The Best – and the Worst – Small Electric Cars
Electric mobility will eventually become accessible to everybody and a big step towards that is the introduction of lots of really excellent small electric cars which may one day resort to services, like windshield glass repair or windshield replacement frisco.
Small cars play a vital role – they’re the most popular vehicles on sale in the UK, and a key pillar of sustainability is acknowledging that most people actually don’t need a vast SUV when something half the size easily accommodates their needs.
But these days a small car has to be more than just compact and cheap to succeed, it’s also got to be spacious, good to drive and cheap to own. And with small electric cars, the challenge is even greater – manufacturers have to find space within that dinky bodywork to cram enough batteries to give the car a usable everyday range.
Happily, some manufacturers have managed this brilliantly. We’ve rounded up the very best small electric cars below, as well as pointed out one you should probably avoid.
And if any of them catch your eye, you know the process. You’ll want to grab a Parkers car valuation for your existing motor to see what you could get in trade-in against a new small electric car, or perhaps to see if the used electric car you’re buying is good value. If you’re looking to buy one, you can also attend an EV training roadshow to see various models. Then, simply make sure you’ve got somewhere at home to charge up, and you’ll be enjoying electric motoring at its best.
Fiat 500 Electric
The 500 Electric looks very similar to the petrol model, but if you’re familiar with that car’s awkward driving position and cheap dashboard then think again, because the Electric is a totally new model. It’s available with two different battery sizes, giving 115 miles or 199 miles of range, and is also available as a convertible.
You’ll love the way electric power suits the 500’s cheeky character – it makes for a brilliantly stylish city runabout that’s not afraid to mix it with the big boys on faster roads either.
Tesla Model 3
When it comes to Tesla, the media often focuses on the company’s founder and the stock market, but it’s important to remember that Tesla is primarily a car manufacturer. One of the company’s most popular models is the Tesla Model 3, which is a fully electric car that doesn’t rely on petrol or diesel fuel. As Tesla continues to innovate in the automotive industry, drivers can also accessorize their Tesla vehicles with a wide range of Tesla accessories. While the Model 3 is Tesla’s smallest and most affordable car, it still offers a high-quality driving experience with impressive features like long-range capabilities and top-of-the-line performance. Whether you’re a current Tesla owner or considering purchasing a Model 3, there are many tesla accessories available to help you personalize and enhance your driving experience.
Renault Zoe
If maximum range on a charge is your bag, look no further than the Renault Zoe. It’s not much bigger than a Clio but Renault has crammed a 52kWh capacity battery in, giving this car up to 250 miles of range on a single charge.
You also get plenty of space and easy-to-use tech, controlled through the large portrait touchscreen inside.
Vauxhall Corsa-e
The Vauxhall Corsa seems like the default first car for many in the UK, so it wouldn’t surprise us if the Corsa-e finds its way onto driveways as many people’s first EV. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a Fisher Price toy – it’s a grown-up small car with up to 209 miles of range on a single charge and a mature, high-quality interior.
It’s also available with many wallet-friendly deals and discounts that should see it being seriously cheap to buy and run compared to most of its rivals.
Peugeot e-208
The e-208 is what you get when the Vauxhall Corsa-e attends finishing school. Though the hardware underneath them is identical, giving you similar performance and range, the Peugeot’s pricier – what you pay for is lots of style and an absolutely gorgeous interior.
The Peugeot is definitely more of an acquired taste than the Vauxhall, though, with its curious i-Cockpit dashboard setup – try before you buy.
Kia Soul EV
The Kia Soul EV is certainly distinctive to look at with its boxy SUV design, but underneath the skin lies the same mechanicals as the more conventional Kia e-Niro. That’s definitely no bad thing, as it endows the Soul with up to 280 miles of electric range and ample performance.
It’s a car for people who like to stand out, then, but it’s practical too with the tall bodywork giving plenty of passenger space and plenty of equipment as standard.
One to avoid…
Smart EQ ForTwo
On the face of it the Smart EQ Fortwo might seem like a great idea. With its tiny, two-seater body, minuscule turning circle and cute looks it appears to be the perfect city car. It’s cheap, too.
But it’s a sluggish performer outside of the city limits – not that you’ll make it far outside, because official range is only 80 miles.