The electric vehicle (EV) market is rapidly expanding, and some of the most compelling options are found in the small car segment. These nimble, city-friendly hatchbacks offer affordability and efficiency, making EV technology accessible to a wider audience. Small Electric Cars truly shine in urban environments, and as the number of models grows, particularly with exciting releases expected in 2025, choosing the right one can be exciting.
Opting for a small electric car brings numerous advantages while minimizing potential drawbacks. You get the signature EV benefits of instant torque and a quiet cabin, but with the added perk of reduced range anxiety thanks to their urban focus and readily available charging infrastructure. Furthermore, small EVs are inherently more efficient at city speeds and in stop-and-go traffic, maximizing your driving range per charge.
Top Small Electric Cars at a Glance:
While small electric cars are ideal for city dwellers and couples, larger families might find our guide to the best electric SUVs more suitable due to space considerations. However, if you’re a city commuter navigating ultra-low emissions zones, this list of the best small electric cars could be your perfect solution. For those seeking a more thrilling driving experience, explore our recommendations for the best electric hot hatches.
Best Small Electric Cars to Buy in 2025
Renault 5 E-Tech Electric
Best All-Round Small Electric Car
Pros: Iconic design, excellent interior, attractive price point
Cons: Real-world range could be better, limited rear passenger space
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is poised to be a game-changer in the small electric car market in 2025. Renault has masterfully reimagined a classic, creating a vehicle that has the potential to rival the success of the revived Mini and Fiat 500. Its stunning design is a head-turner, boasting a charm that even supercars struggle to match.
Perfectly sized for city driving, the Renault 5 E-Tech is agile, fun to drive, and features a top-notch interior with a state-of-the-art infotainment system, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. Battery options include a 40kWh and a 52kWh, providing a WLTP driving range of 194 and 255 miles respectively. Starting at an impressive £22,995, the Renault 5 E-Tech is one of the most affordable new EVs available, offering exceptional value for money, both for outright purchase and financing.
Dive deeper with our detailed Renault 5 E-Tech review.
Explore Renault 5 Lease Deals VIEW OFFER
Fiat Grande Panda Electric
Best Small Electric Car for Design, Practicality, and Value
Pros: Stylish and practical, unique design details, comfortable city driving, very affordable
Cons: Rear space could be better, some range efficiency concerns
Following closely behind the Renault 5 E-Tech is the 2025 Fiat Grande Panda. Leading a new generation of Panda models, it also draws on Fiat’s rich design heritage. However, rather than simply electrifying an existing model, Fiat’s design team has truly unleashed their creativity. While nodding to the 1980s original with practical interior elements like the dashboard shelf, the Grande Panda is a bold expression of modern Italian automotive design.
Notice the striking shapes within the cabin, the transparent yellow Perspex accents, the sustainably sourced blue plastics, and the intricate exterior details. It even features a cleverly concealed captive charging cable behind the front grille. Sharing a budget-friendly platform with the Citroen e-C3, its driving dynamics are not the sharpest. Initial tests suggest real-world range might fall short of the claimed 199 miles WLTP. However, with a starting price of just £20,975, the Fiat Grande Panda Electric is a genuine bargain, delivering the right combination of style, practicality, and affordability.
Read our comprehensive Fiat Grande Panda review for more insights.
Citroen e-C3 Electric
Best Small Electric Car for Comfort
Pros: Excellent value, spacious rear seating, exceptionally comfortable ride
Cons: Soft handling, awkwardly shaped trunk
The new Citroen e-C3 Electric stands out as a remarkably well-rounded small electric car. This compact EV is capable of handling longer journeys, boasting a claimed 199-mile range and rapid 100kW DC charging capability. Rear passenger space is also surprisingly generous, rivaling cars in larger classes.
Priced from just £21,990, the e-C3 significantly undercuts many electric supermini competitors while offering a modern and well-equipped interior. The e-C3’s plush, comfortable ride is perfectly suited for navigating less-than-perfect road surfaces, though be aware that this focus on comfort results in less dynamic handling when driven enthusiastically.
For an in-depth analysis, read our Citroen e-C3 review.
Explore Citroen e-C3 Lease Deals VIEW OFFER
Fiat 500 Electric
Best Small Electric Car for Style and Iconic Image
Pros: Stylish retro design, enjoyable to drive, well-built
Cons: Cramped interior, shorter range on the base model
The Fiat 500 Electric captures the same retro-chic essence as its internal combustion engine (ICE) predecessor but is fundamentally different beneath the surface. The traditional petrol engines are replaced by a battery pack and electric motor powering the front wheels. The standard model features a 24kWh battery and 94bhp motor, offering a claimed 118-mile range, while the upgraded version boasts a 42kWh battery and 116bhp motor with a claimed 199-mile range.
The 500 Electric is undeniably stylish, pleasant to drive, and ideally suited for navigating tight urban streets thanks to its compact size and excellent turning radius. It packs a surprising amount of technology into a small package. However, with starting prices of £24,995 for the smaller battery and £27,995 for the larger battery, it positions itself as a relatively expensive option in the small EV segment.
Delve into our Fiat 500 Electric review for a comprehensive assessment.
Explore Fiat 500 Lease Deals VIEW OFFER
Peugeot e-208 Electric
Best Small Electric Car Balancing Style and Practicality
Pros: Attractive design inside and out, five-door convenience, good electric range
Cons: Uninspiring driving dynamics, higher trims can be pricey
Peugeot has recently updated the e-208, enhancing this electric supermini with a more refined appearance, updated technology, and a new long-range variant. It now features a more powerful 154bhp motor and a 51kWh battery, promising up to 258 miles of range, alongside the existing 50kWh and 134bhp version with a 225-mile official range. Peugeot has also reduced e-208 prices by approximately £3,000, with the 50kWh model now starting at £29,950 and the 51kWh version at £30,950.
For city driving, the e-208’s blend of style and practicality is particularly appealing. This well-built and visually striking car subtly signals its electric nature – the primary visual cue is the green accent on the EV number plate. The five-door configuration offers enhanced rear seat access compared to three-door rivals like the Fiat 500 Electric, and it also surpasses the Fiat in driving range.
Read our in-depth Peugeot e-208 review for a thorough evaluation.
Explore Peugeot 208 Lease Deals VIEW OFFER
Hyundai Inster Electric
Best Small Electric Car for Maximum Space Efficiency
Pros: Exceptionally spacious for its size, distinctive design, decent range
Cons: Limited to four seats, firm ride quality
If maximizing interior space within a compact footprint is a priority, the Hyundai Inster Electric is a compelling choice. It’s a masterclass in efficient packaging, featuring clever individual rear seats that slide and recline, and a generous boot space of up to 351 liters. The flat front and rear floors further enhance the sense of spaciousness within the cabin. Hyundai has truly maximized interior volume in this small car.
While it accommodates only four passengers, fitting five in any car of this size is typically a squeeze. The design may be polarizing, but its unique and modern aesthetic sets it apart. Prices start at an attractive £23,495, and battery options include a 42kWh and 49kWh, delivering claimed ranges of 203 and 229 miles, respectively.
Explore our detailed Hyundai Inster review for a complete picture.
Explore Hyundai Inster Lease Deals VIEW OFFER
MINI Cooper Electric
Best Small Electric Car for Fun Driving Dynamics
Pros: Exceptionally fun to drive, competitive price, significantly improved range
Cons: Still not the most practical, less premium feel than previous generations
The MINI Electric was a hit upon its 2020 launch, particularly with style-conscious city dwellers. However, range and price were persistent concerns. The new Cooper Electric addresses these issues, offering a lower starting price (from £30,000) and a substantially improved range – up to 249 miles for the top-spec Cooper SE.
Like its predecessor, this MINI remains incredibly fun to drive, arguably the best small electric hot hatch available, with agile handling, brisk performance, and the signature MINI go-kart feel.
Read our comprehensive MINI Cooper Electric review for deeper insights.
Explore Mini Cooper Lease Deals VIEW OFFER
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Best Small Electric Car for Conventional Simplicity
Pros: Familiar dashboard layout compared to e-208, Long Range model available, popular choice
Cons: Bland styling, historically poor depreciation
The Peugeot e-208, with its distinctive French design and modern interior, might not appeal to everyone. Some drivers find its i-Cockpit driving position, characterized by a small steering wheel and high-mounted instruments, unconventional. If you appreciate the technology of the Peugeot but prefer a more traditional driving experience, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric is a compelling alternative. It essentially offers the same underlying technology in a more understated package.
Historically, the Corsa Electric suffered from a high initial price and rapid depreciation. However, Vauxhall has introduced the “Yes Edition,” significantly reducing the starting price by over £6,000 to £26,895. While the name might be questionable, the value proposition is now much stronger. Similar to the e-208, it’s available with a 134bhp/50kWh configuration or a 154bhp/51kWh option, the latter providing up to 248 miles of range. However, top-spec models remain expensive, approaching £35,000, which is a significant price for a Corsa.
Read our detailed Vauxhall Corsa Electric review for a full assessment.
Explore Vauxhall Corsa Electric Lease Deals VIEW OFFER
Jeep Avenger Electric
Best Small Electric Car with SUV Styling
Pros: Appealing styling, easy to maneuver, well-suited for city driving
Cons: Limited rear passenger space, interior quality feels somewhat budget-oriented
Despite its Jeep badge, the Avenger Electric is surprisingly compact. At just 4.1 meters long, it’s comparable in size to the Corsa, yet it embodies the iconic Jeep design language with its robust stance and signature seven-slot grille. Its compact dimensions and excellent visibility make it exceptionally well-suited for urban environments. The raised driving position will appeal to SUV enthusiasts seeking a smaller, more city-friendly package.
Sharing Stellantis components, the Avenger Electric utilizes the same 154bhp electric motor and 51kWh battery found in the Corsa Electric and e-208, delivering adequate performance and a claimed range of up to 248 miles. While a capable small EV, the Avenger isn’t without compromises. Rear passenger space is comparable to superminis, and the interior materials feel somewhat basic in certain areas. Jeep has recently reduced prices by £5,000, bringing the starting price down to £29,999.
Explore our in-depth Jeep Avenger review for a comprehensive evaluation.
Explore Jeep Avenger Lease Deals VIEW OFFER
Small Electric Car Buyer’s Guide and FAQs
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Small Electric Cars
Small electric cars offer several key benefits. Their compact size makes them ideal for navigating and parking in congested city centers. They are also among the most affordable electric cars currently available, and they allow drivers to avoid charges in low-emission zones. Furthermore, their quieter operation compared to petrol cars contributes to a more relaxed and peaceful commute.
However, small electric cars also involve some trade-offs. Their smaller size typically means smaller battery packs, resulting in limited maximum driving ranges. While this is less of a concern for daily city driving, where average distances are shorter, it can be a significant limitation for those who frequently undertake longer journeys.
Price is another consideration. While small EVs are more affordable within the electric car market, they still generally carry a higher price tag than their petrol-powered counterparts. For example, consider the Peugeot 208; the entry-level petrol automatic version is approximately £4,000 less expensive than the base electric model, although this price difference is gradually narrowing.
Charging infrastructure and costs also present challenges. Relying solely on public charging stations can potentially lead to higher electricity expenses compared to petrol costs.
The most cost-effective way to operate an EV is typically through home charging, requiring off-street parking and the installation of a home charging point. This, however, presents a financial and logistical hurdle for many urban residents without dedicated parking in densely populated cities.
Are Small Electric Cars Reliable?
While electric vehicle technology is relatively new compared to traditional combustion engines, EVs generally have fewer moving parts, which can contribute to greater reliability. Like any electronic device, however, issues can arise, and battery capacity does gradually degrade over time, potentially reducing driving range. Current data and user experiences suggest that significant battery degradation is unlikely to be a major concern for many years, especially for new or nearly new vehicles. Therefore, reliability should not be a primary worry when considering a small electric car.
What is the Smallest Type of Electric Car?
The cars featured in this guide are generally classified as superminis or city cars, offering a compact and city-friendly size. However, for truly tiny electric vehicles, the quadricycle category should be considered. Historically, this category included EVs like the G-Wiz and Renault Twizy. Currently, the Citroen Ami represents a modern example in this segment.
Are Small Electric Cars Suitable for City Driving and Short Trips?
Small electric cars are exceptionally well-suited for city driving and short trips. The instant torque delivery of electric motors makes them ideal for navigating urban traffic, and the stop-and-go nature of city driving can even help to optimize battery efficiency through regenerative braking. Typically equipped with smaller batteries and consequently shorter ranges, small EVs are inherently designed for shorter, urban-centric journeys.
This does not mean they are incapable of longer trips; most offer sufficient performance for highway driving. However, longer journeys will require more frequent charging stops compared to larger EVs with extended ranges.
How We Test Small Electric Cars
Similar to every review published on CAR, each of the small electric car models featured in this guide has undergone extensive real-world testing by our experienced team of motoring journalists and specialist writers. To learn more about our rigorous testing methodology, please visit how we test.
Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Bauer Consumer Media Limited is an appointed representative of Leasing.com for the broking of regulated hire agreements. Leasing.com Group Ltd t/a Leasing.com is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to consumer credit activities. Its FCA number is 658976. Leasing.com is a credit broker and not a lender.
