Which EV to buy? All electric cars on sale Car News

Lexus has made no secret of its commitment to hybrid power, which means its first full electric vehicle is a bit of a half-hearted effort. An all-electric version of the angular UX crossover, it falls short of its similarly priced upscale rivals in almost every way. Its 201hp engine is running out of power, its 196-mile range is about 100 miles away from most, and its 50kW max fast charge rate is disappointing in a growing 350kW world. It’s also pretty dull to drive, with average performance and lackluster handling. Still, it rides well, looks distinctive, and is beautifully built.

Mazda

Mazda MX-30

There’s a lot to like about Mazda’s first attempt at an electric vehicle, not least its crisp handling, which has become a welcome trademark of the Japanese marque. The MX-30 also looks great, in a quirky sort of SUV, while details like the rear suicide doors are a nice nod to the old RX-8 sports coupe. The engineers wanted to save weight, which is good from a dynamic point of view but less so for autonomy; the MX-30’s compact 35.5kW battery translates to a paltry 134 miles of range. You can also only charge to a maximum of 50kW, although that small battery means 80 per cent range will only take 36 minutes. It may be full of character and good to drive, but the MX-30 feels like a missed opportunity.

Mercedes-Benz

EQA

That’s the entry point to Mercedes EV ownership, although that still means a base price of at least £40,000. Essentially an electrified GLA compact crossover, the EQA is currently only available in 250 front-wheel drive at the moment, which means a modest 187bhp but a respectable 263-mile range, plus the ability to charge up to 100kW. . It looks pretty smart and its interior has a premium feel that traditional rivals can’t match. Yet it’s also cramped compared to its rivals, while its firm ride and uninspiring handling make it a less practical and satisfying choice than rival models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volkswagen ID 4.

CEQ

As the name suggests, these are the all-electric versions of Mercedes’ GLB SUV, which, with its relatively modest dimensions and seven-seat configuration, has carved out a place for itself in the premium compact SUV category. . Having been designed from the start to house a large battery and electric motors (one in the front and another in the rear for four-wheel drive), the EQB managed to retain all three rows of seats, which gives it something USP. In other respects it’s merely average, with the 350 4MATIC offering an average range of 257 miles and a maximum charge rate of 100kW. Still, the interior is chic and it’s a breeze to drive, if far from invigorating. It’s not cheap, but if you want a compact seven-seat EV SUV, it’s the only game in town.