After a slow start in the electric cars space, the small car sector is finally catching up – and 2025 marks a turning point. We’re seeing a wave of exciting new models offering better value, more range and oodles more desirability than ever before. These compact EVs are viable every day vehicles that make a lot of sense for city dwellers and suburban drivers alike.
Leading the charge are the Renault 5 E-Tech and the Hyundai Inster – two all-new electric superminis that show just how far things have come. They’re stylish, cleverly packaged and realistically priced, with the sort of usability that used to be the preserve of much bigger electric cars. Whether you’re after something practical, cool, or just cost-effective, 2025’s crop of small EVs has something for everyone.
We’ve put together our top recommendations after testing every small electric car on sale in the UK. Our list includes one standout Editor’s pick, nine highly recommended alternatives, and one model we’d suggest avoiding. If you’re ready to make the switch to electric this is the only list you need.
Winner: the best small electric car to buy in 2025
Best for: All-round appeal and everyday usability
With a real-world range of around 190 miles and a starting price of just £22,995, it offers strong value – especially considering how much personality is baked into the driving experience. It’s fun, agile, refined and clever inside, making it ideal for daily use. This is the small electric car we’ve been waiting for, and it delivers on all fronts.
To find out more, read our full Renault 5 E-Tech review
Pros
- Brilliant retro-modern design
- Genuinely fun to drive
- Affordable and usable
Cons
- Rear space could be tight for some
- Boot not the largest in class
Highly recommended: other small cars to consider
Best for: Practical small car buyers who want no-fuss EV motoring
This makes it perfect for families or those who just want a bit more flexibility from a small car. It’s not the fastest or fanciest EV on this list, but the Panda offers enough driving range for city driving, cheerful styling and the low running costs buyers expect from Fiat. Like the Renault, it's achingly cool and clearly leading the charge towards properly desirable small EVs for all.
To find out more, read our full Fiat Grande Panda review
Pros
- Practical and chic
- Very affordable
- Simple, no-nonsense interior
Cons
- Driving range could be better
- Rear seats lacking in comfort
Best for: Comfort and value-conscious buyers
It also stands out for its suspension tuning – this is one of the most comfortable small electric cars you can buy, especially on bumpy urban roads. That's in keeping with its brand heritage, but still comes as a welcome positive. It’s not especially quick, but who cares when it majors so successfully on ease of use and value for money.
To find out more, read our full Citroen e-C3 review
Pros
- Super-comfortable ride
- Excellent value
- Easy to drive in town
Cons
- Plain cabin design
- Lacks the drama of the Renault
Best for: Maximising space and range on a budget
Factor in its bold design and clever packaging, and you’ve got a compelling, eco-conscious urban runabout that punches well above its weight. The cabin quality is generally good for the price, though it's worth noting the Inster only has four seats, which could limit its appeal for some. Ride comfort on early cars wasn’t perfect either, but it’s a minor quibble in what is otherwise one of the most complete small EVs on sale.
To find out more, read our full Hyundai Inster review
Pros
- Excellent interior space
- Great value for money
- Impressive driving range
Cons
- Only four seats
- Ride could be smoother
Best for: Drivers who want a familiar-feeling small EV
Inside, the Corsa feels solid and well-built, and the infotainment system is much improved over earlier models. It’s more grown-up than some others on this list – which could be a pro or a con depending on what you want from your small EV. And for the icing on top, Vauxhall continues to offer some very tempting finance deals on the Corsa.
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
Pros
- Good real-world driving range
- Familiar and easy to drive
- Good equipment levels
Cons
- Not the most exciting to drive
- Cramped rear seats
Best for: Budget buyers seeking new-EV value
Its 94bhp motor and compact footprint make it perfect for city life. It's being sold in the UK by the Stellantis Group – Vauxhall, Citroen, Fiat and Peugeot's parent company – so it has some marketing and dealer muscle behind it. It's not perfect, though – the T03 is not particularly refined and you probably won’t be racking up big mileage in it, but as a runabout, it makes a lot of sense.
To find out more, read our full Leapmotor T03 review
Pros
- Extremely low purchase price
- Good kit for the money
- Perfect for urban use
Cons
- Shorter range than most
- Limited brand recognition
Best for: Style-conscious city drivers
It’s not particularly spacious in the back, and the boot is tiny, but if you don’t need loads of room, it’s a great-looking and charmingly nimble EV that feels very grown-up for its size. Prices are a bit inconsistent at times because production has stopped and started a couple of times, so check before you commit.
To find out more, read our full Fiat 500e review
Pros
- Looks great inside and out
- Fun to drive in town
- Nippy acceleration
Cons
- Cramped rear seats
- Not ideal for long trips
Best for: Premium-feel driving in a compact package
Inside, it gets a distinctive (and utterly lovely) circular OLED central display in a nod to the classic original, and MINI’s usual premium touches and extensive customisation options. It’s not cheap, and space is tight, but for those who value style and driving enjoyment, this will tick a lot of boxes.
To find out more, read our full MINI Cooper Electric review
Pros
- Great handling
- Stylish interior
- Premium feel
Cons
- Limited driving range
- Not much room in the back
Best for: All-round polish and practicality
The cabin is neatly finished, with Peugeot’s quirky i-Cockpit layout and a decent-sized boot. It’s not the cheapest small EV, but sometimes extremely competitive finance deals become available – so do shop around. The bonus is that it’s one of the most grown-up and usable small EVs for day-to-day use.
To find out more, read our full Peugeot e-208 review
Pros
- Excellent range
- High-quality cabin
- Smooth and refined ride
Cons
- High cash price than Corsa
- Odd driving position
Best for: Driving fun and electric performance
It’s still compact and great for urban driving, but feels noticeably more responsive. You’ll sacrifice a bit of range and comfort, but gain a lot in driving fun and attitude. The hike in price over its Fiat sister car might be a little too much for some, though.
To find out more, read our full Abarth 500e review
Pros
- Fun to drive
- Unique looks and sound
- Ideal city performance car
Cons
- More expensive than Fiat
- Shorter driving range
One to avoid
Best for: Very short trips on a tight budget
It could suit drivers who only need a very basic town runabout, but for many buyers there are better-rounded options at only slightly higher prices.
To find out more, read our full Dacia Spring review
Pros
- Cheapest EV on sale
- Easy to park
Cons
- Very basic inside
- One-star Euro NCAP rating
- Slow and unrefined
- Terrible to drive
FAQs: Small electric car buying guide
What is the best small electric car you can buy in 2025?
The best small electric car of 2025 is the Renault 5 E-Tech. It stands out for its combination of retro-inspired looks, affordable pricing, usable range and a genuinely fun driving experience. Starting at just under £23,000, it offers great value in a market that’s becoming increasingly competitive.
We’ve driven it, and it’s a delight. The 5 feels light on its feet, well built and packed with character – not something every EV can claim. It brings much-needed personality to the small EV sector, while still ticking all the practical boxes for commuting, school runs and more.
Are small electric cars cheaper to run than petrol cars?
Yes, small electric cars tend to be cheaper to run than equivalent petrol cars. Electricity is significantly cheaper per mile than petrol or diesel, and EVs generally have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts.
You’ll also benefit from incentives like free driving in ULEZ zones (with all the future proofing), lower Benefit-in-Kind tax for company car drivers, and no Congestion Charge. Over time, these savings can really add up, especially if you do most of your charging at home.
How far can a small electric car go on a full charge?
Most small electric cars in 2025 can travel between 150 and 250 miles on a full charge, depending on the model and battery size. That’s more than enough for the average UK driver, whose daily mileage is typically well below 30 miles.
Top performers like the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric stretch close to 240 miles officially, while smaller models like the Fiat 500e or MINI Cooper Electric offer around 145–200 miles. Real-world range will vary with driving style and weather, but range anxiety is becoming far less of a concern.
What’s the cheapest small electric car in the UK?
As of 2025, the Leapmotor T03 is the cheapest small EV on sale in the UK, priced from just £15,995. It’s imported from China and brings a generous level of kit for the money, including a touchscreen and adaptive cruise control.
If you want something from a more familiar brand, the Dacia Spring undercuts most rivals at around £14,995, though it comes with compromises in range, performance and interior quality. Still, it’s ideal for those who want a new EV at the lowest possible price. We’d buy a secondhand Corsa instead, though.
Are small electric cars good for motorway driving?
Small EVs are perfectly capable of motorway trips, especially newer models with improved battery range. Cars like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Peugeot e-208 are stable at higher speeds and offer over 200 miles of range, making longer drives achievable with fewer charging stops.
That said, they’re not as refined as larger EVs. You’ll notice more road noise, and range can drop faster at motorway speeds. If you’re only doing occasional long journeys, they’re more than up to the job – but they truly shine in city and suburban driving.
Can I charge a small electric car at home?
Yes, and it’s the most convenient and cost-effective way to charge an EV. Most small electric cars are compatible with a standard 7kW home wallbox, which will charge the battery overnight or in a few hours, depending on its size.
Charging at home also means you can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, cutting your costs even further. If you don’t have off-street parking, you’ll need to rely on public chargers – which are improving quickly, but can be more expensive.
Do small electric cars have enough space for families?
Many small EVs now offer genuinely usable space for everyday family duties. Models like the Citroen e-C3, Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Fiat Grande Panda have decent-sized boots and (just about enough) room for adults in the back, making them ideal for small families.
That said, some of the smaller or more style-focused EVs – like the Mini Electric or Fiat 500e – are more suited to couples, singles or as second cars. It all depends on your priorities: practicality or compactness.
How long does it take to charge a small electric car?
Charging times depend on the car’s battery size and the type of charger you’re using. On a 7kW home wallbox, most small EVs will charge from empty to full in six-to-eight hours, making overnight charging simple.
If you’re using a public rapid charger (50–100kW), you can expect to go from 10-to-80% in around 30-45 minutes. Some newer models support faster charging, but for daily use, overnight home charging is the most convenient option.
What’s the most fun small electric car to drive?
If you’re after fun, the Abarth 500e is the pick of the bunch. It builds on the Fiat 500e’s charm with sharper handling, a sportier powertrain and a cheeky artificial ‘engine’ soundtrack that adds a bit of theatre.
The MINI Cooper Electric is another fun-to-drive option, with sharp steering and a premium feel. Both are perfect if you want something that makes the daily commute more entertaining – just be aware that range takes a slight hit in these performance-focused models.
Is now a good time to buy a small electric car?
Absolutely! This is the best year yet for small electric cars. A wave of new entrants like the Renault 5 E-Tech, Citroen e-C3 and Hyundai Inster are bringing down prices and pushing up quality and range. The choice is better than ever, with strong options at every price point.
You’ll also benefit from improving public charging infrastructure, competitive finance deals, and growing second-hand availability. If you’re ready to make the switch, there’s never been a better time to go small and electric.
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