Volkswagen e-Golf

Almost every one of us has owned a Golf at some stage since they first appeared in 1974 and, to many, the beauty of the e-Golf is that it looks just like the rest. From the outside, the e-Golf is identical to its non-electric sister and has all the size and practicality of the regular Golf, but it's powered purely by electricity. For 2020, VW has improved the range to 300km. The e-Golf is powered by an electric motor that produces 136hp and 290Nm of torque. While VW has managed to retain the key attributes of its popular model and the e-Golf is good to drive its a pricey option and the range is still far from class-leading.

Range: 230km.

Battery Size (kWh): 35.8.

Starting Price: €38,025.

Battery Warranty: Eight-year battery warranty.

BMW i3

BMW just recently announced that they have no plan for an i3 successor, so it's likely it will continue for the next 12 months only. Outside, it's funky - but, inside, it's futuristic and has been crafted to use every available space. Two versions are available: the entry-level i3 has a 170hp-electric motor, while the i3s sports a 181hp one. On the road it's fun to drive but the ride is firm and some may describe it as harsh. Part of the appeal of the i3 is that it allows you to bask in green virtue as you get from A to B, but it's let down by the price, lack of practicality and falls short on range.

Range: 260km.

Battery Size (kWh): 33.

Starting Price: €37,950.

Battery Warranty: Eight-year, 160,000km warranty.

Hyundai Ioniq

Overshadowed by the hugely popular Kona, Hyundai's Ioniq is available as an electric, petrol-electric hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. On the road, it is quick off the line and dashes effortlessly and silently around town. Inside, it is a spacious hatchback with plenty of room for five. It's also practical, with 455 litres of luggage space and 1,410 litres if you fold down the rear seats. For 2020 an updated Ioniq with an increased range and new technolo­gy will join the line-up.

Range: 311 km

Battery Size (kWh): 38.3

Starting Price: €34,850

Battery Warranty: The Ioniq has an eight-year or 200,000km battery warranty.

Renault Zoe

The latest version of the Renault Zoe has won many fans with its keen pricing and very usable battery range. On the road, the Zoe feels very much like the latest generation Clio and, like all EVs, full power and torque is available instantly, so as you hit the pedal and it whisks you seamlessly from 0-100km in a leisurely 13.2 seconds, it feels so much faster. The interior is well-thought-out and there is room for five at a squeeze and a decent 338 litres of boot space. A new Zoe is on the way and it promises a substantial restyle, a completely revised interior, increased range and more charging options.

Range: 382km.

Battery Size (kWh): 41.

Starting Price: €25,590.

Battery Warranty: The electric powertrain also has a warranty of up to five years/200,000km.

Nissan Leaf

Launched in 2011, Nissan's Leaf is the car that has turned more of us into EV drivers than any other car in the world. It began life with bulging headlights and a quirky design, but the second-generation model has been given a smart look and it is spacious enough inside for four adults to sit comfortably, though rear headroom is a little tight. The 40kw version has been joined by a new, more powerful 62kw Leaf with a longer range of 385km on a single charge. Good to drive and well priced, if you are considering an electric car it would be worth spending a day test driving the new Leaf.

Range: 270km-385km (Depending on the model chosen).

Battery Size (kWh): 40.

Starting Price: €28,690.

Battery Warranty: Eight years/160,000km warranty on 40Kwh battery.

Audi e-tron

Audi's e-tron is the car- maker's first foray into a full-electric production vehicle and comes with a 391km range, a maximum towing capacity of 1,800kg, a new generation of the Quattro drive system and an eye-watering price tag. More crossover than 4x4, the e-tron is larger than the Q5 - inside, there's room for five and it exudes the level of stylishness and luxury one might expect from the cabin of an Audi. On the road, it's instantly clear that the appeal of this car is more than simply emission-free motoring. Be warned, however - drive it too enthusiastically and the range begins to quickly disappear. If you are looking for an all-season EV that is overwhelmingly indulgent and you crave a bit of exclusivity, you might find this new Audi very tempting.

Range: 388km.

Battery Size (kWh): 95.

Starting Price: €99,750.

Battery Warranty: Eight years or 160,000km.

Mercedes-Benz EQC

Aimed at the increasingly competitive premium segment, the Mercedes EQC competes with the Jaguar I-Pace, Audi e-tron and Tesla Model X. Electrification is a key part of Mercedes' future plans and the new SUV is the first of a host of EVs coming from the German car-maker over the next few years, which will be launched under its EQ sub-brand. Based on the current GLC model, there is decent space for five people, luggage and more. Powering the new Mercedes EV is an 80kWh lithium-ion battery pack that gives 408hp and 765Nm of sheer pulling power. On the road, it is an accomplished cruiser and, reassuringly, it also comes with permanent all-wheel-drive. The EQC offers the styling and performance to suit those looking for an environmentally-friendly, fun-to-drive and trendy SUV.

Range: 375km to 417km (depending on the model chosen).

Battery Size (kWh): 80.

Starting Price: €79,450.

Battery Warranty: Eight years or 160,000km.

Hyundai Kona

The Kona has been an outstanding success for Hyundai and is the best selling electric car so far this year. Its trendy SUV styling is surprisingly attractive, while inside it's bright, modern and comfortable and there are a decent 361 litres of space in the boot. However, the key to success of the Kona EV is bringing Tesla-type range to the popular family SUV segment at a price far lower than anything previously offered. Smooth, stylish, well equipped and, for anyone thinking of taking the plunge, it makes switching to an EV a very easy decision.

Range: 449km.

Battery Size (kWh): 64.

Starting Price: €38,130.

Battery Warranty: Eight years or 200,000km battery warranty

Kia e-Soul

The funky styling of the Kia Soul is quirky enough to stand apart from rivals, but now it is also available as a fully electric car with a very impressive range. The funky body doesn't compromise interior space and while not quite as radical as the exterior styling might suggest, overall everything is well made and there are some really nice touches and details throughout. The e-Soul is a very likeable car: it's fun, practical and distinctive. So while price is high compared to non-EVs, it is cheap to run and maintain and, with a 450km range, it comes anxiety-free.

Range: 452km.

Battery Size (kWh): 64.

Starting Price: €35,995.

Battery Warranty: The e-Soul's battery warranty covers 84 months or 150,000km, whichever comes first.

Kia e-Niro

Hot on the heels of the Hyundai Kona is the e-Niro from Kia. Sharing the same technology, the chunky styling and high ride-height will appeal to family buyers and the good news is that, with a 450km range, its not a case of style over substance. Inside, it is generously equipped and there is plenty of space - it's satisfyingly roomy both front and back. And while there's no cunning third row of seats waiting to spring out of the floor, fold the rear seats down and you get a very decent 1,425 litres. A plug-in version of the Niro hybrid joined the range this year. The e-Niro offers a range at that crucial threshold to ease driver fears of running out of juice at half the price of the more premium rivals.

Range: 455km.

Battery Size (kWh): 64.

Starting Price: €33,495.

Battery Warranty: Covers a minimum capacity for a period is 84 months or 150,000km, whichever comes first.

Jaguar I-Pace

Until recently, buyers in the market for a premium electric vehicle had just one option,Tesla, but Jaguar was the first to challenge that. Built on a bespoke aluminium chassis architecture, the I-Pace is like nothing else Jaguar produces. In fact, it's like nothing else currently on the road. With concept-car looks, it is brimming with technology found nowhere else and engineered specifically for this car. The interior has got its work cut out living up to the avante-garde exterior, but it is lavishly finished and well equipped. A 90kWh battery pack gives the I-Pace a range of 480km - enough to get you from Donegal to Cork on one overnight charge. The I-Pace is beautiful to drive and stunning to look at, but, with a price tag to rival Tesla, it is not an electric car for the masses.

Range: 470km.

Battery Size (kWh): 84.

Starting Price: €81,585.

Battery Warranty: Eight years, 160,000km warranty, whichever comes first.

Tesla Model X

The Model X from Tesla is an all-wheel-drive, all-electric SUV with seating for up to seven that will just about keep pace with a Ferrari. With 'falcon-wing' doors that open upwards and a windshield that sweeps from the front over the driver's head and down to the rear, this is about as futuristic as family motoring gets. Inside, the clean lines and overall simplicity enhance that almost space-age quality of the Model X, but look a little closer and the fittings don't quite reflect the high price tag. On the road, the Model X feels more like a very fast MPV than a sporty SUV. The ride is harsh and there is quite a bit of road noise. The steering is numb but accurate and it's not a car you will yearn to take on a back road. But the intoxicating acceleration and sophisticated technology mean these gripes will be quickly overlooked.

Range: 375km-505km (depending on the model).

Battery Size (kWh): 75.

Starting Price: €94,993.

Battery Warranty: Eight years (with the exception of the original 60kWh battery manufactured before 2015, which is covered for a period of eight years or 200,000 km, whichever comes first).

Tesla Model 3

We haven't had an opportunity to test Tesla's new smaller saloon, the Model 3 yet but it can now be ordered via their online portal and prices start from €48,900 for the entry-level model and from €60,700 for the Performance. First delivery was due in July but it now seems that it is more likely that it will be the end of the year as it would appear the recent struggles of the company to overcome bottlenecks and ramp up production of the Model 3 remain unresolved. A family-sized saloon, the model 3 will compete in the competitive BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class and Jaguar XE segment of the market. Available in three specifications and with varying levels of range: the Standard Range Plus, Long Range AWD and Model 3 Performance give 415, 560 and 530km respectively. We look forward to reviewing it very soon.

Range: 449km-560km (depending on the model chosen).

Battery Size (kWh): 54.

Starting Price: €48,900.

Battery Warranty: Standard Range Model: Eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first, with a minimum 70pc retention of battery capacity over the warranty period. Long-Range Model: Eight years or 192,000km, whichever comes first, with a minimum 70pc retention of battery capacity over the warranty period.

Tesla Model S

Until very recently the Model S was unchallenged as the only electric car that could realistically claim to cover 400km-plus range. Smart and uncluttered, the cabin is a little disappointing and not quite to the standard you might expect, given the price tag. On the road the handling is impressive and it is comfortable and refined, it is also very easy to forget about that intoxicating power that can be unleashed at any time. The top of the range P100D, in 'Ludicrous Mode' will zip from zero to 100km/h in 2.8 seconds, so it will keep up with a Lamborghini Huracan and a McLaren 650S and only the Koenigsegg One and the Bugatti Veyron are faster. It is impossible not to be impressed by the Model S - it offers acceleration that guarantees an out-of-body experience and for some it will be hard to resist.

Range: 450km-610km (depending on the model chosen).

Battery Size (kWh): 85.

Starting Price: €83,887.

Battery Warranty: Eight years (with the exception of the original 60kWh battery manufactured before 2015, which is covered for a period of eight years or 200,000km, whichever comes first).

Sunday Independent