Top 10 best small electric cars 2023

There was once a time in recent history when electric cars were reserved as some of the most expensive on the market, however this is quickly beginning to change. Now, as well as high-end models such as the Tesla Model S and Jaguar I-Pace, mainstream manufacturers such as MINI, Peugeot and Vauxhall have brought out electrified versions of their pre-existing offerings. Plus, new models such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and the Nissan Leaf have made emission-free motoring more approachable and attainable than ever.

So, the prices of electric cars are slowly coming down and there are big savings to be made by running one. Tax is free, for a start, and recharging the battery costs much less than refilling a car with petrol or diesel. Additional costs such as the London Congestion Charge and Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) are also not a worry as electric cars are entirely exempt. However, something to bear in mind is that insurance is often higher than on an equivalent petrol model.

Top 10 best small cars and superminis 2023

Besides their lower running costs, electric cars have several other benefits too: they’re whisper-quiet and often very quick from a standstill, thanks to electric motors’ instant torque. Of course, they also produce no local emissions, making the purchase of an EV the best choice for the environment.

If you live in a town or city, an electric supermini may be the most economic and logical choice. Their small dimensions make them cheaper to buy and easy to navigate around tight streets. Despite their size, most of these cars have enough room for passengers and some luggage. Read on for our run-down of the best small electric cars on sale, or read our guides to the cheapest electric cars and best small hybrid cars.

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Fiat 500 review

Carbuyer rating

4 out of 5

The third-generation Fiat 500 marks an important milestone for the model – as this new car ditches combustion engines in favour of all-electric power. It’s available alongside the regular 500, and is powered by an electric motor producing 92bhp, or 117bhp in the flagship model. Two battery sizes are available too, with the 23.9 kWh version capable of up to 118 miles of range, while the larger 42kWh capacity offers up to 199 miles – around 50 miles more than rivals like the Honda e and MINI Electric. It also features 85kW fast-charging, making topping up the battery a quick and easy task.

In contrast to the funky retro-themed styling, its interior boasts a new 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and attractive digital instrument cluster. There are three trim levels to pick from, which can take the 500 from affordable and modestly equipped to luxurious but rather pricey. The electric version of the 500 has grown too, meaning it has a slightly more spacious interior than the old car, and while the boot is still fairly compact at 185 litres, it’s still big enough for a weekend away.

Kia Niro EV review

Carbuyer rating

4.4 out of 5

The Kia Niro is perhaps the most versatile car on sale, as it’s available in both self-charging hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric form. All versions of the Kia Niro EV (previously called the Kia e-Niro) are fitted with a 64.8kWh battery, paired with a 201bhp electric motor. This provides a respectable range of up to 285 miles on a single charge, and can be charged from 10-80% in 40 minutes thanks to 77kW fast charging capability.

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On the inside, the Niro shares the same hi-tech dashboard design as its larger sibling, the Kia Sportage. This comprises two 10.25-inch screens and comes as standard on mid-spec ‘3’ trim and above – entry-level ‘2’ cars get a smaller eight-inch touchscreen. Regardless, standard equipment is strong across the range, while a spacious 475-litre boot makes the Niro one of the most practical small EVs.

Cupra Born hatchback review

Carbuyer rating

4.3 out of 5

The Cupra Born is arguably the first-ever electric hot hatch and offers sportier styling and a more engaging drive than the mechanically-similar Volkswagen ID.3. Top-of-the-range e-Boost cars produce up to 228bhp – similar to that of a Golf GTI – and sprint from 0-62mph in just 6.6 seconds. Thanks to a low centre of gravity and rear-wheel drive, the relatively heavy Born is sharp through the corners too and handles much better than most EVs at this price point.

Despite being nearly 70mm shorter than Cupra’s own Leon hatchback, the Born offers comparative interior space thanks to clever packaging. A flat interior floor means three passengers can sit abreast in the rear in relative comfort, plus the Born’s 385 litre boot narrowly beats out the petrol-powered Leon’s offering. The only real issues we have with the Born are its plethora of fiddly controls; however these are easy to overlook as everything else is so impressive.

Hyundai Kona Electric review

Carbuyer rating

4.3 out of 5

If you like the funky styling and everyday usability of the Kia Niro EV but don’t need all that range, the less-expensive Hyundai Konda Electric is a great option. This car shares several of its parts with the Kia, however unlike that car, it’s also available with a smaller 39kWh battery, cutting down the entry price significantly. This starts from just over £30k and provides an ample 190 miles of range which should be sufficient for drivers that spend most of their time around town.

The Kona’s interior won’t exactly excite, however it’s still a lovely place to be thanks to a superbly comfortable ride and lots of high-quality materials. All cars get a set of modern digital dials as well as LED headlights, a reversing camera, air conditioning, and a central 10.25-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Peugeot e-208 hatchback review

Carbuyer rating

4 out of 5

The latest 208 is excellent and was available with a choice of petrol, diesel or electric power from launch. All models get incredibly distinctive styling, which means the 208 stands out in a sea of Fiestas and Polos. However, the styling differences for the electric version amount to just a few new badges and subtle blue elements – perfect for anyone that wants to look stylish, without screaming that they own an EV. The e-208 manages an impressive 211 miles between charges, and can recharge using 100kW chargers, meaning 100 miles of range can be added in just 20 minutes.

It’s a rival to the Renault ZOE but the e-208 is faster and better to drive than the ZOE. We also like the e-208’s interior, which comes as standard with Peugeot’s 3D digital instrument cluster and plenty of other standard equipment.

MG4 hatchback review

Carbuyer rating

4.3 out of 5

It seems like a bit of a stretch to categorise a car that starts from £26k as ‘good value’, but considering most of its rivals start from over the £30k mark, the MG 4 offers unparalleled bang for your buck. The British-Chinese brand’s latest electric car is the first to sit on its new dedicated EV platform and is available in two battery configurations: 51kWh and 64kWh. The former will provide a range of over 200 miles, whereas the latter will enable the ‘4’ to travel up to 280 miles on a single charge.

Unlike the majority of MG’s models over the last few years which focused on comfort above all else, the MG 4’s sporty rear-wheel-drive setup makes it the brand’s most engaging car to drive in years. While interior quality isn’t quite on par with rivals, one must remember how much cheaper the MG is. Regardless, the overall design of the cabin is stylishly minimalist and all models come fitted with a high level of standard kit.

Peugeot e-2008 SUV review

Carbuyer rating

4 out of 5

If the Peugeot e-208 is a bit small for you, the brand also sells the Peugeot e-2008, with a bigger and more fashionable SUV body. The e-2008 uses the same underpinnings as the e-208, so you can achieve around 200 miles from a charge and top-up to 80% in half an hour from a public fast charger. Acceleration is nippy, too.

As with the e-208, only a blue-tinged grille and different badges mark out the electric 2008 but Peugeot’s striking design means the car still stands out in a crowd of increasingly similar SUVs. It’s equally interesting inside, with piano-key switches and a wide digital dial cluster that both come as standard across the range. At 434 litres, the e-2008’s boot is not only usefully bigger than the e-208’s but it’s also a bit roomier than those in the SEAT Arona and Skoda Kamiq.

MINI Electric hatchback review

Carbuyer rating

3.9 out of 5

The MINI Electric is likely to be the Honda e’s closest rival because both are similar; both have appealing retro styling, are good to drive and have high-quality interiors. However, the two cars also share the same drawbacks: a high price, small boot and reasonably limited range. MINI promises up to 145 miles between charges and says that most customers will buy one as a second car. The range should be enough for a week’s worth of commuting for many buyers in any case. On the rare longer journey, plugging into a 50kW fast charger gives 80% charge in 35 minutes.

We expect you’ll want to drive it as much as possible, mainly due to the fact the MINI Electric is almost as speedy and as fun to drive as the Cooper S, making it one of the first all-electric hot hatchbacks available. As with other MINIs, the interior is a great place to spend time, and all MINI Electric versions get sat nav, cruise control and dual-zone climate control.

Vauxhall Corsa Electric hatchback review

Carbuyer rating

3.7 out of 5

The UK’s best-selling car can now be ordered as a fully electric model, with a little ‘e’ badge after the well-known Corsa name. Vauxhall is now part of the same group as Peugeot and Citroen, so the Corsa-e uses the 50kWh powertrain from the Peugeot e-208. Over 200 miles of range should be possible in perfect conditions, and the 134bhp electric motor is good for a 0-62mph time of eight seconds.

Vauxhall’s huge dealership network should translate into more electric car sales but the mechanically identical e-208 does feel a bit more special. The conventional look of the electric Corsa will appeal to buyers who are looking for something a bit more familiar, and the car’s range is more impressive than the style-focused Honda e and MINI Electric.

Renault ZOE hatchback review

Carbuyer rating

3.6 out of 5

One of the most well-known electric cars, the Renault ZOE was thoroughly updated in 2019 and it now has refreshed styling, a much smarter interior and a longer range. Renault claims the ZOE will now manage up to 245 miles before you need to plug it in, which is unmatched at this price level. You can have fast-charging on Iconic and GT Line versions, which can replenish the battery to 80% in just over an hour. A new 134bhp electric motor is available, and choosing it means 0-62mph can be achieved in a nippy 9.5 seconds – two seconds quicker than the 106bhp motor.

All models of the ZOE get auto LED headlights, air con, cruise control and smartphone connectivity, and the interior now looks a lot more similar to the Clio’s – with an optional ‘tablet-style’ central infotainment screen.

So why is it so far down the list? Crash safety experts Euro NCAP tested the updated ZOE in late 2021, and awarded it zero stars in their more stringent procedures. This is despite the original ZOE having achieved five stars back in 2013. While the ZOE has been one of our favourite small EVs, such a low safety rating makes it difficult to recommend.