After the news that the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK has been moved forward to 2030, it's perhaps unsurprising that many of our customers are thinking about making the switch to electric.
But where do you start, and what should you be looking for?
We know look, comfort and cost will always be at the forefront of a customer’s mind when shopping for a new car. However, when it comes to EVs, it’s understandable that issues such as charging and range may also come under consideration.
Below, we take a look at just some of the electric vehicles that are already proving a huge hit with our customers.
If you have any further questions around EVs or would like to find out more about the future of driving, then why not visit our recently opened Innovation Centre?
The Arnold Clark Innovation Centre was unveiled on Dumbarton Road in Glasgow's west end, with the aim of educating and explaining the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) while highlighting the great and ever-expanding line-up currently available.
Tesla Model 3
In recent years, Tesla has suffered supply problems, with deliveries often running late and quite a backlog building up. However, with the introduction of new factories across the world, vehicles are now arriving in the UK by the boatload to cater for the demand.
The Model 3 is particularly popular, as it is relatively affordable – the entry-level is priced from just over £40,000. It’s a premium saloon that puts Tesla in direct competition with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
And despite it only being on sale for less than two years, it’s already the second-most popular EV in terms of registrations, according to data from June 2020.
Nissan Leaf
First launched in 2011, the Nissan Leaf is a supermini electric car with zero emissions and designed for eco-friendly driving.
The keyless, USB-connected Leaf is capable of impressive instant torque and acceleration, as well as handling corners well thanks to its low, weighted chassis.
It’s a good-looking, modern city car too, with a range of roughly 124 miles and a battery warranty that lasts for five years (or 60,000 miles).
Kia e-Niro
The Kia e-Niro is the most popular EV in 2021 according to statistics released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
The e-Niro is a no-nonsense five-door crossover that makes electric car ownership more appealing than ever.
In this big-hearted five-seater, the driver and front passenger seats have plenty of room for head, shoulders and feet, and getting into a comfy driving position is easy.
The e-Niro’s 451-litre boot is a good size, and the charging cables can be stored neatly under the load floor.
Renault ZOE
The new electric Renault ZOE won the WhatCar? ‘Best Small Electric Car of Value’ for 2021.
At the more affordable end of the scale, the ZOE is a smart electric hatchback that gives a smooth and almost silent drive.
The ZOE is just £13,995 for an entry-level model and Renault even installs a home charger for speedy power-ups in between drives.
Its affordability and size make it perfect for a city car or as a first-time car.
Jaguar I-Pace
Jaguar becomes the first of the premium brand manufacturers to make a long range, practical, battery-powered electric vehicle.
If you can afford the £65,000 asking price, you might as well have everything you could want here: a 300-mile driving range, 395bhp, potentially zero emissions and a car that might be as comfortable taking to a racetrack as to a gravelly ravine.
Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV and an ideal choice for families. The Kona has five doors and plenty of flexibility, while the rear seats can be flattened to further increase the capacity of the boot.
Fast charging the Konda will get you up to 80% battery power in just one hour and 15 minutes, while a normal overnight charge takes nine hours and 35 minutes.
You also get great value for money, as every Kona Electric comes with Hyundai’s incredible five-year unlimited mileage warranty, 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, five-year annual health check and a roadside assistance package.
