Seven-seaters were once massive boxes on wheels with big, uneconomical engines. But now the market is awash with zero-emission vehicles. And better yet, the best seven-seat electric cars come in all shapes and sizes.
SUVs are a popular body style of choice, but you’ll notice many of the cars in this list are actually van-derived, altough their makers won’t thank you for thinking that. The long bodies lend themselves to taking electric batteries, plus they offer lots of space for seats, kids, dogs and all of their associated mess.
However, the scene is changing rapidly, with all manner of newer bespoke people carriers coming on stream. the Kia EV9 and Peugeot E-5008 clearly prove that things are moving on very rapidly indeed. Below you’ll find the best seven-seat electric cars on the market along with how far they’ll officially go on a charge, plus a more realistic figure from our own testing.
The best seven-seater electric cars
Our favourite electric seven-seater
Electric seven-seaters have been a bit thin on the ground. Unless you wanted to spend loads on a Tesla Model X or go for a van-based effort like the Citroen e-Berlingo, you were a bit stuck. The Kia EV9 changes all that, offering a good-to-drive and spacious option that is reasonably priced for what you get.
Being a Kia EV, the charging time is one of the quickest out there, although efficiency isn't quite as impressive as its lower, lighter siblings. Six and seven-seat versions are available with rear- or four-wheel drive.
To find out more, read our full Kia EV9 review
Being a Kia EV, the charging time is one of the quickest out there, although efficiency isn't quite as impressive as its lower, lighter siblings. Six and seven-seat versions are available with rear- or four-wheel drive.
To find out more, read our full Kia EV9 review
Pros
- Spacious, even in the third row
- Rapid charge times
- Tidy handling
Cons
- Unsettled ride
- Efficiency not the best
The coolest electric seven-seater money can buy
If you need a big electric car with an enormous boot, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz could suit you well. The fact it has a pretty interior, attention-grabbing looks, solid handling and a comfortable ride is a bonus. But this is a style-led car for families looking to make a statement – and there are options out there with a broader spread of ability.
The Buzz’s maximum range is limited by its heavy weight and blunt shape. That means it can’t drive as far on a charge as a conventionally-shaped Volkswagen MEB electric car, such as an ID.4 SUV or Skoda Enyaq. If you only need a car with five seats and can live without the Buzz’s cavernous boot space, these will be more convenient to own. It's also proving to be something of a bargain on finance these days, too.
To find out more, read the full Volkswagen ID.Buzz review
The Buzz’s maximum range is limited by its heavy weight and blunt shape. That means it can’t drive as far on a charge as a conventionally-shaped Volkswagen MEB electric car, such as an ID.4 SUV or Skoda Enyaq. If you only need a car with five seats and can live without the Buzz’s cavernous boot space, these will be more convenient to own. It's also proving to be something of a bargain on finance these days, too.
To find out more, read the full Volkswagen ID.Buzz review
Pros
- Doesn’t feel like a van to drive
- Desirable looks, attractive cabin
- Reasonable electric range
Cons
- Poor touch-led interior controls
- Sporty GTX feels rather pointless
Stylish and roomy enough for large families
If you need a seven-seat EV and want your car to carry some degree of style, the Peugeot E-5008 is an easy recommendation. Below £50,000 there’s currently little else to choose. Look beyond those criteria and it has a slightly tougher time – the Skoda Kodiaq is an ever-impressive car in this sector and we suspect the hybridised 5008 will have tougher and broader competition.
We’re a bigger fan of this than the Peugeot E-3008, though – the pair’s plain dynamics and (thus far) modest performance are less of a concern in this configuration and the styling arguably works even better in this longer, more elegant form. It’ll be pricey, but the design and quality currently exhibited at Peugeot might just be good enough to back that up.
To find out more, read the full Peugeot E-5008 review
We’re a bigger fan of this than the Peugeot E-3008, though – the pair’s plain dynamics and (thus far) modest performance are less of a concern in this configuration and the styling arguably works even better in this longer, more elegant form. It’ll be pricey, but the design and quality currently exhibited at Peugeot might just be good enough to back that up.
To find out more, read the full Peugeot E-5008 review
Pros
- Seats seven in style
- Strong interior quality
- A mostly effortless drive
Cons
- It’s a heavy car
- Ride can feel firm
Upmarket SUV blends ease of use with style and practicality
More suited to Richmond than the Rubicon, the EQB is an SUV that errs on the mild side. This does mean it’s easy to drive, practical and comes with a real-world range which is acceptable for people who will use it as their only car.
In terms of seating it’s probably best to think of it as a 5+2 rather than a full-fat seven seater. Tall adults won’t really fit in the back row, but people below 5ft 4in should have no problem. If you’re in the market for a premium-badged electric SUV with seating for seven and four-wheel drive, not much can touch it.
To find out more, read our full Mercedes-Benz EQB review
In terms of seating it’s probably best to think of it as a 5+2 rather than a full-fat seven seater. Tall adults won’t really fit in the back row, but people below 5ft 4in should have no problem. If you’re in the market for a premium-badged electric SUV with seating for seven and four-wheel drive, not much can touch it.
To find out more, read our full Mercedes-Benz EQB review
Pros
- Stylish looks and practical interior
- Good equipment levels
- Drives well
Cons
- Tesla Model Y offers a longer range
- Third row is cramped
Boxy E-Rifter majors on practicality and flexibility
Despite some SUV-inspired black plastic cladding and faux skidplate up front, there’s no hiding from the E-Rifter’s commercial vehicle roots. This is definitely a former van. That does make it supremely practical. Go for a seven-seater with the longer body and you’ll find the headroom is very impressive in the third row, and it has a 1,050-litre boot with the rear two seats folded down too.
The limited range makes this more of a grocery-getter than a long-distance cruiser, but that’s where the Rifter excels. It’s nippy off the line thanks to the electric powertrain and the soft suspension does a good job of cocooning you from potholes normally found in towns.
To find out more, read our full Peugeot E-Rifter review
The limited range makes this more of a grocery-getter than a long-distance cruiser, but that’s where the Rifter excels. It’s nippy off the line thanks to the electric powertrain and the soft suspension does a good job of cocooning you from potholes normally found in towns.
To find out more, read our full Peugeot E-Rifter review
Pros
- Clever use of space
- Pleasant ride and handling
- Lots of kit as standard
Cons
- Small electric range
- Looks like a van
The most luxurious people carrier of them all
The EQS SUV is – unsurprisingly – a taller and heavier EQS Saloon, and as such occupies a rarified price point. This means the interior has significant wow factor, but there are cheap bits if you go looking. The BMW iX is better to drive and while a Range Rover isn’t yet available as an EV, it is cheaper and a better luxury car. But that doesn't stop this being a highly impressive motorway cruiser.
At speed it really wafts along. You feel wonderfully insulated from the road beneath you. The Hyperscreen is a must for tech heads and the electric range looks to be spot on. Even when compared with other electric SUVs, it is expensive, and the brake feel is inconsistent. But as a car that (just about) drives itself, this really does fit the bill.
To find out more, read the full Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV review
At speed it really wafts along. You feel wonderfully insulated from the road beneath you. The Hyperscreen is a must for tech heads and the electric range looks to be spot on. Even when compared with other electric SUVs, it is expensive, and the brake feel is inconsistent. But as a car that (just about) drives itself, this really does fit the bill.
To find out more, read the full Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV review
Pros
- Amazing long-distance prowess
- Large battery means long range
- Cavernous interior
Cons
- Hugely expensive
- Some quality issues
A practical people carrier, albeit one with limited range
Like the first seven seaters on the market, the Vivaro Life Electric is essentially a van with seats. It’s broadly the same as the Citroen e-Space Tourer and Peugeot E-Traveller but the Vivaro Life gets the nod because of its trim levels and dealer network. Oh, and the fact it can actually come with nine seats rather than just seven.
Inside it’s truly cavernous. The Vivaro Life Electric battery pack is located under the floor, which means there’s no impact on space for passengers or luggage, just the same as the diesel version. But where the diesel engine is gruff, the electric Vivaro serenely glides through traffic. Sure, it’s not quick, but who really wants to go at full tilt with all of those seats filled anyway?
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric review
Inside it’s truly cavernous. The Vivaro Life Electric battery pack is located under the floor, which means there’s no impact on space for passengers or luggage, just the same as the diesel version. But where the diesel engine is gruff, the electric Vivaro serenely glides through traffic. Sure, it’s not quick, but who really wants to go at full tilt with all of those seats filled anyway?
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric review
Pros
- Truly cavernous
- Strong dealer network
- Easy to drive, despite its size
Cons
- Not the most desirable
- Won't go that far
Premium MPV packs a good range and lots of space
The EQV has the same recipe as the Vivaro above, in that it’s a van that’s been converted into a people carrier which has then been converted to run on electricity, except it comes with a bigger battery for a longer range and a lot more luxury.
In other words, it’s posh. There’s leather, soft-touch plastics and a slew of electrical gubbins to keep everyone happy. Plus there’s the option of air suspension that can make the car’s ride harder or softer depending on your mood. The biggest downside is the price. It’s pretty much double the money of the Vivaro Life electric, and although it’s palpably posher, it’s not really that much more practical.
To find out more, read our full Mercedes-Benz EQV review
In other words, it’s posh. There’s leather, soft-touch plastics and a slew of electrical gubbins to keep everyone happy. Plus there’s the option of air suspension that can make the car’s ride harder or softer depending on your mood. The biggest downside is the price. It’s pretty much double the money of the Vivaro Life electric, and although it’s palpably posher, it’s not really that much more practical.
To find out more, read our full Mercedes-Benz EQV review
Pros
- Good range
- Massive
- Luxurious
Cons
- Expensive
- Too posh for kids' mess?
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