While those models are sharp-looking and desirable, they're also relatively expensive, especially compared with a combustion-engined car.
But not all EVs are expensive, so here we’ve rounded up the 10 cheapest new electric cars on the market.
1. Smart EQ fortwo (£22,225)
The unique Mercedes-backed city car has been brought bang up to date to meet the changing automotive landscape. The shape is instantly recognisable but the tiny petrol motor has been replaced by a single 80bhp electric motor. A 17kWh battery offers between 75 and 80 miles of range, and charging at a domestic 7kW wallbox takes just under three and a half hours. If the tiny two-door isn’t big enough, there’s always its big brother... Photo: Smart
2. Smart EQ forfour (£22,295)
As the name suggests, this is a four-door, four-seat relative of the fortwo. The forfour uses the same electric drivetrain as the fortwo with the same power, battery capacity and charging time. The added weight of the larger car means it’s a second slower to 62mph (hardly a concern in city driving). Photo: Smart
3. Fiat 500 (£23,835)
The latest Fiat 500 is another familiar name given an electric makeover. It’s a 100 per cent new car, sharing nothing but its name and immediately recognisable styling with the previous version of the retro city car. The cheapest versions come with a 90bhp electric motor and 23.8kWh battery good for a claimed 118 miles of driving. Spending an extra £3,500 will upgrade this to a higher spec model with a 118bhp motor and 42kWh battery with 199 miles of range. Photo: Fiat
4. Nissan Leaf (£28,495)
The Leaf is the granddaddy of mainstream EVs. Apart from the slightly gawky looks it’s a fairly standard family hatchback but with an all-electric drivetrain. Cheaper “standard” versions have a 148bhp motor and 40kWh battery with 168 miles of range while the E+ costs £2,500 more and gets a beefier 212bhp motor and a 62kWh battery with a 239-mile range. Both accept DC rapid charging of up to 50kW and feature Nissan’s neat e-pedal which allows for single-pedal driving. Photo: Nissan