More than 20 fully electric models are scheduled to launch in the UK in 2026 alone, with another wave expected in 2027. The most anticipated arrivals include the Range Rover Electric, BMW i3, Cupra Raval, and, from 2027, the Volkswagen ID.EVERY1 — which could start below £17,000 and become the most affordable electric car from a mainstream European brand.
This guide covers every confirmed or near-confirmed electric car launch for the UK across 2026 and 2027, with details on expected range, price, and timing where the manufacturer has released them.
Key Takeaways
- Over 20 new electric models are expected to launch in the UK in 2026, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
- The Range Rover Electric is expected in the first half of 2026, with a range in excess of 300 miles.
- The BMW i3 (a new model, distinct from the original city car) is expected in Autumn 2026 from approximately £55,000.
- From 2027, the Volkswagen ID.EVERY1 could arrive priced below £17,000, representing a step-change in EV affordability.
- All specs and dates should be treated as preliminary until confirmed on each manufacturer’s UK website — verify before purchasing.
New Electric Cars Coming in 2026
Range Rover Electric
Land Rover has confirmed that the Range Rover Electric will reach UK customers in the first half of 2026. Land Rover states it will offer a range in excess of 300 miles from a single charge and will use an 800-volt electrical architecture for rapid charging. Prices are expected to start above £100,000, placing it firmly in the luxury segment.
The Range Rover Electric is significant because it brings zero-emission motoring to a buyer group that has been reluctant to move away from large, refined petrol and diesel SUVs. Full specifications were not available at the time of writing — check Land Rover’s UK website for confirmed figures at launch.
Cupra Raval
The Cupra Raval is a compact electric crossover hatchback, designed to slot below the Cupra Born in the range. It went on sale in the UK from February 2026, priced from below £30,000. The Raval is built on Volkswagen Group’s small-car electric platform and shares architecture with upcoming models from other VW Group brands.
Expected WLTP range is in the region of 250 miles. The Raval targets young, urban buyers who want Cupra’s sporty aesthetic in a smaller, more affordable package.
For home charging, the Cupra Raval accepts standard AC charging on a 7 kW or 11 kW wallbox and DC rapid charging for public stops on longer journeys.
BMW i3 (New Model)
The new BMW i3 is a different car from the original i3 city car that ran from 2013 to 2022. The new model is a compact luxury saloon, comparable in size to the BMW 3 Series, with a premium cabin and an expected starting price of around £55,000. UK deliveries are expected from Autumn 2026.
BMW has not yet confirmed full UK specifications, but the i3 is expected to offer a range in the region of 300–350 miles WLTP and rapid DC charging. It competes directly with the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3 at the premium end of the compact saloon segment. Check BMW UK’s website for confirmed specs and pricing at launch.
Smart #2
The Smart #2 is a compact electric SUV coupe developed through Geely’s partnership with Mercedes-Benz. It is expected to arrive in the UK towards the end of 2026 with a starting price below £25,000, making it one of the most affordable premium-badged electric SUVs on sale.
The #2 follows the Smart #1 crossover and offers a slightly more coupé-like roofline and a longer wheelbase for improved rear legroom. UK specifications were not fully confirmed at time of writing.
AION V
GAC Aion’s V SUV is expected in UK showrooms in spring 2026. The AION V is a larger electric SUV with an expected WLTP range of over 300 miles. AION is a Chinese brand that is new to the UK market; the V will be priced competitively against established Chinese brands already on sale, such as MG and BYD.
Hyundai INSTER
The Hyundai INSTER is a sub-compact electric crossover, smaller than the IONIQ 5, priced to compete directly with the Citroën ë-C3 and Renault 5. UK deliveries are expected in 2026 with a range of approximately 200–220 miles WLTP and a starting price in the region of £20,000–£22,000.
New Electric Cars Coming in 2027
Volkswagen ID.EVERY1
The Volkswagen ID.EVERY1 is perhaps the most significant car on this list. VW has indicated a starting price that could be as low as £17,000 in the UK, which would make it the most affordable new electric car from a mainstream European brand. UK deliveries are expected from 2027.
The ID.EVERY1 targets the entry-level city car segment — replacing combustion models such as the Volkswagen Polo — and is designed to make electric ownership accessible to buyers who have previously been priced out of the market. Full specifications are not yet confirmed.
Renault Twingo E-Tech
The Renault Twingo E-Tech is a sub-£20,000 electric city car expected to arrive in the UK during 2027, following its European launch in late 2026. It is designed explicitly to replace the combustion Twingo and will offer a range suited to urban use. Renault UK has not confirmed specifications at time of writing.
Mercedes EQE Saloon (Next Generation)
Mercedes-Benz is expected to launch a next-generation EQE saloon in 2027 with a target range in excess of 500 miles. If confirmed, this would be one of the longest-range electric saloons on sale in the UK. The EQE competes in the upper-executive segment alongside the BMW i5 and Porsche Taycan. Full specifications have not been announced.
Audi Concept C
Audi has shown a concept two-door sports coupe that is expected to reach production for sale in 2027. The Concept C is positioned above the RS e-tron GT in Audi’s electric performance hierarchy and could offer a more focused, lighter driving experience than the four-door GT. UK pricing and specifications were not available at time of writing.
A Note on Chinese Electric Brands
Several Chinese manufacturers are planning UK launches across 2026 and 2027, including BYD (expanding its existing range), Leapmotor, and AION. These models typically offer competitive range and specification at lower prices than European equivalents. However, long-term UK dealer and service networks for new-entrant Chinese brands are still developing. Factor that into your purchase decision.
Planning Around an Upcoming EV
If you are waiting for one of the cars above, there are a few practical steps worth taking now:
Arrange home charging in advance. A 7 kW or 11 kW wallbox installed before the car arrives means you can start charging from day one. See our charger comparison for the best-reviewed home wallboxes.
Check the tariff landscape. Smart EV tariffs change regularly. Our EV tariff comparison lists current off-peak overnight rates so you can start saving from the moment you plug in.
Review salary sacrifice options. If you are employed and your employer offers a salary sacrifice scheme, most new-entrant EVs in this list will qualify for the 4% BIK rate. Our salary sacrifice guide explains how the scheme works and how to check eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest new electric car coming to the UK in 2027?
The Volkswagen ID.EVERY1 is expected to start below £17,000 when it arrives in 2027, which would make it the most affordable new electric car from a mainstream European brand in the UK. The Renault Twingo E-Tech is also expected below £20,000. Verify pricing on the respective manufacturer’s UK websites when confirmed.
Will there be a government grant for new electric cars in 2026 or 2027?
The Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) for private buyers was withdrawn in 2022. As of May 2026, there is no government grant for purchasing a new electric car in England, Scotland, or Wales, though grants for home charger installation (the OZEV EV chargepoint grant) remain in place for eligible properties. Check GOV.UK for the latest guidance before purchasing.
Are new Chinese electric car brands reliable in the UK?
Reliability data for newer Chinese brands in the UK market is limited due to their recent arrival. Established brands such as MG (owned by SAIC) have accumulated UK reliability data since 2019 and have broadly positive owner reviews. For newer entrants such as AION and Leapmotor, check owner forums and Which? reports as data becomes available. Consider the dealer and service network when buying from any brand new to the UK.
What is the best electric car to buy right now while waiting for 2027 models?
If you need a car immediately, the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai IONIQ 5, or Volkswagen ID.3 represent the most well-rounded choices in their respective segments. All three are proven, well-supported, and offer strong resale values. See our electric cars guide for the latest recommendations.