Instant-punch electric motors, one-pedal driving tech and potentially low running costs are a few of the myriad advantages to having an electric car to pootle about Britain’s towns and cities. If that sounds tempting, you’ll want to check out our list of the best small electric cars.
Though EVs remain more expensive than their petrol and diesel equivalents, owing to the high cost of electric car batteries, that premium is gradually eroding. What’s more, there’s a broader choice of small EVs than ever before.
Top 10 small electric cars 2024
Astounding value and fun to drive
While previous MGs have been cheap but dynamically lacking, the MG4 EV combines real driver appeal with a comfortable ride and good range. Incredibly, a long-range model with a 270-mile range costs less than £30k, or up to £10k cheaper than rivals, and these are some of the positives that helped make this our 2024 Car of The Year.
The interior isn’t exactly plush, but it’s solidly screwed together and is well-equipped, too. Cupra Borns and VW ID.3s are a bit bigger inside, but you won’t find this much space in an electric car for less money.*
To find out more read our full MG4 EV review
The interior isn’t exactly plush, but it’s solidly screwed together and is well-equipped, too. Cupra Borns and VW ID.3s are a bit bigger inside, but you won’t find this much space in an electric car for less money.*
To find out more read our full MG4 EV review
Pros
- Good real-world efficiency
- Comfortable yet handles well
- Undercuts all rivals on price
Cons
- Fiddly infotainment
- Feels a little low rent inside
A great all-rounder
When VW brought the purpose-built electric-only ID.3 to the market, it was set to revolutionise the German brand and solidify its position as a pioneer in ‘mobility solutions’. With decent range, plenty of space and impressive performance, the ID.3 has been a success, mostly.
Unfortunately, it’s hampered by a frustrating infotainment system, cheap-feeling interior and a price that’s significantly higher than some of the cars on the list.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen ID.3 review
Unfortunately, it’s hampered by a frustrating infotainment system, cheap-feeling interior and a price that’s significantly higher than some of the cars on the list.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen ID.3 review
Pros
- Impressive performance
- Good interior space
- Tidy handling
Cons
- Top-range models expensive
- Cheap feeling interior
3
Smart #1
Refined and roomy SUV-style EV
The little Smart that allowed you to park nose in rather than parallel is now more than 25 years old. The company has come a long way since then and the 1, sometimes referred to as the #1, is the boldest and best Smart yet.
The longest-range version will officially cover 273 miles between the plugs, there’s as much interior space as a much larger Mercedes E-Class and it’s chuffing quick too. The software is spot on and easy to use and it’s relatively inexpensive considering what’s on offer.
To find out more, read our full Smart #1 review
The longest-range version will officially cover 273 miles between the plugs, there’s as much interior space as a much larger Mercedes E-Class and it’s chuffing quick too. The software is spot on and easy to use and it’s relatively inexpensive considering what’s on offer.
To find out more, read our full Smart #1 review
Pros
- Great range
- Quick acceleration
- Good value compared with competition
Cons
- Cramped boot
- Brabus version a bit wild
Plush hatch upgraded
We’ve long been fans of the Peugeot e-208, and an upgrade for 2024 makes it even easier to recommend. A higher capacity battery and new more powerful motor mean a claimed range of 248 miles per charge and 0-62mph acceleration that should drop into the 7.0 second range.
Interior quality is truly impressive, giving the Mini a real run for its money and it’s a five-door, too. That said, the rear seats are tight and it’s pricier than the mechanically similar Vauxhall Corsa Electric.
To find out more, read our full Peugeot e-208 review
Interior quality is truly impressive, giving the Mini a real run for its money and it’s a five-door, too. That said, the rear seats are tight and it’s pricier than the mechanically similar Vauxhall Corsa Electric.
To find out more, read our full Peugeot e-208 review
Pros
- Impressive interior quality
- Decent range and performance
- Comfy if you stick to small wheels
Cons
- Cramped rear seats
- Pricey in cash terms
Second-gen compact SUV has impressive range
Considering its relatively compact footprint, the Niro EV has good space inside for passengers and a big boot, too. We’d avoid the entry-level 2 model as it feels a little spartan inside, and go for at least 3 trim level for a nicer interior and a few more toys.
It also gets the option of an efficiency-boosting heat pump that’ll help eke out even more range in winter months, something well worth having in the UK. Just bear in mind that while the Niro EV is very sensible, it’s not that much fun to drive and the ride is quite choppy.
To find out more, read our full Kia Niro EV review
It also gets the option of an efficiency-boosting heat pump that’ll help eke out even more range in winter months, something well worth having in the UK. Just bear in mind that while the Niro EV is very sensible, it’s not that much fun to drive and the ride is quite choppy.
To find out more, read our full Kia Niro EV review
Pros
- Good value
- Well equipped
- Near 300-mile range
Cons
- Not that comfortable
- Smartphone integration could be better
Excellent first electric car
The first electric Corsa is a really smart choice and well suited to people wanting their first small electric car. You can’t currently buy a battery-powered Ford Fiesta or VW Polo, so Vauxhall has stolen a march for those wishing to plug in to a small EV.
Fundamentally, the Corsa Electric shares the hardware from the Peugeot e-208 and that means that its key stats are similar: a 51kWh battery, 255-mile e-range and charging times of as little as 30 minutes on a public rapid charger, or just over seven hours if you plug in at home. Crucially, Vauxhall generally has some cracking finance deals that’ll make it more wallet-friendly than its French cousin.
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
Fundamentally, the Corsa Electric shares the hardware from the Peugeot e-208 and that means that its key stats are similar: a 51kWh battery, 255-mile e-range and charging times of as little as 30 minutes on a public rapid charger, or just over seven hours if you plug in at home. Crucially, Vauxhall generally has some cracking finance deals that’ll make it more wallet-friendly than its French cousin.
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
Pros
- Impressive performance
- Competitive finance deals
- Feels reassuringly normal
Cons
- Top range models expensive
- Cheap feeling interior
Electric hatch with 300+ mile range
The Cupra Born faces a lot of competition, both from inside the VW Group family and external brands. But this spacious hatchback firmly plants itself on this list in its own right, despite being based on the VW ID.3 (further up this list).
A simplified infotainment provision and serious comfort, even on longer journeys – of which the Born is effortlessly capable – gives the Cupra Born competitive credentials in the small electric car game.
To find out more, read our full Cupra Born review
A simplified infotainment provision and serious comfort, even on longer journeys – of which the Born is effortlessly capable – gives the Cupra Born competitive credentials in the small electric car game.
To find out more, read our full Cupra Born review
Pros
- Fun to drive
- Great range
- Good levels of kit
Cons
- Brakes don’t inspire confidence
- Lower-powered models not that special
Renault’s return to form
In switching from petrol to electric power, the Megane has gone from also-ran to the pointy end of the class instantly. In fact, it’s so good we named it Best Medium Electric car in the 2023 Parkers new car awards, beating both the Cupra Born and VW ID.3.
It’s good to drive and more comfortable than the Born, but it can’t quite match the MG 4 for enjoyment. A 280-mile range is good if not exceptional, and while the boot is big on paper, it’s very deep making it awkward to load and unload heavy items.
To find out more, read our full Renault Megane E-Tech review
It’s good to drive and more comfortable than the Born, but it can’t quite match the MG 4 for enjoyment. A 280-mile range is good if not exceptional, and while the boot is big on paper, it’s very deep making it awkward to load and unload heavy items.
To find out more, read our full Renault Megane E-Tech review
Pros
- Distinctive styling
- Intuitive infotainment
- Plush interior
Cons
- High-loading lip for the boot
- A Born is better for rear-seat passengers
Multi-award-winning electric city car
The new Fiat 500 is a standalone electric car, while the older model will continue to be sold as a petrol city car alongside it. Prices for the Fiat EV start at below £27,000 and buyers can choose from a 24kWh battery (for 115 miles of range) or a larger 42kWh cell (for a quoted 199 miles).
If you live and predominantly drive in a city, the smaller battery may well be enough but we suspect that many buyers may prefer the reassurance of the bigger unit. The Fiat 500 Electric is super-stylish outside and in and is also available as a convertible. In many regards, it’s the perfect electric city car. In fact, it’s so good we named it our 2022 Small Electric Car of the Year.
To find out more, read our full Fiat 500e review
If you live and predominantly drive in a city, the smaller battery may well be enough but we suspect that many buyers may prefer the reassurance of the bigger unit. The Fiat 500 Electric is super-stylish outside and in and is also available as a convertible. In many regards, it’s the perfect electric city car. In fact, it’s so good we named it our 2022 Small Electric Car of the Year.
To find out more, read our full Fiat 500e review
Pros
- Iconic design
- Good range for its size
- Fun to drive
Cons
- Not especially practical
- Options are pricey
Iconic car makes for electrified, stylish fun
The MINI Electric is one of the coolest cars here; everyone loves the MINI’s fashionable shape and this one carries across all the brand’s usual attributes of trendy looks, sharp handling and premium feel while bolting in some EV tech.
This makes for one of the quickest small electric cars on our shortlist, with 0-62mph times to rival many hot hatchbacks and fun dynamics to enjoy hustling across town. Downsides include a bumpy ride, limited range, cramped rear space (especially with the panoramic sunroof) and a minuscule boot.
To find out more, read our full MINI Electric review
This makes for one of the quickest small electric cars on our shortlist, with 0-62mph times to rival many hot hatchbacks and fun dynamics to enjoy hustling across town. Downsides include a bumpy ride, limited range, cramped rear space (especially with the panoramic sunroof) and a minuscule boot.
To find out more, read our full MINI Electric review
Pros
- Plush interior
- Sporty handling
- Impressive urban efficiency
Cons
- Three-door won’t suit some
- 145-mile range if you’re lucky
Alan Taylor-Jones is the New Cars Editor for Parkers and CAR magazine. He has previously worked for The Gay UK, What Car?, Classic & Sports Car and has tested all manner of motors, from campervans and pickup trucks to low slung sports cars and racy hot hatches. You’ll find his writing online and in print, with the occasional appearance on YouTube, too.
* These deals are indicative examples of some packages available as of 16 January 2024, but are subject to change without prior notice. Everyone’s financial circumstances are different and the availability of credit is subject to status. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Parkers cannot recommend a deal for you specifically.
