Five Electric Vehicles To Get Excited About in 2026
Electric vehicles are no longer something from the future, but simply part of the mainstream. This means that in 2026, there are more options, better price points, and far fewer compromises than even a few years ago.
From family SUVs to performance saloons and affordable EVs, here are five new cars expected to arrive on UK roads in 2026 that genuinely stand out.
Five of the Most Exciting Electric Car Releases for 2026
Let's explore some of the hottest EVs scheduled for release in 2026.
1. Volvo EX60
Volvo’s EX60 is shaping up to be one of the most important electric SUVs of the decade. Sitting below the EX90, it replaces the hugely popular XC60 and targets the heart of the premium family market.
Built on Volvo’s new SPA3 platform, the EX60 is expected to offer around 400 miles of WLTP range, ultra-fast charging, and a lighter, more efficient structure thanks to megacasting and a structural battery pack. Safety, as ever with Volvo, is front and centre, but the real appeal here is balance. As such, it promises strong range, sensible performance, and premium build quality without drifting into luxury-car pricing.
Expected UK launch is early 2026, with pricing likely starting around £50,000. Against rivals like the BMW iX3 and Mercedes EQC, the EX60 could well set the new benchmark in the UK EV market.
2. Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
Hyundai’s N division has earned serious credibility recently, and the Ioniq 6 N looks set to prove that performance does not have to disappear in the EV era.
Expected to arrive in the UK mid-2026, the Ioniq 6 N is rumoured to produce around 650 horsepower, with a strong focus on handling, braking, and driver engagement rather than outright straight-line speed alone. It will build on the success of the Ioniq 5 N, but in a sleeker saloon format that suits UK roads well.
Pricing is expected to land in the £55,000£60,000 range, placing it directly against the Tesla Model 3 Performance and Polestar 2 Performance. For drivers who still care about feel and involvement, this could be one of the most interesting EVs of the year.
3. Skoda 7S
Large electric family cars are still relatively thin on the ground, which is exactly where the Skoda 7S steps in.
This seven-seat electric SUV will sit above the Enyaq and offer genuine space for larger families, something many current EVs still struggle with. Expect around 300 miles of range, a practical interior, and the kind of straightforward usability Skoda is known for.
UK launch is expected sometime in 2026, with pricing likely between £50,000 and £60,000. Compared with alternatives like the Kia EV9, the 7S should appeal to buyers who value value, simplicity, and interior space over flashy design.
4. BMW Neue Klasse i3
BMW’s Neue Klasse platform represents a full reset for the brand’s electric future, and the new electric i3 saloon will be one of its first major outputs.
This is not a revival of the old i3 hatchback, but a fully fledged electric saloon aimed squarely at the heart of the market. Expect a range comfortably north of 350 miles, significantly faster charging, and a new digital interior that signals BMW’s next design era.
Due in the UK towards the end of 2026, pricing is expected to sit between £45,000 and £55,000. It will compete directly with the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 4, but with BMW’s trademark focus on driving dynamics.
Aion UT
One of the most interesting developments for UK buyers in 2026 may come from brands that are still unfamiliar names. Aion, part of the Chinese GAC group, is expected to launch several models in the UK, including the compact Aion UT.
Designed as a practical, affordable electric hatchback, the UT is expected to offer around 260 miles of range and a price starting in the mid-£20,000s. That puts it firmly in MG4 territory, but with a more modern platform and competitive tech.
If pricing and reliability stack up, models like the Aion UT could significantly increase competition at the affordable end of the EV market.
Upgrading Your Number Plate Too?
If you’re planning to buy one of these new cars in 2026, you’ll need a new private registration to match. Whether you want to secure a brand-new 26 number plate or find something more personal, National Numbers makes the process straightforward.
You can register for the upcoming 26 private number plate release online, or, if you’d rather explore what’s already available, you can browse over 73 million number plates with National Numbers.
And if you’re unsure what will work best for your new car, or just want some guidance before you buy, you can also speak to the team on 01642 363738 for friendly, expert advice.