Electric 7-Seaters: Space, sense and a smarter way to drive
There comes a point in life when a “normal” car just isn’t enough anymore.
Maybe it’s kids and their friends. Maybe it’s dogs, pushchairs, bikes, sports kits, or the sudden realisation that every family trip somehow requires half your house. Or maybe you just like being the one who can say, “Yes, everyone will fit.”
Whatever the reason, 7-seater cars exist for a reason, and increasingly, they’re going electric.
Until fairly recently, your options for a spacious electric people-carrier were limited. Passenger versions of electric vans did the job, but if you wanted something that felt more like a 7 seat car than a commercial, the choice was a trailblazing but perhaps out of budget (and now discontinued) Tesla Model X. That’s now changing, and fast.
Today, there’s a growing lineup of electric 7-seat SUVs that combine proper space with comfort, technology and real-world range. And for families and businesses alike, they make a lot of sense.
Why go electric with a 7-seater?
Let’s start with the practical stuff, because big cars usually come with big running costs.
Cheaper to fuel
Electricity is still significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel per mile. When you’re moving seven people and all their gear, those savings really add up, especially for high-mileage drivers or busy families.
Smooth, quiet and reliable
EVs are ideal for larger vehicles. Instant torque makes pulling away effortless, even when fully loaded, and the lack of engine noise makes long journeys far more relaxed. With fewer moving parts, electric cars are also generally very reliable and low-maintenance.
Perfect for everyday life
Most 7-seaters spend a lot of time doing short, local trips; school runs, shopping, sports clubs. That’s exactly where electric cars shine. Home charging means you can start every day with a “full tank” without detouring to a petrol station.
From early adopters to real choice
Tesla helped pave the way with the Model X, showing that electric 7-seaters could work in the real world. Then for a while, electric 7-seat options were mainly based on passenger vans. Practical? Yes. Refined? Not always.
Now, manufacturers are bringing out purpose-built electric SUVs that offer:
- Flexible seating layouts
- High-quality interiors
- Advanced safety technology
- Strong real-world driving range
Better still, they’re arriving at different price points, from premium flagships to more mainstream family favourites in Tesla's Model Y.
Here are a few standout 7 seater examples
Tesla Model Y – compact, efficient and now a 7-seater option
Since late 2024, a 7-seat configuration of the Model Y has been available in the UK.
More compact than its Model X predecessor, the Model Y suits drivers who want occasional third-row flexibility rather than full-size SUV proportions. The rear seats are best suited to children or shorter journeys, but for many families, that added versatility can make a big difference.
With its efficiency, strong charging network and lower running costs, the Tesla Model Y shows that electric 7-seaters don’t always have to be large or expensive.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 – a bold new arrival
Hyundai has made no secret of its ambitions in the EV space, and the IONIQ 9 is a big statement. Literally.
This large, three-row electric SUV is designed with families in mind, offering generous interior space, flexible seating and a strong focus on comfort. Like the rest of the IONIQ range, it blends futuristic design with everyday usability.
It’s a great example of how electric 7-seaters are moving beyond “functional” and into genuinely desirable territory.
Volvo EX90 – safety, space and Scandinavian calm
Volvo’s first fully electric 7-seat SUV, the EX90, feels like a natural evolution for the brand.
It delivers everything Volvo is known for — safety, understated luxury and practicality — wrapped in a modern electric package. The interior is calm and spacious, the technology is intuitive, and the focus on driver assistance and safety systems is class-leading.
For families or professionals who want premium comfort without shouting about it, the EX90 is a compelling option.
Kia EV9 – electric practicality done right
The Kia EV9 has quickly become one of the most talked-about electric 7-seaters on the market, and for good reason.
It’s bold, spacious and incredibly versatile, with a genuinely usable third row and a cabin that feels built for real life. Kia’s reputation for reliability, combined with a strong electric platform, makes the EV9 a popular choice for families and fleets alike.
A smart choice for families and fleets
Electric 7-seaters tick a lot of boxes:
- Lower running costs
- Zero tailpipe emissions
- Comfortable long-distance driving
- Space for people, pets and plans
For company car drivers and fleets, they also offer attractive tax advantages and a future-proof way to move more people with less environmental impact.
Thinking about leasing an electric 7-seater?
As the market grows, so does the choice, and leasing can be a smart way to access the latest electric models without the long-term commitment.
Whether you’re moving a family, a team, or just a lot of stuff, electric 7-seaters are no longer a compromise. They’re fast becoming one of the most spacious ways to drive electric. And honestly? Being the one with the extra seats never gets old.
Cover photo by Ian Betley on Unsplash