The Best Small Electric Cars
Are You Thinking About Switching To Electric Cars? Now Is The Time! Thanks to models capable of covering hundreds of miles between charges, range anxiety is quickly diminishing.
EVs are particularly efficient around town, where their silent acceleration makes for stress-free progress and smooth commutes. With the best small electric cars at their fingertips, your commute could become stress-free – helping you ditch gas station purchases altogether!
MINI Electric
The Mini Electric’s biggest draw is its familiar appearance; this small EV offers all of the fun of its classic counterpart while remaining economical to operate and park. Furthermore, despite its compact dimensions it provides surprising seating space for four adults plus plenty of cargo room in its capacious trunk area for groceries or gear.
Its impressive 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds is also impressive, unlike some electric vehicles that feel slow off the line; instead, this Mini accelerates quickly with plenty of torque.
A 5.5-inch display that displays driving and charging information replaces traditional gauges in the instrument cluster; the rest of its switchgear remains identical to other Mini models; its steering wheel features audio controls on one side and cruise control settings on the other; optional features available include adaptive cruise control and active driving assistant that warn drivers about obstacles ahead of their car.
While the standard trim is comfortable and well-appointed, if you regularly cover long distances then opting for the range-extending SE model would be wiser. It comes equipped with a 7.2kW charger, second battery pack and other tech that extends its range up to 300 kilometers (186 miles). Furthermore, an upgrade option of 54kWh increases this number further bringing it up to 400 kilometers (249 miles).
Ora Funky Cat
Ora’s first entry into the world of small electric cars is an appealing one that’s competitively priced for what it offers. Ideal for urban drivers, its light steering, soft suspension and quiet motor make parking spaces accessible without hassle; and this entry-level EV features advanced tech such as lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition for added peace of mind.
Drivers will be drawn to the Funky Cat due to its brightly-colored exterior design and luxurious interior, both of which make an impressionful first impression. Plus, its lively personality is perfectly matched by an impressive safety specification; Euro NCAP tests scored full marks.
The Ora is powered by a 170bhp electric motor which drives its front wheels. According to manufacturer estimates, its estimated 0-62mph time of 8.3sec makes it sufficient for this class; however, smaller, longer range electrics currently on sale offer faster acceleration times.
Our winter range test found the Funky Cat to cover 130 miles, close to what a Mini Electric can reach and falling short of Cupra Born, MG 4 Long Range and Volkswagen ID 3 which all boast more than 200-mile capacities.
Ora has no plans of bringing her Funky Cat car stateside, though you can expect it to become increasingly available across Europe in time. Right now there is only one model – First Edition. Though relatively economical, additional fees must be paid for heated seats and panoramic roof. A range extender is also an available feature, which plugs in and enables drivers to extend their journey further when their electricity runs low.
Renault Zoe
If you’re in search of an electric car with a wide range at an attractive price point, the Renault Zoe may be an excellent choice. With instant torque response perfect for zipping through town and motorway speeds without noise or vibration issues.
On a full charge that takes three hours on a public 22kW charger, it can reach 239 miles, nearly double that of its closest rival – the Peugeot e-208 which only manages 131.
The new Zoe features a spacious cabin that’s easily managed, featuring an accommodating boot space and plenty of headroom in its front seats. The 9.3in touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring available, and Techno and Iconic models include an automatic parking brake as standard features.
Comfort is key when driving this vehicle, with light and precise steering that enables quick city maneuvering. Batteries are located under the floor for added nimbleness around corners. Low rolling resistance tyres add extra grip for optimal cornering performance; just make sure not to push too hard as this car leans quite a lot and has some body roll.
The Renault Zoe is also quite cost-effective to run, with low maintenance costs and no road tax or congestion charges to worry about. Plus you’ll get free servicing and a three-year warranty to protect yourself against unexpected repairs or failure. Plus it comes with zero financing from PCP at time of writing while leasing brokers offer it for under PS200 per month – an incredibly reasonable price point for such an impressive small EV car!
Honda e
Honda is an emerging player in the EV arena, with their e hatchback serving as an alternative to Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf models. Offering an estimated range of 200-220 km (125-137 miles), this may not be suitable for long distance travel; however, it could make an ideal vehicle in urban areas.
Inside the Honda e is an array of screens, giving it a modern and technologically advanced aesthetic compared to older EV interiors. The central screen acts both as an infotainment system and digital instrument cluster; side screens replace traditional mirrors by displaying images captured from cameras within the car; plus there’s even an audible voice control system you can activate by saying ‘Ok Honda” which will assist in finding parking spots or provide navigation advice.
Driving the Honda e is enjoyable and thrilling. Though not one of the fastest EVs at reaching 62mph (it takes 9 seconds), its responsive handling is nonetheless agile, offering go-kart like handling when in Sport mode. Thanks to its compact footprint and narrow cabin size, city driving with tight turning radius are perfect experiences; plus Honda has included driver assistance technologies like Collision Mitigation Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control as part of its package of driver assistance technologies.
Peugeot e-208
The Peugeot e-208 is an attractive electric car at a very competitive price, boasting a powerful 134bhp motor capable of getting it from rest to 62mph in just 8.1 seconds. While not particularly engaging to drive due to a slight lean through corners and lack of gear stick distraction, this hatchback will comfortably plod through town or motorway journeys with no problems whatsoever.
Like its Vauxhall Corsa-e counterpart, Peugeot’s 50kWh lithium ion battery is top of its class and can cover 217 miles on one charge. Furthermore, unlike many rivals it also comes standard with DC CCS fast charging capability; you can essentially top up from zero to 80 percent within 30 minutes using the appropriate home charger (sold separately).
Peugeot’s regenerative braking function is an undeniable plus point. Allowing for smooth deceleration when lifting off the accelerator and sending electricity back to its batteries, its ability to recover energy through its special “BRAKE” mode – including sharper deceleration and increased regeneration – makes this feature truly useful.
Inside, the Peugeot e-208 resembles any regular Peugeot, featuring a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher-spec GT models also come equipped with a larger 10.0-inch display as well as built-in satellite navigation capabilities.
Entry-level Active Premium cars feature LED headlamps, rear parking sensors and air conditioning as standard equipment. Upgrading to Allure Premium unlocks 3D i-Cockpit digital instruments as well as an array of safety systems such as automatic climate control and reversing camera. If you opt for the e-208 GT you’ll enjoy additional extras such as full adaptive beam LED headlamps with autonomous emergency braking; panoramic sunroof; heated front seats.