Top 10 best small electric cars 2025
Need a small and cheap electric car? Our experts have tested them all and these are the best…
Small electric cars aren’t just about saving the planet – they’re about making your day-to-day life simpler, cheaper and, dare I say, more enjoyable. Whether it’s gliding through city traffic with no engine grumble or avoiding the eye-watering petrol prices at the pumps, these cars are tailored for modern living. From quick charging times to clever tech and surprisingly roomy interiors, today’s small electric cars pack a punch well above their size.
Our expert road testers don’t just skim the surface when reviewing these cars – we live and breathe them. From wringing out every mile of real-world range, to navigating packed city centres and testing how many shopping bags the boots will swallow, no detail is too small. We’re here to help you figure out what works in real life, not just on paper. Whether you need it for the school run, are looking for the perfect second car or you’re making your first steps into the world of EV ownership, we’ve done the hard work so you can choose with confidence.
When picking the best small electric car for you, there’s a lot to think about. Range is a priority – most options can comfortably cover between 150 to 250 miles on a single charge, but you’ll need to check that matches your lifestyle. It would also be worth considering what charging speeds the car is capable of. Many of the best models can zip from empty to 80 per cent in about half an hour at a rapid charger, although you’ll want to be sure you’ve got convenient charging options at home or nearby for regular overnight charging. And let’s not forget the fun stuff, like how much tech, power or comfort you can get for your money – we’ve tested it all.
What sets small electric cars apart is how far they have come in such a short time. A few years ago, you’d be compromising on performance, practicality, range… or all three. Now, small electric cars aren’t just sensible – they can be desirable, too. Whether you’re after style, savings or something to show off your eco-credentials, we’ve rounded up the very best to help you find your ideal match.
Best small electric cars to buy now
Below, you will find the EVs that our expert road testers consider the very best small electric cars on sale right now. Alternatively, if small electric cars don’t quite fit the bill for your family, then take a look at our list of the best electric family cars.
1. Renault 5
- Prices from £22,995
- Maximum WLTP combined range: 249 miles
Like a blast from the past, the Renault 5 has made a striking comeback. Now fully electric, it delivers exceptional value for money, starting at just under £23,000. As standard, the Renault is fitted with twin 10-inch screens that are powered by an intuitive Google-based infotainment system, which combines the latest in modern technology while still providing a user-friendly experience. The rear seating might be a bit tight for taller passengers but there’s plenty of luggage space, with 277 litres of capacity with the seats up, or 326 litres with them folded down.
On the road, the Renault 5 is a real treat. Despite its compact size, it tackles corners with agility while maintaining enough comfort for longer weekend trips. The range is equally good, with the larger of the two battery options providing up to 249 miles (WLTP). With 148bhp, the Renault 5 accelerates from 0-62mph in just 9.5 seconds, offering a lively and engaging drive.
Read our full Renault 5 review to find out more
2. Citroen e-C3
- Prices from £21,990
- Maximum WLTP combined range: 199 miles
The latest Citroen e-C3 is edging ever closer to being the perfect small electric car. Its suspension smooths out rough roads, providing a supple and relaxing ride. And with a 44kWh battery, the e-C3 is good for a quoted range of 199 miles, making it ideal for day-to-day use. Charging it from empty to full takes a manageable six hours via a 7.4kW wallbox – ideal for topping it up overnight. For longer journeys, the e-C3’s 100kW peak DC rapid charging can boost the battery from 20 to 80 per cent in just 26 minutes.
Inside, the e-C3 comfortably accommodates four adults, and the 310-litre boot has more than enough space for a weekend’s worth of luggage. With 111bhp under the bonnet, it delivers a 0-62mph time of 11 seconds, offering perfectly adequate performance for city driving and motorway cruises.
Read our full Citroen e-C3 review to find out more
3. Dacia Spring
- Prices from £14,995
- Maximum WLTP combined range: 140 miles
If you’re in the hunt for a great small electric car, you can’t get much smaller or cheaper than the Dacia Spring. Currently the most affordable electric car in the UK, starting from under £15,000, the Spring is an ideal choice for city living. With a range of 140 miles (WLTP), it’s more than enough for most daily commutes, and thanks to a five-hour charge time on a standard wallbox, you can easily plug it in overnight and have a full battery by morning.
The Spring is also incredibly easy to drive. Its compact size means it has a tight turning circle, making parking a breeze, and around town, it feels adequately zippy. The entry-level model offers 44bhp, but if you want more punch you can opt for the 64bhp version, which can do 0-62mph in 13.7 seconds. Despite its low price, the Spring comes with a decent list of standard features, including air-conditioning, parking sensors, and cruise control. And if you go for the top-of-the-range model, you’ll get a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Read our full Dacia Spring review to find out more
4. Hyundai Inster
- Prices from £23,495
- Maximum WLTP combined range: 229 miles
The Hyundai Inster may be small, but it’s full of character. Its quirky looks are matched by a surprisingly spacious cabin, with plenty of room for adults in both the front and rear. However, the space in the cabin does mean you have to compromise on luggage capacity, on the 01 model with the fixed seats there is 280 litres of boot space available with the seats up, expanding to 1,059 litres with them folded flat. The car comes with a decent level of tech, which includes twin 10.25-inch screens, smartphone integration and a comprehensive safety suite to keep the family safe.
The top-spec Inster delivers 113bhp, reaches 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds and has a quoted range of 229 miles (WLTP). On the road, the Hyundai is composed and refined, with solid motorway manners. Charging on a DC fast charger takes around half an hour to reach 10-80 per cent, while charging at home overnight should take just under six hours on a 7kW wallbox.
Read all the information on the Hyundai Inster to find out more
5. MG4 EV
- Prices from £26,995
- Maximum WLTP combined range: 323 miles
The MG4 offers a sleek design and exceptional affordability. Its impressive 323-mile range, comfortable ride, and enjoyable driving dynamics all add to the package. Despite its somewhat low-rent interior, boot space that’s limited compared to its competition and a less-than-cutting-edge infotainment system, the MG4 remains an excellent option.
In a time where living costs seem to constantly be on the rise and saving money is paramount, its combination of affordability, practicality, and efficiency sets it apart. Recognised as both the Best Value Electric Car and Car of the Year for 2023 by DrivingElectric, the MG4 shows that unbeatable value shines through.
Read our full MG4 EV review to find out more
6. Volvo EX30
- Prices from £32,850
- Maximum WLTP combined range: 296 miles
The new entry point into the Volvo line-up comes in the form of the pint-sized plug-in EX30 and let us tell you, the Swedish brand has really knocked it out of the park. If you can overlook its rather cramped rear seats, the Volvo EX30 is arguably the plushest-feeling small electric car around and although most of the controls lie buried in the touchscreen, this is no hardship as it’s one of the slickest systems around. While base models offer superb value-for-money as a posh second car, top-of-the-range EX30s can manage up to roughly 300 miles on a charge, or reach 62mph in a Porsche Taycan-toppling 3.6 seconds.
Read our full Volvo EX30 review to find out more
7. BYD Dolphin
- Prices from £26,195
- Maximum WLTP combined range: 265 miles
BYD may not be a household name in the UK, but it’s bound to be very soon after the introduction of its latest electric car: the Dolphin supermini. Soon to become the cheapest new electric car on sale in Britain – the least-expensive entry-level models go on sale in 2024 – and our Best Value Electric Car for 2024, the BYD Dolphin’s funky interior feels anything but cheap with all models getting plush vegan leather and a rotating touchscreen. The larger MG4 may be more fun to drive, but the BYD Dolphin still offers a composed driving experience that is perfectly aimed at city drivers, thanks to its light steering. Don’t sniff at its Chinese origin; the BYD Dolphin is arguably the strongest offering in the small electric car space and you’d be flippin’ (pun intended) daft to ignore it!
Read our full BYD Dolphin review to find out more
8. Jeep Avenger
- Prices from £34,999
- Maximum WLTP combined range: 248 miles
Jeep’s first foray into the electric-car market comes in the form of a chunky crossover that shares its parts with the Fiat 600e and Vauxhall Mokka Electric. Don’t let this put you off, though, as a raised ride height and several off-ride drive modes help the front-wheel-drive Avenger be a pretty capable off-roader. On the tarmac, the Avenger is relaxing and easy to drive, plus rapid charging and a range of up to 250 miles make it possible to do longer journeys frequently. Our biggest gripe is the iPad case-style centre console lid which, if that’s our main concern, shows you how well-rounded this oversized Tonka toy of an electric car really is.
Read our full Jeep Avenger review to find out more
9. Vauxhall Corsa Electric
- Prices from £26,895
- Maximum WLTP combined range: 246 miles
One of the UK’s best-selling cars is also available with electric power; the Vauxhall Corsa Electric is based on the same platform as the Peugeot E-208 and offers a similar range, identical 0-62mph figure and 100kW maximum charging speed. The Corsa Electric is in its element on urban roads as it can sprint from 0-31mph in just 3.1 seconds. It’s roughly the same price as the shaper looking E-208, but some may prefer the electric Corsa’s more understated design, which has just been refreshed with Vauxhall’s trademark Vizor. A new 51kWh (usable) battery is now also available with up to 246 miles of range, alongside the 50kWh base model which can do just over 220 miles on a charge.
Read our full Vauxhall Corsa Electric review to find out more
10. Fiat 500e
- Prices from £24,995
- Maximum WLTP combined range: 199 miles
The electric-only Fiat 500 tastefully updates the iconic city car’s charming looks, and features a cabin that's stylish and high-tech. While it might not quite offer the same retro vibes as its predecessor, the latest 500 offers a much better seating position than the car it replaces, with a smooth drive to make nipping around town a breeze. The Fiat 500e is one of the cheapest electric cars on sale, with a choice of two powertrains, offering 118 miles and 199 miles of range respectively. If speed is more important to you than style, a sporty Abarth 500e is also available.
Read our full Fiat 500 review to find out more
Best small electric cars to buy now
- Renault 5
- Citroen e-C3
- Dacia Spring
- Hyundai Inster
- MG4 EV
- Volvo EX30
- BYD Dolphin
- Jeep Avenger
- Vauxhall Corsa Electric
- Fiat 500e
How we choose the best small electric cars
Choosing the best small electric car isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about finding a vehicle that truly works for everyday life. That’s why our expert testers put every model through a rigorous evaluation, ensuring it performs well in real-world scenarios. Whether it’s the school run, daily errands or weekend trips, we make sure each car delivers on its promises.
Battery performance is a top priority. We don’t take the manufacturer’s quoted range as gospel and we thoroughly test how far these cars can actually travel under realistic driving conditions, including different weather and traffic situations. Charging speeds are also scrutinised, from rapid chargers to home wallboxes, so you know exactly how long it’ll take to get back on the road when the battery runs low.
We also take a close look at practicality, examining everything from cabin space and seating comfort to storage capacity. Small electric cars need to be just as versatile as they are efficient, so we test how well they cope with the demands of everyday life. With these cars constantly getting more advanced and complicated, usability really matters too – from intuitive infotainment systems to thoughtful design details, we consider how easy these cars are to live with.
Finally, running costs are an essential part of the equation. From energy costs to servicing and insurance, we provide a complete picture of what ownership looks like. After all our testing, we highlight the small electric cars that offer the best combination of performance, practicality, and value, helping you find the perfect match.
