Kia EV9 wins the DrivingElectric Car of the Year 2024

• Kia EV9 SUV named the ‘Car of the Year’ by DrivingElectric
• BYD Dolphin scoops ‘Best Value Electric Car’
• Tesla Superchargers voted best EV charging network

This year’s DrivingElectric Car of the Year awards have just been revealed, with the top prize awarded to the Kia EV9. In a year with more electric cars on the market than ever before, the seven-seater SUV thoroughly impressed the judges with its spaciousness, premium feel and relative affordability compared to its competitors.

Alongside its overall victory, the EV9 also picked up the award for Best Premium Electric Car, proving the point that the South Korean brand has moved on from the cheap and cheerful models in its past. The judges went as far as to say that “the Kia EV9 alters the electric landscape” and “no other EV offers this kind of practicality for the money”. Having recently driven the EV9, we’re inclined to agree!

The award for DrivingElectric’s Best Value Electric Car was awarded to a different EV – the BYD Dolphin. The Chinese supermini adds another trophy to its cabinet, having picked up our Carbuyer Car of the Year award in October. The judges noted the Dolphin’s excellent standard equipment list, as well as its “unbeatable value for money” and “effortless driving experience”, qualities that placed it ahead of last year’s winner, the MG4. 

The third award was reserved for the Best Family Electric Car, duly handed to the recently facelifted Tesla Model 3. The ubiquitous electric saloon may have been in production since 2017, but it still remains as relevant as ever, combining a circa 400-mile range, great standard equipment and a low starting price. The Model 3’s improved range and refinement, courtesy of this year’s facelift, were enough to take top spot in this category, with the panel describing it as “a must-have for any family EV buyer”.

Alongside the car awards, the panel nominated a winner for the DrivingElectric Van of the Year. First prize was jointly awarded to the Mercedes eCitan, Nissan Townstar EV and Renault Kangoo E-Tech, all of which are mechanically identical.

Other awards were for Best Charging Network and Best Home Charger, both categories using data from the latest Driver Power survey to determine a winner. This year, Tesla’s Supercharger network came out on top for Best Charging Network, ending Shell Recharge’s two-year winning streak. Best Home Charger was awarded to Easee, with DrivingElectric providing honourable mentions to Hypervolt and Zappi.

A full breakdown of the categories and prize winners can be found at www.drivingelectric.com/2024-awards.

If you’re interested in buying a new electric car, be sure to read our top 10 list of the best EVs on sale 2023