Christopher Sharp drove eight electric cars in a single day at SMMT's Drive Live event near Worcester and found a clear winner: the Mini Cooper Electric, which scored 9/10. The Kia EV2 came second with 8.5/10, while the Polestar 4 finished last with 5.5/10.
The test came as the new electric car market grew 12% last month – the 10th consecutive month of growth – according to SMMT. Rising fuel prices, linked to America's ongoing war with Iran, have pushed more motorists to consider electric vehicles.
From last to first: the rankings
In eighth place was the Polestar 4 (RRP £55,750). It impressed with handling, efficiency and technology, but lost points for usability. Every change must be made through a large central touchscreen, the rear-view mirror is also a screen, and the wireless charging pad doesn't grip phones well – accelerating too hard can send a device flying.
Seventh was the Jeep Compass (RRP £34,635). It has a good array of switches, a small touchscreen, and comfortable seats, but on the road it feels generic – nothing definably 'Jeep' about it. The brake pedal was slightly long, though the suspension was soft and visibility good.
Sixth went to the Genesis GV70 (RRP £66,815), once named Scottish Car Of The Year. Its interior is covered in white leather, with physical controls and a digital display that bizarrely showed the French Open leaderboard. Steering is mild and numb, but the suspension is soft and well-damped.
Mid-table contenders
Fifth was the Nissan Leaf (RRP £37,999), the third generation of the early-2010s model. Now an SUV, it shares tech with the Qashqai, has plenty of physical controls, and feels brisk but not overpowering. It does a solid job, scoring 7/10.
Fourth was the Fiat Grande Panda Electric (RRP £20,495). It feels less nimble than its hybrid sibling but rolls less thanks to the low battery. With a range of just under 200 miles, it would suit city driving. It scored 7.5/10.
Third was the Citroen Ami Buggy (RRP £10,496), technically a quadricycle with a 28mph top speed and no doors. The cold weather forced a stop to put on a bobble hat, but the vehicle was so ridiculous it had Sharp giggling. It scored 8/10.
Top two and the winner
Second was the Kia EV2 (RRP £27,995), which won Car of the Year and Best Small Electric Car at the RAC New Car Awards. It feels premium, nimble and practical, and Sharp said he would buy it with his own money. It scored 8.5/10.
First was the Mini Cooper Electric (RRP £26,905). Despite a large touchscreen and few buttons, it is small, nimble and exciting to drive. Steering is direct, suspension firm but communicative, and it delivers pure electric driving pleasure. It scored 9/10.
