When it comes to family cars, there are often three things that are important when you make your choice: safety, comfort and running costs. You want to keep your children happy and protected while not adding too much expense to what is often an already expensive family life.

Electric cars are certainly the answer if you want to cut down on running costs. But what about safety and comfort? And will their range mean you spend a lot of time waiting around at petrol stations or supermarket car parks for your car to charge? The answer is no, not if you choose the right makes and models.

The rapid progression of electric cars means that they can easily be used instead of a petrol or diesel engine vehicle. With careful planning, even the limit on range can be managed so it’s not a problem. Here are our selection for some of the best electric cars for families on the market.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

Like something driven off the set of a science fiction movie, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has a stunning exterior style that stands out in any car park. But how is it as an electric family car? The good news is that it’s one of the most spacious cars on the road, with plenty of elbow room so your kids don’t elbow each other. It has a good premium feel to it inside and out, adding to that comfort level. A range of over 300 miles also makes most trips you have to take possible on a single charge.

Skoda Enyaq iV

Skoda’s reputation for quality family cars translates into their venture into the electric family car market, with the Skoda Enyaq iV being a top entry into the market. A range of 333 miles is a massive plus, as is the roomy interior with everything located logically to maximise space. Active safety features help guide your day-to-day driving, so even if you switch off for a moment, the car definitely won’t.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The thought of an American muscle car being one of the best electric family cars would be unthinkable during their 70s heyday, but Ford’s relaunch of the Mustang comes with the electric Mach-E version that is ideal for families. The biggest feature, other than the stunning looks, is a huge 370+ mile range. So if you want a car that keeps your family safe and secure while also being a thrill to drive when the car is empty, then this is the choice.

Tesla Model 3

You might not think you need your car to work as a games console, but if you are stuck waiting somewhere and want to keep your children entertained, then the Tesla Model 3’s games feature is just one of many technology features that set it apart from almost every other car on the road. Driving assistance is the key when it comes to Tesla, with so many different features working to keep you and your family safe at all times. Add to that the supercharger network and there’s a good reason why Tesla are seen as the gold standard for electric cars.

Kia Niro EV

If you want a car with lots of fancy tech to go with a roomy interior and great value, then you can’t do much better than the Kia Niro EV. Safety features that come as standard include parking sensors and adaptive cruise control, so you can let the car do a bit of the work for you as you take those long family journeys. One of the big highlights is also how quick it charges, able to go from 10-80% in 40 minutes on any charger on the public network. It doesn’t have the same range as other electric family cars on this list, but it’s striking looks make up for it slightly.

Nissan Ariya

If you’ve been looking for a high quality SUV that has a great exterior styling, excellent safety features and enough space to keep a car full of adults, never mind children, happy on long trips, then you’ve probably been looking for the Nissan Ariya. Factor in a range of over 320 miles and you have one of the boldest new family electric cars on the market. It’s not the cheapest on the market, but if you have the money to spend then you’ll be getting a car that stands out for all the right reasons.

BMW i4

Released as the same time as the BMW i8, the BMW i4 drives like any other BMW, something which used to be surprising in an electric car. For a family saloon, it has the space and seat design to keep you and your little ones happy. It avoids the bold futuristic styling that other electric family cars have, which may be a plus or minus point in your vehicle search. But it’s a great all-round car, suitable for work, rest and play.

Peugeot e-208

If you want an electric family car tailored to driving around towns and cities, than the Peugeot e-208 could be the car for you. Despite being smaller than the electric SUVS and saloons on this list, it maximises the space available inside to keep your growing family happy. Its small stature means it can nip in and around town too. A range of 232 miles isn’t to be sniffed at, and will be more than enough for you on the day-to-day driving that families require.

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