It’s no secret that dinky supermini hatchbacks are great for city driving, but the near-silence of electric powertrains and the nimble accelerator-response of EV variants make them an even better fit than their combustion-engined equivalents.
Not to mention, the fact that electric vehicles produce zero pollutants at the moment of usage is a major selling point for them in urban settings.
Buying the smallest available electric vehicle has other advantages: the battery is cheaper and the vehicle is easier to park; and the only moderately powerful electric motors in this class can deliver surprise punchy performance, at least at the outset.
Electric superminis easily outperform their internal combustion counterparts in the 0-20 mph sprint, and thanks to their low centres of gravity, these EVs typically handle pretty pleasantly as well; some, like the Mini Electric, even manage to capture some fun go-kart personality.
2023’s Top Compact Electric Vehicles
1: MG 4
The new MG electric hatchback, the 4, is arguably the most game-changing car in any segment. It’s not as compact as some of the other vehicles on this list—closer it’s in size to a Golf than a Polo—but it’s reasonably priced and boasts features that put it towards the top of its class.
Let there be no doubt: among its contemporaries, this is one of the most spectacular and appealing automobiles available for purchase. The vehicle’s claimed range is one of its most appealing features; the 281-mile mark is reached with the 64kWh Long Range battery pack.
The MG’s 168 hp provides more than enough power, but the unexpected highlight is its nimble handling. The 4’s rear-drive chassis is quite pleasurable to flow in as it traverses varied roads since it steers with impressive accuracy and has an easy-going handling balance. The vehicle, in all honesty, is a real eye-opener.
At less than £30,000, we think you can forgive the MG some minor disadvantages, including a somewhat monochromatic interior and some plastics and fit-and-finish that betray the car’s standing as a value proposition.
2: Peugeot e-208
To be honest, the Peugeot 208 doesn’t do much to set itself apart from the competition as a traditional combustion-engined supermini. A combination of an useable range, good performance, value, practicality, style, perceived quality, and driver appeal make the all-electric version of this automobile one of the most enticing small cars on the market.
So, if you’re in the market for your first electric car this year, you should give it serious consideration. The car’s beautiful exterior is immediately noticeable, but it really stands out because of the materially rich and unusual interior.
The Renault Zoe and the Mini Electric are both comparable in terms of practicality. Both in terms of refinement and performance, these two main competitors are thoroughly beaten. You receive a respectable helping of that electric-motor-enhanced zip.
At higher speeds, the car’s body doesn’t feel as hefty as some of its main competitors, and it rides with a suppleness that’s lacking in other smaller electric vehicles. The steering is notably direct, although body control suffers slightly under vigorous driving.
The e-208 is impressive in many ways, but its well-rounded driving experience is particularly noteworthy. And its 225-mile range is nothing to scoff at, either.
3: Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 Hybrid keeps the classic car’s name alive in the Fiat lineup, which can be a little confusing (despite only being a mild hybrid). You should get the new 500 E, which is an electric vehicle. The new electric 500 has a familiar shape, but when compared to older models, its novelty becomes clear.
Fiat has done a fantastic job updating the classic 500’s nostalgic charm while making it a thoroughly modern vehicle. Considering it was designed from the ground up to be an EV, its 42 kWh battery is very large for a vehicle of its size, and its WLTP lab test range of 199 miles is impressive, even though the actual driving range is closer to 140 miles.
A cheaper “Fiat 500 Action” variant with a 24kWh pack is available, but the savings aren’t enough to make up for the significantly reduced range.
With its 117 hp electric powertrain, the Fiat 500e is surprisingly peppy and entertaining to drive for a city car, and it outperforms the performance of any other 500 on the road. While it isn’t quite at home on the motorway, it manages very well considering how light the steering is and how little body roll there is.
The 500’s cabin is likewise vastly improved over its predecessor. Although it is still predominantly plastic, it has a sleek design, supportive seating, and intuitive technology. Roll-back canvas roofed convertibles are available.
But, it is still not ideal for tall drivers, and it should go without saying that adults should not be routinely transported in the backseat.
Although smaller battery models start at slightly over £20,000, we recommend spending the extra money if at all possible. It’s a lot of money for such a young child, but it’s a steal for such a stylish, entertaining, and functional electric vehicle.
4: Vauxhall Corsa-e
The Vauxhall e-208, the French car’s British brother, isn’t quite as stylish or as far-ranging as its French relative, the Peugeot e-208 (but at 222 miles, it’s not very far behind).
So don’t let that dissuade you from giving this Vauxhall a try. It’s not quite as flashy as the Peugeot, but it’s still quite attractive. Standard 100kW DC rapid charging compatibility and a genuine 180-mile everyday battery range should help sell the car, as would the car’s keen and competent handling and comfortable rid
e. Vauxhall also offers special home energy tariffs and free installation of home chargers as sales incentives. This is one of the best-selling EVs in the UK because Vauxhall has a sizable dealer network in the country, and because the company is willing to give away some pretty good discounts to attract buyers who hadn’t considered electric vehicles before. Certainly, it makes a strong enough impact.