1. VW ID Space Vizzion

...The newest addition to Volkswagen’s forthcoming lineup of electric vehicles was just revealed at the 2019 LA Auto Show, and it’s an EV wagon called ID Space Vizzion. Shown off in concept form only, VW is saying the eventual production version will squeeze 300 miles of EPA-estimated range out of an 82kWh battery, though the company has not run the vehicle through any real EPA testing yet. VW said it may come to the United States in 2022.

As far as performance goes, VW says the ID Space Vizzion be powered by an electric motor on the rear axle that can generate about 275 horsepower. The company also says it’s considering offering an all-wheel drive version, with an additional electric motor on the front axle that would boost the total horsepower to 355HP.

As VW speeds towards electric vehicles and away from Dieselgate, the company is also starting to tout increasingly sustainable interiors as well. The ID Space Vizzion concept features seats, door trim, and arm rests all made out of “AppleSkin,” a material created from the “residual matter of apple juice production,” and uses chrome-like paint in place of actual chrome.

2. Volvo V60 T8

...Best electric estate for good looks

The Volvo hybrid/electric revolution continues, and it's the Volvo V60 which is the latest to be enhanced with electrical power. The T8 plug-in hybrid arrived towards the end of last year, with a realistic range of 25 miles using predominantly electric power, and we're already beginning to see used models appearing on BuyaCar.

It's spacious (with a 529-litre boot), luxurious and its looks have been well-received. It's also pretty quick; the petrol engine and electric motor can combine with a burst of power to take the V90 from 0-62mph in just under five seconds.

CO2 emissions are below the 50g/km limit, resulting in the lowest rate of company car tax - until next year - but the cost of all this isn't cheap. Prices for a brand new one are expected to start at around £45,000.

A well-packaged, stylish, practical and safe estate car, the V60 offers almost everything that buyers might want from a family car.

3. Mercedes E 300 de EQ Power

...Best electric estate for overall fuel economy.

Used deals from 34.000$

Official electric range 32 miles

CO2 44g/km

The Mercedes plug-in hybrid E-Class Estate leads the way when it comes to all-round fuel because its battery and motor are combined with a diesel, rather than petrol, engine. This means that you benefit from the extra efficiency of diesel when the electric range of around 30 miles is exhausted.

Emissions from the engine meet current regulations, so the car is exempt from inner-city emission charges. In addition, you can also choose to save the electric power for urban motoring, so the diesel engine only operates out of town, where air pollution is far less problematic.

The £50,000 starting price from new isn't cheap, but this car is larger than most in this list, with plenty of rear seat space, an enormous 660-litre boot and a long list of standard equipment.

Space, luxury, cutting edge tech and a smooth ride: the Mercedes E-Class does it all - but it comes at a price

Stunning new interior tech

Efficient diesel engines

Understated styling

4. Kia Optima Sportswagon PHEV

...Best electric estate for value

Used deals from £14.590

Official electric range 33 miles

CO2 33g/km

This Kia combines a reasonable list price (compared to the competition) with a lengthy electric range, making it the most likely to represent good value for money.

Even if you drive 30 miles between charges, you’ll use barely (if any fuel) and the car comes well-equipped, even if the design is more functional than stylish, as with the Mercedes and Volvo below. It’s well below the limit for the lowest company car tax band (until April 2020), so even 40% taxpayers will pay less than £2,000 a year for the entry-level car.

The Optima is heavier than the standard model but this is only really obvious in corners. It’s quiet, smooth and comfortable, with plenty of space in the back seats and boot.

5. Porsche Panamera 4 e-hybrid

...Best electric estate for performance

Used deals from £66.900

Official electric range 32 miles

CO2 64g/km

A Porsche for company directors who want to reduce their tax bills might not be the most endearing sales pitch, but the secondary benefit is that the hybrid system boosts performance: when the motor and petrol engine are both in action, the car will accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds - or 3.4 seconds if you pick the Turbo version.

With performance like that, it takes some restraint to drive with the moderation that keeps the car in electric-only mode for around 30 miles. Mind you, if you can afford the price, which starts at more than £85,000.

That does bring added practicality over the standard Panamera, with a larger 520-litre boot in the Sport Turismo estate car.

6. Volkswagen Passat Estate GTE

...Best electric estate for families

Used deals from £18.350

Official electric range 34 miles

CO2 39g/km

With a realistic electric range of 25 to 30 miles, the Passat GTE has enough battery power that some families will rarely hear the car’s petrol engine kick in.

Even on longer journeys, where the you're relying on the petrol engine, the car will return up to 55mpg, which isn't bad for a large petrol-powered vehicle.

Internally and externally, the car is little different to the standard Passat, but you will find a few compromises. Underfloor boot storage is reduced by 180 litres to accommodate the battery pack and it’s a little more jarring over bumpy roads because it’s heavier.

At the moment, you’re best off looking for a nearly new or used VW Passat GTE, as an updated version is not yet on sale.

7. Volvo V90 T8

...Best electric estate forluxury

Used deals from £36.490

Official electric range 29 miles

CO2 46g/km

Eye-wateringly expensive it might be, but the Volvo V90 looks and feels like a high-quality product, thanks to svelte design and a luxurious interior, dominated by a large and slick touchscreen.

It’s also outrageously quick. Stamp your foot on the accelerator for maximum power and both the motor and engine will spring into life, speeding this V90 from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds, which is swifter than a standard Porsche Panamera.

Of course, maximising the performance of the V90 will substantially affect its fuel economy, which benefits from a lengthy electric-only range. The car can easily manage a 20-mile journey on battery power alone.

As with the rest of the cars listed, the V90 currently falls into the lowest company car tax bracket, although the hefty list price does mean that higher-rate taxpayers will need to fork out more than £3,000 per year.