Small electric cars excel in urban settings, gliding through traffic with zero emissions and minimal noise. 

Most people think of EVs as large cars, but compact models offer a more practical solution for city driving — they're easy to park, agile, and efficient. 

Small electric cars also require fewer recharges, and their eco-friendly design helps reduce city pollution. Despite their size, many also deliver a comfortable, quiet experience on highways. What more could you ask for?

Below, you'll find the best small electric cars in the UK to help you find the perfect EV. 

1. Volvo EX30 - Available new for £32,850

The Volvo EX30 may look like a typical SUV, but its compact design qualifies it as a small electric car, making it ideal for city driving. 

Its elevated driving position provides excellent road visibility, while its manageable size allows for easy manoeuvring on tight streets. With an impressive battery range of up to 295 miles, the EX30 strikes a balance between efficiency and performance, offering great value for money. Like many smaller EVs, it does come with a compact boot and rear seats. 

The Volvo EX30 is available new from £32,850, or used from £27,000.

2. Peugeot e-208 - Available new for £28,290

Looking for a stylish, compact car that’s perfect for city streets? The Peugeot e-208 combines chic design with an upscale interior, making it both eye-catching and environmentally friendly. 

Available new from £28,290 or from £12,000 used, the e-208 delivers excellent value with a respectable range and a surprisingly spacious boot for a car its size. 

Charging is convenient, too, taking just an hour for a quick top-up (adding up to 30 miles) or around 7 hours and 33 minutes for a full charge, which provides up to 225 miles of range.

3. Smart #1 - Available for £32,000

Smart cars are renowned for their compact size, but the Smart #1 surprisingly combines a cosy footprint with a spacious interior. 

The cabin offers ample room for rear passengers, making it easy to install a child seat or accommodate friends comfortably. While the boot may be small, the Smart #1 provides a smooth and enjoyable ride, effortlessly absorbing bumps along the way. 

With a battery range of up to 254 miles, the Smart #1 is priced from £31,950 when purchased outright or from £334 monthly, with used models starting around £33,000.

4. Kia Niro EV - Available new from £35,000

The Kia Niro EV might appear to stretch the definition of a small EV, but it shares dimensions with many other top compact electric cars. 

This stylish small SUV is crafted for a comfortable driving experience, making it ideal for city commuting. With a battery range of up to 285 miles, it provides excellent practicality for those looking to venture beyond just local errands.

The Kia Niro EV is available from £35,000 or used from £21,000. 

5. BYD Dolphin - Available from £24,600

For a truly unique small electric car, the BYD Dolphin is worth considering. 

Its design is quite simple, and the interior quality is mixed, but it’s well-priced at £24,600 and comes with decent features for the money. 

The Dolphin also offers a battery range of up to 265 miles. While alternatives may provide longer ranges, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for an affordable EV for city cruising.

6. Fiat 500e - Available new from £22,000

The Fiat 500e is a UK favourite for good reason. Its charming retro design, electric powertrain, and lively performance make it a standout choice in the EV market. 

With compact dimensions, it effortlessly navigates city streets, while its vibrant interior and exterior styling can brighten even the dreariest days. Although it may not be the most spacious or comfortable option, it shines as a zero-emission city car, boasting a battery range of up to 194 miles.

The Fiat 500e is available from £22,000 new or £12,000 used, making it an accessible choice for urban drivers.

7. Jeep Avenger Electric - Available new from £24,700

Looking for the rugged SUV aesthetic without the bulk of a large 4x4? The Jeep Avenger Electric should be on your list. 

This compact electric car combines an outdoorsy look with a design perfect for city driving. With a battery range of up to 249 miles, it’s practical for daily commutes, though it can be a bit noisy at higher speeds, making longer trips somewhat tiring. 

The Avenger Electric is available new for £24,700 or used for £21,000, offering a versatile choice for both urban and adventurous drivers.

8. Vauxhall Corsa Electric - Available new from £28,900

Another UK favourite, the Vauxhall Corsa is a well-known model. But the Electric variant is also worth your time.

Its interior puts functionality over style, and it delivers excellent comfort over bumps and feels surprisingly quiet on the motorway. With a battery range of up to 252 miles, it's a match for daily use.

However, it’s wise to stick to lower trims—high-spec models approach £40,000, which isn’t the best value for money. Otherwise, it’s available new from £28,900 or from £15,000 used, making it an accessible option for many drivers.

9. Nissan Leaf - Available new from £22,500

Recognise the name? The Nissan Leaf was one of the first well-known electric cars. However, don’t let that drive you to search for newer models! 

The Leaf delivers exceptional value with an impressive battery range of up to 239 miles, a spacious boot, and advanced technology at a good price. Although passenger space is limited and the infotainment system feels outdated, it offers a robust array of safety features for peace of mind on the road.

The Leaf is available new for £22,500 or used from £9,200, making it a budget-friendly option for many, including first time drivers.

10. MG4 EV - Available new from £26,900

The MG4 EV is an excellent budget-friendly electric car that doesn’t skimp on quality features. Priced from £26,900, the entry-level SE model boasts a range of 218 miles, a spacious 289L boot, and seating for five. 

Its ride is comfortable, effectively handling bumps, while user-friendly controls enhance the driving experience. Rear seat space is generous, making it suitable for passengers. 

The SE model also includes adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors, solidifying the MG4 EV as a top recommendation in the small electric car category.

11. Cupra Born - Available new from £34,500

The entry-level Cupra Born is equipped with a 58kWh battery, providing an impressive long range of up to 264 miles and a swift 0-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds. 

The ride is comfortable and stable, featuring precise handling that makes it enjoyable to drive. With a compact turning circle of just 10.2 metres, the Born is a breeze to navigate through city streets—perfect for urban living.

For those seeking more power, a larger 79kWh battery is available, enhancing the range and reducing the sprint time to 5.6 seconds, although the standard version will satisfy most drivers. Priced from £34,500, it delivers an exhilarating driving experience and is worth the slightly higher fee.

12. MINI Cooper SE - Available new from £30,000

The MINI Cooper offers several appealing qualities that make it a strong contender in the small electric car market. Its compact size, popularity, and iconic MINI aesthetic stand out. 

With an RRP range of £30,000 to £42,500, the interior is stylish but the infotainment system can be challenging to navigate due to small icons. While front passengers enjoy ample space, rear legroom is limited—always something to consider!

The E model delivers a modest 190-mile range with its 36.6kWh battery, while the SE version features a larger 49.2kWh battery, providing up to 250 miles. 

13. Volkswagen ID 3 - Available from £35,700

The Volkswagen ID.3 has undergone a mid-life refresh, solidifying its position in the small electric car market and as a reliable VW model.

The interior features enhanced materials with soft-touch surfaces, though some parts, like the centre console, still utilise cheaper plastics compared to rivals.

The Pro model, equipped with a 58kWh battery, offers excellent value, delivering an official range of up to 265 miles between charges. It is available new from £35,700.

14. Renault Megane - Available from £33,900

The Renault Megane has evolved from a traditional family hatchback into a competitive electric SUV. 

Inside, it features a comfortable driving position with extensive seat and steering wheel adjustments, along with generous storage options. The boot can hold up to seven carry-on suitcases, although rear passenger space is not as roomy as some rivals. 

For an improved ride quality, the entry-level Equilibre trim, equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, is worth considering. This small electric SUV is available from £33,900.

15. Peugeot e-308 - Available from £37,850

Recognise the name? That’s because the Peugeot e-208 secured the second spot on our list. Don’t overlook the Peugeot e-308, either! 

This small electric car distinguishes itself with a striking design, featuring bold LED lights and an innovative i-Cockpit layout that places a small steering wheel in front of digital displays. 

Equipped with a 51kWh battery and a 154 bhp electric motor, it delivers an official range of up to 257 miles between charges. While it may not be the fastest option, it offers precise steering and a comfortable ride that absorbs bumps well. The e-308 is available from £37,850.

Bonus: Citroen Ami - Available from £7,600

Meet the smallest of the small, — the Citroën Ami. 

Technically classified as a quadricycle, the Ami has a top speed of just 28mph, making it ideal for urban driving, especially with its sub-50-mile range—definitely not for motorway trips. 

Although it may lack practicality in several aspects, it’s an affordable and entertaining way to navigate the city, guaranteed to turn heads and draw smiles from those you pass. 

The Ami is available from £7,600.

Final thoughts

The best small electric cars blend practicality and enjoyment, making them ideal for urban living or anyone seeking a compact EV. We hope this list inspires you to make the switch to electric. 

Be sure to bookmark it for easy reference later!

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