Is the car market dominated by SUVs? Maybe. But there is nevertheless a different, diverse offer for all uses.
You know how we are. We discuss, we do foresight, we are passionate about the energy transition and electromobility, their uses and their impact on our lifestyles… And sometimes we almost forget the central subject of all this excitement: the product itself. even.
The car, what.
So of course, at the editorial office of Automobile Propre we are well equipped with talented journalists who tirelessly grind the asphalt behind the wheel of all the new features to offer you trials and tests as complete and objective as possible. But the sector is evolving at such a speed that the number of new products arriving on the market – or rather being announced – is becoming exponential.
Moreover, this race for shallots is also causing victims among manufacturers, who do not all fare equally, but in general the market and the choice have never been so wide, and , let’s say it, exciting. And this, even if the electric car with high autonomy, with fast charging and an affordable price for ordinary mortals, and capable of transporting a family in a spacious and comfortable way in the same travel conditions as a thermal car, has still to be invented. That said, with candidates like the MG4, we are getting very close. Others will follow, for sure.
So, at the start of the 2023 school year, we said to ourselves that it would not be useless to take a quick look at what we consider to be the best electric cars of the moment, excluding SUVs. Not easy, especially since it is always somewhat risky to carry out this type of inventory. Although we try to be impartial, you won’t blame us too much if a little subjectivity creeps into this one. You will also see that the race for novelty is not necessarily a good advisor since solid classics are proudly present in this ranking.
NB: the prices indicated are excluding deduction of ecological bonuses and other bonuses.
Tesla Model 3, the pioneer has beautiful remains
Despite its great age, since the first examples were delivered during the summer of 2017, the Tesla Model 3 remains a sure value and for the moment never really equaled, whether in terms of autonomy or price/equipment ratio. /performance. It is available in two versions, the Standard Range Plus and the Long Range. Since its facelift unveiled two weeks ago, it has even made the headlines again, and the reviews are almost unanimously rave. Almost, because you always need a curmudgeon, right? Well otherwise, the Tesla Model 3 remains known for its performance, its autonomy and its on-board technologies. The new version promises up to 629 km of autonomy and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds in its best-equipped version for 50,990 euros. Who says better at this price? Not many people.
- Price: from €42,990
- Range: up to 629 km
Hyundai IONIQ 6, the long-term UFO
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is a mid-size electric sedan that was introduced in 2023. It is best known for its futuristic – and somewhat divisive – design and record-breaking range. It is equipped with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen that controls most of the car’s functions. The IONIQ 6 is also equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including partial autonomous driving. I recently discovered it in real life on the road, and I admit that I had a little difficulty with its rather particular physique, all geared towards efficiency. But the tastes and the colors… Moreover, the journalists who tried it are almost unanimous in their praise. So, okay.
- Price: from €52,400
- Range: up to 614 km
Renault Mégane E-Tech, Frenchy but chic
The superb French model introduced in 2022 is available in two versions, the Equilibre and the Iconic. The Renault Mégane E-Tech is known for its very “cocoon” interior and its advanced on-board technologies, notably thanks to the very successful integration of Android Automotive by Google. Equipped with a large 9.2-inch touchscreen that controls most of the car’s functions, the Mégane E-Tech also comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including partial autonomous driving. Some will say that it is indeed an SUV. We consider that this compact does not fit into the SUV category. Or a Golf, an ID.3 and a Cupra Born are SUVs.
- Price: from €38,000
- Range: up to 465 km
Tesla Model Y, the Model 3 inflated with helium
Two years after its release, the Tesla Model Y, world champion in attractiveness and sales, remains the benchmark in the category of crossovers family. Some see it as an SUV, others as a sort of cross between a large sedan and a minivan, in short it almost invented a segment on its own. And it is for all these reasons that it appears in this inventory, because many of us consider that it is not really an SUV. Available in 3 versions, the Standard, the Long Autonomy and the Performance, the Tesla Model Y, spacious and comfortable, continues to panic the counters and makes almost everyone in the automotive industry jealous of brands that try their hand to electric. A facelift in the wake of that of the Model 3 would be in the works, but in my humble opinion, it would be surprising if Tesla made this best-seller evolve so quickly after only two years of good and loyal service, while its big sister Model 3 waited 6 years to go to the cosmetic surgeon.
- Price: from €45,990
- Range: up to 533 km
BMW i4, German rigor put to the test of electric power
A refined sedan developed on the basis of the 4 Series, which has the advantage of not too disorienting the regulars and loyalists of the brand, who are quite strict on the Bavarian codes and the high standards in terms of quality of finish and connections to the ground. The machine, available in 3 variations, including a supercharged M50 version with its 540 horsepower, won over most of the journalists who tried it, with its driving pleasure and its very advantageous efficiency. Its infotainment system, however, leaves something to be desired, due to ergonomics and logic that is more like a gas factory. A shame for an electric one.
- Price: from €57,550
- Range: up to 589 km
MG4, the family friend
The Chinese manufacturer has almost achieved a flawless performance with this compact announced from €29,990, and even €20,490 by fulfilling all the conditions of deducted ecological bonuses, as indicated by MG on its site. This model, available in 4 versions, including the ultra-sporty MG4 XPOWER, ticks all the boxes of the good road car as comfortable in town and peri-urban as on roads and highways for long journeys. Its infotainment system is up to par, even if it experiences some slowness when the temperature rises. MG Motor has not finished surprising us by pulling in all directions with seemingly disconcerting ease. Everyone is impatiently awaiting the release of the Cyberster, which would undoubtedly appear on this list.
- Price: from €29,990
- Range: up to 520 km
VW ID.3, the almost electric Golf
The black strip under the windshield has been removed on the facelifted VW ID.3
Much criticized when it was released in its first version, in particular due to a faulty computer system and another time, not to mention the quality of the materials and the “light” finishes, the VW ID.3, located in the same segment than the MG4, catches up with its new version updated last spring. The line has been slightly revised and refined, as well as the interior, with finally a mature infotainment system.
- Price: from €42,990
- Range: up to 557 km
Fiat 500e, the electric in street clothes
Not only has this very cute city car been able to keep the spirit and look of the original Fiat 500, but it has the luxury of appearing non-stop in the top 10 (and even the top 5 for a few months) of the most electric cars. most sold in Europe and simply being the best-selling electric model in the Fiat range. If the Fiat 500e is clearly not at ease on the motorway, where its consumption increases very quickly due to a shape that is not conducive to good aerodynamics, it is especially in everyday urban travel that it reveals all its potential and flavor. Maneuverable, lively, relatively light (1325 kilos is not much for an electric), it is, with the Zoé and the electric Mini, the ideal machine in town and on the outskirts.
- Price: from €30,400
- Range: up to 320 km
BYD Seal, the Model 3 as it should be
Do you dream of a Model 3 but its too many shortcomings dissuade you from taking the step? Opt for the BYD Seal! This Chinese, of the same size as the American, and with a fairly similar look, offers everything that is missing on the Model 3: Apple CarPlay, driver-facing instrumentation screen (without GPS reminder however), large rotating central screen (mode portrait or landscape), 360 “bird” vision for maneuvers, more effective driving aids, premium materials, very advanced finishing and soundproofing, all with an announced WLTP autonomy of 570 km for the already very richly equipped basic version. In short, a great piece of work, with a former Audi design manager at the helm.
- Price: from €46,990
- Range: up to 570 km
Citroën AMI, the electric scooter with a roof
We couldn’t conclude this overview without mentioning the small urban vehicle without a license from the chevron brand. This machine, intended more to replace the scooter, or even the bicycle, could foreshadow what individual urban vehicles will be in the relatively near future. Compact, light, with a small battery but with sufficient autonomy to get to work or do some shopping, they demonstrate that their very minimalist characteristics are nevertheless more than sufficient in 90% of use cases in town, and even in the countryside. In the same vein, we are impatiently awaiting the Topolino (Fiat 500) version of the Citroën AMI!
- Price: from €7,990
- Range: up to 75 km
You see that there are not only SUVs in life! In addition, there is now practically an electric car for every budget and every use. Of course, prices are still high in most cases, but by looking carefully and using the various aids, it becomes possible to drive electric without breaking the bank on the purchase, while saving money in use.
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