Motoring expert Richard Aucock reviews his six top electric car picks that are available on the Motability Scheme this quarter, including a spacious 7-seater, a hatchback with a large boot and a new small car for no Advance Payment
Prices are correct until 31st March 2025
Electric cars are the future for motoring in Britain. The government has committed to start phasing out petrol and diesel cars from 2030. That’s just five years away. As a result, the car industry is switching over to electric. More new electric cars, also known as EVs, are being launched all the time.
This is reflected by the choice of cars on the Motability Scheme. There are more electric cars than ever. Many of them are available for low or even no Advance Payment. If you have a driveway, your first electric car lease includes a home charger and standard installation. This is the cheapest charging option. It can save you a lot of money compared to running a petrol or diesel car.
If you don’t have a driveway, you will get a bp pulse subscription included in your lease instead. This gives Scheme customers cheaper rates at bp pulse chargers, which is Britain’s largest public charging network. All Scheme customers also get a free Motability Go Charge card. This gives access to more than 50,000 public electric car chargers.
You get the same all-inclusive leasing package with electric cars on the Scheme. The worry-free package covers all the major costs of motoring, including car insurance, servicing and routine repairs. It also includes car tax and breakdown cover. This makes it the cheapest way to drive a new car in the UK.
These are my six top choices of electric cars this quarter. They show the choice of new EVs available on the Scheme to suit all needs. Read on to be inspired about what could be your next new car!
Citroen e-C3 -NEW!
My top choice for no Advance Payment
No Advance Payment
The new electric Citroen e-C3 is now arriving on UK roads. It is a small five-door hatchback that’s been optimised for electric power with few compromises. It means it’s an affordable choice too, available on the Scheme for no Advance Payment.
Why is it so popular?
The new Citroen e-C3 is a fashionable car that combines small car ease of use with SUV design cues. It is easy to get in and out of, and the interior has a fresh, fun feel. As it is a Citroen, the front seats are extra-comfortable. Rear seat space is pretty good too.
The 44kWh battery gives an overall range of almost 200 miles. It is ready to use speedy public rapid chargers, taking it from 20% to 80% full in just 26 minutes. A large central touchscreen helps you locate charging points on the move. It also has built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity.
View the Citroen e-C3
Alternatives to consider
The new Hyundai Inster is another stylish choice that’s available on the Scheme for no Advance Payment. The Fiat 500e, which has a range of up to nearly 200 miles, is a stylish alternative.
Fiat 600e
My top small SUV choice
Advance Payment: from £999
The Fiat 600e is a stylish small electric SUV from this fun Italian brand. It is famously only available in bright and cheerful colours. It has a generous battery that gives an everyday range of more than 250 miles.
Why is it so popular?
The Fiat 600e is a practical small SUV with a high seating position. It is easy to get in and out, and drives get a clear view out. I like the body-colour panels on the dashboard, which bring the bright outside colours inside. The large 360-litre boot is a practical size.
The Fiat 600e I’ve chosen here is the La Prima model. This has a high spec with plenty of neat features as standard. It even has an electric driver’s seat with massage function. This takes away aches and pains over long journeys. The front seats are heated as well.
View the Fiat 600e
Alternatives to consider
Another small electric SUV with distinctive styling is the Peugeot e-2008. This also has a handy 250-mile range.
Peugeot e-Rifter
My top 7-seater choice
Advance Payment: from just £299
The Peugeot e-Rifter is an extremely spacious seven-seat electric car. All three rows of seats have enough room for adults, and the sliding rear doors makes it easy for people to get in and out. This electric seven-seater has a 200-mile range and an Advance Payment of just £299.
Why is it so popular?
This is a modern-looking people carrier, with SUV-themed styling details and distinctive headlights. I like the bold Peugeot shield on the front grille. The front seats have a high, SUV-style seating position too. This Allure model also has a touchscreen in the centre with standard sat nav.
In the back, it is enormous. It has an extra-high roof, which gives an airy feel. All five rear seats have lots of legroom. They are nice and high, so they’re all easy to access. I also like the clever overhead stowage bins.
View the Peugeot e-Rifter
Alternatives to consider:
The Toyota Proace City Verso, Vauxhall Combo Life and Citroen e-Berlingo are all practical seven-seater alternatives
Renault Megane E-Tech
My top roomy hatchback choice
Advance Payment: from £495
The Renault Megane E-Tech is an electric five-door hatchback that’s perfect for family life. It has sleek exterior styling and lots of onboard technology. An Advance Payment of just £495 for this Techno+ version adds to the appeal.
Why is it so popular?
The Renault Megane E-Tech has a 60kWh battery and an official range of around 285 miles. This is great for long-distance trips. At a public rapid charger, it can go from a low charge to 80% full in around 35 minutes.
The Renault Megane E-Tech has a clever built-in Google sat nav system. This lets you locate charging points and also optimises routes based on the battery charge level. It’s an ingenious feature! I also found the extra-deep 440-litre boot to be large and useful.
View the Renault Megane E-Tech
Alternatives to consider:
The Cupra Born is a sporty-looking alternative. It too is available for an Advance Payment of just £495.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
My top choice for boot space
Advanced Payment: From £1299
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a futuristic-looking car. It has sharp, clean lines that set it apart from the crowd. It is a large car with crossover proportions, adding to its practicality and roominess.
Why is it so popular?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a very large and useful 520-litre boot. This is easily enough to take four large suitcases with space to spare. Fold the rear seats and the boot expands to almost 1,600 litres. There is also an additional boot in the front. This is the perfect size for storing the charging cables and a squashy backpack or two.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a 63kWh battery. This gives a driving range of almost 275 miles. It can also use the latest ultra-fast public rapid chargers. They can take it from a 10% charge back up to full capacity in a mere 18 minutes. This is remarkably fast, and will help make long journeys a breeze.
View the Hyundai Ioniq 5
Alternatives to consider:
If you prefer an SUV, the Skoda Enyaq is an electric car with an even larger boot than the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Renault Scenic E-Tech is also worth checking out.
Volkswagen ID.3
My top choice for plenty of equipment
Advance Payment: from £499
The Volkswagen ID.3 is the electric alternative to the Volkswagen Golf. It has a hatchback design and a sleek, aerodynamic design. This updated version has a larger touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard and higher-quality trim. It has an Advance Payment of just £499.
Why is it so popular?
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a sensible electric car that’s easy to live with. The open-plan interior has a practical feel. The seats are positioned to give a good view out and all the controls are light and easy. The electric motor gives zippy acceleration.
The version I’ve chosen here has a 59kWh battery and a range of almost 270 miles. It is the Match edition, which has a really good level of standard equipment. This includes stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, bright Matrix LED headlights and a handy rear-view parking camera.
View the Volkswagen ID.3
Alternatives to consider
For the same £499 Advance Payment, you could have an electric Jeep Avenger small SUV. Alternatively, you could choose a roomy Skoda Enyaq.
Interested in joining the Scheme?
Enjoy everyday freedom with a brand-new, reliable vehicle on the Motability Scheme. Simply exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair and our all-inclusive package.
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