Car of the Year 2027 Shortlist Goes All-Electric for the First Time
The 2027 Car of the Year shortlist has seven contenders, all electric, a first in the award's six decades of history.
The organizers of the Car of the Year award have named seven new cars to the second stage of voting for 2027, and every one of them is fully electric. According to Autocar, the shortlist was narrowed from dozens of candidates, and it marks the first time in the award's six decades that an entirely electric field has reached this stage.
The seven finalists are the BMW iX3, Cupra Raval, Hyundai Ioniq 3, Kia EV2, Renault Twingo, Volkswagen ID Polo and Volvo EX60. Autocar reports that the list spans several brands and vehicle sizes, from small city-oriented models to larger electric crossovers and sedans.
The winner will be announced on January 8, 2027, at the Brussels motor show, according to the same report. Voting in the second stage is limited to the seven shortlisted models, so the final result will reflect a comparison among electric vehicles alone.
The report does not describe the voting panel's criteria or the scoring method in detail, and it does not say how the first-stage field was assembled beyond the fact that it was reduced from dozens of entries.
Background
Car of the Year is one of the longest-running automotive awards in Europe. It began in the 1960s and has since been decided by a panel of motoring journalists from across the continent, who typically work through a long list of new models before narrowing to a final shortlist. Winners are usually chosen for a combination of design, engineering, value, safety and overall driving experience, although the weighting of those factors has shifted over the decades as the industry has changed.
Electric vehicles have moved from niche products to a mainstream part of the new car market over the past several years. Battery technology has improved, charging networks have expanded in many regions, and manufacturers have released a growing number of models aimed at buyers who would once have looked only at gasoline or diesel versions. Many carmakers have announced plans to shift large parts of their line-ups toward electric drivetrains, though the pace varies by region and by company.
Awards like this one tend to reflect the broader market. When electric cars were rare, they were often judged in separate categories or considered on their own terms. As more models compete directly with combustion-engined rivals, judges increasingly weigh them side by side, which makes an all-electric shortlist a meaningful milestone rather than a surprise. The mix of compact city cars and larger electric vehicles on the list also suggests that the segment is broadening beyond premium buyers.
Why it matters
An all-electric shortlist is a clear signal that the award's panel now treats battery-powered cars as the main event rather than an alternative. For manufacturers, a place on the list brings visibility and credibility at a time when buyers are comparing options across fuel types. For consumers, it offers a curated set of models that have already passed a first round of expert scrutiny.
The result also raises questions about what the award is meant to recognize. If every finalist runs on electricity, the decision will turn on how well each car handles everyday use, price, range, charging and driving feel, rather than on the choice of powertrain. That may be a healthier test for the market, but it also means the judges' priorities will carry more weight than ever.
For the industry, the list highlights a crowded field of affordable and mid-sized electric models from both established and newer brands. Competition at this level can push prices and specifications in directions that benefit buyers, though it can also make differences between cars harder to see on paper.
What to watch
Watch how the judges describe their reasoning when the winner is announced in January, especially whether they comment on price, charging, range or software. Pay attention to whether the smaller models on the list are judged against the larger ones on equal terms, since that comparison will say a lot about how the panel views value.
Keep an eye on how manufacturers use the shortlisting in their marketing, and whether other awards or road tests reach similar conclusions. The final decision will show whether the award's panel sees the electric shift as settled or still developing.
Viewpoints
Commentary from our columns: three angles on this story.
The Driver's Seat the enthusiast's take
Seven electric cars on one Car of the Year shortlist is the kind of headline that makes an enthusiast sit up. For years the debate was whether an EV could ever feel like a proper car. Now the question is which one does it best. A shortlist this varied, from a small city car to a larger electric crossover, gives judges plenty to argue about on a winding road. The interesting part will be whether the cars that are fun to drive are rewarded for it, or whether the panel leans toward the sensible choice. Either way, the days of treating electric cars as a separate, slightly apologetic category look numbered. Driving feel, steering weight and how a car settles through a corner matter as much here as any spec sheet. I'll be listening for judges who talk about that, not just range numbers. The January result should tell us a lot about what the panel values now.
The Accountant price, value and running costs
A shortlist of seven electric cars is a useful moment to ask what they actually cost to own. The sticker price is only the start. Buyers should look at insurance, depreciation, charging at home versus on the road, and how long a battery warranty runs. Smaller models on this list may look appealing on purchase price, while larger crossovers can carry higher upfront costs that take years to recover through lower fuel and maintenance bills. The panel will likely weigh value in its own way, but drivers shopping this category should run their own numbers. Incentives and tax rules differ by country and change often, so any savings estimate needs checking against local conditions. A good award result is a reasonable starting point, not a substitute for a careful comparison of total ownership costs over five years.
The Commuter the everyday buyer's view
For most people, the question is simpler: will this car fit my week? A shortlist of seven electric models is interesting, but the real test is whether one of them works for a daily commute, school runs and the occasional trip. Charging is the first thing I would think about. Can I plug in at home or at work, and how reliable is the public network where I live? Size matters too. The smaller cars on this list may suit city streets and tight parking, while the larger ones offer more room for passengers and cargo. Award judges are weighing many things, but a buyer should focus on daily practicality. The winner will be a good guide, yet the best choice is the one that fits your routine, your budget and your local charging options.