Top Electric Vehicles for Families

Family cars are the backbone of the motor industry. Sure, Top Gear might focus on the flashier, faster models, but how many of those do you see in the supermarket car park at the weekend?

So, it’s no surprise that electric car manufacturers are making sure that they are catering to the family market with an ever-growing range of options available for all budgets.

Family cars need to deliver a lot, from plenty of space for kids and luggage for holidays to the latest safety measures for that all important peace of mind.

Here’s your guide to six of the best EVs for a large family!

Renault Scenic

The Renault Scenic is an absolute powerhouse. With chunky taillights, slim headlights, and a fake grille with a cool gradient effect, you’ll feel like the coolest parent at the school drop off. The premium looks continue inside with the glossy black dash, faux leather steering wheel and chrome highlights.

Its performance in town is nothing to sniff at either if you’re taking the family around the city:

• Great suspension means you won’t get jostled by speed bumps.
• Electric motors are quiet, so your family singalong won’t get drowned out by the engine.
• Front and rear parking sensors, as well as the hands-free parking system will help you park in tight spaces.

BMW iX1

This BMW is a jack of all trades on the road. It has great visibility and light steering in town. Meanwhile, when it comes to country lanes there’s a sport setting for slightly heavier steering and improved throttle response so winding down twisty roads is a breeze. You’ll also feel confident tackling these roads thanks to the range of safety features which include a driver attentiveness assistant and lane keep assist.

The BMW iX1 also has buckets of room for the whole family:

• 490-litre boot has room for all your road trip luggage.
• Good head and knee room in the rear means it’s one of the best EVs for a family of five.
• Deep door bins and the decent sized glovebox are perfect for holding all your phones, gadgets and snacks if you’ve got a long slog ahead of you.
• Rubber bottomed cupholders will stop your drinks from moving around and prevent spillages.
• The cubby beneath the boot floor means you can tidy your EV charging cable away, so it doesn’t get tangled in your suitcases.

Nissan Ariya

The Nissan Ariya oozes luxury. The smart haptic buttons on the wood trim and head up display feel very elegant. Plus, this car even provides health benefits - the seats have a pattern of ribs designed to promote blood flow and reduce fatigue!

But don’t think this means the car values style over substance. There’s a hands-free tailgate so you can open it even when you’ve got your hands full with the kids’ bags. A quirky felt lined drawer sits in the centre of the dash as a brilliant hiding place for valuables and the cupholders are adjustable so both large and smaller drinks will sit comfortably. Your morning coffee will fit comfortably next to the kids’ juice on the drive to school.

The variety of safety systems in the Nissan Ariya will also help you drive confidently:

• Pro-pilot radar guided cruise control
• Moving object detection
• 5* NCAP rating
• Driver attention alert
• Blind spot warning
• Automatic high beam headlights

Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 is fun with a capital ‘F’, especially on country roads! It has weightier steering and limited body roll so you’re not leaning round the bends and a massive reserve of grip. It also has an excellent amount of space if you’re taking the family on holiday - a 405-litre boot that’s lined with nets and hooks so your luggage doesn’t move when you’re on the road. There are also large, lined bins so the kids’ gadgets don’t rattle around.

This car doesn’t slack in the looks department either:

• The panoramic roof comes as part of the plus pack and is the perfect distraction for younger kids on long journeys.
• The lighter Nappa leather and open pore ash wood give the interior a classy finish.
• The portrait 11.1-inch touchscreen is the centre piece and can play YouTube videos for the passengers.

Cupra Born

The Cupra Born is a very nippy car thanks to its electric kick, accelerating 0-62mph in 7.3s (6.6s if you use the E-boost option). With 265-mile range, it can handle a family road trip with ease.

This car also feels futuristic with satellite navigation, and no physical buttons. The driver’s display is mounted on the steering column and will move when the wheel is adjusted so if you’re having to adjust the wheel after someone else has driven, your view of the display won’t be blocked.

Cupra’s knack for sporty, original designs means that it’s no surprise that the Cupra Born excels when it comes to the wow factor:

• Striking copper badges and stitching
• LED light bar across the tailgate
• High quality materials used throughout the interior
• Soft touch surfaces and funky 3D patterns

Tesla Model Y

This Tesla has plenty of gadgets for the tech whizzes. The heated seats will keep the whole family toasty. There’s also the summon option so if someone’s parked too close that you can’t open the car doors, you can remotely drive the car out of the parking space and give yourself more room.

The Telsa Model Y also packs a punch performance-wise. The regenerative braking is great for around town with light and super responsive steering for manoeuvrability. You’ve got the punchy electric speed with enough reserve for quick overtakes on motorway. Plus, there’s well balanced grip and commendable cornering speeds. Not to mention sports mode will increase the weight of the steering wheel for whipping down country roads.

This spacious car is one of the best EVs for a large family:

• The rear seats recline.
• Big storage bins and cupholders for road trip supplies.
• Front 117 litre boot is perfect for storing charging cables so they’re not taking up valuable room in the boot.
• 854 litre boot (including underfloor) is perfect for all your luggage.
• Big electric tailgate is brilliant if you’ve got your hands full.

Check out our EV leasing options today.

Not sure if you’re ready to go fully electric? Check out our guide on the best hybrid family cars. Or you can ask our team for help. They’re on hand to help find the perfect car for your lifestyle, give them a call on 0113 537 3860 (option 1) or drop them an email cars@zen.auto. Just zen it!