New road tax rules introduced in 2017 saw sweeping changed to the cost of vehicle excise duty, with a wave of models previously exempt from VED now being subject to a levy.
An additional charge based on a vehicle’s purchase price was added to the mix, meaning that the only way to get behind the wheel of a road tax-free car in 2018 is to buy a pure electric vehicle for less than £40,000.
It’s still possible, though. Here are our top 5.
BMW i3
The boxy i3 is quite a cool looking thing, as well as being one of the most luxurious EVs on the market today. In pure electric form, it has a range of 186 miles and is capable of being rapid charged. There’s plenty of room in the cabin, and if you opt for the luxurious ‘Suite’ option pack, you also get plush leather seats and wood trim.
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Renault Zoe
In terms of usability, the electric Zoe supermini is a cracking little package, with a sub-£20k purchase price and the ability to travel up to 250 miles on a single charge. That’s impressive stuff.
It’s also quite good fun to drive, with rapid charging capability and room for four passengers to travel in comfort.
Nissan Leaf
The new Leaf is a lot more conventional to look at than its predecessor, but retains its impressive driving characteristics and drivetrain. It does have a greater range than the original Leaf, though, with the ability to travel 235 miles on a single charge, along with a 30-minute DC rapid charge facility.
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VW e-Golf
The e-Golf was always a premium offering in the mainstream EV market, and its luxurious cabin and solid build quality made it really stand out. However, its range of just over 100 miles limited its appeal. The latest model, though, has addressed that, with a class-competitive 186-mile range making it a much more realistic proposition.
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Kia Soul EV
With the exception of a flat radiator grille to aid aerodynamic efficiency, the Soul EV looks almost the same as its petrol-powered equivalent. It doesn’t have a brilliant range – 132 miles – but that’s sufficient for most urban motorists, while it’s also one of the most family-friendly EVs on the market right now, seating five in comfort and with a decent sized boot.
Enquire Now on a new Kia Soul
