Compare the best small electric cars
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Best small electric cars 2023
One of the best things about driving an electric car is silently whizzing around towns and cities without contributing to local emissions. As such, there are plenty of small electric cars to choose from, which are perfectly suited to navigating urban traffic and darting in and out of junctions.
One of the other advantages of sticking to the city is that range anxiety is less of a concern and because journeys are typically shorter, you don’t need to worry about charging as regularly. However, most of the cars in this list still have a range in excess of 200 miles, meaning that longer journeys are possible despite their small stature. Here are the best small electric cars on sale in the UK in 2023.
1. Peugeot e-208
Peugeot e-208 review
Battery range up to 248 miles
The Peugeot e-208 tops this list because it proves that small cars don’t need to be boring. It has ultra chic styling on the outside and feels suitably upmarket on the inside. It’s not cheap as far as 208s go, but when you consider its decent range and plenty of on-board practicality, it starts to make more sense.
2. Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai Kona Electric (2018-2023) review
Battery range up to 301 miles
The Hyundai Kona Electric makes a strong case for top spot in this list, and only really loses out because it’s more expensive than the Peugeot. Its popular small SUV shape makes it more appealing, as does its ability to go around 300 miles on a full charge – if you go for the pricier big battery version. It does lag behind alternatives in the boot space stakes, but generous equipment levels and a little bit of driving fun help add to the appeal of the Kona Electric.
3. Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf review
Battery range up to 239 miles
Forget the Tesla Model 3, the Nissan Leaf was one of the original mainstream electric cars. Even today, it offers fantastic value when you consider it offers good range, a big boot and some impressive technology at a relatively low price. Passenger space lags behind rivals and its infotainment is a little outdated – but it’s packed with class-leading safety gear to add a little extra peace of mind on the road.
4. Renault Zoe
Renault Zoe review
Battery range up to 245 miles
The first Renault Zoe proved EVs don’t have to be expensive or over-the-top with gimmicks, and the newest version of the electric hatchback has only built on that. It looks cool, is fun to drive and offers a decent amount of range between charging stops. It’s not the most practical EV out there, but it’s priced affordably by electric car standards.
5. Kia Niro EV
Kia Niro EV review
Battery range up to 285 miles
You might look at the Kia Niro EV and think it’s pushing the small EV premise a bit, but it actually has the same dimensions as the Nissan Leaf. This small SUV looks really cool, is relaxing to drive and comes packed with kit. It’s not the most exciting car to drive, but that’s less of an issue for city drivers. Kia also makes the Soul EV, which is a similar price and size, but offers quirkier styling.
6. Mini Electric
MINI Electric review
Battery range up to 145 miles
The Mini Electric takes everything that’s fantastic about the icon – a fun driving experience, cute styling and a lovely cabin – and sprinkles in some EV magic to make a rather appealing formula. Performance is seriously punchy and, though its range leaves a lot to be desired, there’s a tremendous amount of equipment to keep you entertained.
7. Volkswagen ID.3
Volkswagen ID3 review
Battery range up to 347 miles
The Volkswagen ID3 is meant to be the Golf of the electric car world. As such, it’s effortless to drive and has loads of interior space. It also offers an impressive range that means trips out of the city are stress-free, but also has the benefit of meaning you rarely need to charge if you stick to shorter urban trips. It does feel a bit cheap inside, though, and the quirky switchgear can be frustrating to use, relegating it to the lower reaches of this list.
8. Vauxhall Corsa-e
Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
Battery range up to 222 miles
The UK can’t get enough of the Vauxhall Corsa at the moment, and one of the reasons is because there’s an electric version that makes the switch to zero-emission motoring effortless. It gets the same batteries and other mechanical gubbins as the Peugeot e-208, but it’s a bit more expensive despite not feeling as posh. It’s still stylish and gets loads of equipment, though, so don’t discount it immediately.
9. Honda e
Honda e review
Battery range up to 132 miles
If you prefer form over function, take a look at the Honda e. This retro-inspired electric car is perfect for the city dweller, with its dinky proportions making it dead easy to whisk around in, while a fully-digital dashboard gives it a proper premium feel inside. Range isn’t great beyond an urban commute and it’s very expensive, but if your journeys are short, a Honda e will make them fun.
10. Citroen Ami
Citroen Ami review
Battery range up to 47 miles
The Honda e’s crown as the quirkiest small electric car has been taken by the Citroen Ami. In fact, the Ami isn’t really a car at all, it’s a quadricycle. Regardless, its 28mph top speed means it really is limited to city driving, even before you consider its sub-50-mile range. It's impractical in almost every way, but if you just want something cheap and fun to drive around in – and want to make friends with everyone you pass – the Ami is certainly worth a look.
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