Let’s get one thing straight first. We like Tesla here at Electrifying. We think the cars are great: incredibly efficient, easy to recharge on the move and (now) decently put together. We also like the brand. Tesla’s UK division has never once ducked a request or awkward question from electrifying.com and has always provided us with access to test vehicles - often at crazily short notice. Tesla has probably won more head-to-head shoot-outs than any other brand in our videos and we’d recommend the cars to anyone. 

So why are we writing an article about choosing cars that don’t wear the famous T badge?  In recent weeks, it has become apparent that the actions and behaviour of Tesla’s CEO have prompted many potential and even current owners to reconsider their choices. In January, we conducted an online poll* and found that nearly two-thirds of car buyers say they are now put off buying a Tesla due to Elon. This sentiment is consistent across both current electric vehicle (EV) owners and those intending to purchase one, with 59% in each group expressing that Musk’s influence would deter them from choosing a Tesla. 

While you could quite reasonably argue that the politics of a car brand’s owner have nothing to do with the products themselves, that doesn’t really apply in this case. To a lot of people, Tesla is Elon Musk and Elon Musk is Tesla. And to many, buying or driving a Tesla is somehow endorsing the often controversial views of the owner. 

If you’re one of those people, this article is for you. Over recent weeks, our postbag ([email protected] if you want to add to it) has been peppered with a number of emails asking for Tesla alternatives. And, because I’m fundamentally lazy and have cramp from replying to so many, I figured that writing this feature would pay off in the long term.

SEVEN great Tesla Model Y alternatives 

1. Polestar 3

Polestar bosses must be loving Tesla’s current predicament. The Swedish/Chinese brand has always coveted Tesla’s customer base and now it finally has a model that can compete directly with the Model Y.  

The Polestar 3 combines Scandinavian design with cutting-edge technology into one rather lovely package. The 3’s front grille, distinctive lighting, and clean silhouette give it a premium, yet purposeful presence. Inside, the cabin is equally impressive, offering a minimalist design with high-quality materials. The tech-forward interior features a large, portrait-oriented touchscreen that seamlessly integrates with Google’s Android operating system. The intuitive infotainment system is responsive and packed with features, while the seats offer excellent comfort for both front and rear passengers.

Performance is another strong suit. The Polestar 3 comes with dual motors and a substantial 111 kWh battery, delivering a thunderous 517bhp and a 0-62 mph time of around 4.5 seconds. The range is competitive, with estimates of up to 379 miles on a full charge, depending on the configuration.

While the handling is precise and refined, it’s not quite as dynamic as some sportier rivals in this segment. However, the 3’s combination of luxury, practicality, and performance makes it a decent Model Y alternative.

2. Hyundai IONIQ 5

It may not be quite the head-turner it was at launch nearly four years ago, but the IONIQ 5 remains one of the coolest-looking EVs on the market, offering a strong blend of design, technology, and practicality. It rides on Hyundai’s dedicated E-GMP platform, which allows for a long wheelbase, a flat floor, and impressive cabin space. The exterior styling remains a key talking point, with those retro-futuristic look and pixel-style LED lighting setting it apart from more conventional electric SUVs.

The entry-level Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD 170 offers a 60kWh battery (up from 54kWh) and 168bhp, delivering a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds. The RWD 228 improves on this with an 80kWh battery (up from 74kWh) and 225bhp, offering a quicker 7.5-second 0-62mph time, though the extra cost may not be justified unless you need more range. The AWD 325 has the same 80kWh battery but adds a second motor for a total of 321bhp, reducing the 0-62mph time to 5.3 seconds. Range varies from 273 to 354 miles depending on the version,

The interior is just as forward-thinking, with sustainable materials, a minimalist dashboard, and dual 12.3-inch screens. Passenger space is generous, and there’s a focus on comfort rather than outright sportiness. While it’s not the most dynamic EV to drive, it remains a well-rounded and highly appealing option in the electric SUV market.

​Click here to book a test drive at your nearest Hyundai retailer.

3. Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 has always been a hard car to define. Not quite an SUV, not quite a traditional five-door hatch, it sits almost on its own as a slightly alternative choice for buyers looking for something that isn't a standard large family SUV. 

As the swoopy looks suggest, the EV6 delivers a driving experience with a sporting edge. Although power outputs for the rear-drive models are modest at 225bhp, all-wheel drive versions pack 320bhp of punch, along with 605Nm of torque. The handling is also biased towards performance, with short-geared steering and firm springs. Thankfully, a tweak to the damping, introduced as part of the update package, has notably improved the ride quality at low speeds. 

All models come with a new 84kWh battery that replaces the previous 77kWh pack. And, as before, the innovative 800 volt electrical system opens to the door to some seriously fast rapid charging speeds. Where the original model already boasted a peak of 240kW, the new 2024 model peaks at 260kW. This means that the car can repeat its party trick of charging from 10-80% in under 20 minutes when connected to a suitably powerful rapid charger. 

With the bigger battery comes longer ranges for all models. The longest belongs to the rear-wheel drive Air model which offers 361 miles, a 33 mile improvement over the previous model. The least efficient is the new GT-Line S AWD version which still manages an impressive 324 miles on a full charge. 

4. VW ID Buzz (2025)

Bear with me here. The Buzz might be a left-field choice, but there’s something about Volkswagen’s reborn microbus that is tempting drivers from all ends of the EV spectrum. I know of at least two Buzz owners that traded Teslas in for VW’s love bus and despite being relatively low-tech compared to their previous cars, they love the personality and general sense of fun that the Buzz has.

The new 2025 model builds on its predecessor’s iconic retro design, but now with more advanced technology and practicality. Featuring both short and long-wheelbase versions, it offers up to 85 kWh of battery capacity, delivering a range of around 350 miles, depending on the variant. The electric powertrain delivers a comfortable driving experience with smooth acceleration and a quiet, refined ride. Inside, the cabin is spacious and modern, featuring a tech-focused dashboard with a large touchscreen and intuitive controls.

Volkswagen’s emphasis on sustainability continues with eco-friendly materials used throughout. The ID. Buzz is also equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Despite its van-like shape, it offers surprisingly nimble handling, making it well-suited for urban driving as well as longer trips.

5. Skoda Enyaq

I know what you’re thinking - is there any list of recommended cars that doesn’t have the Skoda Enyaq on it? Okay, it’s no secret that we’re more than a bit in love with Škoda’s chunky electric SUV. The Enyaq is better in almost every area than the (more expensive) Volkswagen ID.4 with which it shares its mechanicals. Maybe the blueprints got mixed up when Volkswagen Group bosses were signing off the designs? Who knows. 

For 2025, the Enyaq received a significant update, refining its already impressive blend of practicality, range, and value. The facelifted Enyaq adopts Škoda’s new “Modern Solid” design language, featuring a sleeker front grille, sharper LED matrix headlights, and improved aerodynamics for enhanced efficiency.

Under the skin, the 2025 Enyaq benefits from Volkswagen Group’s latest MEB platform updates, including improved battery chemistry. The 77 kWh variant now delivers up to 348 miles (WLTP), with faster charging speeds of up to 175 kW, allowing a 10-80% top-up in under 30 minutes. Performance also sees a boost, with the Enyaq 85 producing 282bhp, while the dual-motor Enyaq 85x adds all-wheel drive for improved traction.

Inside, the Enyaq retains its class-leading practicality, with a spacious 585-litre boot and premium, sustainable materials. A revamped infotainment system now features a larger 13-inch display with enhanced software, making it more intuitive and responsive. Škoda’s latest driver-assistance tech ensures top-tier safety and convenience.

​Click here to book a test drive at your nearest Skoda retailer.

6. BYD Sealion 7

We’ve been hearing for years that Chinese brands are about to wipe the floor with the European and American competition, but so far the revolution hasn’t happened. The daftly-monikered Sealion 7 is BYD’s somewhat brazen attempt to take on the Tesla Model Y and certainly has the numbers to make it a viable competitor.  

There are a couple of batteries to choose from (83 and 91kWh), both offering close to 300 miles of range, plus you can opt for single motor, rear-wheel drive model with more modest performance or a full-fat, all-wheel drive variant that gets over 500bhp and will do 0-62mph in 4.5-seconds. 

There’s no seven-seat option, though. the ‘7’ in the Sealion 7 name is there purely to confuse journalists and customers. Or possibly because a lot of brands apply bigger numbers to bigger cars, and smaller numbers to smaller cars, to make the model hierarchy clearer. Hence BYD Atto 3 for the family hatch, and Sealion 7 for the big SUV.

On the road, the Sealion 7 offers a smooth and quiet ride, suitable for urban commuting. However, while acceleration is brisk, the handling may not be as engaging as some rivals, with sloppy handling characteristics and lifeless steering. It’s not a car that you yearn to drive over your favourite section of road. 

A car you buy with your head rather than your heart. 

7. Ford Mustang Mach-E

Remember the Mach-E? Ford’s opening salvo in the world of electric still looks a decent buy thanks to looks that have aged pretty well and range figures that still impress.

The Mach-E offers a choice of battery sizes, starting with a 70 kWh Standard Range pack and an 91 kWh Extended Range option. The latter offers a mighty 372 miles of range (WLTP) in rear-wheel-drive form, while the all-wheel-drive variant delivers 341 miles.

On the road, the Mach-E is pretty enjoyable to drive, with sharp steering and well-balanced handling that gives it a sporty edge over some rivals. Acceleration is brisk, particularly in the dual-motor variants, with the GT version hitting 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. Despite its performance credentials, ride comfort remains a priority, with a composed setup that soaks up road imperfections well.

Inside, the Mach-E boasts a modern and minimalistic cabin dominated by a 15.5-inch portrait touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 4 system. Material quality is solid, and there’s plenty of space for five adults and their luggage. Practicality is further enhanced by a front boot (frunk) and a generous 502-litre rear cargo space.

With rapid charging capabilities of up to 150 kW, allowing a 10-80% top-up in just 45 minutes, the Mach-E is a strong alternative to the Tesla Model Y, combining style, tech, and real-world usability.

FIVE Great Tesla Model 3 alternatives

1. BMW i4

The Model 3’s most obvious rival, the i4 is built on the same platform as BMW’s hyper-successful 3 and 4 Series and delivers familiar driving dynamics but with electric power. It features a choice of powertrains, including a 335bhp eDrive4 which offers a 0-62mph time of under six seconds. The M50 variant ramps up performance with 536bhp, achieving 0-62mph in just four seconds.

While its design is conventional, the i4 blends petrol-like driving sensations with a new-age electric experience. Inside, it combines familiar BMW layouts with modern OLED displays. The car’s low centre of gravity enhances handling, but rear-seat space is somewhat compromised due to the battery’s positioning. Overall, the i4 strikes a balance between the old and the new, appealing to those seeking a smooth transition to electric without abandoning the driving characteristics BMW is known for.

There are now two battery options on offer. BMW claims a maximum range of 299 miles for the eDrive35 or the eDrive40 will achieve between 347 and 365 miles on a full charge. The sportier i4 M50 – the one to ween petrolheads from their turbocharged BMW M cars – claims between 258 and 318 miles. Expect much closer to the former if you plan to explore its prodigious performance.

​Click here to arrange a test drive at your nearest BMW retailer.

2. Volkswagen ID.7

Volkswagen may have been late to the game, but the ID.7 is arguably the best electric car it sells. The German brand’s range-topper (ignoring the ID. Buzz) comes with two battery size options: the familiar 77kWh pack that appears across the existing range, and a new 86kWh pack that so far has only been offered in the ID.Buzz long-wheelbase. 

The smaller pack was available from launch in 2023 with the larger one joining the line-up last year. In terms of charging, the 77kWh pack peaks at 170kW on a DC charger, while the 86kWh pack can accept a charge speed of up to 200kW. Expect 10-80% charge times of around 25-35 minutes on a suitable DC charger.

As for range, the entry level VW ID.7 has a WLTP figure of 383 miles, while the bigger battery model come with a 436-mile WLTP figure making it one of the longest range electric cars on the market. 

The ID.7 competes with more expensive Model 3 models, but it comes with a bigger cabin and a longer range if you opt for the bigger battery. 

3. BYD Seal

Although BYD insists that any similarity between the Seal and the Tesla Model 3 are purely coincidental, a quick look at the dimensions suggest otherwise. The Seal is 4.8 metres long, 1.9 metres wide and 1.5 metres high, making it almost identical to Tesla’s once best-selling saloon.

The Seal is offered in two versions - rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, badged Design and Excellence. The rear-drive version comes with 308bhp while the all-wheel drive version offers 523bhp. Which is a lot. The rear-drive version can go from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, while the all-wheel drive one does the same in 3.9 seconds. The AWD model’s straight line acceleration feels every bit as quick as those figures suggest. 

Both versions come with an 82.5kWh battery as standard which uses cobalt-free LFP chemistry and BYD’s blade design that places all the cells into thin ‘blades’ that allow for a higher density of energy. The rear-drive is the more efficient of the two and has a WLTP figure of more than 350 miles miles. The all-wheel-drive offers 323 miles on WLTP, which isn’t bad considering the performance on offer. 

4. Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 was the first car to really launch Polestar as a separate entity to Volvo, and it was also one of the first cars to truly try and take on the Tesla Model 3. 

The Polestar 2 comes with two battery size options: 67kWh 79kWh battery. The official range figure of between 339 and 406 miles means that any version of the Polestar 2 could probably drive from London to Newcastle without stopping and is still one of the highest range figures that you'll get in a new car, right now. 

Most buyers will find the 339 mile WLTP range of the 67kWh entry-level car more than enough, especially as it also charges very quickly. Even so, if you do really high mileage then the Long Range models are for you, especially if you stick to the single motor model that'll do 406 miles officially. 

Still one of the best Model 3 alternatives out there. 

5. Hyundai IONIQ 6

Dubbed the “electrified streamliner” by Hyundai, the IONIQ 6 divides opinions with its madcap looks. The saloon incorporates design elements from the IONIQ 5, such as the angular pixel lighting and sharp body contours, but reimagines them into a much more striking and aerodynamic form. The result? An impressively low drag coefficient of just 0.21Cd and a look that’s bound to attract more attention than some supercars.

The IONIQ 6 is built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the same platform that underpins the IONIQ 5, along with other models like the Kia EV6 and EV9, and the Genesis GV60. One of the platform’s standout features is its 800V charging system, which enables the 6 to charge at an impressive rate of up to 220kW. This allows for a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 18 minutes when using a compatible rapid charger.

All IONIQ 6 variants come with a 77.4kWh battery (74kWh usable), delivering a range of up to 339 miles with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 323 miles with all-wheel drive (AWD). The RWD version boasts a single 225bhp motor, while the AWD model features an additional motor at the front, providing a combined output of 321bhp.

Buyers can choose between two trim levels: Premium and Ultimate. Both come decently equipped with features like 20-inch alloy wheels, dual 12.3-inch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED lighting, heated front and rear seats, and a suite of safety tech. Higher-spec models add digital side mirrors, a premium Bose sound system, and luxurious leather upholstery.

​Click here to book a test drive with your nearest Hyundai retailer.

* Survey of Electrifying.com audience taken between 16th January - 24th January 2025 with over 1,000 respondents