Comparison:
Range
The *BAIC EU5* touts a respectable range of 416 kilometers (258 miles), making your daily commute and weekend jaunts less of a charging circus. Meanwhile, the *Nissan Leaf* offers a 364-kilometer (226-mile) range, slightly trailing behind. The *Hyundai Ioniq Electric*, with its efficient design, reaches 311 kilometers (193 miles), which feels like a minor stumble in the EV marathon. *Chevrolet Bolt EV* pulls ahead with a notable 417 kilometers (259 miles) on a full charge, just a whisker more than our Chinese contender. Finally, the *Kia Soul EV* clocks in at 391 kilometers (243 miles), placing it somewhere between the Ioniq and the Bolt.
Acceleration
Going from nought to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, the *BAIC EU5* proves its no slouch when the lights turn green. However, the *Nissan Leaf* huffs and puffs to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. The *Hyundai Ioniq Electric*, wearing its eco-friendly hat, takes it a tad slower at 9.9 seconds. Bolting off the line, the aptly named *Chevrolet Bolt EV* achieves the deed in a sprightly 6.5 seconds. The boxy *Kia Soul EV* matches the Ioniq with its 9.9-second sprint, clearly not designed for the drag strip but more for the souls comfort.
Power
Boasting a punchy 218 horsepower, the *BAIC EU5* flaunts its strength, more than enough to vault you off the mundane weekday grind. The *Nissan Leaf* offers a tidy 214 horses, safe within city limits yet competent on the motorways. The *Hyundai Ioniq Electric*, true to its minimalist charm, settles for a more modest 134 horsepower. The *Chevrolet Bolt EV* revs up to a hearty 200 horsepower, outmuscling some ICE-packed sedans on the open highway. Last but far from least, the *Kia Soul EV* delivers 201 horsepower, letting you cruise with confidence.
Charging Time
In the quick-charge stakes, the *BAIC EU5* refuels its electrons in about 9 hours on a home outlet. Touch a fast charger, and you’re looking at a pit stop of 30 minutes to achieve 80% charge. The *Nissan Leaf* refills in 40 minutes for 80%, while the *Hyundai Ioniq Electric* takes about 54 minutes to reach the same milestone on a fast charger. With the *Chevrolet Bolt EV*, you’re looking at approximately 9.3 hours for a full charge at home, half-hour for 90 miles on a speedy charger. The *Kia Soul EV* matches the Nissan and Ioniq, achieving 80% charge in about 45 minutes with a rapid charger.
Price
Here’s where your wallet breathes easy. The *BAIC EU5*, priced at approximately $19,713 (15,300 GBP or 18,000 EUR), draws attention with its affordability. The *Nissan Leaf* stretches into the less budget-friendly zone at around $31,620 (24,530 GBP or 28,890 EUR). The *Hyundai Ioniq Electric* tags close at $33,245 (25,800 GBP or 30,400 EUR). Emulating its power, the *Chevrolet Bolt EV* demands a heftier sum, around $31,000 (24,030 GBP or 28,380 EUR). Eventually, the quirky *Kia Soul EV* rolls off dealer lots at an upfront $33,250 (25,800 GBP or 30,410 EUR).

