Six new EVs for 2026

Here’s six of the most exciting new EVs that will be arriving into showrooms in 2026.

Nissan Leaf

On sale: February

Built at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland, the third generation Leaf will be arriving in showrooms in early 2026. The new Leaf gets a choice of two batteries, 75kWh or a 52kWh (the latter will arrive later on), a range of up to 386 miles and efficiency of up to 4.5mls/kWh.

There’s a sleek new aerodynamic design to help it cut through the air, while inside are two 14.3in displays with Google Maps built in. The good news just gets better too as the Leaf qualifies for the full government £3750 Electric Car Grant, so starts from £32,249 for the entry level Engage model.

Alpine A390

On sale: spring

If Renault had a good year with the arrival of the new 5 and 4, then Alpine has a bumper 2026 ahead of it. First there’s the 5-based hot A290 properly starting to get underway, then there’s this, the A390 electric crossover – a car that Alpine promises to match EV power with Alpine driver involvement in a practical crossover body.

An 89kWh battery comes in GT or GTS forms, the latter with a whopping 470bhp under the driver’s right foot and some seriously impressive performance. Sleek looks and up to a 345 mile range will make it a temptingly formidable package for keen drivers.

Volvo ES90

On sale: March

2026 is due to be a big year for Volvo. Not only will it see the unveiling of the new EX60 SUV, but also the arrival into showrooms of this new ES90 executive saloon. Designed to go head-to-head with BMW’s i5, the ES90 comes with a choice of two batteries, 92kWh or 106kWh and a highly impressive range of up to 435 miles.

Also, while the ES90 looks a saloon, it actually has a more practical hatchback body and the Twin Motor Performance model can cover the 0-60mph spring in less than 4.0 seconds – phew! In a world where SUVs are increasingly dominating, it’s refreshing to see a traditional family saloon arrive on the market. Pricing will start from £67,560.

Polestar 5

On sale: spring

With the arrival of the 3 and 4, Polestar is slowly but surely building its premium brand into a force to be reckoned with. This new Polestar 5 grand tourer will only underline that when it arrives in the spring.

As a stunning fastback saloon the 5 will come with a 112kWh battery and a range of up to 451 miles. As well as a high end interior including a 21-speaker Bowers and Wilkins stereo and the lack of a rear windscreen like its sister car the Polestar 4, the 5 will feature some very impressive performance too with an incredible 884bhp in the Performance edition model. At £89,500, it won’t be cheap, but it promises to be one of the highlights of 2026.

BMW iX3

On sale: March

BMW’s next generation of design and technology, named Neue Klasse, arrives with the new iX3. With clean front styling and a small kidney grille not unlike the old 02-series of cars of the 1970s, it boasts a striking shape that will certainly make it stand out in a crowd. We think it’s stunning and it’s already been named as Top Gear Magazine’s Car of the Year.

Boasting a 500 mile range from its 108.7kWh battery – BMW claims it to be the longest-range EV on sale in the UK at its launch – the iX3 will also have 400kW rapid charging capability giving up to 231 miles in just 10 minutes. On sale from 7 March, prices for the 50 xDrive will start from £58,755.

Volkswagen ID. Polo

On sale: winter (tbc)

Volkswagen’s ID family will get a new baby in 2026 with the new ID. Polo. As well as official pictures of the production car – beyond these disguised camouflaged shots – details of the ID. Polo are a little thin on the ground at the moment, but we do know that it’s the first of four new small electric VWs launched from 2026 onwards.

The ID. Polo will have a choice of two different batteries – 37kW and 52kW – with three different power ratings and a range of up to 280 miles. Better yet, Volkswagen has also promised that there will be a GTI version of the ID. Polo eventually for keen drivers too. The UK specification and prices have yet to be confirmed, but in Europe VW has hinted at a starting price of under €25,000.