Hybrid/EV Reviews

Top Gear’s guide to: Hybrids/EVs

Not science fiction, science fact. Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids are here to stay. And pretty good they are, too

What you need to know

Range anxiety

A recognised condition related to worry about whether an EV will make it home

Range extender

Small ‘generator’ engine that tops up the batteries that drive the wheels

Hybrid

A car with an engine that drives the wheels, and batteries that help in town. Think Prius

How far?

The best EVs generally manage a comfortable 60 miles on a charge. Commute distance

Reliable

Fewer moving parts in electric motors mean that EVs are more than reliable normal cars

Silence

Hybrids and EVs are very quiet. They tend to be quite relaxing as a result. Which is nice
Found 16 results
9/10
Volkswagen

XL1

£98,515

It’s like the Jetson’s finally got a daily driver. A brilliant, boundary-pushing eco-hypercar.

9/10
Tesla

Model S

£64,880 – £127,080

The future is here and it's amazing. The Model S is a true game changer.

9/10
BMW

i3

£30,925 – £46,595

BMW has built the best electric car on sale. Yay, going green CAN be fun.

9/10
BMW

i8

£106,255 – £116,250

This is the future, supercar buyers. If this is how it's to be, bring it on.

8/10
Volkswagen

e-Golf

£17,570 – £34,095

The e-Golf is an EV that works for most of us, most of the time. A truly convincing electric car.

8/10
Tesla

Model X

£73,080 – £168,730

Tesla invents new doors, adds extra seats. Charges the earth. It's lifestyle, not value for money.

7/10
Volvo

V60 Hybrid

£23,890 – £53,270

As green as cars get these days, the V60 Plug-in has the best of both worlds – pace and economy.

7/10
Renault

Twizy

£6,940 – £7,740

A brilliant answer to the question of eco-friendly urban transport.

7/10
Audi

A3 E-Tron

£20,170 – £38,065

Not the perfect solution to all your motoring needs, but a great first effort at a useable everyday hybrid.

7/10
Nissan

Leaf

£21,125 – £33,385

Does most things mostly as well as a family hatch. Better and more viable now it’s British-built.

7/10
Toyota

Prius

£24,045 – £33,840

The Prius gets better in the areas it needed to, but its styling will scare your kids.

7/10
Renault

Zoe

£18,690 – £31,215

Renault says this will be the world’s best-selling EV. On first appearances, we can see why.

6/10
Mitsubishi

Outlander PHEV

£24,799 – £46,000

It’s brilliant. But only up to a point. Pity. It could be so much better...

5/10
Kia

Niro

£21,490 – £30,440

Not at all charismatic, but if you want low running costs it has logic.

4/10
Lexus

CT 200h

£22,440 – £32,485

To call this a posh Prius may sound a little harsh, but that’s what it is.

Hyundai

Ioniq

£20,740 – £31,540

At last, a hybrid that doesn’t make you suffer for its green ideals. Top of the class.