9 of the best upcoming electric cars to watch out for

Nine of the coolest upcoming electric cars to lease

You might not be able to get your mitts on them yet, but EV fans everywhere will want to keep their eyes peeled for these nine new electric cars

It’s no secret that manufacturers, old and new, have pivoted their strategies to have an electric focus. With the 2030 petrol and diesel ban rapidly approaching, many older brands have claimed that their line-ups will be fully electric within a few short years, while most of the newer upstarts are binning off the combustion engine entirely and gunning straight for the EV market.

And with all this innovation has come some seriously cool cars.

Tesla were one of the first to open our eyes to the idea that just because a car is electric doesn’t mean it has to look and act like every petrol or diesel car that has come before it.

Since then, there’s been a whole host of futuristic and ground-breaking EVs on our roads, as well as some solid electrified versions of already beloved models.

But there’s no slowing down.

Over the next couple of years, there are going to be more new cars to choose from for your electric car lease than you could shake a stick at, so we’ve rounded up nine of our favourites to make it a little easier for you when it comes time to make the decision.

After all, when the electric cars are this cool, why would you even think about going back to dinosaur-fuelled vehicles?

1. Volvo EX90

Volvo might not be new to the electric world, but they’ve upped the stakes when it comes to their latest EV.

It’s essentially an electrified version of Volvo’s largest SUV, the Volvo XC90, but it’s more than that. Though the XC90 is a clear influence in the styling of the Volvo EX90, with the sharp shoulder line and ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlights, the similarities taper off there.

The EX90 sits on the same electric platform as the new Polestar 3, and there will be a choice of two dual-motor powertrains and a claimed range of up to 364 miles.

And with nifty little extras on board, including bi-directional charging so you can use your car as a power source, this big EV is one to watch out for in the coming months.

2. Kia EV9

Kia started their EV domination with the futuristic EV6, and are continuing with the larger Kia EV9.

Though there’s no word yet on what the production model will include, the concept EV9 is one of the most interesting SUV electric cars yet, with its chunky, squared-off look and fanciful design twists.

Hitting UK roads towards the end of this year, the EV9 is shaping up to be a real contender. There’s not much going on in the seven-seater EV market, with the Mercedes EQB dominating the class. 

But both Kia and Hyundai are aiming to change this, cornering a new audience and providing a bit more choice for those wanting to up their eco-credentials, but not wanting to compromise on the space and people-carrying ability.

Other highlights of the EV9 include chunky wheel arches and angular wing mirrors, a likely minimalist cabin and plenty of the latest tech.

3. Mercedes-Benz EQG

No-one asked for it, but G-Wagon lovers are going to go mad for it – it’s nothing other than a fully electric version of the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

A phenomenon for a reason, it makes total sense for Mercedes to electrify one of their most popular and enduring models. The Mercedes-Benz EQG concept was debuted at the 2021 Munich Auto Show, but there’s no word yet on when we’ll see this model on our roads.

What is known, however, is that Mercedes are bringing all of the off-roading capability of the combustion engine model into the electric, with Emmerich Schiller (CEO of the G-Class) outlining all the requirements the EQG will have to meet to be classified as a ‘real’ G-Wagon.

This is no mean feat to ask of the car.

Batteries are generally suited to the same extremes of off-roading, but Schiller and his team have been working hard on innovative engineering solutions to the issue, including fitting the battery pack between the car’s ladder chassis frame so it’s more protected by the casings.

No word of a lie, we’re excited for this one.

4. Polestar 3

Polestar – once the performance subsidiary of Volvo – came screaming onto the EV scene back in 2019 with the Polestar 1 (a premium sports car that demonstrated what the company could do solo), swiftly followed by the Polestar 2 (a fully electric saloon and Tesla Model 3 rival).

The next entrant? The Polestar 3. 

Polestar have described it as an ‘aerodynamic performance electric SUV’, and it offers an alternative to established EVs like the BMW iX and Audi Q8 e-tron. It shares a platform with the upcoming Volvo EX90 and offers a dual-electric set-up with a range of around 379 miles (though this is subject to final testing).

The design is recognisably Polestar, but Polestar taken to the next level.

It features refined aerodynamics, a slim aero bridge instead of a blanked-off grille and chunky SUV lines. This elevated theme continues through into the interior, with the updated Android Automotive infotainment system, a 14.5in portrait touchscreen, panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting and a suite of driver assistance tech.

If you’re after an electric SUV, the Polestar 3 is the one for you - and best of all, you can already take out a Polestar 3 lease. So, what are you waiting for?

5. Honda e:Ny1

The retro-styled Honda e offers a quirky alternative to other electric city cars like the SEAT Mii or Fiat 500e, and the newly unveiled Honda e:Ny1 promises to do the same – but in a slightly larger package.

Honda have said that the e:Ny1 is going to form the centre of their future product line-up, and it will be an excellent choice for families looking for their first EV. It solves the main two issues with the e: space and range.

It’ll sit on a newly designed platform called e:N Architecture F, which will also form the basis for future Honda EVs, and the larger size means a larger battery which undoubtedly means a larger range. 

Welcome news to those of us who have been eyeing up the quirky e, but need something that can handle longer motorway journeys without quite so many stops.

Honda have confirmed that the styling will be based on the SUV e:concept unveiled in 2020, as well as taking cues from the HR-V, but as of yet we don’t know whether some of the cooler interior features from the e (lounge-style interior, dual-infotainment screens that can turn into aquariums) will appear in the e:Ny1.

But it’s definitely one to watch out for.

6. Abarth 500e

Abarth’s first-ever EV, the Abarth 500e is an electrified version of the brand’s best-seller, bringing Abarth firmly into the brave new electric world.

It’ll be a dynamic rival to the likes of the MINI Electric and upcoming Alpine R5, as well as the iconic Fiat 500e – but with some extra sporty touches that’ll appeal to those who want a fun, engaging drive in an electric city car.

Among these changes are a boost to the front-mounted electric motor which delivers 152bhp for a 0-62mph time of 7 seconds, as well as a novel sound generator and amplifier. If you’re worried about missing out on the noise of a petrol engine, have no fear.

Abarth have taken a sample of the petrol 695’s exhaust note to deliver an experience like no other, and Fiat-Abarth chief Olivier Francois has already confirmed that his team are working on making the Abarth 500e even faster, sportier and louder than it already is.

If you’re thinking about making the electric switch, but you don’t want to lose the hot hatch fun, the Abarth 500e could be the answer to your prayers.

7. Lucid Air

If you’re after a powerful electric saloon, the Lucid Air will be the electric car lease for you. 

It won’t be available until at least later on this year, but it’s shaping up to be worth waiting for. Top-spec Air’s can produce 1065bhp with a 0-62mph time of 2.5 seconds, while Lucid also claims that the car can travel up to 500 miles on a single charge.

Though these claims are yet to be verified, Lucid also says that the Air boasts the most impressive aerodynamics of any luxury car.

Bold claims from a new company, but the Air does look impressive with its sleek lines and luxe styling touches. And though Lucid will naturally be a Tesla rival, the brand didn’t actually develop the Lucid Air with any Tesla models in mind.

Instead, the Air is coming for the old guard of the big three German limos: the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class.

You’ll notice that none of these are electric (though the Mercedes EQS does exist) – but this is for good reason. 

Lucid are aiming to corner a different sector of the market, and entice those who want big luxury but who might not have thought about going electric into an EV. And we can see them succeeding.

8. NIO ET5

You guessed it – the NIO ET5 is another Tesla Model 3 rival.

But unlike some of the others, this EV isn’t focused on performance, but instead aims to provide a premium experience like no other. NIO, an innovative EV company based in China, wants you to feel like the NIO ET5 is your second living room, and have designed the interior to follow the latest trends.

The whole car is finished to a high standard, and the luxe touches like the panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting rig only add to the overall luxury feel.

NIO are an ambitious company too, working on some of the most innovative EV ideas around – like their battery swap tech. This means that NIO drivers, instead of having to wait around for their car to charge, can simply pull up at a battery swap station, switch out the drained battery for a fully juiced one, and get on with their day.

And the ET5 isn’t lacking in the stats department either. NIO claims that the largest 150kWh battery gives a claimed range of 620 miles, which is truly staggering.

It’s a real contender, and one to watch as we head into the next couple of years.

9. ORA Next Cat

The second EV to come from ORA after the successful launch of the ORA Funky Cat (renamed ORA 03 in January 2024), the ORA Next Cat (see what they did there) is an elongated four-door coupe.

ORA have set their sights on conquering the affordable end of the EV market, and with their quirky designs and slightly retro sensibilities, are succeeding. Both the 03 and Next Cat offer something slightly different to the regular EVs that are two a penny now, and both borrow design ideas from Porsche, with the oval headlights and domed rear ends.

The Next Cat concept is just as good inside as it is outside, with the 12.3 inch infotainment screen, full-length panoramic sunroof, and face ID system that can recognise you as the driver and allow you to enter and start the car.

It’s a cool idea, and it’ll be interesting to see which features make it to production.

There’s no word yet as to when the Next Cat will be available, but ORA already claim that it’ll offer a 435-mile range and a 0-62mph time of 4.3 seconds. 

We’re excited about this one.