New vs Used: Jaguar I-Pace vs Tesla Model S

The current darlings of dinner-party conversation, proper EVs are being considered by lots of people these days. But the choice has moved on apace (albeit very quietly). Hyundai’s Kona EV now offers 280+ miles of real range for under £30k, but what if you want some premium badge to go with your conscious move away from the internal combustion engine?

Good: New, slightly exotic, looks great and drives very well indeed, AWD

Bad: Costly, not as practical as a combustion-engined car until you get used to charging

According to the Jaguar website, £63,495 will drop you into a new, slickly brilliant I-Pace with up to 292 miles of WLTP range, 0–62mph in 4.5 seconds and up-to-the-minute environmental street cred. It’s comfortable, great to drive, has a suitably upscale cabin, and has recently won a Top Gear Award for being the best EV in the 2018 crop. With a bit of orientation and planning, running an EV like this really does have huge advantages. But that’s still a lot of cash.

Good: Ludicrous mode actually is. Barf. Seven-seat possibility. AWD

Bad: Looks a bit like a bar of soap. Is also a bit of a cliche

If you want something a little quicker that still rings the EV bell and has all-wheel drive, Tesla’s own Approved Used website has plenty of P90D Model S options available, handing out a three-second 0–60mph dash and good range. The Model S also has optional seven-seat capacity where the I-Pace makes do with five, and there’s always the joy of feeling more connected to Elon’s Twitter rants. Or you could just buy three brand-new Renault Zoes and pocket some change.