Lease an electric What Car? EV award winner

General Guides  Low Emission Vehicles 

EVs are taking over the world. Ok, they haven't quite achieved world domination just yet but the ever-growing choice of zero emission cars means it's really only a matter of time. But if you're thinking of leasing yourself an electric car, which one should you opt for?

The recent WhatCar? Electric Car Awards may sound like a very specific set of criteria to judge but the 2022 results prove that there really is an EV for pretty much everyone. City cars, small SUVs, large SUVs, estate cars, luxury cars, executive cars, sports cars, they have all been touched by the spark of the electric revolution.

There's far too many for us to list here but we've pulled out five of the winners – three electric and two hybrids - just to give you an idea of the range of choice available today.

WINNER: Best electric family car

Cupra Born 58kWh V2

It's about the same size as a Golf, it's as practical as a Golf, and as Cupra is part of the VW Group, it's as well built and reliable as a Golf. The Cupra Born is even built on a similar platform to the VW ID.3, it just looks better, handles better, and since its launch it has consistently earned rave reviews.

The mid-range V2 is the one to go for as it's packed with technology and gives you around 250 miles of range on a full charge. When you need to plug in, the battery can top up at a rate of up to 100kW, allowing it to get from 10-80% in about half an hour if you connect it to a rapid charger. Lease one here.

Winner: Best electric large SUV

Kia EV6 RWD GT-Line

Kia has been embracing the switch to electricity since the launch of the Niro. The lessons learned clearly show in the fact that the EV6 has won pretty much every award you can think of. It's already won the What Car? Car of the Year for 2022, and there are rumours it's also picked up a 25m swimming certificate and an Oscar.

The EV6 is incredibly spacious and comfortable, offers a 328-mile range that very few EVs can better, and in terms of value for money you'd be hard pushed to find anything that offers more. It's also fun to drive, and despite not even being close to the top of the range the 226bhp rear-wheel drive version offers both economy and performance by the bucket load. Check out our Kia EV6 leasing offers here.

WINNER: Best electric performance car

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 4S

It's almost become inevitable. If anyone is offering an award for an electric performance car it's pretty certain the rosette will be pinned to a Porsche. The Porsche Taycan isn't an affordable car by any stretch of the imagination but it is, truly, i a brilliantly engineered car.

It's blisteringly quick, costs virtually nothing to run, it's got a big boot for when you're being practical, and it handles like a proper sports car when you're not. The 4S Cross Turismo isn't the fastest version of the Taycan to lease but 483bhp should be enough to put a smile on anyone's face.

WINNER: Best hybrid estate car

Skoda Octavia Estate 1.4 TSI iV SE Technology

Choosing a hybrid may be something of a compromise, but if you lease the Skoda Octavia estate it's the only compromise you'll be making. If you want comfortable, sensible, and practical you can't go wrong with the Octavia.

It may not be the best choice for hurtling along twisty roads, but we suspect that's not what you're looking for with this car, even though the combined power of the 1.4-litre engine and electric motor still gives you 210bhp to play with. More likely it's about keeping the battery topped up to give you up to 41 miles of electric-only driving, and up to 274mpg when petrol and electricity work together. It's a car that's practical and parsimonious. What's not to like?

WINNER: Best hybrid small SUV

Volvo XC40 Recharge T4 Plus

If you want a compact SUV there aren't many to choose from that can match the Volvo XC40. It's incredibly comfortable, very well equipped, reliable, and the bright and airy interior is one of the nicest places you'll ever sit.

In the real world you can expect to get just over 20 miles of electric motoring before the 1.5-litre petrol engine needs to take over. Not that you'll be too worried because you'll still be getting around 45mpg even without the assistance of the electric motor. Go for the mid-range Plus trim and you won't be spending much more than a base model but you'll get some nice features such as heated seats and the fancy ambient lighting for a premium feel. Step this way to lease your XC40.

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