These are the 15 best electric cars for families

The range of choice in the electric car market is at an all-time high, with models of all shapes and sizes joining the market almost every month. 

However, there’s still one undisputed sales champion - the family car.

Selected for their space, versatility and long electric ranges, they are the ideal choice for lots of daily activities, including shopping and people carrying. 

With such a vast number of options to select from, choosing the right family EV can be confusing. Luckily for you, we’ve listed 20 of the best that you can buy today. 

We’ve covered several different model sizes, shapes and budgets, so you can be sure to find an option that suits your personal needs. Let’s get started…

Audi Q4 E-tron

The Audi Q4 E-tron is the German brand’s alternative to the Skoda Enyaq, with which it shares the same platform. 

The range opens with the 45, which features 281bhp and an 82kWh battery. It hits 0-62mph in 6.7sec. Plus, it's available with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. Next is the 55, which adds quattro all-wheel drive as standard and gets more power at 335bhp. 

Thanks to new motor and battery configurations added in 2024, the Q4 E-tron is capable of up to 531km (330 miles) of range on a charge. 

Rear legroom is ideal for passengers, while it offers a 520 litre boot with a useful, flat loading area when the seats are folded. 

Skoda Enyaq

Skoda’s electric SUV is one of the most capable family cars on sale, boasting a practical interior, lots of technology and long-range batteries. 

The entry-level Enyaq 60 comes with a 63kWh lithium-ion battery good for up to 446 km (277 miles) of range. The Enyaq 85 and 85x models use a bigger 82kWh battery with electric ranges up to 595 km (370 miles) and 557 km (346 miles) respectively.

With the rear seats in place, the Enyaq’s boot offers a generous 585 litres of space. This surpasses the Volkswagen ID.4, Audi Q4 e-tron, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Folding the seats down expands the Enyaq's boot to 1710 litres, nearly class-leading, though the Tesla Model Y offers more.

The coupé version provides 570 litres with the seats up and 1610 litres with them folded, which is still a considerable amount of space.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 might look like it is all about style, but there is plenty of substance behind it. 

Larger on the inside than it might seem, the retro-designed SUV-cum-hatchback is like a sort of automotive Tardis, although admittedly it looks more like a Cyberman. 

With a flat floor, this EV offers exceptional rear passenger legroom, comparable to a BMW i5. Coupled with a 520-litre boot, it presents a highly practical choice.

The Ioniq 5 comes with a 63kWh battery as standard, with up to 439 km (273 miles) of range. The next step up is a 84kWh unit that provides up to 570 km (354 miles) of range.

BMW iX

Some drivers may not like the BMW iX’s styling, but we think this luxury SUV is the best electric family car on sale today.

Offering excellent all-around ability, the iX combines generous SUV-level cabin comfort and versatility with a genuinely relaxing and understated luxury ambience.

That’s not all: it also offers world-class rolling refinement and drivability, instant and effortless performance and credible real-world range. Few rivals in its segment can offer the same blend of ability. 

The iX, while undeniably costly, offers impressive features. The entry-level iX 45 boasts a range of 602 km (374 miles), and for those seeking all-wheel drive, the xDrive60 model extends that to 686 km (426 miles).

Porsche Macan EV

The Porsche Macan Electric, inheriting the legacy of its internal-combustion predecessor, successfully establishes itself as a top-tier electric family vehicle. Based on which battery you choose, you should achieve up to 640km (398 miles) of range.  

Available in four variants—the Macan, Macan 4, Macan 4S, and Macan Turbo Electric—all but the entry-level model feature a dual-motor configuration and a 95kWh battery. Power outputs range from 356bhp in the base models to a formidable 631bhp and 833lb ft in the range-topping Turbo.

Driving the Macan Electric is a pleasure, characterised by sharp, responsive handling and potent performance. For optimal value, the lower-level models are recommended, as they offer more manageable daily driving dynamics and a more natural handling feel.

Renault Scenic

The Renault Scenic is the cheapest option on this list, but it’s still a very well-equipped family SUV. 

As standard, it gets dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, wireless smartphone mirroring, a heat pump and heated front seats.

For its size, the Scenic has an impressive 545 litres of boot space, which puts it ahead of the Volkswagen ID 7 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. However, leg room isn't as plentiful as in the Hyundai. 

Available with two battery options, the standard-range model offers a 60kWh battery with 418 km (260 miles) of range. The long-range version boasts an 87kWh battery, providing a claimed 609 km (379 miles) of range, positioning the Scenic among the class leaders in potential driving distance.

Volvo EX40

The EX40 offers a choice of single- or dual-motor configurations and standard- or long-range batteries, providing up to 550km (342 miles) of range. 

Power output starts at 235bhp for the single-motor model, while the twin-motor version boasts 408bhp. In its most powerful form, it will hit 0-100kph in around four seconds. 

The interior is a standout feature, being both plush and spacious. While it doesn't lead the class in legroom, mid-range Plus specifications do offer the option of rear heated seats. 

Despite its average efficiency, the EX40 proves a comfortable companion on long journeys, further enhanced by the inclusion of USB-C chargers in the back for children's devices.

Volkswagen ID 4

Another clone of the Audi Q4 E-tron and Skoda Enyaq, the Volkswagen ID 4 is similarly practical and comfortable for families. 

In the UK, the ID 4 comes with two battery options: a 52kWh entry-level unit and a 77kWh long-range one. Volkswagen states that models with the smaller battery have a range of 221 miles, while the 77kWh unit provides an estimated range of 319 to 339 miles, depending on the specific trim.

A 167bhp rear-mounted electric motor drives cars with the smaller battery, but 77kWh variants get a much more punchy 286bhp.

It’s a genuinely practical car, with a boot measuring 543 litres, which is larger than the Kia EV6 (490 litres) and almost identical to the Renault Scenic (545 litres).

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 is one of the carmaker’s most eye-catching electric cars, and it’s also one of the best to drive daily. 

Kia simplifies choices for the EV6, offering an 84kWh battery across all models. The range consists of three trim levels: Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S. 

All EV6s come with a 225bhp rear motor as standard. However, GT-Line and GT-Line S versions can be upgraded with an additional front motor, boosting total output to 321bhp and providing all-wheel drive.

Volkswagen ID Buzz

The ID Buzz stands out as arguably the most characterful and versatile model on this list. 

While the short-wheelbase version comes standard with five seats, its full potential is unleashed in the long-wheelbase (LWB) configuration.

The ID Buzz LWB offers the choice of a seven-seat layout (2/3/2) as standard or a six-seat option (2/2/2). Its adaptability is a significant advantage; the rear seats in the seven-seater can be removed to create a massive 1340-litre cargo area.

Power options include 201bhp in entry-level short-wheelbase variants, with the LWB model boasting 282bhp. For even more punch, the all-wheel-drive GTX models deliver 335bhp.

Volkswagen ID 7

The Volkswagen ID.7, available as an electric saloon and the ID.7 Tourer estate, offers a compelling package.

It's an excellent choice for long-distance drivers, featuring a standard single-motor setup that delivers 282bhp and 402lb ft.

For extended range, models with the 86kWh battery can achieve over 643km (400 miles) and support fast charging at up to 200kW.

In terms of practicality, the ID.7 boasts a generous 532 litres of boot space and exceptional rear passenger room, making it a class leader for family comfort.

Tesla Model Y

Regardless of your opinion on Tesla's CEO, the Model Y is an objectively impressive vehicle. 

It consistently ranks high on best-seller lists, is competitively priced (often with attractive independent leasing deals), and offers exceptional spaciousness. The boot is notably large, complemented by underfloor storage and a 'frunk'.

While Tesla's minimalist, button-free interior and bold, simple exterior styling may not appeal to everyone, they coalesce effectively when viewed through a minimalist lens. 

Although the ride can be somewhat firm and the steering a touch too responsive, its real-world range is outstanding.

Our tests indicate the long-range all-wheel-drive model can easily achieve over 483km (300 miles), and even the most affordable, least powerful version can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds.

Polestar 3

The Polestar 3 stands out as a large, spacious electric SUV, boasting a roomy interior filled with cutting-edge technology and a distinctive design. It’s the ideal choice for those seeking a car with an unparalleled look on the road.

Performance-wise, the Polestar 3 is powerful, delivering between 483bhp and 510bhp. Its 107kWh battery offers an impressive range of up to 627km (390 miles) and supports fast charging speeds of up to 250kW.

Inside, the cabin feels airy and luxurious, featuring chrome-effect materials and soft-touch textiles made from recycled materials. A large touchscreen dominates the dashboard, providing integrated Google Maps and wireless smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Despite its substantial size and 2.5-tonne kerb weight, the Polestar 3 offers an excellent driving experience at higher speeds, with tactile and precise handling that surpasses many competitors in its segment.

Kia EV3

The Kia EV3 stands out as an exceptional all-around electric car for the average driver.

It successfully combines practicality, performance, range, and versatility in an attractively priced package, making it a far more appealing option than its competitors.

One of its key strengths is its welcoming atmosphere, designed to make occupants of all ages, from eight to 80, feel comfortable – a quality many other cars struggle to achieve. 

Furthermore, its substantial 81.4kWh battery surpasses rivals, delivering an impressive 603km (375 miles) of range. However, its most compelling feature remains its price, offering significant value for money.

MG S5 EV

For the money, this MG outstrips all reasonable expectations.

The interior is perhaps the most surprising thing. Even just a couple of years ago, Chinese car manufacturers’ interiors were largely inferior when compared with European, Japanese and Korean ones.

The MG is a real step-change. The attention to detail with the switches, which are chunky, easy to use and feel solid, suggests MG is taking an active interest in perceived quality.

Standard-range models offer 168bhp and 340km (211 miles) of range, whereas long-range versions up things to 228bhp and 480km (298 miles). Neither of which is game-changing. But when the price is factored in, it’s still an excellent value car/.

The money is just so hard to look past. It is broadly as good as everything else in its class (perhaps not quite so in range), but at a price point of a smaller model.