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When it comes to choosing the perfect family car, practicality, value for money and running costs are often the most important considerations.
As electric cars become increasingly common across the UK, you might be surprised to hear that making the switch isn't as much of a big step as you might think – you just might need to consider are few extra characteristics, such as range and rapid charging speed if you're thinking of taking a well-deserved family road trip.
The good news? Finding a family electric car that’ll suit the whole family is easy.
In recent years, electric car manufacturers have targeted the family market in a big way and there's more choice than ever.
With electric car ranges getting longer, charging times getting shorter and rapid charger availability growing, there's really never been a better time to go electric.
But the big question: which are the best family electric cars you get right now?
Best Electric Family Cars 2022
Here's our pick of the best electric family cars available in 2022.
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BMW i4
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BMW is a brand that has become synonymous with style and practicality. With an impressive suite of electric cars now under their belts, such as the groundbreaking i3 and the uber premium i7 futuristic iX.
In fact, when it comes to electric cars, BMW is doing great things. We thought one car in particular deserved an honourable mention: The BMW i4.
The i4 is BMW's first all-electric Gran Coupé. It takes all the traditional BMW efficiency and power you'd expect from the German carmaker and injects it into a beautifully elegant and stylish electric car.
The BMW i4 isn't just style over substance, this car packs some serious punch. The high-spec i4 M50 drives like a sports car, launching from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds.
It's worth mentioning that the i4 is one of the pricier models on the list, but for the money, you'll get a 470-litre boot space capacity, which is more than say, a Polestar 2 or Tesla Model 3.
There is one caveat here though. Although there's a decent amount of boot space, there isn't an awful lot of room in the rear, particularly if you have three kids to think about.
As far as range goes, you'll get well over 300 miles of driving range from its 84kW battery, and you can recharge the battery in just 100 minutes.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
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Ford Mustang is not a name you'd typically associate with family cars, but the Mustang Mach-E, Ford's first foray into the electric vehicle space, is a great addition to this list.
The Mustang Mach-E delivers a notable combination of style and performance, in a well-executed and affordable electric family SUV. You'll get a sizeable driving range out of one of these too, though the amount will vary depending on the battery you choose. You can expect to achieve 273 miles with the entry-level 70kWh battery, and an impressive [up to] 379 miles with the 91kWh battery.
Fast charging time is solid too. With a max charging speed of up to 107kW, providing the charger can deliver it, of course, you'll be able to go from 10-80% in around 45 minutes.
The Mustang Mach-E is available with either an entry-level single motor (rear-wheel drive) version, as well as a dual motor (four-wheel drive) option if you're a more adventurous family looking for a more grippy, all-terrain accomplice for those off-road days out.
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Hyundai Ioniq 5
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Hyundai has charged head-first into the electric car market with this boldly styled Ioniq 5, the much-anticipated follow-up to its popular Ioniq and Kona predecessors, with more to follow in its family of electric vehicles in the form of the Ioniq 6 (2022 release) and the Ioniq 7 (2024 release).
Packed full of awesome technology, and made using sustainable materials like eco-processed leather and recycled yarn, the retro hot hatch design is deceptively spacious inside and easily one of the best available family EVs.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 sits on the same Hyundai E-GMP platform as the Kia EV6, which means they share many of the same features–not least their blisteringly quick charging speeds. The Ioniq 5, with a 350 kW DC charger, the likes of which you can find at our Electric Forecourts®, can charge from 10-80% in just 18 minutes.
Let's put that into context...
You can add around 60 miles of range in just five minutes.
There's no shortage of interior space here either. The completely flat floor gives an impression of space, helped by the three-metre wheelbase. You can comfortably fit everything you might need in the whopping 527-litre boot.
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Kia EV6
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Because they share much of the same technical specification, owing to that E-GMP platform we mentioned above, we couldn't mention the Hyundai 5 and leave Kia's EV6 out, could we?
Kia chose a more traditionally sleek styling, with aerodynamic curves that make for a rewarding drive. You'll find it spacious and quiet, with lots of passenger and storage space, though marginally less than the IONIQ 5 (490-litre boot space and a 2.9-metre wheelbase).
This EV is a very capable cruiser, with a driving range of 300 miles and more, yet it can be fast and ruthlessly efficient. Like the IONIQ 5, you'll go from 10-80% charge in this EV in around 18 minutes and gain an extra 60 miles of range in less than five minutes.
MG 5
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MG Motor UK has carved a pretty solid position in the market for practical family electric cars with the MG 5 estate. You won't find many electric estates available on the market right now, and if you're looking for a car that does the job, the MG5 certainly fits the bill.
If you're looking for a family car that'll stand proud on the driveway as a flashy show of extravagance, this probably isn't the one for you. But then again, if you're looking for something that's supremely budget-friendly, has great interior space, is cheap to run and can go the distance when you need it to, this is perfect and, for that reason, we couldn't ignore MG5 in our list of the best electric family cars.
Let's talk numbers.
The MG5 EV Long Range has a 61kWh battery, giving you a WLTP range of 249 miles. The maximum charging speed is 87kW DC which isn't the quickest, but you'll still see a 10-80% charge in around 42 minutes, providing you have the power available from the charger.
The boot will give you 464 litres of storage space, which is more than enough for most families, and there's plenty of room both in the front and the rear to fit everybody comfortably.
This is a great option for most families and one of the lowest-priced electric cars on our list and, for the money, you really can't go wrong.
Polestar 2
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The Polestar 2 combines the reliability of Volvo’s Swedish manufacturing with the build quality of an Audi, all put together with a healthy dollop of common sense.
With its impressive 11.2-inch portrait display and well-considered interior layout, the Polestar two is effortlessly practical whilst maintaining an accomplished sense of style and finish. You can really see Volvo's design influence here, though the Polestar design definitely stands on its own two feet as the mainstream production follow-up to its stunning predecessor, the Polestar 1.
There are a few models to choose from when it comes to the Polestar 2, each of which has a different range. The entry-level, single motor version has a 69kW and a WLTP range of 295 miles, the long-range single motor has a 78kW battery and can cover 336 miles, and the dual motor version which, due to its sharper performance, will give you around 300 miles of range on the same 78kW battery. has the same 78kWh, but will give you around 300 miles.
The Polestar 2 has one of the smallest boot spaces of the lot here, with 405 litres and the back seats are certainly a little tighter than most owing to the sloping roofline and transmission tunnel that passes through the centre seats, but it's certainly roomy enough for most.
This is definitely a performance brand, with a unique five-door fastback design and some serious technology, but it’s roomy enough to take the entire family for a spin that could arguably be labelled a potential Tesla killer.
Skoda Enyaq iV
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Skoda has a reputation for cars practical, affordable cars, and since joining forces with Volkswagen it’s undergone something of a transformation in the design department too. The Skoda Enyaq iV looks great and drives just as well as its sister model, the VW ID.4 , but with a more practical interior that’s ideal for family EV leasing.
It’s available in stylish estate or coupe versions, with a 62kW or 82kW battery that’ll give you an official range of 253-331 miles respectively. With a maximum charging speed of 130kW DC, you can expect to charge from 10-80% in just 30 minutes on in ideal conditions.
What we love about the Skoda Enyaq iV is its 585 litre, which provides so much space for the mountains of bags you might need on that next family outing. The cabin has plenty of room too, chiefly owing to its flat floor and clever storage, making it easy to get car seats in and out.
There's certainly no shortage of leg room here!
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Kia Niro (Formerly Kia e-Niro)
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There aren't many cars that offer better value for money than Kia's flagship electric SUV, the Niro, which is why we couldn't ignore it in our list of the best electric family cars in 2022.
Though it used to be known as the e-Niro, Kia has clearly stated its long-term sustainable aspirations by dropping the 'e for electric' marker. In fact, the new Niro range is only available in Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and all-electric models (though of course, we think all-electric is the best choice!).
Its 451-litre boot offers a decent amount of space too, though it's not quite as spacious as the likes of the Skoda Enyaq iV, for example, it's definitely up there as a family car worth considering.
We believe the Kia Niro is one of the best electric family cars you can get right now, chiefly due to its official range of 282 miles and budget-friendly price point. As one of the cheapest family cars on the list, it's supremely practical, offering 451 litres of boot space, a tall roofline and plenty of space for child seats if you need them.
We found the infotainment system doesn't quite compare with some of the more pricey entrants on this list, but for the money, you really can't go wrong.
Tesla Model Y
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For a long time, the Tesla Model 3 saloon was one of the world’s most popular electric cars, but recently it's the new kid on the block that's been stealing the limelight – the Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y sits between the Model 3 and Model X in terms of size. It's a five-door mid-size SUV, with added height and greater luggage capacity, making it a more practical electric family car than the Model 3.
There's a reasonable amount of legroom in both the front and back and, given that the Model Y has a flat floor, sitting in the middle is pretty comfortable too. That said, if it's rear legroom you're after, you definitely need to take a look at the Hyundai IONIQ 5 or Kia EV6.
You'll get 331 miles (WLTP) range from the Tesla Model Y Long Range Dual Motor version, with a 10-80% charge in around 27 minutes at its full 250kW charging speed, charger dependent.
Now, boot space. Tesla claims that the boot space in a Tesla Model Y is 854 litres, making it the biggest of all the cars on this list. Kind of. The quoted load capacity is right to the glass of the sloped tailgate, rather than to the parcel shelf like most other cars, since it doesn't have one.
The Tesla Model Y entered the UK in a big way in April 2022, positioning itself firmly in the mix as a highly desirable family car. Alongside the smaller Tesla Model 3, it's safe to say the carmaker is comfortably sitting pretty in its position at the forefront of global electric vehicle manufacturing.
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Vauxhall Mokka-e
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The market for compact SUVs is getting very busy, and the new electric version of Vauxhall's popular Mokka range doesn't disappoint. The original combustion version from Vauxhall won awards for its striking design, and the Mokka-e, with its electric drivetrain, adds to its charm.
You can't miss its bold styling and the refreshingly simple cabin. The Mokka-e isn’t technologically overwhelming, but and you'll only get a moderate driving range of around 201 miles (WLTP) from its small 50kW battery pack. However, with maximum charging speeds of 101 kW DC, you'll go from 10-80% in just 26 minutes, which isn't too shabby.
Compared to other cars on this list, boot space is a little lacking for an electric family car at just 310 litres, but it's still a great choice, offering great value for money and comfort.
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Volkswagen ID.4
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The VW ID.4 is one of the best-value electric family cars you could lease this year. Positioned as the big brother of the ever-popular Volkswagen ID.3 and cousin of the Skoda Enyaq iV, the ID.4 looks smart and has ample space throughout. Its sizeable 543-litre boot has all the space you could need, and there's plenty of passenger space in the front and rear.
You can choose between two battery sizes, 52kWh or 77kWh battery, giving you a 211-309 mile (WLTP) range respectively. With up to 135kW DC charging speeds, you'll get from 10-80% in around 33 minutes.
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Volvo XC40 Recharge
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The XC40 Recharge pure electric is an extremely solid choice as an electric family car, as you might expect from Volvo.
Its city-friendly dimensions make it more nimble than some of the other family electric cars in the category, but still plenty of space both in the front and rear seats and of course, the all-important boot.
In fact, the boot boasts an impressive 452 litres, making it bigger than the Kia Niro (formerly e-Niro), although it doesn't quite match the formidable practicality of the Skoda Enyaq or Volkswagen ID.4.
What we love about the Volvo XC40 are the premium styling and solid feel and, Volvo's reputation for unwavering safety makes it an ideal family-friendly car.
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The Verdict: The best of the best family electric cars 2022
In all honesty, every electric family car on this list is exceptional in its own way, so you'll be happy with your decision whatever you choose.
Every car offers a reasonable interior cabin and boot space, plenty of miles in terms of range and decent charging times. It really comes down to a question of your everyday needs to determine which electric car is the best value for money.
We wanted to give the Hyundai Ioniq 5 a notable mention for its blistering charging speeds and oodles of storage space, as well as the Skoda Enqyaq iV for offering the most room throughout – it's perfect for family weekends away.
However, in terms of day-to-day use, we thought the Tesla Model Y was a clear front runner because of its impressive range, category-defining technology, practicality and style. Tesla Model 3's big brother has really set the standard in family-friendly electric vehicles.
Quickfire Questions:
Which family electric car has the longest range?
The Ford Mustang Mach-E tops the list with a WLTP range of 379 miles.
Which family car is the cheapest?
There are lots of things that can affect the pricing of our cars, but at the time of writing (August 2022), the cheapest car on this list is the MG 5.
Which electric car has the biggest boot?
The Tesla Model Y tops this list with its official 854-litre boot. However, the ID.4's 543-litre boot tops the list if you take into account the parcel shelf.
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