Car makers around the world are preparing to unleash an unprecedented wave of new battery-powered cars. We’re primed for cars from all ends of the spectrum. Small cars, SUVs, saloons, and sports cars are all on the menu for 2026.
This year promises to be one of the most exciting yet in the history of electrification. As governments tighten emissions regulations and consumers increasingly embrace EV ownership, manufacturers are responding with vehicles that push the boundaries of range, performance, design and price.
Legacy brands are doubling down on their electric portfolios, while emerging players and startups are bringing bold new ideas to the road. Many more options are coming from China.
This year also promises to deliver cars with advanced technology, leading to longer driving ranges, faster charging times and smarter connectivity.
In this article, we’ll walk through every new electric car launching in 2026 – from highly anticipated global debuts to well-known models due for an update. There are almost 100 in total, so you’re sure to find something exciting.
Whether it’s family hauliers designed for everyday practicality or cutting-edge EVs that challenge the conventions of automotive design, 2026’s lineup highlights just how fast the electric era is accelerating.
Want to find out more? Scroll on for every new electric car coming this year.
On sale: April
GAC, a major Chinese car manufacturer, will introduce its Aion brand. An initial two-car line-up includes the Mini Cooper-sized UT, which offers 134bhp and a 426km (265-mile) range.
On sale: April
This Tesla Model Y rival is a family SUV featuring a 90kWh battery, which produces a range of 529km (329 miles). Power stands at 224bhp.
On sale: May
Alpine’s SUV is a crossover with three motors that promises to be an A110 for the whole family.
On sale: December
Ariel will launch its wild off-road super-buggy with 281bhp. Thanks to its lightweight body, which weighs less than 900kg, it can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (0 to 62mph) in just 3.5 seconds.
On sale: December
Based on the Volkswagen ID 3, the upcoming electric Audi A2 will hark back to the cult-classic supermini. It will likely feature 58kWh and 79kWh batteries with up to 360 miles of range.
On sale: September
The Audi A6 Allroad will mark the comeback for Audi’s 4×4 sub-brand and will be the first in a new line of rugged executive cars.
On sale: July
The first plug-in hybrid on our list, Audi Performance’s forthcoming RS5, is anticipated to retain its 2.9-litre V6 engine, but electric motor assistance will push its power output significantly beyond the 444bhp of its RS4 predecessor. This could make it one of Audi’s most potent combustion models to date.
On sale: December
Bentley refers to its first EV as an ‘urban SUV’. If we assume it’ll share much with the Cayenne, we should expect a few dual-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrains putting out between 400bhp and 805bhp. The most efficient version will likely offer an estimated range of up to 600km (373 miles) from its 108kWh battery, which can be charged at speeds of up to 400kW.
On sale: December
The BMW 3 Series will go electric globally for the first time, offering around 500 miles of range and reinterpreting design cues from the brand’s back catalogue. Promises to be the keen driver’s choice, thanks to a new ‘Heart of Joy’ computer that unites all of the car’s key systems with one chip.
On sale: March
The iX3 is the first of BMW’s Neue Klasse line-up, which will become one of the world’s longest-range EVs, mustering 805km (500 miles) per charge.
On sale: September
New plug-in hybrid powertrain squeezed into a small electric crossover.
On sale: November
BYD’s largest electric SUV is a seven-seater that promises lots of power and ultra-rapid charging. Chinese economy tests suggest a range of 670km (416 miles) and a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) sprint of less than four seconds.
On sale: December
Another rival to the Volkswagen ID 3, the BYD Seal 06 GT will sit beneath the Seal saloon in the line-up and could gain a 523bhp top-of-the-range model.
On sale: February
A crucial rival to the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai, arriving with plug-in hybrid power.
On sale: March
This is a Ford Ranger-rivalling plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that is aiming to take a share of the world’s pick-up market. It gets two electric motors paired to a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
On sale: October
Cadillac makes a bold return to Europe and the UK with its answer to the electric Cayenne. The American carmaker says it packs dual motors and up to 615bhp, with a range of over 482km (300 miles).
On sale: January
Having already introduced the S07 electric SUV, one of China’s oldest car makers is following that with the Skoda Enyaq-rivalling Deepal S05: a 4.6m-long crossover.
On sale: May
Cupra’s electric hatchback will get a new design to bring it closer to the new Raval. Extra power and range could also be on the menu.
On sale: September
Volkswagen’s sportier sibling brand takes the smallest ID car as the basis for an angry little hot hatch packing 223bhp. Yes, please.
On sale: March
Dacia will update its budget electric car with a new selection of powertrains, which range from 68bhp to 99bhp.
On sale: August
The upmarket marque from BYD is set to launch a comprehensive European line-up. This will include a fast shooting brake, a luxury 4×4, a flagship supercar, and this, a luxurious people carrier similar to the Lexus LM. While full specifications are still to be revealed, it will be available as either an EV or a PHEV and features a fridge-freezer integrated into the centre console.
On sale: August
Denza’s electric coupe is a tri-motor Porsche 911 Turbo rival that should put out more than 952bhp. The EV produces 629km (391 miles), but a plug-in hybrid will also be offered with an EV-only range of 201km (125 miles).
On sale: October
The DS No7 leads a wide-reaching rebrand intended to bring DS back into contention. It will bring an edgier design for its core SUV.
On sale: December
Ferrari’s initial all-electric vehicle, provisionally called the ‘Elettrica,’ is set to deliver a thrilling experience, not just impressive statistics. It will boast four motors generating around 1000bhp, a substantial 122kWh battery providing a 329-mile (530km) range, and a top speed approaching 200mph (322km/h). Despite the cold, hard numbers, Ferrari promises it will feature an authentic ‘engine note’ and handling designed “to thrill.”
On sale: November
Fiat’s largest model yet will offer petrol, hybrid and electric power and is aimed squarely at the Dacia Bigster.
On sale: March
Shaping up to be a convincing Renault 5 rival, but about a year late to UK roads.
On sale: November
Fiat’s cult classic go-anywhere supermini is primed to be reborn as one of the smallest four-wheel-drive cars on the market.
On sale: June
Retro reworking of the Citroën Ami ditches doors and gains a rag top.
On sale: July
Premium EV maker Nio’s entry-level brand Firefly introduces its answer to the Mini Cooper. It can use Nio’s bespoke battery-swap stations in China but will have to use boring old chargers over here. For now, at least.
On sale: May
The electric version of Europe’s best-selling cars has only just arrived, but it will get a bigger battery for a longer range of around 402km (250 miles), plus it will get semi-autonomous Bluecruise technology.
On sale: May
This 641bhp hot SUV seeks to blend a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N with Korean luxury. And lots of orange paint.
On sale: November
The Genesis GV90 is aiming to become Korea’s Bentley Bentayga, as an ultra-premium, six-seat SUV based on the Kia EV9.
On sale: July
The Honda Super N is effectively a spiritual successor to the Honda E, which is aiming for enthusiasts. A fake gearbox and simulated exhaust note are on offer.
On sale: September
Hyundai’s Ioniq 3 will be an electric Golf rival, combining striking looks with proven Hyundai EV technology.
On sale: December
The biggest unveiling of 2024 will be followed by the biggest launch of 2026. JLR isn’t looking back as it kick-starts a complete, ground-up reinvention of the storied Jaguar marque.
On sale: October
The new generation of Jeep’s Land Rover Discovery rival gets all-new styling plus an electric version with a claimed range of more than 321km (200 miles).
On sale: November
The Jeep Recon is a pivotal model for the brand, representing its first purpose-built electric off-roader, rather than just an electrified Wrangler. America’s favourite 4×4 purveyor has equipped it with a potent dual-motor powertrain, delivering a sparky 670bhp and 620lb ft.
On sale: February
The Korean car maker’s utilitarian pick-up gets a new electric version with a likely range of around 483km (300 miles).
On sale: July
The Kia EV2 is set to become the car maker’s most affordable electric car yet. A rival to the Renault 4, it will arrive in the form of a chunky little car this year.
On sale: September
This stocky crossover has its sights primed and locked on the Cupra Born VZ. As a result, we’re expecting a dual-motor setup for a significant boost in power and performance.
On sale: July
Korea’s Volkswagen Golf R alternative aims to offer a mix of performance and real-world usability.
On sale: October
There’s a lot of expectation behind the electric Range Rover. It could be the best EV off-roader yet, and will go on sale this year after a small delay in 2025.
On sale: December
The Defender is JLR’s best-seller, so launching a more affordable one is a no-brainer. Expected to replace the Discovery Sport, the new entry-level model will be a fierce rival to Mercedes “Little G”.
On sale: Velar
JLR’s rival to the Porsche Macan will receive electric power for the first time and transform into a sleek, high-riding saloon.
On sale: August
This boxy crossover comes from the Stellantis-backed Chinese brand Leapmotor. A rival for the Ford Puma Gen-E, the B03X has a 67.1kWh battery with a range of 498km (310 miles).
On sale: June
The electric car is touted as a “dream car for young people who refuse to settle”. It will rival the Volkswagen ID 3 and MG 4, with a maximum range of 434km (270 miles).
On sale: April
The Lexus ES enters its eighth generation, rivalling the BMW 5 Series. The electric version will get a 77kWh battery with 529km (329 miles) of range.
On sale: April
With sales plummeting and debts increasing, it’s looking like massive luxury EVs weren’t the key to Lotus’s future. Perhaps massive luxury hybrids will be. We’ll find out once the Eletre gains a mega-range PHEV option this year.
On sale: October
The British car maker’s Porsche Macan rival is tipped to offer a choice of battery-electric or long-range plug-in hybrid powertrains.
On sale: February
We’ve already driven Mazda’s elegant electric executive car, but some markets are still waiting for its arrival. It uses Chinese underpinnings and gets a characteristically striking design.
On sale: September
Chinese crossover co-developed with Changan goes on sale as an electric CX-5 alternative.
On sale: September
Hot version of new electric CLA saloon will be a 500bhp BMW M3 chaser with a drift mode and a hydraulically actuated rear wing.
On sale: June
The future of Mercedes’ performance brand is this 1300bhp EV with the ability to go from 0-62mph faster than you can say its name. Previewed by the Concept GT XX, it will sit on an advanced new platform and could potentially be the slipperiest car on sale.
On sale: August
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is set to receive an all-electric version for the first time, following in the footsteps of models like the BMW i3. Key features will include cutting-edge interior technology, highlighted by the largest touchscreen ever installed in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Power options will range from a 335bhp rear-wheel-drive model up to a 482bhp 4Matic variant, with charging capabilities reaching speeds of 400kW.
On sale: October
The GLA is the SUV counterpart to the CLA, and it will go after the BMW X1 with a choice of petrol and electric powertrains.
On sale: July
The crucial electric version of Mercedes’ best-seller gets a massive grille and an almost-as-massive 39.1in touchscreen.
On sale: March
MG’s first seven-seater is a plug-in hybrid SUV that’s expected to have an electric-only range of 121km (75 miles).
On sale: September
A completely new MG 4 recently went on sale in China, but Europe and the UK will get an updated version of the current car first.
On sale: May
Nissan’s biggest electric car gets a subtle update, which will bring its design in line with the new Leaf, and introduces vehicle-to-load charging.
On sale: September
Another electric SUV comes from China: the Omoda 4. It carries an eye-catching design which is said to be inspired by outer space. A 60.9kWh battery brings around 400km (250 miles) of range.
On sale: June
The first Peugeot GTi in years is unashamedly inspired by the legendary hot 205 and has the mettle to back it, with a 278bhp electric motor and a limited-slip differential.
On sale: March
The Polestar 5 is developed in Britain. A rival to the Porsche Taycan with Lotus Elise-like construction, it will also make use of supercar pace – but no rear window.
On sale: July
The new-generation Cayenne is nothing like the original, but it has already proved just as polarising. This cutting-edge EV has up to 1140bhp, can outpace a 918 Spyder and can charge wirelessly. In its most expensive specification, it gets a 113kWh battery and up to 399 miles of range.
On sale: July
Renault’s oldest electric car is due for a major refresh to reignite interest. It could also spawn a hot RS model. We’re excited…
On sale: May
Renault’s tiny crossover will get a 15mm lift as well as grippier tyres and a second motor for all-wheel drive.
On sale: November
Renault’s revived supermini is an entry-level EV with 262km (163 miles) range and a price of less than €20,000.
On sale: December
The Volkswagen Group’s fourth entry electric car is a questionably named but reassuringly no-nonsense little Skoda SUV. Skoda says it will comfortably fit five and have a range of 424km (264 miles).
On sale: September
New Skoda range-topper inbound as a ‘Kodiaq EV’ with seven seats and a bold new design. We’re expecting a 89kWh battery with 595km (370 miles) of range.
On sale: December
This new two-seat city car will revive the spirit of the original Smart car. For some strange reason, the #2 is smaller than the #1. We’re not sure why, either.
On sale: September
The oddball counterpart to the Subaru Solterra is remodelled into an even odder lifted estate with 375bhp. A range of 449km (279 miles) is possible thanks to a 74.7kWh battery, while charging can hit 150kW.
On sale: July
Subaru’s rebadged Toyota BZ4X gets a more bespoke look and a chunky power bump to 333bhp.
On sale: April
The Uncharted is a rebadged Toyota C-HR+ but with more of an off-road focus.
On sale: June
Tesla’s benchmark electric car duo are stripped out slightly to bring costs down and boost competitiveness.
On sale: November
Elon Musk’s perennially delayed hobby horse, now with cold-gas thrusters, is set for a 1 April debut. We’ll see about that.
On sale: May
Ever-sensible Toyota breaks the mould with a high-riding, outdoorsy electric estate making up to 376bhp. Power comes from a 74.4kWh battery, which produces 318 miles of range.
On sale: February
Ever-sensible Toyota stays firmly in the mould with an electric SUV that’s pleasant but uninspiring.
On sale: June
The world’s best-selling pick-up has gone electric for its ninth generation, offering 150 miles of range. The BEV will be sold alongside a mild-hybrid 2.8-litre diesel model in Europe.
On sale: January
Vauxhall/Opel’s Mokka GSE is a warmed-up crossover that is surprisingly good to drive, sharing much of its hardware, including a limited-slip differential, with the Abarth 600e. Power stands at 277bhp, while range is pegged at 336km (209 miles).
On sale: February
Volvo’s posh, technology-heavy rival to the BMW i5 is finally heading to dealers after software struggles. Power tops out at 671bhp while range can reach a lofty 435 miles from a battery measuring 102kWh.
On sale: May
Electric counterpart to the brand’s best-seller, introducing a new platform and becoming its longest-range EV yet.
On sale: November
At long last, VW takes on the super-popular Renault 5 with an electric supermini that inherits a famous name. The ID Polo will be offered with a choice of 38kWh and 56kWh batteries – the latter providing a range of around 450km (280 miles) – and the ability to charge at speeds of up to 125kW.
On sale: July
The ID Cross is an SUV version of the ID Polo, Volkswagen’s Ford Puma Gen-E rival. Like other cars using the MEB Entry, power comes from a front-mounted electric motor that produces 208bhp, and sends drive to the front wheels. Volkswagen quotes a top speed of 109mph and a range of up to 420km (261 miles).
On sale: December
Volkswagen’s first electric hot hatch weighs umpteen inestimable forebears on its shoulders. Power stands at a punchy 226bhp. We’re not sure on range yet, but is likely to be impacted by its added performance.
On sale: August
It’s not often that a mid-life facelift is so extensive as to warrant a new name, but the ID 4 will be so heavily updated that it will be more like a new-generation car – and Volkswagen wants it to be seen as a logical EV alternative to its best-selling Tiguan. Expect styling influenced by the ID Cross concept, a completely revamped interior (with more buttons) and big upgrades for the internals.
On sale: August
Volkswagen’s seminal bespoke electric car is due for a new look, higher-quality interior, and powertrain upgrades.
On sale: May
China’s leftfield Tesla Model Y rival still looks like a robotic egg, but can now charge at a dizzying 451kW. Spacious and high tech, it gets a 80.8kWh battery with a range of around 622km (387 miles).
On sale: October
Xpeng’s second car is a big, premium SUV that can theoretically gain nearly 402km (250 miles) of range in 12 minutes.
On sale: March
An MPV? No, the X9 is actually a ‘starship’, according to Xpeng. This seven-set VW ID Buzz rival packs up to 496bhp, while its adaptive air suspension promises “the most comfortable driving experience”.
On sale: January
Geely, which owns Polestar and Volvo, will launch its Tesla-fighting brand in the UK this year. The 7X is a Volkswagen Touareg-sized EV with novel active suspension.
