Top 10 New & Upcoming Electric Cars for 2020

As we approach the end of a busy 2019, it’s time to look around the corner at what’s new and exciting for 2020. In particular, which models will be economical to run?

Of course we can’t prescribe the perfect car for everyone: whether a particular vehicle will be economical to run for you will be determined by your driving pattern. A plug-in hybrid could be the ideal solution for those with a shorter commute (or where charging is available at the workplace) but won’t be as effective if you regularly drive beyond the electric range. And clearly a large SUV will use more electricity or fuel than a smaller car but each driver’s needs vary.

So whether your motivation is to reduce emissions for the environment or simply keep spend on fuel down, here are our 10 favourite economical cars for 2020.

Vauxhall Corsa-e

The fifth generation Corsa has really stepped-up in terms of looks. But more importantly, it’s 10% lighter than the outgoing model which will help economy. A 205 mile range also makes the electric version - the Corsa-e - very usable. Also see the Peugeot e-208 and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense which are built on the same platform.

ŠKODA CITIGOe iV

The diminutive CITIGO isn’t new but it has been refreshed and electrified. It is powered by a 61kW motor and should be good for a 170 mile range. Also consider the other Volkswagen group variants, the Seat Mii electric and VW e-Up!

SEAT el-Born

Essentially the same as Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. 3 but with a splash of Spanish flair, the el-Born is a medium-sized family model with a sensible 260 mile range to make this a flexible and striking all-rounder.

Fiat 500e

Fiat’s cute 500 will move to a new platform and become electrified as the 500e. It will be shown to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show next year. (Here’s a regular 500 until official pics of the 500e become available.)

MINI Electric

Adding some excitement to the electric drive, MINI Electric will have a spirited 0-62 mph of 7.3 seconds, roughly in line with a Cooper S petrol model but still have a range between 124 and 144 miles.

Honda e

The Honda e embodies the Japanese kei car culture in this contemporary design. Available in the spring, it has a 125 mile range and will achieve 80% of charge in just 30 mins at a fast charger.

Toyota Yaris

Toyota has been building respected hybrids for a couple of decades so the new 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system in the next Yaris promises to be extremely efficient. Due in in the second half of 2020, the car is built on an all new platform.

Honda Jazz e:HEV

We’re just at the photos stage but the forthcoming Jazz is likely to be a strong rival for the Yaris. The familiar Jazz profile is retained and the new model and will feature two-motor hybrid technology as standard.

Volvo XC40 Recharge

If you are after an economical SUV, the plug-in hybrid Volvo XC40 has a range of up to 28.6 miles. And British buyers will benefit from a year’s free electricity to charge their car courtesy of Volvo - available on all hybrid models purchased up to the middle of 2020.  Also available will be the fully electric version, with up to 249 miles available on a single charge.

Hyundai i10

If you don’t have a charging point and you still seek great economy, a small petrol engine in a small car is still a good choice. The all-new Hyundai i10, shown for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year promises to be a great all-rounder.