The automotive world is rapidly shifting gears, and when it comes to the best electric cars, smaller can often be better. As we accelerate towards 2025, the small EV, or small electric vehicle, segment is revving up with a host of exciting new models. Here at cardiagnosticnearme.com, as automotive repair experts, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve, and Small Evs are shaping up to be a significant part of the electric future. We’re enthusiastic about these city-friendly hatchbacks, not just for their accessible pricing that democratizes EV technology, but also because electric cars truly shine in urban environments. The regenerative braking systems in EVs are more effective in stop-and-go city traffic, and the instant torque electric motors deliver is perfect for zipping around town.
Choosing a small EV means embracing all the advantages of electric driving while minimizing some common concerns. You still get that signature EV instant acceleration and serene cabin, but because small EVs are inherently designed for urban landscapes – where charging infrastructure is more prevalent – range anxiety becomes less of an issue. Furthermore, these compact electric vehicles often boast superior efficiency, meaning you can travel further on a single charge, especially at lower city speeds and in typical stop-start traffic conditions.
Discover the Leading Small Electric Cars of 2025:
We recognize that small electric vehicles aren’t a universal solution. Larger families, for instance, might find our guide to the best electric SUVs more pertinent, as the models featured here generally offer more compact passenger and cargo space. However, if you’re a couple navigating life within an ultra-low emission zone or seeking to simplify your daily commute, this curated list of small EVs might just hold the key to transforming your driving experience.
Continue scrolling to explore our handpicked selection of the best small electric cars available for purchase in 2025. And for those seeking a more spirited electric drive, don’t miss our companion guide to the best electric hot hatches.
Best Small Electric Cars to Buy in 2025
Renault 5 E-Tech
Best small electric car all-rounder – simply outstanding!
Renault 5 E-Tech, a top small electric car for 2025
Pros: Iconic styling, exceptional interior design, appealingly affordable price point
Cons: Real-world driving range could be better, rear passenger space is somewhat limited
The Renault 5 E-Tech is arguably the most anticipated small electric car set to debut in 2025. Renault has masterfully reimagined a classic, creating an EV that we predict will be incredibly popular. Its design is undeniably captivating, turning heads in a way that even supercars costing ten times as much struggle to achieve.
This small electric car embodies everything desirable in a city vehicle. Its dimensions are perfectly suited for urban driving, it’s agile and genuinely enjoyable to drive, and it features a superb interior complete with a cutting-edge infotainment system boasting integrated Google Maps and Google Assistant. Buyers can choose between a 40kWh or 52kWh battery, providing WLTP-rated ranges of 194 and 255 miles respectively. What truly sets the new Renault 5 apart is its price. Starting at a mere £22,995, it stands out as one of the most affordable new EVs on the market, offering exceptional value for money, especially when considering financing options.
For an in-depth analysis, read our comprehensive Renault 5 E-Tech review
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Fiat Grande Panda
Best small electric car for bold design, practicality, and affordability combined
Fiat Grande Panda, a practical and stylish small EV for city driving
Pros: Stylish yet practical design, packed with distinctive details, comfortable for city driving, more affordable than competitors
Cons: Rear seating not as spacious as anticipated, some concerns regarding real-world driving range
Following closely on the heels of the Renault 5 is the 2025 Fiat Grande Panda. As the first of a new generation of Panda models, it also draws inspiration from its design heritage. However, rather than simply creating an electric version of a previous model, the design team was given free rein to innovate. While there are clear nods to the original 1980s Panda – including practical interior features like the dashboard shelf – this small EV represents a bold and modern Italian take on automotive design.
Notice the unique shapes throughout the cabin, the vibrant yellow Perspex accents, the sustainably sourced blue plastics, and the intricate exterior details. It even cleverly conceals a captive charging cable behind the front grille. Built on the same cost-effective platform as the Citroen e-C3, the Grande Panda prioritizes comfort over razor-sharp handling. While we have some reservations about its claimed efficiency – we didn’t achieve the stated 199 miles WLTP range during initial testing – with a starting price of just £20,975, it’s an undeniable bargain that feels perfectly positioned in the current market.
For a more detailed examination, see our Fiat Grande Panda review
Citroen e-C3
Best small electric car for ride comfort
Citroen e-C3, a comfortable and value-packed small electric vehicle
Pros: Excellent value proposition, spacious rear seats for its class, exceptionally comfortable ride
Cons: Handling can feel a bit soft and wallowy, boot shape is somewhat awkward
Few small electric cars manage to strike a balance across so many key areas as the new Citroen e-C3. This compact EV provides ample capability for longer journeys, boasting a claimed 199-mile range and rapid 100kW DC charging capability. Rear passenger space is also remarkably generous, rivaling cars in larger vehicle classes.
Starting at just £21,990, the e-C3 significantly undercuts many of its electric supermini competitors, yet still offers a stylish and modern interior with a generous array of standard equipment and technology. The e-C3’s plush and comfortable ride quality is ideally suited to the often-patchy road surfaces found in many areas, though it’s worth noting that this focus on comfort results in less dynamic handling when driven more assertively.
For a deeper dive, read our full Citroen e-C3 review
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Fiat 500 Electric
Best small electric car for iconic style and image
Fiat 500 Electric, a stylish and iconic small EV for urban environments
Pros: Exceptionally stylish retro design, enjoyable driving experience, well-constructed and refined
Cons: Cabin space is cramped, shorter driving range in the base model
The Fiat 500 Electric carries forward the beloved retro-chic aesthetic of its internal combustion engine (ICE) predecessor, but beneath the surface, it’s a completely different vehicle. The traditional petrol engines have been replaced by a battery pack and an electric motor powering the front wheels. The standard model features a 24kWh battery and 94bhp motor, offering a claimed range of 118 miles, while the more powerful variant upgrades to a 42kWh battery and 116bhp motor, extending the claimed range to 199 miles.
The 500e is undeniably attractive, fun to drive, and perfectly adapted to navigating congested city streets thanks to its compact dimensions and tight turning circle. It packs a significant amount of technology into a small package. However, with starting prices of £24,995 for the smaller battery version and £27,995 for the larger battery, it positions itself as a relatively premium offering in the small EV segment.
For an extensive review, check out our Fiat 500 Electric review
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Peugeot e-208
Best small electric car blending style and practicality
Peugeot e-208, a stylish and practical small electric car
Pros: Appealing design inside and out, convenient five-door access, respectable electric driving range
Cons: Driving experience can be somewhat uninspiring, higher trim levels can be expensive
Peugeot has recently updated the e-208, giving this electric supermini a refreshed, more contemporary appearance, enhanced technology, and a new, longer-range variant. It now features a more potent 154bhp motor and a 51kWh battery pack, which Peugeot states delivers up to 258 miles of range on a single charge. This joins the existing 50kWh and 134bhp version, which offers a claimed 225 miles of range. Peugeot has also recently reduced the e-208’s price by approximately £3,000, with prices now starting at £29,950 for the 50kWh model and just £1,000 more for the upgraded 51kWh version.
For city dwellers, the e-208’s appealing combination of style and practicality is particularly relevant. This well-built and visually striking car discreetly embraces its electric nature – the only obvious distinction from a petrol-powered 208 is the green accent on the EV number plate – while offering the everyday convenience of five doors. This makes accessing the rear seats significantly easier compared to the three-door-only Fiat 500 Electric, and the Peugeot also offers a superior driving range.
For a detailed review, read our Peugeot e-208 review
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Hyundai Inster
Best small electric car for maximum interior space in a compact form
Hyundai Inster, a surprisingly spacious small electric car
Pros: Exceptionally spacious interior for its size, distinctive and modern design, respectable driving range
Cons: Limited to four seats, ride quality can be firm and unsettled
If maximizing interior space within the smallest possible footprint is your priority, the Hyundai Inster is highly recommended. It’s a masterclass in efficient packaging, featuring clever individual rear seats that can slide forward and backward, and a boot capacity of up to 351 liters. Both front and rear floors are flat, further enhancing the feeling of spaciousness within the cabin. It’s truly remarkable how much interior volume Hyundai has managed to create within such a compact car.
While it’s configured for four occupants only, accommodating five adults in any vehicle of this size is always a squeeze. The Inster’s styling may not appeal to everyone, but we find it to be attractive and genuinely unique compared to other small EVs on the market. Prices begin at an appealing £23,495, and buyers can choose between a 42kWh or 49kWh battery, delivering claimed ranges of 203 and 229 miles, respectively.
For a comprehensive analysis, see our Hyundai Inster review
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MINI Cooper Electric
Best small electric car for driving enjoyment
MINI Cooper Electric, a fun-to-drive small electric car with improved range
Pros: Exceptionally fun and engaging to drive, competitive price point, significantly improved driving range
Cons: Practicality remains limited, doesn’t quite have the premium feel of previous MINI generations
The original MINI Electric was a resounding success upon its launch in 2020, particularly popular among style-conscious city drivers. However, its range and price were often cited as drawbacks. MINI has addressed these concerns with the new Cooper Electric, which is not only more affordable (starting from £30,000) but also offers a substantially improved driving range – up to 249 miles in the top-spec Cooper SE trim.
Like its predecessor, this MINI remains incredibly fun to drive, and arguably sets the benchmark for small electric hot hatches. It delivers agile handling, brisk performance, and the light, responsive feel that MINI hatchbacks are famous for.
For an in-depth perspective, read our MINI Cooper Electric review
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Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Best small electric car for a conventional and familiar experience
Vauxhall Corsa Electric, a practical and conventional small EV
Pros: Offers a more traditional dashboard layout compared to the e-208, Long Range model available, widely popular and accessible
Cons: Styling can be considered bland, historically prone to rapid depreciation
The Peugeot e-208, with its distinctive French design and modern interior, is certainly appealing. However, not everyone is a fan of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit driving position, which features a small steering wheel and high-mounted instrument cluster. If you appreciate the underlying technology of the Peugeot but prefer a more conventional driving environment, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric is a compelling alternative. It essentially shares the same core technology as the e-208, but in a more understated (or, some might say, less exciting) package.
The Corsa Electric has historically suffered from a high initial price and significant depreciation. However, in an effort to boost sales, Vauxhall introduced a new ‘Yes Edition’ which dramatically reduces the starting price by over £6,000, bringing it down to £26,895. While the ‘Yes Edition’ name might be questionable, the value proposition is now excellent. Similar to the e-208, it’s available with a 134bhp/50kWh configuration or a more powerful 154bhp/51kWh setup, with the latter offering a range of up to 248 miles. However, top-spec Corsa Electric models can reach prices close to £35,000, which is a significant sum for a Corsa.
For a detailed assessment, read our Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
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Jeep Avenger
Best small electric car if you desire SUV styling in a compact size
Jeep Avenger, a compact SUV-styled small electric car
Pros: Appealing and distinctive styling, easy to maneuver and drive, well-suited for city driving
Cons: Rear seat space is limited, interior materials feel somewhat budget-oriented
You might be thinking, “That’s not a small car, that’s a Jeep!” But you’d be mistaken. Jeep’s new electric crossover is surprisingly compact. At just 4.1m long, it’s barely larger than the Corsa, yet it retains the iconic Jeep look with its robust stance and signature seven-slot grille. Its condensed dimensions and excellent visibility make it remarkably practical for urban environments. The elevated driving position appeals to SUV enthusiasts, but in a city-friendly, smaller package.
Being part of the Stellantis family, the Avenger utilizes the same 154bhp electric motor and 51kWh battery found in the Corsa Electric and e-208. This results in adequate performance and a claimed driving range of up to 248 miles. While the Avenger is a compelling small EV, it’s not without compromises. Rear passenger space is comparable to many superminis, and the interior material quality feels somewhat basic in places. Jeep has recently reduced prices by £5,000, bringing the Avenger’s starting price down to £29,999.
For a comprehensive evaluation, see our Jeep Avenger review
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Small Electric Car Buyer’s Guide and FAQs
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Small Electric Cars
Small electric cars offer several key benefits. They are incredibly easy to park and maneuver on congested city streets, they are among the most affordable electric cars currently available, and they provide unrestricted access to areas with emission restrictions. An additional advantage is their significantly quieter operation compared to small petrol cars, making your daily commute more peaceful and relaxing.
However, there are some trade-offs to consider with small electric cars. Due to their size, most are equipped with smaller battery packs, which translates to more limited maximum driving ranges. This is less of a concern for typical city driving, where daily commutes often average around 30 miles, but it can significantly restrict your travel options if you regularly need to undertake longer journeys.
Price is another factor. While small EVs are at the lower end of the electric car price spectrum, they still generally carry a higher price tag than their petrol-powered equivalents. For example, consider the Peugeot 208. The most affordable petrol automatic version is approximately £4,000 less expensive than the entry-level electric model, although this price gap is gradually narrowing.
Charging logistics can also present challenges. If you are reliant on public charging stations for your small electric car, the cost of electricity could potentially exceed what you would spend on petrol for a comparable petrol car, depending on local energy prices and charging tariffs.
The most cost-effective way to operate an EV and reduce running costs significantly is to have access to off-street parking where you can install your own home charging point. However, this is a financial and logistical hurdle for many motorists living in densely populated urban areas like major cities.
How Reliable Are Small Electric Cars?
While electric vehicle technology is still evolving, EVs generally have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine cars, which inherently suggests a higher degree of reliability. Electric vehicles are generally considered to be reliable. However, like any electronic device, components can fail, and battery packs do experience gradual degradation over time, resulting in a reduced driving range as the battery ages. Current data and owner experiences suggest that significant battery degradation is unlikely to be a major concern for many years, especially if you are purchasing a new or nearly new small EV. Therefore, reliability should not be a primary concern for most buyers in the short to medium term.
What Is the Smallest Electric Car on the Market?
The vehicles featured in our list are comparable in size to conventional superminis or city cars – compact and city-friendly, but not truly tiny. For genuinely tiny electric vehicles, you need to explore the quadricycle category. Historically, this category included EVs like the G-Wiz and Renault Twizy. Currently, the Citroen Ami represents a prominent example in the quadricycle market.
Are Small Electric Cars Suitable for City Driving and Short Trips?
Absolutely. This is precisely what small electric cars are designed for and excel at. The instant torque delivery of electric motors makes them ideal for navigating city traffic, and the stop-start driving conditions in urban environments enhance the effectiveness of regenerative braking systems, helping to maintain battery charge. Small EVs typically have smaller battery packs, which naturally results in shorter driving ranges, making them inherently better suited for shorter, urban-centric journeys.
This doesn’t mean they are incapable of longer trips; most small EVs offer adequate performance for highway driving. However, you will need to plan for more frequent charging stops compared to larger EVs with extended driving ranges when undertaking longer journeys.
Our Testing Methodology
As with every review published on CAR and shared on cardiagnosticnearme.com, each of the models featured has undergone thorough evaluation and extensive driving by our highly experienced team of motoring journalists and specialist automotive writers. To learn more about our rigorous testing procedures, please refer to how we test.
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