10 of the best small electric cars

If you're looking for a new EV, but don't need a honking great SUV to cart the kids, the dog, and the new Ikea BILLY bookcase down the motorway, these are the cars for you.

While big cars with mammoth ranges –- like a Tesla Model Y lease –- have their place, sometimes city living calls for a small, nippy vehicle that can hop in and out of traffic and tuck into tight spaces without you wanting to rip your hair out.

Luckily, the small electric car market has exploded over the past few years, offering more than just the tiny Smart cars to choose from. Though they have their strengths, they don't suit everyone.

But we're confident there is a small EV out there to suit you.

We've done the hard work and handpicked ten of our favourites. 

There's a mix of styles, from the practical VW ID.3 to the funky Honda e to the luxe BMW iX3, and everything in between. All you need to do is pick which one is right for you.

Nissan Leaf

One of Europe's best-selling electric cars for a reason, the Nissan Leaf is the EV for you if you're after a practical and efficient hatchback. 

With a generous 168-mile range, enough space for a growing family, and a boot that'll accommodate the weekly shop, the Leaf makes a fantastic, and affordable option for an electric urban car.

Though you'll struggle to drive Land’s End to John O'Groats without numerous stops, everyday life will be a doddle.

Its small stature is perfect for zooming around town and nipping into tiny parking spots, while its ability to charge to 80% in an hour on a rapid public charger means it'll be ready to go by the time you've finished shopping. 

Nissan's ProPilot system is a good add-on for city driving too; it gives you adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and traffic jam assist, which can control the car at low speeds in slow-moving traffic.

And if the regular Leaf hasn't got quite enough power for you, opt for the Nissan Leaf e+, with a 62kWh battery that gives you a WLTP Comb range (the official testing standard for electric vehicles) of 239 miles and 214bhp.

However, Nissan have halted production, with an all-new model coming in 2026 to replace this design - though we still have Nissan Leaf lease deals for you to have a gander at. But in terms of where the Leaf is going in the future, it's a waiting game to see the new design and specs.

Whatever your needs, for low-cost, zero-emissions driving with no twiddly bits, the Nissan Leaf is the EV for you.

Best for: no-frills driving

Volkswagen ID.3

The first of VW's new ID-badged fully electric cars, the Volkswagen ID.3 represents the future for the German giant.

With the VW Golf dominating the ICE hatchback category, Volkswagen had to get the basics right with the ID.3.

And it succeeded. Spacious interior, good-looking exterior, and competitive pricing, all topped off with a usable range. 

If you're generally a Golf, Toyota Corolla, or Ford Focus fan, switching to the ID.3 will be as easy as pie.

There are three battery sizes on offer; the mid-spec 58kWh fitted to the Life, Business, Family, Tech, and Max trims which gives 260 miles of range; the entry-level City and Style trims with a 54kWh battery and just over 200 miles of range; and the flagship Tour trim with a mammoth 77kWh battery and claimed range of 336 miles. 

With such an extensive offering, there's sure to be a Volkswagen ID.3 that ticks every box, whether you want an economical urban run-around, or you're more worried about range.

It's a comfortable car too, with plenty of space for a growing family and a comfortable cabin that'll house all the bits you bring into the car and then never empty out. 

If you want an EV that's good value for money, the VW ID.3 is the car for you.

Best for: if you're unsure about switching from ICE to EV

Peugeot E-208

This isn't a bespoke EV designed to stick out from the crowd - it's just a 208 with a big battery.

We say just. It is more than that.

 Though there aren't any real visual differences to distinguish the Peugeot E-208 from its ICE sibling, it's an impressive car nevertheless.

Comfortable, quieter than its main rivals, and spacious, it's an excellent choice if you don't want an obviously electric, electric car.

Going electric doesn't impact on the practicality either - every 208, whether fuelled by dinosaurs or the future, has the same boot capacity.

It also boasts an impressive range of up to 217 miles on a full charge and can hustle from 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds.

Though you might want something with a little more range to play with if you're often going miles up the motorway, it's the perfect choice if you're mostly city-based, but enjoy getting away on weekend breaks.

The E-208 was a bold move for the French manufacturer. As it was its first mass-produced EV, it had some catching up to do against established rivals.

But the Peugeot E-208 holds its own and carves out a little French niche in a class crammed full of German and Japanese heavyweights.

Best for: blending in with the crowd

MINI Aceman

Fun, funky, and fresh, the MINI Aceman is once again changing the way people think about small cars.

Bringing every inch of its '60s retro flair with some electric-focused upgrades (including virtual four-legged assistant called Spike), the MINI Aceman is the perfect blend of old and new.

I know what you’re probably thinking, “just shut up and tell me about Spike already”.

Spike is a virtual dog who can help you access the different navigation, communication and entertainment systems. 

How cool is that?

It's also packed with tech and boasts a WLTP Comb range of between 192 and 252 miles, depending on which model you go for.

This is a nice jump up from the 145-mile range that the MINI Electric provided.

Undeniably a MINI, the Aceman sits between the Cooper hatch and the Countryman SUV (in terms of size), and sports the familiar Union Jack-inspired taillights and the squat, rectangular body which makes the cars so easily recognisable.

Definitely a perk if you’re playing “MINI no returns”. Although, we don’t recommend introducing this game to your kids if you’re planning on leasing a MINI.

With 300L of boot space (1005L with seats down), this small car comes doesn’t compromise on space for all of your bits and bobs.

Best for: iconic British design in an electric package

Vauxhall Corsa Electric

If you're a Vauxhall Corsa fan, but you want a car that's kinder on your wallet and on the environment, this is the car for you.

By its very nature, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric isn't as flashy as some of its rivals, but it doesn't aim to be a quirky EV. It focuses on making the switch to electric easier, and it does so very well.

It's affordable, the real-world range is more than usable, and the cabin is comfortable and spacious.

Vauxhall claims that the Corsa Electric has a 209-mile range, which is more than enough if you use your car mainly for the work commute and the school run. It's better than many of its rivals, though it falls a little short of the ID.3. 

But with the ability to recoup 80% of the battery in just under an hour with a 50kWh rapid charger, the Corsa Electric will be ready to go again in the time you've had a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

The entry-level trim suits day-to-day life perfectly; it offers a 267L boot, an adjustable driver's seat, and a touchscreen infotainment system with wired smartphone mirroring for both Apple and Android.

It's an excellent option for your next lease car if you're looking to make the switch.

Best for: everyday city driving

Honda e

Retro meets futuristic - the Honda e is one of the quirkiest small EVs on the market.

An underrated pick, Honda have managed to create an impossibly cute and well-engineered EV with bags of personality. 

Its dimensions are on the really quite small side. Though the lack of wing mirrors does mean you'll slip in and out of parking spaces with ease (and a deliciously smug feeling).

The Honda e has a claimed range of 137 miles, so this isn't the EV for you if you want to stray too far from civilisation. 

But the diminutive size and small battery were both conscious decisions on Honda's part; if you just need a car that'll get you to work, school, and Aldi, you don't need anything much bigger.

And, if you're going to flit around town, wouldn't you want to do it in the most adorable car on the market?

Though the exterior of the Honda e is all retro, the inside is where it really shines. Honda describes it as a 'lounge-style interior', and the squishy front seats and bench seats in the back achieve this.

There are screens in place of the wing mirrors and rearview mirror, but the real piece de resistance are the two side-by-side 12.3-inch screens as the centrepiece - one for the passenger, and one for the driver.

When you're parked, you can turn these screens into an aquarium and feed the digital fish digital food – no need to worry about fish flakes or cleaning the tank!

There's not much more you could ask for.

Best for: quirky fun in a tiny car

Fiat 500 Electric

The Fiat 500 has been a success story since its 1957 launch, and it's remained a popular choice with young drivers and small families ever since.

The all-electric 500 boots the supermini into the 21st Century and futureproofs it for the brave new electric world. 

It boasts a claimed range of up to 199 miles dependent on the battery size, and is perfect for everyday city living - small enough to fit in tight spaces, nippy enough to zip in and out of traffic, but practical enough to fit the weekly shop or a suitcase or two. 

The Fiat 500 has always stood out, and the electric version keeps that signature style. It sports a sleeker, minimalist look with flush door handles, hidden indicators, and no exhaust – the only signs that set it apart from your regular Fiat.

It's still unmistakably a 500, just a little more future-ready.

And if you opt for the drop-top model, you can experience the best of wind-in-your-hair electric driving. 

The electric 500 is slightly bigger than previous ICE versions, and the 10-inch touchscreen features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring so you can stay connected on the go.

The 500 also features three different driving modes: Normal, Range, and Sherpa so you can customise your drive to suit your needs wherever you are, whether you want to utilise regenerative braking or need to eke out every last mile.

Best for: chic city living

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin is making waves in the small electric car market (sorry not sorry).

This compact hatchback is proof that affordability and practicality can go hand in hand, with a cheeky design that’s sure to put a smile on your face every time you hit the road.

The Dolphin comes with a choice of battery sizes, with ranges from 200 to 250 miles, depending on the model. This makes it perfect for everyday commutes and the occasional longer trip.

Its compact size means it’s tailor-made for city living, but there’s still plenty of interior space to comfortably seat four adults.

BYD has also packed the Dolphin with tech, including a rotating touchscreen infotainment system (yes, it actually rotates) and a host of safety features, such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

On top of all this, all you have to do is say “Hi BYD” while driving to do multiple different things hands-free.

Too hot? Turn the AC on by asking your car.

Or more realistically in Britain – too cold? Turn on the heated seats and defrost your window. Simply by speaking.

Perhaps the best bit?

The BYD Dolphin is one of the most competitively priced EVs on the market, making it an excellent choice for first-time electric car buyers or anyone looking to make the switch without breaking the bank.

Best for: budget-friendly electric driving with style

MG4 EV

The MG4 EV is proof that going electric doesn’t have to mean going dull.

With its sporty looks and sharp handling, it’s a small car that punches well above its weight in the fun department.

You’ve got two battery options to choose from: the 51kWh version, which will take you up to 218 miles, or the 64kWh, stretching that to a very respectable 281 miles.

Perfect for zipping around town (or escaping it entirely).

Step inside, and you’ll find a clean, minimalist interior complete with a floating centre console (very sci-fi), a digital driver display, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

It’s roomy enough for passengers and all their baggage (not the emotional kind), whether it’s shopping bags or a weekend’s worth of questionable packing decisions.

The MG4 EV blends style, smarts, and a surprising dose of fun. It’s the small EV that proves you can have your cake and eat it – provided it fits in the boot.

Best for: affordable, fun-to-drive electric car with impressive range and tech

Kia EV3 

The Kia EV3 is here, and it’s like someone asked a kid in the 90s to draw the car of the future.

 Boxy, spaceship vibes? Check.

Slick, compact, and ready to beam you up (metaphorically, at least)? Double check.

Kia’s electric line-up has a new baby, following in the tyre tracks of the EV6 and EV9. Don’t let its size fool you – this little sibling packs plenty of personality.

Inside, it’s all about clever design, with nearly 30 inches of screen to impress your passengers and more recycled materials than a Pinterest craft board.

Sustainable and stylish? Nice one, Kia.

On the practical side, there’s enough space for taller passengers, a decent-sized boot (460 litres, if you’re counting), and even a mini frunk for hiding muddy wellies, or that secret snack stash.

The EV3’s party trick?

Its Vehicle-to-Load feature, which lets you power appliances.

So, whether you’re at a campsite charging your phone or plugging in a coffee machine, the EV3 has your back. Sadly, it can’t make you a flat white… yet.

Compact, futuristic, and packed with clever features – the EV3 is your go-to if you want to drive the car that your inner 10-year-old would have dreamt up.

Best for: standing out in a crowd and living your best futuristic spaceship dream.

So, whether you’re zipping through city streets in a Fiat 500 Electric or living it up in a quirky Honda e, the future is electric. Which of these small EVs has caught your eye?

The top 10 best small electric vehicles

1. Nissan Leaf
2. Volkswagen ID.3
3. Peugeot e-208
4. Vauxhall Corsa-e
5. MINI Electric
6. Honda e
7. Fiat 500 electric
8. BYD Dolphin
9. MG4 EV
10. Kia EV3