The subsequent three years are set to deliver a brand new degree of accessibility to electric car possession. If the final decade has been about demonstrating that EVs can work for households and companies, sometimes as a part of two-car households and fleets, the approaching years look set to point out that they are often reasonably priced – and viable – as superminis and metropolis vehicles with genuinely tempting showroom costs and real-world figures for electrical vary.

Small hatchbacks have lengthy been among the many hottest vehicles within the UK; so the cheapest electric cars can even observe that recipe. Up till now, excessive costs have been in the best way; as, to a sure extent, have packaging and weight. After all, the compact dimension, sensible interiors and light-weight, nimble dealing with of small vehicles couldn’t be extra suited to our again roads and suburbs. It’s merely that electrical expertise maybe hasn’t, so far, delivered small vehicles fairly to that recipe.

Batteries are costly and extra simply hidden in one thing SUV-shaped, which implies that we’ve seen many of the innovation within the larger segments, with the courses of bigger EVs filling up rapidly with very aggressive fashions. It’s additionally a lot simpler to persuade somebody who’s bought two or three different vehicles to name upon that one thing on his or her driveway ought to be electrical than somebody with just one automotive, who relies upon upon it for the whole lot – as supermini homeowners generally do. 

Even so, there are already good choices on the market if you wish to drive an electrical automotive that does not take up more room than you want it to. With a little bit of cautious driving, some small EVs already crack 200 miles on a single cost. And if cautious driving just isn’t your fashion, there are a number of choices that even have sizzling hatch pretensions.

We’ve examined and rated each small electrical automotive presently on sale; and we have additionally bought a detailed eye on the approaching crop that is nonetheless within the pipeline. Here is our rundown of these we take into account to be the perfect.

Best small electrical vehicles 2024

1. Peugeot e-208

Pros: Good battery vary for the value, snug experience, first rate efficiency

Cons: Soft suspension impacts physique management at velocity, some low-rent supplies, barely cramped rear seats

As a standard combustion-engined supermini, the Peugeot 208 would not do an terrible lot to face out from the group. However, in all-electric guise, our street testers reckon it is probably the most interesting small vehicles there may be. That’s because of its mixture of genuinely usable vary, sturdy efficiency, worth, practicality, fashion, perceived high quality and, final however not least, driver enchantment. Essentially, it deserves to determine extremely in case you’re purchasing to your first electrical automotive.

This Peugeot’s materially wealthy and distinctive inside distinguishes it simply as clearly as the trendy bodywork. Its practicality is on a par with the Renault Zoe‘s and higher than a Mini Electric’s. Both of these features are key concerns for vehicles like this. 

The next three years will bring a new level of accessibility to electric car ownership. While electric vehicles (EVs) have already proven to be practical for families and businesses, the coming years will show that they can also be affordable and viable as superminis and city cars with attractive showroom prices and impressive electric range.

In the UK, small hatchbacks have always been popular, and the shift to electric cars won’t change that. The main barriers have been the high prices and the challenges of packaging and weight. However, the compact size, practical interiors, and nimble handling of small cars are well-suited for back roads and suburbs. The electric technology just hasn’t fully met the requirements of small cars.

Battery costs are high and it’s easier to hide them in SUVs, so most of the innovation in EVs has been in the larger segments. It’s also easier to convince someone with multiple cars to have an electric vehicle, compared to someone who relies on just one car for everything. Despite these challenges, there are already good options available for those who want a small electric car. Some small EVs can even go over 200 miles on a single charge. And for those who prefer a sportier experience, there are small electric cars with hot hatch characteristics.

We have tested and rated every small electric car currently available, and we are also keeping an eye on upcoming models. Here is our list of the very best small electric cars:

Best Small Electric Cars 2023

Pros: Good battery range for the price, comfortable ride, decent performance

Cons: Soft suspension impacts body control at speed, some low-rent materials, slightly cramped rear seats

The Peugeot 208 is already a popular supermini with a combustion engine, and its all-electric version is equally appealing. It offers a usable range, strong performance, value for money, practicality, style, perceived quality, and driver appeal. It’s a great choice for those looking for their first electric car.

The Peugeot 208 has a rich and distinctive interior, complementing its stylish bodywork. It is as practical as the Renault Zoe and even better than the Mini Electric in terms of practicality, which are important considerations for these types of cars.