Comprehensive Guide to the Best Electric Vehicles Available in the UAE Across Every Budget

As recently as five years ago, it seemed unimaginable that electric vehicles would find any traction in the UAE. Given that fuel was relatively cheap in our region and the EV recharging infrastructure was still in its infancy, the business case for battery-powered vehicles seemed tenuous, at best. However, times change and so do buyer demands. Petrol prices are now edging towards Dh4.50 a litre; filling up even a compact Toyota Corolla can cost more than Dh200. For drivers of larger SUVs, the expense is considerably higher – a full tank in the latest Nissan Patrol costs more than Dh400, while older models can guzzle Dh600.

In this context, an EV makes financial sense, particularly for people with access to a wall-mounted home charger. Even without one, the savings can be considerable. Depending on the vehicle's battery size, a full charge at a Dewa or Adnoc charging station typically costs little more than Dh80 ($22). Alongside rising petrol prices, the UAE's public EV charging network has continued to expand, with about 2,800 charging points across the country and more expected in the coming years. As electric vehicles become an increasingly practical option for motorists, here are some of the best models currently available in the UAE.

Under Dh100,000

JAC E30X (From Dh69,995)

Behind the JAC E30X’s slightly cartoonish appearance lurks a capable and well-built car for its modest asking price. Although tiny in overall dimensions, the E30X's wheel-at-each-corner stance endows it with a 2,620 mm wheelbase, making it surprisingly spacious inside. With a single electric motor sending 95hp or 136hp to the front wheels, the JAC is no rocket ship, but it nevertheless feels decently zippy around town. Even the base model gets automatic LED headlights, retracting flush door handles, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, faux-leather trim, cruise control and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen.

Polestar 2 (from Dh89,900)

With a starting price under Dh90,000, the Polestar 2 seems an unbelievable value for money. There is a catch, though, as the cars on offer for this price are part of the dealership’s 2024 inventory, though they still have zero kilometres on the odometer and are considered new. With the Polestar’s 272hp electric motor delivering a brisk 0-100kph split of 6.4 seconds and a touring range of 546km, there isn't anything equivalent at this price. Top it off with Swedish levels of build quality and safety, the Polestar 2 seems a compelling buy.

Dh100,000 to 125,000

Smart #3 (From Dh110,900)

The perky-looking Smart #3 is a fusion of East and West, built in China for a German brand. In its base form, the five-door compact SUV is equipped with a 66kWh battery and a single electric motor that sends 268hp and 384Nm to the front wheels. It sprints from standstill to 100kph in 5.8 seconds, while touring range is a claimed 430km. Standard features include a panoramic sunroof, a 12.8-inch central display, a 10-inch head-up display, and comprehensive safety equipment.

GAC Aion V (From Dh124,900)

Billed as a Tesla Model Y rival, the GAC Aion V offers ample interior space and a generous feature list at a budget price. Propulsion is provided by a single e-motor producing 204hp and 240Nm. GAC claims the Aion V, equipped with a 75.26kWh battery, can cover up to 510km on a full charge based on the European WLTP test cycle. Standard features include a 14.6-inch touchscreen, a nine-speaker sound system, navigation, a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, a hands-free tailgate and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Dh125,000 to 150,000

Volvo EX30 (From Dh129,000)

The Volvo EX30 provides the Swedish marque’s customary build quality and safety at a wallet-friendly price. In base trim, a single electric motor sends 272hp and 343Nm to the rear wheels, delivering a 0-100kph split in 5.7 seconds and a maximum claimed touring range of 337km. Included at no extra cost are Harman Kardon premium audio, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, 19-inch alloys, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, and multiple airbags.

Kia EV3 (From Dh141,645)

The ultra-futuristic-looking EV3 embodies Kia’s latest design language. Its minimalistic interior is dominated by a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Conveniences include a powered tailgate, sliding-table centre console, bottle holders in all four doors and a 25-litre front trunk supplementing the 460-litre rear load bay. Safety is enhanced via a surround-view monitor and advanced driver assistance technologies.

Dh150,000 to 175,000

Hyundai Ioniq 5 (From Dh153,000)

Hyundai’s stylish Ioniq 5 features an expansive three-metre wheelbase providing sprawling interior space. Power output ranges from 170hp in single-motor entry variants to 305hp in the dual-motor flagship, with the latter accelerating from 0-100kph in only 5.2 seconds. Underpinned by an 800-volt architecture, it can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes with a 350kW fast charger.

BYD Sealion 7 (From Dh158,900)

The coupe-inspired BYD Sealion 7 features great fit and finish inside and out. The extensive standard kit list includes a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloys, a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, 12-speaker audio, and LED headlights with cornering function. The base model is propelled by a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, delivering 308hp and 380Nm with a 0-100kph dash in 6.7 seconds.

Dh175,000 to 200,000

Tesla Model Y (From Dh178,670)

The swoopy Model Y SUV offers greater space and utility than its Model 3 sibling following a midlife refresh. The cabin is ultra-minimalist, displaying all information on the central infotainment screen. The single-motor entry model achieves 0-100kph in 5.6 seconds and boasts a claimed range of 661km.

Xpeng G9 (From Dh192,500)

The medium-large Xpeng G9 SUV features a clean, elegantly sculpted profile and a premium interior with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and dual 15-inch high-definition displays. Xpeng quotes a 502km range for the base model, while its 800-volt architecture enables super-fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent in just 15 minutes.

Dh200,000-plus

Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron (From Dh247,900)

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron stands out as one of the marque’s best-value EVs, featuring a stylish coupe-like SUV design. Powered by a single 252hp electric motor, it offers a claimed 656km touring range and fast-charge capability of 10 to 80 per cent in 22 minutes, with the price including a five-year service package, roadside assistance and registration.

BMW iX3 (From Dh360,000)

The latest BMW iX3 is the first embodiment of the Bavarian marque’s Neue Klasse design language. Offered in the high-spec dual-motor iX3 50 xDrive, it features a new Heart of Joy control unit for class-leading dynamics. BMW quotes a maximum claimed touring range of 805km and a 0-100kph time of 4.9 seconds.