Best Small Electric Cars that are Perfect for City Driving

There has been a veritable flurry of fun, fresh, frugal and - best of all - affordable electric cars hitting the roads recently, making the switch to cleaner, zero emission EVs more within reach than ever before.

If you are regularly ferrying around the whole family, an electric SUV remains a logical option; however, if your main concerns are squeezing down awkward streets, parking up in little gaps and cheaper running costs, then small EV is a very attractive proposition that makes the most of new electrified technology.

Perfect for the urban commute, as an unintimidating choice for young first-time buyers or possibly as a cheap and cheerful second car for quick trips to the shops, EVs really have never looked more attractive...

Dacia Spring

The Dacia Spring is a four-seater compact SUV, that certainly stands out from the crowd with its assertive stance, reinforced wing and grille protection and signature Y-shaped lights.

With the Spring, you get silent, smooth and responsive electric driving, as well as all the modern technology you could ask for, including a 10-inch multimedia screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Drivers have the choice of either 70bhp or 100bhp, allowing you to choose the option that suits you and your commute best – all this comes in at one of the cheapest new car prices in the UK, giving unbelievable value for money without any sacrifices to comfort and practicality.

Dacia claims the Spring can cover up to 6 days of driving on average in the city with its 140 mile range (WLTP), and you can charge from 20-80% in just 29 minutes, as well as keep an eye on the charge remotely with your phone.

Leapmotor T03

It might be one of the newer brands to make UK landfall but Leapmotor has quickly shown it isn't afraid to forge its own strategic path in the pursuit of catching the attention of the buying public.

Take the Leapmotor T03, an adorable-looking, enjoyably sprightly and surprisingly well-equipped electric city car. It's also not an SUV, the T03 proving the burgeoning Chinese marques arriving in the UK can excel in other key sectors here.

Vying with the Dacia Spring for status as the UK's cheapest car, even if the Romanian option beats its rival (just...) on price tag, the T03 has a superior specification list, which includes luxuries as 10.1-inch touchscreen, panoramic glass roof, LED lights and a full ADAS safety suite.

Equipped with a 37.3kWh battery, the T03 is designed to make light work of heavy traffic, but won't be entirely overawed should you head to more open pastures. Expect up to 165-miles of range and the privilege of squeezing into all but the most challenging parking bays.

BYD Dolphin Surf

The BYD Dolphin Surf combines sharp design, a spacious interior and advanced in-car technology to create a punchy, funky, fun-loving EV city car.

The smart cabin is packed with innovative technology, including an advanced driver assistance system, BYD's signature rotating touchscreen and voice controls while driving, so you can access key functions without taking your eyes off the road.

On the outside, fun touches like the Lime Green paint option, sharp body lines and a playfully sporty rear spoiler make it a standout from the rest of the BYD range, as well as EV options generally.

Powered by the rigorously tested BYD Blade Battery, the Dolphin Surf can charge from 10 to 80% in just 30 minutes, and does up to 200 miles of WLTP range.

Honda Super N

If you've ever visited Japan then you'll be very aware that models like the Honda Super N, with its small, tall and slender profile, are everywhere you look from Hokkaido to Kyushu.

Over here, however, these 'kei' cars as they are known, are less common but Honda is using the advent of electric power to start a new cultural takeover with the fresh and funky Super N city car.

Adapted from the Honda N-One - one of Japan's best-selling models - the Super N is teeming with clever touches that really accentuate its functionality beyond what its small stature might suggest.

Firstly, it is surprisingly spacious with the tall roofline allowing excellent headroom while the minimalist dash design helps to open up room at the front.

Secondly, it is sparky, the modestly sized 29.6kWh battery coming to life when you press the fun 'BOOST' button for some extra zip when you need it. Being a Honda too, it's impeccably built and - if you get it in purple - it'll be a great talking point with strangers!

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Renault Twingo

Renault have already been making waves with their handsome retro revival Renault 5; no naturally, their next step is reviving the legendary Twingo. And just look at that face.

The original, frog-adjacent 1992 Twingo was a wild success, and has gone on to become a cult classic car – however, it was never actually sold in the UK, much to everyone’s dismay. With the newest iteration arriving in early 2027, you finally have a chance to get your hands on this adorable, smile-inducing city-car.

The new Twingo is absolutely eye-catching, surprisingly light, impressively roomy inside and has a tiny 9.8-metre turning circle, making it easy to park and comfortable to manoeuvre around tight streets.

Renault promises it will be under £20,000, even before the UK government EV grants, undercutting rivals and making the switch to an EV more appealing for those who may have been resisting.

Hyundai Inster

If you’ve spotted the Hyundai Inster out and about, you’ll know that its boxy charm certainly draws your attention. 

The front running lights and large round headlights sat below them give the Inster a distinctive, interesting face – and with some refreshing colour options, it makes for a unique companion.

Like many EVs, the Inster has a flat vehicle floor, and when paired with super flexible fold-flat seats and an SUV-style high roof, there is an unbelievable amount of practicality for such a small car. As well as folding flat enough to nap on, the rear seats can also slide forwards to expand your boot space from 238 to 351 litres!

With an impressive range of up to 229 miles, and a top speed of 93mph, the Inster is as suited for adventurous excursions as it is for city commutes.

Nissan Micra

With the trend of bringing back old mainstays and electrifying them, naturally the humble Nissan Micra was on the waiting list. Another hatchback that gained cult classic status, the original Micra was driven by anyone and everyone, from learner drivers to boy racers and especially grandmothers – so the EV version had a lot to live up to.

Even in its cute, quirky appearance alone, it definitely makes a standout impression in person. While based on the new Renault 5’s architecture, particular touches call back to older Micra models, such as the circular headlights, evoking the rather bug-like K12.

With its small scale and low centre of gravity, aided by the battery beneath the floor, the Micra is impressively fun to drive, and handles sharp turns and manoeuvring very well, making it perfectly suited for those zipping around tight city streets.  

The larger battery option, the 52kWh, gives you a 260 mile WLTP range to play with, which is more than enough for inner-city commutes while also making longer road trips a bit easier to plan for.

Renault 5 

Evocative, fun and friendly, the new Renault 5 tastefully balances the best parts of old and new, while maintaining a chic, French charm. Arguably, the Renault 5’s return was the start of the EV retro revival boom – what is not arguable, however, is that the Renault 5 set impossibly high standards for other manufacturers.

Bright colour options, an unmistakable silhouette, and stylish design choices make the Renault 5 a genuine head-turner, and a pleasure to cross paths with. 

Inside, there are plenty of fun references to the original 5, including stitching on the dash to emulate the original car's ridged plastic moulding. However, the car is of course beautifully modern where it counts. Materials are high-quality, colourful and bright, and the infotainment screen fits seamlessly into your driving, with buttons and switches where it counts.

Battery-wise, the 5 is capable of up to 250 miles of range (WLTP), and recharges from 15-80% in around 30 minutes, cutting your road trip service station stops down, and making any charging throughout your weekly routine unintrusive. 

With hundreds of new cars in stock across our nationwide network of dealerships, your next car is at Vertu.

We can support you with service plans and servicing & MOTs, so you and your car can keep driving for many miles to come.

Pop into your local Vertu dealership and explore our selection of high-quality cars, chat to our friendly staff, or take a test drive.