The electric car is no longer the vehicle of the future. It is now a reality! More and more models are arriving on the market and infrastructures are adapting to this new, more ecological motorization. But choosing an electric car is not always easy. Price, autonomy, driving comfort... so many parameters to consider to find the best model.
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Our selection
"A sober city car with a modern look, the Renault ZOE boasts an approved range of 380 km. A comfortable interior and a very attractive…"
"The Hyundai Kona is particularly affordable for an electric SUV. Better yet, it offers a whole host of qualities that make it one of the…"
"The Model 3, a 100% electric sedan, is the benchmark of its kind, with a sporty look and impressive range. It's also reliable, so you…"
"The Peugeot e-208 is the latest addition to the range of French electric city cars, standing out for its aggressive look and driving comfort. More…"
A sober city car with a modern look, the Renault ZOE boasts an approved range of 380 km. A comfortable interior and a very attractive price add up to a long list of advantages.
28 500 € (-13%) on Elite-AutoIts 52 kWh battery is undoubtedly the biggest asset of the Renault ZOE. It provides a nice range of 380 km in summer, 250 km in winter with the heating on. It's worth buying it to drive around town without fear of running out of battery. As an option, a 50 kWh combo charger is available for an extra thousand euros.
This all-electric city car is comfortable to drive in the city and feels very light. The interior is simple but welcoming. The car is offered in four finishes for a price that starts at €32,500. At this price, the Renault ZOE is within everyone's reach.
The Hyundai Kona is particularly affordable for an electric SUV. Better yet, it offers a whole host of qualities that make it one of the best entry-level electrics in nearly 3 years.
39 700€ on Elite-AutoSUV fans will love the Hyundai Kona. Released in 2018, this plug-in hybrid electric SUV is particularly at home in urban environments, boasting a reasonable range for its price. The basic version comes with a 39.2 kWh battery, with a certified range of 289 km. For the more expensive versions, this range can go up to 482 km.
Behind its modern design with clean lines, the Hyundai Kona hides a very satisfying driving comfort. The interior is finished to a high standard and the comfort options are worthy of the Korean manufacturer's reputation. Are you looking for a cheap electric car? The Hyundai Kona could surprise you and satisfy you.
The Model 3, a 100% electric sedan, is the benchmark of its kind, with a sporty look and impressive range. It's also reliable, so you can enjoy a comfortable, worry-free ride every day.
42 900 € on TeslaTesla remains unbeatable when it comes to battery power for electric cars. The technology on board the Model 3 has a range of 530 km to 560 km. It's quite simple, no other model on this list can match it. Even better, Tesla's Supercharger network can charge the battery to 80% in half an hour!
Moreover, the Tesla Model 3 is totally sporty. In addition to its sporty look, this model boasts a 0 to 100 km/h time of only 3.3 seconds. This is proof that ecology and speed can go hand in hand, even if you have to pay for it.
The Peugeot e-208 is the latest addition to the range of French electric city cars, standing out for its aggressive look and driving comfort. More than just a car, the e-208 is a work of art.
31 500 € (-14%) on Elite-AutoThe Peugeot e-208 is dressed in the same racy and no less original look as the 208 thermal car elected Car of the Year in 2020. The little city car also benefits from Peugeot's attractive interior finish. Comfort and style are the order of the day in this city car that has character.
In terms of range, the e-208 100% electric car has a fairly average performance of 340 km on a single charge. That's still perfectly reasonable, especially for driving in urban areas between home-office-shopping trips. Moreover, the Peugeot e-208 is aimed at everyone, with a price of €32,700 for the basic version.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level electric car
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Renault ZOE
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Hyundai Kona
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Tesla Model 3
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Peugeot e-208
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A sober city car with a modern look, the Renault ZOE boasts an approved range of 380 km. A comfortable interior and a very attractive price add up to a long list of advantages.
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The Hyundai Kona is particularly affordable for an electric SUV. Better yet, it offers a whole host of qualities that make it one of the best entry-level electrics in nearly 3 years.
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The Model 3, a 100% electric sedan, is the benchmark of its kind, with a sporty look and impressive range. It's also reliable, so you can enjoy a comfortable, worry-free ride every day.
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The Peugeot e-208 is the latest addition to the range of French electric city cars, standing out for its aggressive look and driving comfort. More than just a car, the e-208 is a work of art.
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380 km of autonomy
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Powerful SUV with great handling
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Long range, up to 560 km
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Eye-catching and modern design
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Good finish of the cabin
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Maximum range of 482 km
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Very fast charging thanks to the Supercharger network
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Very comfortable and welcoming interior
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Very comfortable driving in urban areas
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Affordable and competitive price
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Sporty and ecological car
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Excellent ride comfort
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For several years, manufacturers have been working hard to improve the range of their electric cars. The range tends to increase with each new generation. The most basic models run at about 150 km on a single charge. The average mid-range model has a range of between 250 and 450 km. The most powerful electric cars, like Tesla, can drive more than 500 km and recharge in less than an hour. The choice of autonomy will depend mainly on the distance you intend to cover on a daily basis, but also on the price you are willing to pay.
The full purchase of the battery will suit you if you have enough money. Indeed, it requires an important investment amortized during 6 years on average. Leasing a battery is more interesting if you want to limit the costs related to the purchase of an electric car. Leasing takes care of the annual mileage, which allows you to pay only according to the number of kilometers accumulated in a year. However, this battery lease option is not offered on all electric cars sold in the UK.
The electric car is best driven in the city. Driving in urban areas requires recurrent braking and acceleration, which is beneficial for the battery. You can therefore opt for this type of car if your trips are mainly in the city. On the other hand, you should know that electric car batteries do not perform as well on highways. The long accelerations can indeed reduce their autonomies.
Lithium-ion batteries
, similar to those of our smartphones, are the most common. They are quite affordable and provide reliable power. However, they lose capacity over the years and are the subject of debate as to their effects on the environment. Lithium metal polymer batteries are becoming less common, although some manufacturers continue to use them. They are mainly adapted to more or less intensive uses. Polymer batteries, known as Li-Po, are mainly found in premium electric cars. They are powerful yet smaller and lighter. On the other hand, Li-Po batteries are much more expensive than Li-Ion batteries.
There are 3 main types of motors on electric cars. The permanent magnet motor is the most common. It is reliable and offers good driving comfort. Some specialists question the ecological character of these motors whose manufacture requires the use of rare metals and a great difficulty of recycling. The induction motor is the one chosen by Tesla. This one excludes the use of rare metals and is more affordable. Note however that the induction motor is exposed to great risks of overheating. It must therefore be equipped with a heavy cooling system. The wound rotor motor, on the other hand, is massive. Since this type of motor is heavy, few vehicles are equipped with it. However, it is affordable and provides reasonable reliability.
"The car is strange: at the same time like a small house and like a starship." - From Philippe Delerm in La Première Gorgée de bière
The electric car requires less maintenance than a combustion engine car. The engine does not need an oil change. Other engine components such as the gearbox or the exhaust system are also absent and therefore do not need to be maintained.
The brakes, however, should be serviced in the same way as those of a combustion engine car to ensure optimum vehicle safety. The coolant must also be changed regularly, especially on models with induction motors.
Special attention must also be paid to the battery. It is essential to recharge it regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure an optimal life span. The battery must also be replaced when it reaches the end of its life.
Other maintenance operations (bodywork, air conditioning, tires, etc.) are carried out at the same rate as on a combustion engine car.
Not all electric cars are alike. Several types of engines can be used on these so-called "electric" cars. Three main types stand out: the 100% electric, the classic hybrid and the plug-in hybrid.
All-electric cars are the least polluting, with zero carbon emissions. They are silent and run solely on one or more electric motors
. The autonomy of the battery is then an essential point.
If this one tends to increase over the years, it remains insufficient to carry out very long journeys. The 100% electric car is therefore limited, for the moment, to urban driving on relatively short journeys. This type of electric car needs to stay at rest to be recharged. It is therefore necessary to plan this charging time to drive without running out of battery.
The
hybrid car embarks two thermal and electric engines
. The two engines take turns to run the vehicle without interruption. Indeed, the combustion engine recharges the electric motor while driving, which avoids stopping the vehicle to recharge the battery.
It should be noted, however, that the carbon emissions of a conventional hybrid vary according to the level of hybridization. Moreover, the thermal engine, which pollutes, turns automatically when you drive on the highway. Also note that hybrid cars are heavier since they are equipped with two engines.
The
plug-in hybrid car is similar to the classic hybrid with one detail. On this type of engine, the electric motor can be recharged at an electrical outlet. This gives the battery a better range. The electric motor can therefore be used whenever the car is running at low speed, reducing the stress on the combustion engine and carbon emissions
.
The same problem of weight arises for this type of hybrid car. However, this is compensated by a better driving comfort in the city or on the highway. Recharging in only 2 hours also reduces the vehicle's downtime.
Also called Range Extender, the range extender consists of a small combustion engine placed with an electric motor. The latter ensures that the car runs. The combustion engine provides the energy to recharge the battery of the electric motor.
The electric car is booming. More and more of our fleets are made up of electric models. They are appreciated not only for their environmental friendliness, but also for their increasing reliability. Manufacturers are succeeding in developing batteries that offer an ever greater range.
In terms of price, the electric car is rather affordable, with the most expensive models being offered at around €40,000. The price can be reduced with the option of leasing the battery. The purchase of an electric car also gives access to certain government subsidies, which helps to bring the price down even further.
However, the questions of autonomy and recharging conditions still arise with electric cars. Furthermore, the accessibility of infrastructures is gradually being deployed without being as open as fuel distribution.
The internal combustion engine car is still the most widespread. It benefits from the large distribution of fuel, which makes its use much easier. Major efforts are also being made by manufacturers and public authorities to limit their carbon emissions. The internal combustion engine car remains as accessible as it is practical.
On the other hand, it should be noted that the cost of using and maintaining this type of vehicle remains high. On average, a petrol car costs €5.6 per 100 km. Furthermore, the aid available for the purchase of a combustion car is very limited.
An electric car is an excellent option, especially if you drive mainly in the city. If you regularly leave urban areas, a combustion model is more practical. On the other hand, depending on the length of your trips, you can opt for a hybrid engine. The electric car, although subject to some constraints, can very well allow you to drive comfortably on a daily basis, while contributing to the preservation of the environment.
Reduced fuel costs
In terms of electric cars, a full charge from empty to full would cost less for electricity which would give you a range of 100 miles. The cost of electricity needed to charge is therefore about 40% less than the cost of using petrol for a similar sized petrol or diesel vehicle travelling the same distance.
Lower gas emissions
By choosing to drive an electric vehicle, you help reduce harmful air pollution from exhaust emissions. The slow glide rates of electric cars reduce the number of greenhouse gases they produce. This is especially helpful in urban areas where congested traffic can create smog due to the accumulation of air pollutants. Reduced emissions also mean reduced road taxes. Switching to electric vehicles therefore has an immediate benefit for air quality in cities and near roads.
No idling
No more burning fuel to stand still in traffic with the engine idling. Electric cars automatically turn off the engine when you sit in traffic or at a red light. They use battery power to keep your radio and air conditioning on.
Better driving habits
Most electric cars come with at least a basic "driving tutorial" system, which helps you drive more fuel-efficiently. It shows you how to avoid things like high revs and encourages gradual breaking down. This system helps you develop good driving habits.
High resale value
These cars are highly technical and a modern phenomenon, so it's no surprise that if you want to sell your electric car after a few years, the depreciation is lower than a petrol or diesel car.
Apply for government assistance when buying an electric car
Aids such as the conversion bonus or the ecological bonus can be granted to you when you buy an electric or hybrid car. This aid will reduce the cost of your purchase up to 6000 €. Regional and departmental aid can also be granted.
Buy a used electric car
Like
the thermal car, the electric car is also developing its second-hand market. You can therefore buy a used electric car to lower the costs.
Reduce your speed to preserve range
By
driving slower, you increase the range of your electric car. So you could drive farther by going slower.
Limit the use of air conditioning and heating
Heating and air conditioning use a lot of energy. You can gain range by reducing your electric car's use of these comfort features.
Properly inflate your tires to increase range
You
can also increase your car's range by increasing the pressure in your tires. Your car will run better. However, be careful about overinflation, which can reduce tire grip and increase braking distance.
The best electric car depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.
In the short term, the purchase of an electric car is relatively expensive. In addition to the purchase of the vehicle, you have to count the battery rental. However, the cost is more interesting in the medium and long term. The electric car requires less maintenance and less expenditure on fuel. You could also reduce the purchase cost by taking advantage of various financial aid offered by the State.
It is necessary to use the services of a certified professional to carry out the maintenance of an electric car. He will be the only one to master the technologies used in this type of vehicle.
Renting a battery is not mandatory. However, it is recommended if you cannot cover the full purchase of a battery, which on average amounts to €10,000.
According to statistics, a gasoline plug-in hybrid is more environmentally friendly than a diesel plug-in hybrid.
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