% capacity in 18 minutes using a 350kW rapid charger. You can choose from three trims and two drive forms; single-motor rear-driven and twin-motor four-wheel. With power outputs ranging from 226bhp to 321bhp, its 77.4kWh battery can run for 328 miles.
Kia EV6 is a practical and appealing electric car despite the complex specs. An impressive body designed to enhance performance and comfort covers the state-of-the-art model. The rear-wheel-drive chassis makes the electric car engaging to drive compared to other EVs. The cabin sizes and interior spaces improve its versatility.
Fiat 500 Electric
Fiat 500 is a relatively small car, but its impressive range makes up for the miniature size. The company has also introduced bigger versions of the Fiat 500 Electric to compete with the best electric cars. Fiat 500 features a retro-chic look with the exterior spaces taking a smoother and rounded look with a minimalist interior design. The car can seat two adults in front and two in the back seats in the reborn versions. You also have convenient storage spaces like the tray under the touch screen.
The Fiat 500 comes with a 42kWh battery pack with a 199-mile range or 23.7kWh with a 115-mile range. You can charge it to 80% capacity in under 35 minutes using an 85kW public charger.
Benefits of buying the best electric cars
Electric cars provide impressive features and benefits to users, from smooth rides to reduced maintenance costs. Some of the advantages of investing in EVs include:
Fun to drive: Electric cars are high-performance vehicles that are fun to drive compared to combustion engines. The acceleration power and the smooth ride are impressive. Besides, you can enjoy a quiet ride.
Low maintenance: You cancel a few items off your maintenance checklist when driving an electric vehicle. For instance, you don't need oil changes, spark plugs or replacing fuel and air filters. Most electric cars are also efficient and only require an inverter, motor and onboard charger for powering them, reducing the moving parts.
Environmentally-conscious: EVs don't have a tailpipe or gas emissions, making them cleaner and better for the environment than petrol and diesel cars. Fewer emissions reduce greenhouse gases, and many companies also build environmentally-friendly batteries.
Which is the best electric car in 2022?
The above electric cars provide multiple advantages and are great investments. You can combine the benefits of a city car and long battery ranges in the Fiat 500 or Nissan Leaf or find practical SUVs and crossover styles for family outings. The EVs provide a scintillating performance and smooth rides for a modest investment.
DoneDeal hosts the widest selection of cars for sale in Ireland, with 78,000 on sale today. Check out DoneDeal’s range of electric cars from all of Ireland’s trusted car dealerships:
