As the green revolution continues, the rise of plug-in hybrid and full-electric vehicles looks unstoppable.
As reported by Zap-Map, there are a staggering 690,000 fully electric and 460,000 plug-in hybrids now on UK roads in 2023, demonstrating a continued growth of 40% from 2021 and a nearly 1,264% increase from 2016.
Motability schemes in the UK have been following this trend, helping people living with disabilities and illnesses to access the electric vehicle (EV) revolution.
But which are the best EVs you could choose from with Motability 2023? Read our best picks here!
For larger cars
For those that need a little more space, Motability offers a range of bigger plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and EVs.
Citroen E-Berlingo Electric Estate- Full EV
If you are looking for a relaxing ride and bags of space, the Citroën E- Berlingo MPV is ideal. With plenty of space for 5 and a huge 775L boot, the E-Berlingo can hold it all comfortably, including wheelchairs and prams.
The E-Berlingo drives smoothly, protecting passengers from bumpy rides or road undulations and thanks to a range of around 173 miles, it’s ideal for those who don’t travel too far afield.
With a 50kW battery and around 134 BHP engine, it can do 0-62 mph in 11.5 seconds, allowing it to move off smartly and keep up with traffic.
Peugeot 3008 Estate 1.6 Hybrid- PHEV
If you want a stylish SUV, the Peugeot 3008 Estate hybrid is for you. Combining 5 seats with a respectable 395L boot, and plenty of headroom, even adult passengers in the back should be comfortable.
The Peugeot 3008 Estate drives well, with light steering that is great for manoeuvres, and features an impressive 222 BHP engine, allowing for 0-62 mph in just 8.6 seconds. Similarly, the switchover between petrol to electric will extend your fuel consumption and is hard to notice while driving.
It is sufficiently roomy and features a height-adjustable driver’s seat and wide-opening doors, perfect for drivers who need to personalise the seat to allow them to get rolling.
DS 3 Electric Hatchback- Full EV
Described as a premium small SUV, the DS 3 Estate also has 5 doors and a more modest 350L boot that could be tricky to access thanks to the boot sill. If you aren’t looking to carry around lots of equipment and want to prioritise room up front, this could be the EV you need.
With peppy acceleration, the DS 3 achieves 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds thanks to the 155 BHP engine and still allows for smooth suspension over smaller divots in the road. The 54kWh battery can supply a range of around 245 miles, which is plenty for the average driver to commute and do all of their jobs in town over the weekend.
It should be mentioned, however, that while the doors open to around 65 degrees and the driver’s seat is a reasonable distance from the ground, the high door and boot sills mean that users will need to lift their legs considerably when getting in and will experience a fair step getting out. This may mean that the DS 3 is not ideal for everyone.
For medium to smaller vehicles
If you are looking for a more compact car, Motability stocks a wide range of medium to small cars. So, whether you need space for the weekly shop or prefer a zippier model to get you from A to B, you’ll have plenty of choices.
Nissan Leaf Acenta- Full EV
This medium-sized, full automatic hatchback has 5 doors and a generous 435 L boot, perfect for a couple of suitcases, once you get over the lip at the boot entrance. The roomy front seats make it ideal for those who predominantly use their car with two adult passengers.
The 40.6kWh battery delivers a range of about 168 miles and can do 0-62 mph in about 8 seconds, delivering relatively nippy performance. It includes a smooth drive, covering potholes with ease and is quiet, helping keep drivers relaxed while on UK roads.
The driver’s seat in the Leaf is pretty high, but the in-built steering-wheel adjustment means that this is easily adapted. The intuitive infotainment system and dashboard controls are worth an honourable mention because they are controlled with easy-to-use physical buttons.
Honda E Hatchback- Full EV
For drivers who prefer a retro 5-door, this is the EV for you. Able to seat 4 despite its dinky dimensions, the Honda is roomy enough up front, even for tall drivers and passengers.
With a 35.5kWh battery, the Honda has the smallest reported range of all of our picks but the 131 miles should just about be enough to commute reliably. The 152 BHP engine should allow for 0-62 mph in around 8.3 seconds- a niftiness that is reflected in its overall driving manner.
For drivers that need room to manoeuvre, the Honda provides the space needed and does not feature the annoying lip in the boot. However, most of the equipment, the infotainment, and the side mirrors are on screens that run the full width of the car, which can be off-putting and complicated for some users - despite its super cool appearance.
Fiat 500 Hatchback- Full EV
If you are after a 3-door hatchback and don’t have much need for a large boot, consider the fully electric Fiat 500. With a small 185L boot and space for 4, the Fiat 500 is ideal for those looking for a nippy city car.
Its 42.0kWh battery allows for a fair range of 199 miles, and thanks to the 116 BHP engine can do 0-62 mph in about 9.5 seconds. Described as quick and responsive in stop-start traffic, the Fiat is great for tight turns and deals with the lumps and bumps of the road well.
The front of the hatchback is pretty roomy and the high vantage of the driver’s seat means you can see well in front and to the sides. The space assigned for the left foot is small and some entry levels models do not accommodate seat-height adjustment or a central armrest, which could make driving tiring for some.
Find charging cables for your EV with EV Cable Shop
Once you’ve chosen your new electric car, you’ll likely need a corresponding EV cable to keep it charged and rolling.
Whether you plan to charge at home with a domestic EV chargepoint, or using public charging points, no- matter the model you will be driving, we have the charging cable you need.
You can browse by model, allowing you to quickly find the right cables for your new green machine. Alternatively, if you have any questions, email us or fill in our quick enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
