Compare the best small electric cars
High quality electric cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Last updated May 21, 2024 by
Darren Cassey
Best small electric cars 2024
Electric cars are at their best when driving around town, electric motors silently whisking you in and out of traffic. However, many electric cars are big SUVs that can be intimidating to drive in the city – that’s why our expert reviews team has put together a list of the very best small electric cars.
There are plenty of advantages to sticking to city driving in an electric car, too. For example, you don’t have to worry about topping up the battery as often because journeys tend to be shorter, and with zero tailpipe emissions, they help reduce pollution too. However, most of the cars in this list are quiet and comfortable for motorway driving, too.
Here are the best small electric cars you can buy in 2024.
The Volvo EX30 might be an SUV, but it’s certainly not big. You get the raised driving position of an SUV, though, which gives a great view of the road ahead, and the small dimensions mean it’s easy to navigate tight city streets. We like it so much it was crowned Carwow Car of the Year 2024, because it’s great value for money and really comfortable to drive. Like many of the cars in this list, though, it has a small boot and tight rear seats.
You might get tight rear seats in the Volvo EX30, but that’s not something you have to worry about in the Smart #1. It shares many of its mechanical bits with the Volvo, but the cabin feels much more spacious. It still has a small boot, but you can comfortably carry your mates in the back seats, and it’s much easier to fit a child seat. It’s not particularly thrilling to drive, even if you get the go-faster Brabus version, but the #1 is really comfortable and deals with bumps nicely.
The Peugeot e-208 proves that small cars don’t need to be boring. It has ultra chic styling on the outside and feels suitably upmarket on the inside. It’s not cheap as far as 208s go, but when you consider its decent range and relatively spacious boot, it starts to make more sense.
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For a proper left-field small electric car, the BYD Dolphin is worthy of consideration. Its design is incredibly plain and the interior quality is mixed, but it’s well-priced and you get decent kit for the cash. It’s also really spacious inside. Alternatives go further on a charge, but if you just want an affordable EV for cruising around the city, it’s a good option.
You might look at the Kia Niro EV and think it’s pushing the small EV premise a bit, but it actually has the same dimensions as the Nissan Leaf. This small SUV looks really cool, is relaxing to drive and comes packed with kit. It’s not the most exciting car to drive, but that’s less of an issue for city drivers. Kia also makes the Soul EV, which is a similar price and size, but offers quirkier styling.
The Fiat 500’s dinky retro looks work brilliantly with an electric powertrain. Its nippy performance and small dimensions make it incredibly easy to drive around town, and its funky styling inside and out will lift your mood even on the greyest day. It’s not the most comfortable nor practical, but it does the zero-emission city car thing really well.
Battery range up to 249 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Want that rugged SUV aesthetic, but don’t want a big, cumbersome 4x4? The Jeep Avenger Electric is the perfect choice, because it manages to look ready for an outdoorsy weekend while also being small and stylish enough to be ideal for city life. It’s a bit noisy at higher speeds so long journeys can be tiring, though.
Battery range up to 252 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
The Vauxhall Corsa is simple motoring at its best. The interior is functional rather than fashionable, and it’s not particularly fun to drive down a twisty road, but it’s really comfortable over bumps and actually feels as quiet and refined as a larger car on the motorway. Stick to lower trims, though – high-spec models are approaching £40,000, and there’s no way it’s posh enough to justify that price.
The Nissan Leaf was one of the original mainstream electric cars. Even today, it offers fantastic value when you consider it offers good range, a big boot and some impressive technology at a relatively low price. Passenger space lags behind alternatives and its infotainment is a little outdated, but it’s packed full of safety kit to add a little extra peace of mind on the road.
If you’re really dedicated to getting a small car, look no further than the Citroen Ami. Actually, the Ami isn’t really a car at all, it’s a quadricycle. Anyway, its 28mph top speed means it really is limited to city driving, even before you consider its sub-50-mile range. It's impractical in almost every way, but if you just want something cheap and fun to drive around in – and want to make friends with everyone you pass – the Ami is certainly worth a look.
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