If you’ve ever driven a small electric car around a big city, you’ll have no doubt noted that the instant punch of an electric motor, the regenerative braking technology and the silent running that comes from an electric powertrain make small electric vehicles (EVs) some of the best city cars around.
Indeed, if you have somewhere to charge and can live with their somewhat limited range, a small electric car is one of the best upgrades you can make to improve how you enjoy your commute as well as futureproof yourself against the rise of the EV.
EVs are still more expensive than petrol or diesel equivalents – so you’re probably thinking ‘I should value my car’ and see what sort of trade-in value you can get against a small electric car. You should also consider the types of journeys you most often do, versus the range available – and consider where you’re going to charge the car overnight, or whether you’re solely going to rely on public charging.
Of course, you’ll also need to choose one of the best small electric cars – and we’ve rounded up the very finest below.
MG 4
MG’s previous electric cars were always decent to drive and good value, but felt built down to a price and didn’t really excite you in any way. The MG 4 is a huge upgrade on its predecessors, yet remains incredible value – it’s the same size as a Volkswagen ID.3 but a massive £10,000 less to buy.
The 4 has an official range of 281 miles if you go for the Long-Range battery, a high-tech and minimalist interior and better driving dynamics than any modern MG. It does feel cheap in places – but that’s to be expected from something that majors this heavily on value.
Fiat 500 Electric
The Fiat 500 is already one of the most stylish and desirable small cars out there – its transition to electric has made it even more so. Fiat’s turned the style dial up even higher with cool daytime running lights and a clever interior packed with little Italian Easter Eggs, such as the Turin skyline in the door pockets.
With up to 199 miles of range claimed, the 500 Electric is more than just a city car – but it excels in towns, with really strong regenerative braking and light controls. It’s great fun to drive and with its dinky battery won’t cost the earth to recharge either.
Renault Megane E-Tech
The Megane name’s been applied to Renault’s hatchback since the 1990s, but now it sits on a compact electric SUV – and a rather good one at that. The new Megane E-Tech turns heads with its stylish body but doesn’t skimp on its thoroughly modern and well-sorted electric underpinnings.
It doesn’t neglect the interior, either – we love the big portrait touchscreen which runs Google software for maximum user-friendliness. A big boot and excellent driving dynamics sweeten the deal further.
Cupra Born
Has Cupra (the performance arm of SEAT) made a better VW ID.3 than VW? We think so – the Cupra Born is barely any more expensive than the Volkswagen yet improves on it in a few key ways.
The interior is the major one, as while the layout is the same material choices and styling make it feel like a much more pleasant place to sit. Firmer suspension and a wider choice of powertrains give the Born a sportier bent, too – it’s actually pretty fun to drive.
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
You actually have to look pretty closely to notice that the Corsa Electric isn’t a regular petrol Corsa. And that’s the point – Vauxhall wants the choice of one to be a buying decision just like selecting a petrol or a diesel engine.
The Corsa itself is the best-selling car in the country, so you’ll certainly blend in. And there’s lots to like here too – not only is it great value, but it has a high-quality interior, a big boot, and drives well.
