Nissan Leaf vs Renault Zoe vs Volkswagen e-Golf
The Kia e-Niro, Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model 3 all earned our maximum five-star rating, but what's the best electric car for less than £30k?...
Our verdict
In our group tests, there are usually clear winners and losers, but this one’s a bit different, because the best car depends entirely on your viewpoint.
The e-Golf is the best all-rounder; it’s the nicest to drive, the smartest inside and the most practical. Meanwhile, the Zoe makes the most financial sense and will get you the farthest between charges – arguably the two most important things an electric car needs to do well.
But while the e-Golf is let down by its limited range and high price, and the Zoe by its driving position, safety provisions and cramped interior, it’s actually the Leaf that emerges from this battle with the fewest scars. Yes, it’s a pity that the steering wheel doesn’t have more adjustment and the interior isn’t plusher, but neither of these issues is a deal-breaker. And when you factor in the excellent performance, generous kit and low running costs, the Leaf actually makes the most sense to the most electric car buyers.
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Read more: Which electric car goes farthest in the real world? >
1st – Nissan Leaf
For Excellent performance; decent to drive; biggest boot; loads of kit; most standard safety provisions
Against Inflexible driving position; so-so interior; tight rear head room
Recommended options Recommended options LED headlights (£350)
What Car? rating 5 out of 5
Read our full Nissan Leaf review
Find a great Nissan Leaf deal
2nd – Volkswagen e-Golf
For Smoothest ride; quietest; classiest interior; biggest in the back; most user-friendly infotainment
Against Limited range; high price and PCP costs
Recommended options Heat pump (£830); keyless entry (£365)
What Car? rating 4 out of 5
Read our full Volkswagen e-Golf review
Find a great Volkswagen e-Golf deal
3rd – Renault Zoe
For Longest range (by far); cheapest on all counts
Against Lumpy ride; cheap-feeling interior; least safety kit; makes more financial sense if you lease the battery separately
Recommended options Three-pin charger lead (£560)
What Car? rating 3 out of 5
Read our full Renault Zoe review
Find a great Renault Zoe deal
Specifications: Nissan Leaf 110kW N-Connecta
- Engine Electric motor
- List price £32,795
- Target Price £31,977
- Target Price with gov't grant £28,477
- Power 148bhp
- Torque 236Ib ft
- Gearbox Single-speed automatic
- 0-60mph 8.2sec
- Top speed 89mph
- Official max range 186 miles
- What Car? Real Range 128 miles
Specifications: Renault Zoe Q90 ZE40 i Dynamique Nav
- Engine Electric motor
- List price £29,270
- Target Price £26,270
- Target Price with gov't grant £22,770
- Power 87bhp
- Torque 162Ib ft
- Gearbox Single-speed automatic
- 0-60mph 13.0sec
- Top speed 84mph
- Official max range 132 miles
- What Car? Real Range 132 miles
Specifications: Volkswagen e-Golf 136PS BEV
- Engine Electric motor
- List price £33,840
- Target Price £32,514
- Target Price with gov't grant £29,014
- Power 134bhp
- Torque 214Ib ft
- Gearbox Single-speed automatic
- 0-60mph 9.0sec
- Top speed 93mph
- Official max range 144 miles
- What Car? Real Range 117 miles
