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The best value electric cars can be hard to find as there’s lots of options on the market.
That’s why it’s difficult to know which one delivers the most value. While price is an important factor, value also comes down to things like build quality, driving experience, and technology.
You’ve probably heard of established brands such as Škoda, VW, and CUPRA, all of which have well-developed electric ranges. However a newer name is entering the market in the UK: Jaecoo. Launched by Chinese automaker Chery, it positions itself as a more affordable alternative. However, how does a newer, lower-priced option compare with brands that have years of experience developing EVs?
In this guide, we’ll compare Jaecoo with Škoda, VW, and CUPRA to help you understand which electric car suits you best. Whether you’re looking for a reliable family SUV or a city‑friendly hatchback, we’ll break down the key features, value, and driving experience of each.
At Pulman, we’re a family‑run dealership with years of experience helping drivers find the right car. Our goal is to help you make an informed choice and get the most out of your next electric car purchase.
Electric cars vary in terms of performance, just like any petrol or diesel car. Performance in an EV depends on a range of factors such as their long-range cruising and ease of handling. Here’s how each of the models models stack up:
The Jaecoo E5 offers smooth acceleration with lots of cabin space and 480 litres of boot space. There's also under-floor storage to squeeze even more bags into.
That said, it has received some criticism for its slower DC rapid charging speeds, which makes it better suited to city commuting and shorter journeys rather than frequent long-distance trips. While the official range is 248 miles, the 80kW DC charging speed is limiting, as anything below 100kW can feel restrictive when travelling further afield. This means buyers who regularly cover motorway miles or rely on rapid charging may find more established alternatives better suited such as the Škoda Enyaq or VW ID.4.
On the motorway, the suspension settles making the Jaecoo 5 a comfortable and relatively quiet place to spend time behind the wheel. The steering is set up more for relaxed driving rather than sharp handling and twisty roads, and there can be noticeable body lean through corners.
If you want the most comprehensive driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, you’ll need to step up from the entry-level Jaecoo E5. Drivers who cover motorway miles might find it worthwhile stretching their budget to something like the Škoda Enyaq, which feels larger and more composed at higher speeds.
The Škoda Enyaq is known for its comfort and practicality as well as its spacious interior, making it a perfect family SUV. It also has a good driving range depending on the model, with newer versions offering around 270 miles which increases to over 350 miles for the larger battery 85 models.
In terms of driving experience, it delivers a steady, reliable drive with good handling. This makes it ideal for longer journeys which is where the extended driving range comes in handy as you don’t have to make multiple stops to recharge. It’s also quiet on the motorway, making the drive feel even more comfortable for everyone inside.
Starting with the ID.3, it offers a smooth, quiet rear-wheel-drive experience that’s suited to both city commuting and longer journeys. The entry-level Pure version is a popular choice, featuring a 167bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels. While it’s not as quick as the 201bhp Pro version, there’s still plenty of pull on offer. Typical of many electric cars, the weight of the battery means a slightly firmer suspension is needed. However, both the Pure and Pro versions are far from harsh, and still provide a smooth drive on bumpy roads. Around town, the light steering of the ID.3 makes it easy to manoeuvre in busy settings.
Moving over to the larger ID.4, it’s a spacious SUV with a good driving range. However there’s lots of different versions depending on what you’re looking for, starting with the 168bhp Pure, which is the slowest in the ID.4 range but still offers enough performance for everyday driving. It’s also the only version fitted with the smaller 52kWh battery, giving it the shortest range of up to 224 miles. All other ID.4 variants come with a larger 77kWh battery, and the mid-spec Pro is the best all-rounder. With a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds and a range of up to 347 miles, it combines performance with usability. At the top of the range is the 295bhp ID.4 GTX, which adds a second motor and four-wheel drive as standard.
There are two different battery sizes for the Cupra born, either the 59kWh or the 79kWh. Regardless of which one you choose, one electric motor drives the rear wheels giving the car a balanced feel.
Following an update in 2024, all models (bar the VX version) have a powerful e-Boost motor which gives an extra 27bhp for stronger acceleration.
In terms of speed, the 59kWh variant achieves 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and the heavier 79kWh version only takes half a second longer so it’s a nippy motor. For driving range, expect around 260 miles from the 59kWh battery and around 345 miles with the larger battery.
The CUPRA born is renowned for focussing on sportiness rather than comfort, so you can expect precise handling - even round tight corners. This makes it easy to steer and manoeuvre through town and twisting roads, and it does a good job of smoothing out imperfections in the road. Compared to the VW ID.3, the ride is slightly firmer, but the difference is small.
One of the key things people look for when choosing their next car is features and tech. From infotainment systems to driver assistance and charging capabilities, you want to know what gadgets you’re getting. Here’s how the four brands measure up:
The Jaecoo E5 takes a clear function-over-form approach, with technology that does the job without feeling overly premium. The interior is simple with the main highlight being the large portrait infotainment system measuring 13.2 inches. While it’s large in size, the system prioritises straightforward operation rather than advanced customisation or design.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, making it easy to mirror your phone for navigation, music and messaging. The climate controls are also adjusted via touchscreen as you swipe up on the screen to display the temperature. This can be frustrating and feel less intuitive than physical controls.
Škoda is known for its user-friendly technology and high-quality feel, and the Enyaq is no exception. The latest model now features the eye-catching ‘Tech Deck Face’ first seen on the Elroq, which integrates the front-mounted radar sensors and cameras required for its advanced driver-assistance systems.
Buyers also have a simplified range of trim levels, SE L, Edition, SportLine and vRS, making it easier to choose a version that suits their needs.
When it comes to in-car technology, the Enyaq certainly doesn’t fall short with a large 13-inch touchscreen sitting at the centre of the dashboard, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a digital driver’s display. On colder mornings, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel add comfort, while a cooled wireless charging pad helps keep devices from overheating.
Inside, the Škoda Enyaq 2025 facelift focuses on subtle refinements rather than a full redesign, while the Enyaq’s well-proven interior layout remains largely unchanged.
Kicking things off with the ID.3, there’s plenty of space in the front cabin and behind the wheel. The centre console is practical, offering plenty of cubbies and cupholders, while the glovebox and door bins are also a good size.
The latest ID.3 models come with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen, with bigger icons that are easier to hit. The interior has a futuristic feel, and the layout is well thought out: the driver’s seat sits comfortably in relation to the steering wheel and pedals, helping you settle in for a relaxed drive. Height and reach adjustment for the steering wheel comes as standard, adding to the overall comfort and usability.
Around town, the ID.4 is impressively quiet, with very little noise from its electric motor. However as speeds increase (for example on motorway driving), wind and road noise can become more noticeable. However it remains generally pleasant and comfortable.
The driver will also enjoy being behind the wheel thanks to a supportive seat, especially useful when turning corners. Moving over to the steering wheel, it offers a generous range of height and reach adjustment, and the digital driver’s display is mounted on a pod that moves with it. This means the screen stays in view at all times.
Most functions are controlled through the central infotainment touchscreen and there are also separate touch-sensitive sliders for temperature adjustments. While it’s not the largest SUV, it doesn’t disappoint in terms of space.
Whichever trim you choose, you’ll find a rotating gear selector and a digital drivers display behind the steering wheel showing your speed and remaining range. This allows you to easily keep track of your mileage and can better plan your journeys.
Similar to the VW ID range, adjusting the air-con means using touch-sensitive sliders below the infotainment touchscreen so it feels more modern. They're illuminated in the Born VZ but not on other variants with some highlighting this as a potential drawback.
As standard in all CUPRA Born models, you’ll find a 12.9in infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring included. Also included as standard are rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera making it easy to navigate and park in tight spaces.
Inside the cabin, the interior is likened to that of the VW ID.3, with a large boot capability and plenty of storage to take advantage of.
Finding the best value electric cars means comparing what’s available on the market. All of the electric models in this guide have their pros and cons, so make sure to read this guide to find the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
From newcomers such as the Jaecco E5 to well-known, trusted models such as the VW ID range, knowing key information including their driving range, in-car technology, and handling means you can make an informed choice.
At Pulman, we make this decision even easier by offering a range of incentives around switching to EV. By choosing Pulman, we give you:
Find out more about how we're helping you make the switch to EV, here.
We want to make the switch as simple as possible, but if you have any questions, pop in to one of our showrooms and a member of the team will be happy to help.
