Best Small Electric Cars

While recent years have shown that electric power can be effectively applied across a wide range of car types, small electric cars arguably offer the most appeal.

Indeed, though electric does demand a higher initial outlay compared with its well-established ICE (internal combustion engine) counterpart, the immense savings to be made in running costs makes EVs a very tempting prospect.

So, by distilling those penny-pinching running costs into an affordable package that will emit zero emissions and travel hundreds of miles in its natural urban surroundings, small electric cars are an enticing prospect?

It is little wonder then that multiple manufacturers have responded to the call for great value, funky and ever-so clean small electric cars, leading to a quality choice of models that are cheap to run, easy to live with and affordable to buy…

MINI Cooper E

41kWh (184bhp) – Range: 190-miles

54kWh (218bhp) – Range 250-miles

54kWh (258bhp) – Range 250-miles

The perfect measure of just how far the automotive industry has come over the decades, the latest MINI Cooper can now be yours with electric power.

Indeed, while the MINI of 2026 strikes a beautiful balance between retro charm and contemporary mechanicals without sacrificing driver enjoyment and personalised appeal, the MINI Cooper E takes things one step further by swapping out the engine for the battery.

Two battery choices – 41kWh and 54kWh – are available, both offering zippy performance to complement the MINI’s famous ‘go-kart-like’ chassis, while still offering respective range of 190 and 250-miles.

A natural-born city car, electric power simply amplifies the appeal of the MINI Cooper, which continues to offer endless customising options, a stylish premium interior and a high-end dealership experience.

Kia EV2

42.2kWh Standard Range (144bhp) – Range: 194-miles

61kWh Long Range (134bhp) – Range 277-miles

The newest addition to Kia’s award-winning electric ‘EV’ range of models, the Kia EV2 is also the smallest and most affordable yet.

Drawing upon the inspiration of the Kia EV3, the EV2 offers similarly funky, SUV-inspired styling with generous interior space that belies its compact exterior dimensions.

It’s a similar story inside where the EV2 gets a variation of Kia’s acclaimed ‘EV’ interior style and build quality, albeit one that gains a youthful finish with coloured accents and illuminations upping its trendy appeal.

Under the skin is the choice of ‘Standard’ and ‘Long’ range batteries – 42.2kWh and 61kWh – to suit your needs with the former offering a competitive 194-miles, while the latter extends to a class-leading 277-miles.

Hyundai INSTER

42kWh (97bhp) – Range: 203-miles

49kWh (115bhp) – Range 229-miles

One of the cheapest small electric cars on sale, the Hyundai INSTER is undoubtedly one of the funkiest too.

Indeed, the INSTER – with its edgy profile and big, bold features - can absolutely be sold on its kerbside appeal alone, but it backs this up with frugal powertrains and an interior that is more spacious than its looks suggest.

Two battery options – 42kWh and 49kWh – are available and are designed for inner-city use, providing perky performance but still exceeding 200-miles of range for both power units.

A premium small electric car to bely its price tag, the INSTER backs this up with alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch digital cluster and central touchscreen, wireless charging dock, 64-colour LED ambient lighting, heated seats and Hyundai Smart Sense Technology.

Renault 5 E-Tech

40kWh (120bhp) – Range: 190-miles

52kWh (150bhp) – Range 252-miles

The notion of a small electric car might be a modern innovation, but the multi award-winning Renault 5 gives it an engagingly nostalgic twist.

A neo-retro electric alternative to the more mainstream Renault Clio, the 5 E-Tech is brimming with fun attention to detail – both inside and out – that pays faithful tribute to the original model sold until 1994.

Things get more modern under the skin, however, with a 40kWh or 52kWh battery available delivering around 190-miles or 250-miles of range respectively.

The result is an engaging mix of nostalgic desirability and real-world efficiency, the 5 E-Tech complementing its head-turning looks with a wealth of eye-popping customisation options.

Citroen e-C3

44kWh (113bhp) – Range: 201-miles

While many electric cars in this ranking complement the high-tech powertrain with a premium market positioning, the Citroen e-C3 is a small electric car that puts functionality front and centre of its appeal.

Based on the proven mechanicals of the Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa, the Citroen e-C3 has been remixed to offer better practicality and keener pricing, even in electric trim.

The standard 44kWh battery is responsive and is capable of more than 200-miles, while it also supplements the e-C3’s refined appeal with its comfortable ride and airy interior.

Moreover, the e-C3 is a doddle to drive around town, offers class-leading interior space for rear passengers and comes with a decent 310-litre boot too.

BYD Dolphin Surf

30kWh (88bhp) – Range: 137-miles

43.2kWh (88bhp) – Range: 200-miles

43.2kWh (156bhp) – Range: 193-miles

One of the forerunners of the electric revolution in recent years, BYD has also been acclaimed for offering its EVs at affordable prices.

Now it has gone an extra step with its new smallest offering, the BYD Dolphin Surf, which comes in well under £20,000 but gets big car features and generous range from its choice of batteries.

While the entry-level 30kWh battery is good for urban-based 137-miles of range, the larger 43.2kWh unit can hit 200-miles… and look great doing so as well.

If the Dolphin Surf is a bit too small for you though, there is also the larger, related BYD Dolphin, which comes with a 60.4kWh battery to deliver over 260-miles of range.

MG4 Urban

41.9kWh (148bhp) – Range: 201-miles

52.8kWh (158bhp) – Range: 258-miles

A brand-new addition to the small electric segment, the MG4 Urban may share its name with the critically-acclaimed – and popular – MG4, but that is where the similarities end.

Billed as a more affordable, practical take on the MG4 formula, the Urban offers extraordinary value-for-money with its massive 577-litre boot, impressive standard kit and generous seven-year warranty.

It’s frugal too with two battery options – a 41.9kWh and 52.8kWh unit – generating 201 and 258-miles of range respectively, which places the MG4 Urban among the very best.

Despite this, prices undercut other electric models of its size, and even then the MG4 Urban has them soundly beaten when it comes to sheer interior room and boot space.

Nissan Micra

40kWh (88bhp) – Range: 198-miles

52kWh (88bhp) – Range: 260-miles

It shares its underpinnings with the Renault 5 E-Tech, but the revived Nissan Micra forges its own path in terms of personality.

A more premium take on the formula compared with its French sibling, that’s not to say the Micra has lost the cheekiness of its famous ancestors, even if it’s all wrapped in a more premium finish.

A high-end looking and feeling interior adds to the Micra’s upmarket approach, while standard kit includes Google-enabled navigation system, cruise control, parking sensors and a reverse camera.

Under the skin, there is the choice of 40kWh or 52kWh batteries, which can deliver 200 and 260-miles of range respectively.

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Vauxhall Corsa Electric

50kWh (136bhp) – Range: 214-miles

54kWh (156bhp) – Range: 246-miles

While most small cars in this ranking have been developed from the ground-up, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric (and its Peugeot E-208 cousin) proves you can have a quality conventional supermini that just happens to produce zero emissions.

Indeed, there is a lot of appeal in the Corsa Electric based on the already accomplished running gear of the standard hatchback, namely its easy-to-drive nature, appealing looks and premium interior.

It’s also a good chance to run your sums to determine whether it would be more cost-effective to stick with a pure petrol model, upgrade to a more economical hybrid or get a full electric version.

If the Corsa is for you, be assured that whichever powertrain you plump for, you’ll get a well-equipped and well-built small car.

Dacia Spring

24.3kWh (70bhp) – Range: 140-miles

24.3kWh (100bhp) – Range: 140-miles

The cheapest small electric car you can buy right now just also happens to be the cheapest car you can buy in the UK outright too.

The Dacia Spring has arrived to give more people the opportunity to mobilise without producing emissions, while keeping both outlay and running costs as low as possible.

A recent update has introduced a new 24.3kWh battery, which can be had with either 70bhp or 100bhp. Both still return a decent 140-miles of range, making the Spring an ideal city companion.

While small, the Spring – even in base trim – comes with air-conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system and rear parking sensors.