Gone are the days when electric vehicles were perceived as being boring unimaginative milk floats on wheels and have instead become some of the most entertaining cars you can buy.

Thirteen years since the original Nissan Leaf was launched, EVs have come on considerably with their battery technology, range, charging compatibility and above all else – driving characteristics.

We’ve picked out five new EVs on the market which focus on driver enjoyment, as well as managing to be practical, efficient and look great on the road, too.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

It would be hard not to mention the EV of the moment. But we have to because the Ioniq 5 N is not just a great electric vehicle – it’s a great car, full stop.

To drive, this Hyundai is something rather special with 607bhp or 640bhp when you hit its boost button located on the steering wheel. Not only that, it has four-wheel-drive, acres of grip, and corners flat. Considering it weighs a hefty 2.2 tonnes it feels agile and nimble.

Plus, the artificial engine noises and gear changes may sound like a gimmick, but when driven hard it actually works and makes you drive in this illusion of a combustion-engined car without it feeling like you’re not. Furthermore, practicality is another strong point with loads of interior space and a decent size boot making this Ioniq 5 N an almost complete package for any car enthusiast.

Porsche Taycan

Porsche is famous for making some of the finest handling, best sounding and driver-focused cars in the world. So, it’s no surprise that when it makes an electric saloon, it jumps straight to the top of the class for its driving experience.

The Taycan is a good-looking and very fast EV that also, like the Ioniq 5 N, gives a fantastic driving experience for feeling responsive, fast and agile. The interior feels very well screwed together, and it’s also a very comfortable car to travel in – making it an ideal long-distance cruiser. Plus, with a claimed range of up to 400 miles, this big Porsche shouldn’t cause too much range anxiety.

Cupra Born VZ

The sporty sub-brand of Seat has made a good impression across its six-year history. The latest hot model the firm is offering is the Born VZ which comes with an 84kWh battery pack and electric motor that gives out 321bhp. 

Just like the standard car, the VZ is a good-looking hatchback that shares its platform with the Volkswagen ID.3, but offers a more engaging driving experience and sportier interior feel. Plus, with the car being compatible with 185kW DC rapid charging, the car can be topped up from 10 to 80 per cent in just 26 minutes.

Kia EV6 GT

Another South Korean contender is the Kia EV6 GT which looks great both externally and internally. Underneath there is a 77.4kWh battery pack and electric motor that gives a claimed range of up to 328 miles.

The EV6 GT handles exceptionally well with little body lean and just like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, doesn’t feel its size or weight when you drive it. The South Koreans have demonstrated here that the future isn’t all doom and gloom and that you can have fun in a car without an internal combustion engine. Also, its interior design is modern and very well put together, and there is decent room inside for occupants.

Tesla Model 3 Performance

One of the most popular EVs on sale is the Tesla Model 3, and although it may sound like an obvious and predictable choice to put a Tesla on this list, that is because it is rather good to drive. If you ignore the confusing infotainment screen and lack of buttons - which won’t be to everyone's taste - the Model 3 in Performance guise is rather entertaining.

The Performance version comes with dual motors and all-wheel-drive, and with its 78.1kWh battery pack and 517bhp to play with it’s no wonder 0-60mph is dealt with in just 2.9 seconds. The car goes onto a top speed of 163mph, too. The Model 3 also corners well and is very spacious inside, making it perfect for company car drivers and those wanting to go on a longer journey thanks to the car’s claimed range of up to 315 miles.