A List Of The Top 10 Best Electric Family Cars

Those with kids know that a day out involves packing up most of the house before hitting the road. There’s an awful lot to cram in, so you need a roomy car. But, like many, families are beginning to see the importance of going electric.

From travelling in silence (the car, not the family), zero emissions, no road tax and the rising options available to buyers, electric cars are becoming a practical option for bigger numbers.

In this article, we share ten of the best family electric cars considering factors such as usability, driving, value for money, range, space and more. Are you ready to go electric?

1) Mercedes EQB

Kicking off the list with a powerhouse of a motor, the Mercedes EQB is a top choice for those with larger families. With seven seats and a large boot, you’ll fit the kids and the dog in with no problem.

Comfort is key in this spacious car which is important considering the driving performance is pretty swift. This model lets itself down when it's charging. The maximum range is 253 miles.

As for the interior, the EQB has been compactly designed, with the third row of seats having less space, meaning it’s not ideal for adults but will suit the kids just fine. The second row of seats, however, is moveable, meaning you can choose between extra legroom or more space for luggage. The rest of the interior has the standard Mercedes premium finish, and with wall-to-wall screens, it really does feel like you’re in a high-tech electric machine.

Prices begin at a hefty £55,000, which puts it on par with the Tesla Model Y. If you need the space and the extra seats, this is a top option, but otherwise, we suggest reading on.

2) BMW i4

Sophisticated and well-made, the BMW i4 is essentially an electric version of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. There are two versions to choose from. You can either opt for the entry-level eDrive40, which has rear-wheel drive and an electric motor. Or, you can opt for the higher spec version, which has two motors and four-wheel drive. Both models have a large 83.9kW battery pack hidden under the floor. In fact, there isn’t much externally that shows the i4 is an electric motor! In terms of performance and range, you can expect 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, a range of 367 miles and a speedy charging time.

Sharing similar interior features to the BMW 4 Series, the curved roofline means less headroom, and the rear seat is higher due to the battery and electric motor. Taller passengers will likely touch the ceiling. However, storage space is aplenty with a large boot, a reasonable-sized glove box, and partitioned door bins.

3) Kia EV6

Wondering what small electric car could be best for the family? When it comes to choosing the best small family electric car, the Kia EV6 is a spacious, quiet and well-rounded choice. The Kia EV6 offers an attractive body with plenty of room. However, where it really comes into its own is the handling. As a rear-wheel drive, it feels more interesting and enjoyable to drive than many electric cars do. This aspect appeals to car enthusiasts who have been put off going electric. However, as it leans on the sportier side, it doesn’t offer the smoothest ride, which may not be ideal for the family.

There are a few options when it comes to this motor - a single-motor rear-driven or a twin-motor four-wheel drive. The range also varies from 226bhp to 321bhp, and there’s a GT version on the way. It will have a show-stopping six-hundred horsepower. The range reaches up to 328 miles (enough for most family road trips), and the battery can be topped up fast. With its value for money and impressive handling, it’s likely to be an appealing choice for many. Talking of money, do you know what the effect of rising energy prices will have on drivers?

4) Skoda Enyaq iV

Skoda is all about value for money without skimping on quality, and this electric option is no different. A sensible and spacious package, this motor offers an aerodynamic exterior, stylish Skoda interiors and a well-designed cabin, so you won’t need to worry about cramming in the family and luggage too. Impressive levels of technology and a whole host of safety features make this an even more appealing family option.

The performance side of things would please most drivers, while the 333-mile range makes this model a very practical choice for longer journeys. However, if you’re after more of a budget-friendly version, there is a 58kW battery pack with a 250-mile range. While a reasonable amount of speed is desirable, an easy, smooth and comfortable ride should be top of the list for an electric family car. Fortunately, Skoda had this in mind when designing the Eniac iV, making it capable of taking on the worse roads that family trips sometimes endeavour.

This electric car will effortlessly fit into the daily here, there and everywhere that family life brings.

5) Volkswagen ID.4

The VW ID 4 may be a bigger, pricier model than its earlier version, but we think it’s worth it. Packing Touareg roominess and practicality into a Tiguan-sized motor, this option will undoubtedly prove popular when choosing the best electric family car.

An effectively designed cabin provides tons of space for passengers while the boot is an impressive 531-litre, ready to store a family’s worth of luggage. The battery can be found under the floor. This makes more space inside the car, although the rear seats are slightly higher, which means headroom is reduced.

There are two sizes of batteries to choose from, one with a 52kW unit and the other with a 77kW battery that will provide a decent range of 324 miles. Performance is brisk and offers sharp performance and quick control responses even for its bigger size. Topping the range is the dual-motor, four-wheel-drive, although this could be classed as more of a fast cruising machine rather than a family car. As well as being a blast to drive, what actually are the benefits of going electric?

6) Tesla Model Y

A premium electric family car, the Tesla Model Y offers more space and practicality than the similar Model 3. Offering 18cm more height, cabin space is increased, which is something the family are sure to be happy about.

A light and airy interior give this motor a feeling of space as soon as you sit in it. Minimalistically designed and with boots at both ends of the car, there’s a lot of storage space to go at. However, with a large price tag starting at £55,000, some could argue that the interior lacks the premium quality you would expect from this cost.

In terms of speed and performance, the Model Y can get from 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and has a range of 315 miles. Alongside this, Tesla’s public charging network means it’ll be recharged and ready to go by the time you’ve nipped to the loo and grabbed a coffee at the station.

On the other hand, this car is quite heavily weighted regarding steering. This can create quite a bumpy ride for passengers. As well as this, noise from the suspension and tyres can be heard easily from the interior, which can make for an uncomfortable experience. Although it’s an effective electric family car, it’s hard to say it’s the top choice at such a premium price.

7) Audi Q4 E-Tron

Under the bonnet, the Audi Q4 E-Tron is closely related to the already discussed Skoda Enyak iV and the VW ID4. The entry-level 35 model has a decent 200-mile range, or you can step it up a notch with the 40 and 50 versions, which will reach up to 300 miles on one charge.

In terms of handling, this is an easy one to manage that’s enjoyable to drive and still drives well at higher motorway speeds. Thanks to the size of the car, passengers sit quite high in the Q4, and there’s a wide range of design features to make your drive as comfortable as can be.

As for backseat passengers, you’ll never be short on head and legroom, even if you’re well over six feet tall. And the car is plenty wide enough that the driver and passenger won’t be bashing elbows. The E-Tron’s boot offers a 520-litre capacity that will easily fit multiple bags. There’s also an impressively sized storage bin between the front seats, cup holders, door bins and a storage area underneath the dashboard.

8) Ford Mustang Mach-E

If you’re on the hunt for the best electric car for a family of five, you may want to consider the Mach-E. Mustang’s first electric model, this five-seater, combines an appealing body style, impressive practicality for real-world use and is good value for money. It might not be a macho muscle car, but the Mach-E marks the start of something big for Mustang’s future and is a well-executed motor. Who knows, it may even end up as popular as the Ford Mondeo.

While it may not be the fastest of the bunch, it holds driving satisfaction many will appreciate. And it’s not a case of style over substance, either. The Mach-E definitely looks the part, but when it comes to ferrying your family around, it’s useful too. A spacious and airy cabin offers plenty of room for a family and whatever they bring with them.

The front seats are placed a good distance apart so you won’t be banging elbows with the person next to you, while the rear seats will comfortably hold three passengers. The boot offers a substantial 402 litres of volume, but even better, you also get a front boot with an extra 81 litres. Not only is this ideal for holding your charging cables, it also has space for a couple of extra bags. And the best part? The front boot features a drain plug and is designed to be hosed out so it’s a brilliant place to store muddy shoes and wet clothing. Now, if that doesn’t say family life, we don’t know what does. Not sold on going fully electric? Why not have a look at the Nissan Juke Hybrid?

9) Polestar 2

What would be a top 10 without mentioning Volvo’s environmentally friendly enterprise? The 78kW battery of the Polestar 2 offers 282 miles of range and can charge at speeds of up to 150kW. There’s also the appropriately named Long Range version, a cheaper single-motor model offering 335 miles before a recharge is needed.

Well-finished and oozing practicality, this is a handsome and sophisticated car. The cabin is comfortable and spacious, while the drive is impressively easy and smooth to handle. While there may be bigger electric family cars on this list, not many are as nice to drive as this one. That being said, it may be suited to a smaller family.

10) Hyundai Ioniq 5

This is Hyundai’s first purpose-built electric car, and it doesn’t disappoint. The Ioniq 5 has a retro vibe mixed well with modern-day design thanks to its twin digital screens and up-to-the-minute technology.

Although it’s a big car, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 drives with an impressive grip and soft enough suspension to allow for a comfortable ride. However, more than anything, it’s a relaxing car to drive with minimal noise and a luxury feel. The high-quality interior and useful technology make it a car you’re happy to climb into. Important for families, the rear space is impressively spacious, making it a comfortable journey for siblings sitting in the back. The boot makes the car evermore practical, measuring 527 litres which is ideal for family luggage.

There’s a range of battery and motor options to choose from, with the entry-level 58kW battery and single 168bhp motor, which offers 238 miles on a charge. Next up is the 77.4kW battery, which is the most efficient version and is capable of providing up to 315 miles. To save waiting around, the Ioniq 5 supports 800V top-ups which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes.

An honourable mention for this list is the Genesis GV60 Electric, check out our review!

Is it time to go electric?

Family-size, usable electric vehicles have been rising in popularity for a while, but it’s safe to say they’ve truly arrived. With a range of options available to buyers and battery technology evolving all the time, this list just skims the surface. While you may need to plan ahead for charging points during your family road trip, the silent driving, electric power and attractive models make an electric car for the family a viable option.

Interested in an Electric Family Car? Get in touch with Rivervale on 01273433480 to discuss EV leasing. Alternatively, you can request a callback for a time that is convenient for you!