Choosing the best electric car for your work and have a growing family? It might have been tempting to head straight for a Tesla in the past – after all, the Model 3 and Model Y are familiar names with strong electric range and plenty of tech. But right now, there’s a growing appetite to move towards one of the many alternatives on sale.
The good news is that the opposition have caught up, and there’s so much choice. If you use your car for work, you’ll already know the value of tax efficiency, running costs, and a dealer network you can trust. While Tesla offers strong Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) advantages, other carmakers now match or better those figures. Families who need more boot space, easier-to-use infotainment, or something that feels more solidly put together inside are also well catered elsewhere.
Whether you’re looking for a smart, no-nonsense car to rack up motorway miles or a practical SUV for school runs and weekend trips, there are excellent options beyond Tesla’s line-up. We’ve rounded up the 10 best electric alternatives to the Model 3 and Model Y that deliver real-world range, great value, and all the family-friendly features you need.
Winner: the best Tesla alternatives
Best for: Comfort, driving range and sheer space
The refined cabin bring it closer to a premium feel, and way ahead of the Tesla Model 3. Rear legroom and boot space make it ideal for chauffeuring, commuting, or family duties. If you're using it for work, you'll like the ID.7 for its long driving range, efficiency and decent running costs. While not the most exciting thing in the world drive, it’s a grown-up, capable EV with a good dealer network and strong image, making it a great alternative to either Tesla.
For more information, read the full Volkswagen ID.7 and ID.7 Tourer reviews.
Pros
- Very roomy and refined
- Long driving range
- Tourer's excellent boot capacity
Cons
- Not the most exciting to drive
- Some touch controls remain fiddly
Highly recommended: other Tesla alternatives to consider
Best for: Everyday practicality and retro-futuristic design
If you're using it for work, the Ioniq 5’s long range and 800V rapid charging capability make it a strong business case, especially if you cover lots of motorway miles. It also benefits from Hyundai’s impressive dealer network and strong reputation for reliability. If you're after a car that looks like the future but works brilliantly in the present, this is a standout choice. Just don't be fooled by its hatchback looks – this is a Model Y-sized SUV in disguise.
For more information, read the full Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
Pros
- Distinctive retro looks
- Spacious, flat-floored interior
- Ultra-fast charging capability
Cons
- Boot isn’t as big as rivals
- Ride firm on larger wheels
Best for: Cool Scandanavian vibe and cutting-edge safety tech
This is an SUV that combines utility with real style and a left-field image that offers serious driving range, outstanding safety credentials and advanced driver aids that make it ideal for motorway cruising. Some will hate the over-reliance on its touchscreen, but at least it's easy to use. Polestar’s growing brand recognition and sustainable credentials also add to eco-warrier appeal, especially for those looking to move away from more traditional premium brands.
For more information, view the full Polestar 3 review.
Pros
- Premium interior with Google tech
- Loads of space and comfort
- Strong safety credentials
Cons
- Costly compared with rivals
- Limited service network
Best for: Good-to-drive, roomy and fast charging
For family buyers, there’s enough space for five plus their gear, while the wide cabin makes fitting child seats easy. You will appreciate the low running costs (especially if you're charging at home), straightforward infotainment and smart interior. The EV6 also offers peace of mind with Kia’s excellent seven-year warranty – and even though you're probably not going to keep it that long, it shows great confidence in the product. It’s an easy car to recommend for those who want a sportier, better-built Tesla alternative that's more user-friendly day to day.
For more information, view the full Kia EV6 review.
Pros
- Long driving range and rapid charging
- Sporty handling for an SUV
- Excellent warranty and value
Cons
- Rear visibility isn’t great
- Infotainment hard to master
Best for: Value, practicality and its inviting interior
Boot space is generous, there’s plenty of storage inside, and the ride is tuned more for comfort than thrills – just what most buyers want. Although it's not cheap, the Enyaq offers competitive affordability, long driving range, and is just so easy to live with. Skoda’s dealers are good in our experience, and the Enyaq is available in a variety of trims and battery sizes, allowing plenty of options. It might not have the cachet of a Tesla, but we'd take one over a Model Y.
For more information, read the full Skoda Enyaq review.
Pros
- Big boot and roomy back seat
- Comfortable and easy to drive
- Great value for money
Cons
- Conservative styling
- Touch controls can frustrate
Best for: Driving dynamics, performance and premium feel
The cabin is refined and comfortable, with a quality feel and infotainment that’s now much more intuitive than older BMW models. If you need to spend extended periods in it, you'll enjoy the i4’s eye-opening acceleration – especially in M50 form – and excellent mile-munching ability. Driving range and efficiency are so-so, which does take the shine off things slightly, though. Despite that, it ticks all the boxes for those who want a desirable yet sensible EV option.
For more information, read the full BMW i4 review.
Pros
- Engaging drive and smooth power
- High-quality interior
- Strong badge appeal
Cons
- Rear headroom is tight
- Less boot space than EV SUVs
Best for: Sporting drive, usable tech, left-field kudos
Rear space can't match the SUVs on this list, but boot size is good enough make it a solid choice for smaller families. It's good to drive, with nice steering and punchy acceleration, and the warranty cover and efficient battery tech make it a tempting choice for higher-mileage drivers. With BYD becoming a global superpower, and expanding quickly in the UK, this is a car that’s ready to take on the big names – as its growing popularity clearly demonstrates.
For more information, read the full BYD Seal review.
Pros
- Sleek design and smart cabin
- Competitive price compared with Model 3
- Tech-heavy and well-specced
Cons
- Smaller boot than rivals
- Less brand recognition than Tesla or VW
Best for: Style-conscious families and ease of use
Despite its coupe styling, there's plenty of boot space, making it an ideal match for active family life. In addition, the Capri offers visual flair that helps it stand out in the company car park, combined with the practicality and cost-efficiency that fleets demand. It’s priced well in monthly terms and benefits from Ford’s large dealer network – all key factors when living with a car and considering total cost of ownership.
For more information, read the full Ford Capri review.
Pros
- Bold new design with coupe-SUV flair
- Ford dealer support and tech
- Fun to drive
Cons
- Not as spacious as boxier rivals
- Basically the same car as an Enyaq, which is better
Best for: Minimalist design and tech integration
The Android-powered infotainment is slick, responsive, and more intuitive than the, admittedly excellent, set-up you’ll find in a Tesla. Polestar’s brand positioning is very interesting – it sits somewhere between premium and progressive, and the 2’s blend of decent driving range, strong safety testing results, and stout acceleration gives it serious company car appeal, too. It’s one of the most appealing electric cars out there – and an ideal alternative if you want something more understated than a Tesla.
For more infortmation, read the full Polestar 2 review.
Pros
- Clean, minimalist design
- Android-based infotainment
- Comfortable seats in the front
Cons
- Boot opening isn’t SUV-useful
- Rear headroom is tight
Best for: All-round family SUV with premium feel
If you're using it for work, you will find much to like, too – BYD’s latest LFP battery tech delivers a competitve real-world driving range coupled with fast charging, and while the Sealion’s pricing is on a par with many of its more obvious rivals, you do get more kit and performance for your money. It’s a bold new contender that’s worth shortlisting if you’re ready to move away from the mainstream.
For more information, read the full BYD Sealion 7 review.
Pros
- Roomy, well-equipped cabin
- Strong driving range and tech
- Lots of equipment
Cons
- Brand is still gaining recognition in UK
- Availability currently limited
One to avoid
Why it's here: Don't be tempted into thinking it's a cut-price Model Y rival
However, the BE11 falls short in several critical areas. The driving experience is underwhelming, with overly light steering and lacklustre handling. Interior quality doesn't meet expectations, with materials feeling flimsy and lacking the durability seen in competitors. Furthermore, the infotainment system is cumbersome and unintuitive, detracting from the overall user experience. Given these shortcomings, the BE11 struggles to compete with more refined and well-rounded alternatives in the electric SUV segment.
For more information, read the full Skywell BE11 review.
Pros
- Exceptional rear seat space
- Comprehensive standard features
- Attractive pricing
Cons
- Disappointing dynamics
- Subpar interior quality
FAQs: Tesla alternatives buying guide
What is the best alternative to a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y in the UK?
As you can see from this list, there are plenty of great alternatives to the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y available, offering similar electric range, performance, and tech without some of the compromises. Cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW i4, and Polestar 2 offer strong electric credentials along with high-quality interiors and intuitive infotainment systems. For SUV fans, the Skoda Enyaq, Kia EV6, and Ford Capri are standout choices.
But the winner for us is the Volkswagen ID.7, especially in Tourer form – it is easy to live with, offers bags of room, and has a brilliant driving range. Add in excellent finance, and it’s hard to ignore. All of these electric cars suit both family buyers and company car drivers thanks to generous space low emissions, and competitive pricing. Whether you’re looking for something stylish, luxurious or just more user-friendly than a Tesla, there’s a growing list of EVs on offer.
Is it worth choosing one of these Tesla alternatives as a company car?
Yes, as many Tesla alternatives offer the same low Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax advantages, long driving range, and rapid public charging performance, while also giving company car drivers a more conventional and comfortable experience.
Fleet managers may also prefer alternatives with better residual values, more flexible servicing options, and reliable aftersales support. If you’re looking to balance company car tax savings with quality, usability and driver satisfaction, there are now plenty of Tesla rivals to consider seriously.
Are these electric cars better than Teslas for families?
While the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are popular among families for their long driving range and spacious cabins, some alternatives offer better value, more user-friendly interiors, and improved practicality. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Capri, and Skoda Enyaq are easier to get in and out of, have larger boots, and come with more conventional physical interior controls.
Some of these family-friendly EVs also offer superior ride comfort and cabin refinement, especially on longer journeys. With a broader range of body styles and price points now available, it’s easy to find an electric car that fits your family’s needs – and you don’t have to stick with Tesla to get a great one.
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