- The 2024 Auto Trader Awards saw significant recognition for electric vehicles (EVs), reflecting strong public support with over 200,000 UK car owners participating.
- The Kia EV6, Renault Scenic E-Tech, Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, and Tesla Model Y received top honours, praised for their range, performance, design, and technology.
- Dacia won ‘Best Value Brand’ for the sixth time, and the BYD Atto 3 won the ‘Best Value Electric Car.’
The Auto Trader Awards have come back strong for 2024, with plenty of electric wins across the board
The awards showcased a range of vehicles and brands, recognised for their excellence based on the opinions of over 200,000 UK car owners. It’s a real litmus test for public perception, which only makes it more exciting when EVs hit the top spot.
The Kia EV6 was a standout, earning titles for ‘Best Car for Families’ and ‘Best Car for Dog Owners’. Launched in 2021, the EV6 has maintained its appeal with a range of up to 328 miles, spacious seating for five, and ultra-fast charging capabilities.
Erin Baker, award winning journalist and regular ElectricDrives contributor, bestowed her own Erin Baker Award on the Renault Scenic E-Tech electric. She complimented its impressive range, equipment, and design. The electric family car offers a range of up to 379 miles, a spacious interior, and advanced technology including a Solarbay opacifying glass roof. Its focus on sustainability is reflected in the use of recycled materials and high recyclability.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N received the Rory Reid Award, for which he noted its design and performance. This EV offers up to 650 PS and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds. It features the N Grin Boost and N Active Sound+, advanced technologies to enhance the driving experience. The IONIQ 5 N has earned it several accolades, including the 2024 World Performance Car award and TopGear.com’s 2023 Car of the Year. The IONIQ range continues to show strength across the market.
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, commented:
“The reaction to the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N since its launch has been outstanding, resulting in a string of awards from some of the UK’s most respected media outlets. Receiving this award from Rory demonstrates yet again what an exceptional car the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is – exciting to drive, great to look at and yet thoroughly usable on a day-to-day basis. It continues to set the standard for performance EVs.
Dacia reinforced its reputation for value, winning ‘Best Value Brand’ for the sixth time. While this was largely based on the brand’s ICE (International Combustion Engine) vehicles, the upcoming Dacia Spring is sure to contribute to its affordable status.
The much-anticipated EV is open for orders in the UK for just £14,995. Coupled with Auto Trader’s electric-exclusive second-hand platform, we’re finally breaking down the affordability barrier. For this year, though, the BYD Atto 3 clinched the ‘Best Value Electric Car’ award. Voters praised the car’s practicality and generous features. Not to mention it’s undeniably “funky interior.”
The Tesla Model Y was named the ‘New Car of the Year 2024’
Owners praised its performance, ease of use, and, of course, its technology. The Model Y outperformed competitors like last year’s winner, the Kia EV6, and the Nissan Ariya.
The Auto Trader Awards are an exciting annual spotlight on public opinion. Over 200,000 drivers in the UK had their say, and electric was an undeniable winner. We’re very interested to see how the massive infrastructure rollouts, new models, and likely government shift, will impact next year’s awards.
Erin Baker commented:
“Since our last New Car Awards there’s been a huge amount of change in the new car market. Supply returned at pace, the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars was delayed until 2035, new regulatory targets came into effect, and sales grew consecutively, albeit fuelled primarily by fleet and leasing. These last 12 months have also seen a dazzling array of impressive new models released from established and well-known brands, as well as from less familiar new entrants to the market. With so much choice, finding the right car to match your needs isn’t easy, which is where our Awards can really help. With over 200,000 owners telling us exactly how they feel about their new car, it’s the most accurate insight into genuine ‘real-world’ owning experiences, not just how it feels to drive.
Although there remain challenges to the mass adoption of electric vehicles, many of which stem from the spreading of unhelpful misinformation, their growing influence and appeal continues to surge. And as our Award’s survey concludes, for those that make the switch, there’s no turning back.”
Auto Trader are devout EV advocates. Auto Trader is the Headline Partner for the EV SUMMIT 2024, which goes to show the company’s focus on propelling EV adoption across the UK. They will host a panel on the topic of EV affordability, and how we can slash prices to boost adoption. Erin Baker and Marc Palmer, Head of Strategy and Insights, will also join the event as Keynote Speakers.
Check out the full agenda for the EV SUMMIT 2024 here – https://electricdrives.tv/the-agenda-for-the-ev-summit-2024-has-been-announced/
Secure your delegate pass today – https://www.evsummit.biz/delegate-pass
