The Best Small Electric Cars Overview
Are you in search of an electric car that fits within tight spaces affordably and affordably? Look no further! Check out this selection of the top small electric cars!
The Zoe is an ideal small car, easily fitting through narrow streets while remaining cost-effective to run. Unfortunately, its Euro NCAP crash test score leaves much to be desired.
Renault Zoe
The Zoe is an affordable electric car offering an outstanding driving experience at an excellent value. Compared to a Clio, its driving dynamics are quicker and smoother; plus its range extends further per charge. In addition, its luxurious interior offers comfortable driving while offering advanced safety features.
Since 2013, Zoe has been on sale and has undergone significant upgrades over time, such as updating its interior design, adding an intuitive infotainment system, and increasing range between charges – now extending up to 200 miles on a single charge when driven in warm weather! Furthermore, this model is more cost-effective than many rivals and can be charged back up using a 7kW wall charger within nine hours – giving owners plenty of time and freedom when traveling without their vehicle.
Renault offers two versions of its Zoe electric vehicle – Techno and Iconic – both powered by a 135bhp electric motor. The primary distinction is that only Iconic comes equipped with DC rapid charging capabilities allowing owners to go from empty to full in minutes instead of hours.
Independent tests conducted on the Zoe have revealed it to cover an impressive 208 miles between charges; though winter driving conditions will reduce this significantly. Acceleration from rest to 62mph takes just under 10 seconds, reaching top speed of 87mph. Perfectly suitable for motorway travel with standard cruise control, lane departure warning and an Eco ‘B’ mode that maximizes regenerative braking capabilities.
The front seats are very comfortable for taller adults, offering ample head and leg room. Unfortunately, however, the Zoe’s back row can become constrained for three people in particular; thus making it less suitable as an everyday family vehicle than electric models such as Fiat 500, Honda e, Mini Electric or Peugeot e-208.
Running costs of an electric vehicle (EV) can be relatively low; with the Zoe costing only about 3.5p per mile in fuel and free servicing for three years of ownership. Insurance premiums tend to be cheaper and road tax is no longer mandatory – with its 100% recyclable battery it also benefits both your wallet and environment!
Honda e
Honda initially presented their concept car of the Honda e as an attractive electric vehicle, promising lots of fun when produced as production models. Unfortunately, most production models stray far from these original concepts; but Honda was able to keep most of what made this small electric car such an eye-catcher intact in production models.
This EV stands out from its peers due to its futuristic appearance due to its cameras that replace side mirrors; these replacers make its front more interesting than most compact cars and should appeal to drivers looking for something out-of-the-ordinary.
Internally, the Honda e offers an elegant yet comfortable cabin equipped with multiple screens: an 8.8-inch display for the driver, as well as two 12.3-inch displays on its dashboard to give them ample information while driving. Plus it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility – perfect for anyone wanting to use their phone while behind the wheel!
Although its small in size, the Honda e is capable of seating five people comfortably – making it a fantastic choice for families that require versatile transportation solutions. Its 134 hp electric motor can get this hatchback up to 62 mph in 9.0 seconds before needing recharge; with standard AC connections it can reach 80% charge within about four and one half hours.
If you want to take it one step further, Honda offers battery upgrades which will extend the car’s range up to 238 miles for approximately $4,000 more – an investment worth considering if you spend time traveling regularly.
Though not one of the fastest or most powerful EVs available, the Honda e delivers an excellent driving experience and makes life in urban settings easy. It has tight turning radius and quiet ride that feels more natural than any other compact EV on the market; furthermore it comes equipped with features to make life easy including smart parking assistance and smart emergency braking assistance.
Peugeot e-208
The Peugeot e-208 electric vehicle is the newest member of their highly successful small car family, boasting an impressive battery range of up to 225 miles and offering cutting edge technologies. Additionally, its compact steering wheel delivers direct sensations and outstanding handling – perfect for drivers of any skill level!
The Peugeot e-208 is one of the most cost-effective electric cars to own and run, costing only six pounds to charge at home each time compared to petrol’s much higher costs. Furthermore, servicing costs and road tax costs are reduced significantly, saving even more over time.
Its 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack gives the Peugeot e-208 217 miles of range on the WLTP cycle – more than any similar Vauxhall Corsa EV and making it an appealing alternative to similar priced diesel models.
Peugeot’s 134bhp electric motor drives its front wheels via a single-speed transmission, making for one of the fastest small EV cars – capable of sprinting to 60mph in 8.1 seconds, placing it slightly behind Mini Electric and Renault Zoe models.
You can drive the Peugeot e-208 in three modes to adjust how it’s driven and increase range: “Sport” increases power for an exciting driving experience; while “Normal” provides more practical driving with 135bhp of horsepower. Plus there’s Eco mode which limits acceleration while using battery power more conservatively for maximum range!
Inside, it largely mirrors its counterpart 208 but features some electric-specific aspects. There’s a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as the Peugeot i-Cockpit digital driver’s display – something different than usual but that works just fine.
The only real drawback of the E-208 is its small boot space, which may prove challenging to access and limit how much luggage can fit inside it. Luckily, you can add a reversing camera as an aid against this issue on all models of this car.
Ora Funky Cat
If you’re considering buying an EV from a new manufacturer, the Ora Funky Cat may be your most cost-effective choice. Not without its own merits – such as offering decent interior space and being enjoyable to drive; as well as an impressive array of standard equipment. Unfortunately its small trunk and poor motorway driving make it less desirable; there are better alternatives for around the same or even lower prices.
Funky Cat offers a 48kWh battery that’s been estimated by the WLTP to allow up to 193 miles between charges – surpassing Renault Zoe, MG4 and Volkswagen ID 3 but falling short of BMW i3 or Peugeot e-208 ranges. Rapid 64kW charging also lets drivers top up their batteries from 15-80% in just under 42 minutes while out and about.
The Ora’s infotainment system is operated via touchscreen control with buttons on both the steering wheel and centre console, though some functions like setting temperature can be difficult to find while driving. Although equipped with built-in sat nav and DAB radio as well as Bluetooth capabilities – Android Auto/Apple CarPlay will become available later this year via an over-the-air update for existing owners of this vehicle.
Ora’s Funky Cat excels when used for urban driving, where its suspension absorbs bumps and the steering is light for maneuvering around tight spots. While slower to accelerate from standstill than its rivals, its gear change times remain competitive while wind noise must be overcome with high radio volumes for ultimate relaxation on motorways.
The Funky Cat is also expected to lose value quickly, meaning finance deals won’t be as advantageous compared to rival models. Furthermore, its low driving position and small boot require you to spend considerable time loading and unloading while on family outings.