Our top choices for business electric cars (2024/2025)
In light of the growing emphasis on sustainable mobility, many companies are seeking vehicles that align with their operational needs and environmental goals. This article presents our top picks for electric cars and utility vehicles across various categories, evaluating their range, comfort, and other key benefits. Learn how to make the most cost-effective and suitable choices to optimize your fleet.
Key Takeaways
- Top Vehicles by Category: Rankings of the best electric vehicles across categories, including city cars, SUVs, and utility vehicles.
- Benefits of Electric Cars for Businesses: Lower operating costs, increased appeal for employees, enhanced eco-friendly image, and more.
- Key Criteria for Choosing an Electric Car: Range, total cost of ownership (TCO), and compatibility with charging infrastructure.
Top Electric Cars by Category for Businesses
To help companies select the electric vehicle best suited to their needs, we’ve created a category-based ranking. Each type of car offers unique features tailored to specific uses.
Electric City Cars and Sedans
These vehicles are ideal for urban commutes, offering excellent maneuverability and optimized energy consumption.
Renault Megane E-Tech
Often categorized as a sedan, the Renault Megane E-Tech boasts a theoretical range of approximately 450 km and a compact design. It’s a popular choice for businesses seeking practical and affordable vehicles.
Useful Information
- Powertrains:
Two options available:- 130 hp
- 220 hp
- Battery and Range:
Two versions available:- 40 kWh battery for a theoretical range of 300 km
- 60 kWh battery for a theoretical range of 450 km
- Charging:
- AC charging power: Between 7.4 kW and 22 kW
- DC charging power: Maximum between 85 kW and 130 kW
- Vehicle Dimensions:
- Length: 4.21 m
- Width: 1.77 m
- Height: 1.50 m
- Boot Space:
- Trunk capacity: 440 L
- Usable volume: 1,332 L
- Price: Starting from €34,000 (incl. VAT, excluding potential bonuses or penalties).
Peugeot e-208
Nearly identical to its combustion-engine counterparts, the Peugeot e-208 stands out with a few subtle details that set it apart. Ideal for city driving, it offers a theoretical range of approximately 400 km, making it appealing for its low maintenance costs and comfortable driving experience.
Useful Information
- Powertrains:
Two options available:- 136 hp (2019 model)
- 156 hp
- Battery and Range:
Two versions available:- 50 kWh total capacity (46 kWh usable) for a theoretical range of 362 km
- 51 kWh total capacity (48.1 kWh usable) for a theoretical range of 410 km
- Charging:
- AC accelerated charging: Maximum power 7.4 kW (Single-phase) and 11 kW (Three-phase, optional)
- DC fast charging: Maximum power 100 kW
- Vehicle Dimensions:
- Length: 4 m
- Width: 1.7 m
- Height: 1.4 m
- Boot Space:
- Trunk capacity: 309 L
- Usable volume: 1,118 L
- Price: Starting from €35,900 (incl. VAT, excluding potential bonuses or penalties).
Other Available Electric City Cars and Sedans
- Volkswagen ID.3
- Tesla Model 3
- BMW i3
Electric SUVs for Professional Fleets
Electric SUVs provide more space and comfort, making them a preferred choice for transporting multiple colleagues.
Tesla Model Y
With a theoretical range of up to 533 km and advanced technologies such as Autopilot, the Tesla Model Y combines comfort and innovation. Its ultra-fast charging capability is a standout feature for professionals looking to optimize their travel time in the field.
Fast Charging: The Tesla Model Y Propulsion can recharge in less than 20 minutes on a 350 kW DC charging station.
Useful Information
- Configurations:
Three options available:- Propulsion: 455 km WLTP range, 217 km/h top speed, and 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
- Long Range: 565 km WLTP range, 217 km/h top speed, and 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds.
- Performance: 514 km WLTP range and 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.
- Charging (varies depending on the chosen configuration):
- AC accelerated charging: Maximum power of 11 kW (Three-phase).
- DC fast charging: Maximum power of 170 kW (Propulsion) and 250 kW for the other versions.
- Vehicle Dimensions:
- Length: 4.7 m
- Width: 2.1 m
- Height: 1.6 m
- Boot Space:
- Front trunk: 117 liters
- Rear trunk: 854 liters (in 5-seat configuration, including underfloor storage)
- Price: Starting from €42,990 (incl. VAT, excluding potential bonuses or penalties).
Audi Q4 e-tron
As a flagship model in Audi’s electric lineup, the Q4 e-tron offers a spacious interior and a theoretical range of approximately 520 km. It’s an ideal choice for professional trips where comfort and style are essential.
Useful Information
- Configurations:
Four main options available:- Q4 35 e-tron: 52 kWh battery, 125 kW motor.
- Q4 40 e-tron: 77 kWh battery, 150 kW motor (204 hp).
- Q4 45 e-tron: 77 kWh battery, up to 265 hp.
- Q4 50 e-tron quattro: 77 kWh battery, 220 kW motor (299 hp).
- Charging (varies by configuration, e.g., Q4 35 e-tron):
- AC charging power: Limited to 7.4 kW.
- DC fast charging power: Maximum 100 kW (other versions support up to 11 kW AC and 135 kW DC).
- Vehicle Dimensions:
- Length: 4.5 m
- Width: 1.8 m
- Height: 1.6 m
- Boot Space:
- Capacity: 520 L
- Usable volume: 1,490 L
- Price: Starting from €61,100 (incl. VAT, excluding potential bonuses or penalties).
Other Available Electric SUVs
- Skoda Enyaq iV
- Nissan Ariya
- BMW i4
- Mercedes-Benz EQE
Electric Utility Vehicles for Logistics Needs
Electric utility vehicles are indispensable for businesses with delivery requirements or material transportation needs.
Peugeot e-Partner 2024
The ultimate van for urban environments! The Peugeot e-Partner 2024 receives a significant update compared to its first 2021 version, offering impressive improvements in design, performance, range, and efficiency.
Useful Information
- Powertrain:
- Single motor: 100 kW (136 hp) with three driving modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport).
- Battery and Range:
- 50.8 kWh usable battery, offering up to 343 km of WLTP range.
- Charging:
- DC fast charging: 0-80% in 30 minutes at 100 kW.
- Vehicle Dimensions (Standard Version):
- Length: 4.4 m
- Width: 1.8 m
- Height: 1.7 m
- Payload and Cargo Volume:
- Payload: 780 kg
- Usable volume: Up to 4.4 m³
- Price: Starting from €37,500 (incl. VAT, excluding potential bonuses or penalties).
Ford E-Transit
With a range of up to 317 km and a significant payload capacity, the Ford E-Transit meets the needs of larger logistical operations. It perfectly combines power, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Useful Information
- Powertrain:
- Single motor delivering up to 198 kW (269 hp) and 430 Nm of torque.
- Battery and Range:
- 67 kWh battery, providing approximately 350 km of WLTP range.
- Charging:
- AC charging: Up to 11.3 kW of power.
- DC fast charging: Up to 115 kW, allowing a charge from 15% to 80% in around 30 minutes.
- Vehicle Dimensions:
- Length: 5.5 m
- Width: 2.4 m
- Height: 2.5 m
- Payload and Cargo Volume:
- Payload (van model): Up to 1,616 kg.
- Price: Starting from €59,570 (excl. VAT).
Don’t hesitate to check out our article on the Top 5 Best Electric Vans for Professionals!
Of course, there are many other models available in the electric car and utility vehicle market. The final choice of vehicle ultimately depends on the specific needs of your business, such as daily distances traveled, required cargo volume, and allocated budget.
Before deciding on an electric company vehicle, take the time to review your current fleet, assess your needs, and identify your criteria and constraints.
Source of technical data and vehicle images: Automobile Propre (in French only)
Essential Criteria for Choosing a Company Electric Vehicle
To maximize the investment in an electric fleet, it’s crucial to identify the selection criteria that will ensure optimal performance and meet professional needs. Here are the key points to consider:
Range and Performance Suited to Your Needs
The range of an electric car must be sufficient to cover the company’s regular routes without frequent recharging. Current models offer theoretical ranges that vary from 200 km to over 600 km. Choosing a vehicle that matches your needs ensures smooth operations and efficient trip planning.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Maintenance Costs
The TCO, which includes acquisition, maintenance, and charging costs, is a vital metric for assessing a vehicle’s long-term profitability. Electric cars typically benefit from lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts subject to wear and tear, significantly reducing expenses for repairs and servicing.
Charging Infrastructure and Compatibility
Ensuring the fleet is compatible with available charging infrastructure, whether on-site or in public spaces, is critical. Consider factors like charging speed, bidirectional charging options, and the availability of charging stations to optimize vehicle usage.
These criteria help businesses select electric vehicles that meet their operational needs while ensuring efficient and cost-effective use.
Key Benefits of Electric Cars for Businesses
Adopting electric cars for a company fleet offers numerous advantages, both economically and in terms of brand image. Here are the five main benefits that explain why more and more businesses are making this strategic choice:
- Lower Operating Costs: Reduced fuel and maintenance expenses compared to traditional combustion vehicles.
- Tax Benefits and Incentives: Access to subsidies, tax credits, and eco-bonuses that lower the overall cost.
- Enhanced Brand Image: A demonstration of environmental responsibility, appreciated by clients and partners alike.
- Improved Comfort and Driving Experience: Quiet vehicles equipped with modern technologies for a more comfortable ride.
- Talent Attraction and Retention: An additional argument to attract environmentally conscious employees.
Read more about the other advantages of electric cars for businesses.
Conclusion
Investing in an electric vehicle fleet is a strategic decision that goes far beyond merely reducing fuel costs.
Companies have access to a wide range of vehicles tailored to various needs, whether it’s city cars, SUVs, utility vehicles, or sedans. These options cater to specific expectations in terms of performance, comfort, and budget, while enhancing the company’s image and contributing to the ecological transition.