Best Small Electric Cars: Small but Mighty

Compact electric cars are the ideal choice for city dwellers or those looking for a runaround with lower running costs. In this article, we round up some of the best small electric cars you can buy in the UK right now. Whether you prioritise driving range, onboard technology, in-cabin comfort, or value for money, there should be an EV here to suit your needs. 

We've included models from mainstream brands like Nissan, Peugeot, and Renault, to newer players in the game like MG. So if you're in the market for an urban runaround that produces zero tailpipe emissions, read on to see our top 10 picks of the best small electric cars available to buy today… 

Benefits of buying a small electric car

There are many benefits to buying a small electric car. Below, we’ve highlighted why you should think about investing in a small-sized EV: 

Lower running costs

Electric cars are much more cost-effective to run than petrol or diesel cars. Electricity is currently cheaper per mile than fuel is in the UK, and EVs have fewer moving parts so generally require less maintenance than conventional combustion engine cars do.

Reduced environmental impact

Driving a zero-emissions electric car reduces your carbon footprint compared to a fuel-based model as they don’t produce polluting exhaust fumes. Going electric is just one move you can make to help tackle climate change.

Smooth and quiet performance

Electric motors provide instant torque for rapid acceleration, which means the power delivery feels smooth and responsive when behind the wheel. Without a combustion engine, EVs are quiet and refined when driving.

Ideal for urban travel

Their compact size and nimble handling make small electric cars perfect for city centres and busy towns. Small-sized EVs tend to have less battery range, so are much more suited to shorter journeys - plus, they take up less space when parking too!

Zero road tax

Electric cars are currently exempt from road tax. This saves you paying the standard £180 a year for petrol or diesel-powered models as of 2024/2025 (up from the £165 price in 2023) or £170 for hybrids. 

Exemption from road charges

Small electric cars qualify for exemptions from road charges such as the London Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). You save money every time you drive into areas normally subject to fees which can add up over time.

Top 10 best small electric cars

1. Fiat 500e
2. Honda e
3. Hyundai KONA Electric
4. Jeep Avenger Electric
5. MG4 EV
6. MINI Electric
7. Nissan LEAF
8. Peugeot e-208
9. Renault ZOE E-Tech
10. Vauxhall Corsa Electric

Fiat 500e

• Starting price: From £27,999
• Driving range: Up to 199 miles
• Pros: Great all-round performance, feels quick, light to steer
• Cons: Top-level trims can be expensive 

For retro charm, the iconic Fiat 500e makes a great little urban runaround as an electric model. It boasts a driving range of up to 199 miles resulting in a perky performance making it zippy and fun to drive in town. Inside, there is more space than the petrol version, plus you’ll benefit from an updated digital display and premium tech. 

Buy now at Wilsons Epsom: Voted WhatCar? Of the Year, get your hands on this fantastic little supermini and save up to £3,000 on the Fiat 500e thanks to the manufacturer's e-Grant Scheme. 

Honda e

• Starting price: From £28,215
• Driving range: Up to 137 miles
• Pros: Excellent onboard technology, fun to drive
• Cons: The unique design isn’t for everyone, prices have recently risen

The retro-futuristic Honda e is an eye-catching small electric car offering decent driving dynamics and lots of innovation in a compact, characterful package that really does stand out from the crowd. Expect up to 137 miles of driving range supported by rapid charging capabilities of up to 80% charge in just 31 minutes. It is pretty roomy inside so shopping is a problem thanks to 861 litres of boot space.

Hyundai KONA Electric

• Starting price: From £33,949
• Driving range: Up to 300 miles 
• Pros: Fantastic driving range, full of features
• Cons: Some of the materials in the cabin feel cheap

The Hyundai KONA Electric is an excellent electric crossover car that boasts a lot of driving range on a single charge. Its attractive shape and various battery options have made it a popular choice among motorists making the switch to greener technology. A comfortable and spacious cabin houses a 10.25-inch digital touchscreen and the latest onboard technology.

Buy now at Wilsons Epsom: Providing more than enough power for your daily driving needs, get behind the wheel of an all-new Hyundai KONA Electric for just £379 a month on PCP finance.

Jeep Avenger Electric

• Starting price: From £34,499
• Driving range: Up to 370 miles
• Pros: Great road handling, very good charging times
• Cons: It does feel small in the back

The Avenger brings authentic Jeep styling, practicality and improved all-weather ability to the small electric crossover market. It is fun to drive and you’ll never worry about running out of range thanks to almost 400 miles on a full charge. Plus, spend less time charging when on the go with rapid capabilities of 20% to 80% charge in a little over 20 minutes. For a premium-badged EV, the price is pretty competitive too.  

Buy now at Wilsons Epsom: The first fully electric vehicle from Jeep is in high demand, get your hands on the new Jeep Avenger for just £355 per month on a PCP deal. 

MG4 EV

• Starting price: From £26,250
• Driving range: Up to 323 miles
• Pros: Fantastic value for money, great driving range
• Cons: Can be noisy in the cabin at higher speeds

The MG4 EV promises an enticing blend of style, range, driving dynamics and value in an affordable electric package with good equipment levels and rapid charging capability. It is designed to be lower and sportier than typical MG models and is available in a choice of six distinctive colours, including Volcano Orange and Holborn Blue for a real standout look. MG’s iSMART app will put you firmly in control when on the go. 

Buy now at Wilsons Epsom: Signalling a fresh new approach for the company, the MG4 EV is turning heads and bringing affordable EV technology into the mainstream. Secure yours for just £144 a month.

MINI Electric

• Starting price: From £31,000
• Driving range: Up to 248 miles
• Pros: Firm handling, sporty feel
• Cons: Only a three-door model is available 

The MINI Electric retains its trademark design in a familiar three-door layout, but with a new closed grille and special e-badging highlights this is the electric model. As a compact car, cabin space is tight but okay for a couple or small family and the premium feel interior is not to be overlooked. The official range is 248 miles on a full charge but this figure all depends on driving style and weather conditions.

Nissan LEAF

• Starting price: From £25,680
• Driving range: Up to 168 miles
• Pros: Well priced, benefit from one-pedal driving technology
• Cons: No fast charging available yet

The UK's best-selling Nissan LEAF electric car has a real-world driving range of almost 170 miles between charges. It's a practical hatchback with good performance and lots of equipment as standard for a little over £25,00 and is a well-proven option. A sensible electric family car choice, the LEAF blends usable range and practicality with reliability and good value making it a much-loved option for EV enthusiasts. 

Buy now at Wilsons Epsom: As a pioneer for electric driving, the Nissan LEAF showcases the very best in innovative technology and is an ideal purchase. 

Peugeot e-208

• Starting price: From £31,643
• Driving range: Up to 217 miles
• Pros: Looks good inside and out, very easy to drive
• Cons: can feel cramped in the rear seats

The electric Peugeot e-208 combines striking styling and engaging driving dynamics with brisk acceleration and decent usability for an enticing small EV. Peugeot have stepped up their game with its sleek, eye-catching coupe-like styling paired with premium tech. Expect a thrilling driving experience and you’ll spend less time waiting for the battery to charge thanks to rapid charging capabilities of up to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Buy now at Wilsons Epsom: Find out what the best-selling electric vehicle in its segment has to offer! Secure your Peugeot e-208 from just £199 a month on a PCP finance deal. 

Renault ZOE E-Tech

• Starting price: From £30,595
• Driving range:  Up to 239 miles
• Pros: Really comfortable drive, good size boot
• Cons: Not the best Euro NCAP safety rating compared to competitors

One of the most popular affordable small EVs, the Renault ZOE E-Tech was awarded the best new car by AutoTrader in 2023. It's fun to drive with nippy acceleration and ticks a lot of boxes as an affordable electric supermini with a real-world range of almost 240 miles. The electric ZOE has also been awarded the best car for new drivers thanks to its easy driving style and on-road stability. 

Buy now at Wilsons Epsom: The Renault ZOE E-Tech makes switching to an electric car an easy choice to make!

Vauxhall Corsa Electric

• Starting price: From £19,625
• Driving range: Up to 246 miles
• Pros: Very practical
• Cons: Not the most exciting interior

Vauxhall's small Corsa Electric supermini has an official range of up to 246 miles and sporty handling making it fun to drive. It has virtually the same high-quality cabin as regular Corsa models and even in the entry-level trim, is well equipped. The Corsa Electric model is great value for money at under £20,000 and the low running costs also make it a good first buy for new drivers.

FAQS and Answers

What is the smallest electric car available in the UK?

The Citroën Ami is an innovative small electric car that provides a basic but affordable way to travel around cities. It is very tiny (smaller than a Smart car!) at just 2.41m long, so can fit into the tightest of parking spaces and is easy to drive in busy urban areas. There's just enough space inside for two people but only has a top speed of 28mph which means it cannot legally be driven on a motorway. 

What is the average price of a small electric car?

Based on the latest new and used prices, the average price of a brand-new small electric car in the UK is roughly £28,000. On the used market, small electric cars around three years old tend to retail on average between £15,000 to £22,000.

Do you pay road tax on electric cars?

No, you don't have to pay any road tax on pure electric cars in the UK. This is one of the financial incentives designed to encourage more drivers to switch to electric vehicles. Unlike petrol, diesel, or hybrid cars, fully electric models are exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) saving at least £180 per year. 

Is it worth buying a new electric car?

Buying a new electric car in the UK can be worth it for the right buyer. To help make a decision, firstly consider if the EV qualifies for a Government grant which can take thousands of pounds off the manufacturer’s asking price. With no fuel costs and fewer maintenance requirements, new electric cars cost a fraction as much per mile to run compared to petrol or diesel equivalents. For those able to afford a new electric car, now is a good time in the UK market due to a greater choice of models available. 

What are the disadvantages of electric cars?

Some of the main disadvantages to electric cars include the higher upfront costs compared to petrol or diesel equivalents. Though prices are gradually falling, the raw materials and batteries remain expensive. While growing rapidly, the electric car charging network still falls behind the accessibility of traditional fuel stations and charging times can be lengthy if you own a model without fast or rapid charging capabilities.

Is now a good time to buy an electric car in the UK?

Yes, now is arguably now a good time to go electric if you're looking to buy a new car in the UK. The Government’s Plug-In Car Grant effectively slashes £1,500 to £5,000 off the cost of a brand-new electric car which can help make it more affordable. Plus, there are over 40 fully electric models on sale from mainstream makers and the latest EVs boast 300+ mile ranges with ultra-rapid charging capabilities too.

Which small electric car has the most range?

The small electric car currently available in the UK with the longest driving range is the Jeep Avenger Electric model with up to 370 miles on a single charge. Given the average person in the UK drives just 18 miles per day and 127 miles per week, this distance is more than ample, making the dreaded ‘range anxiety’ fears a thing of the past. 

Small electric cars for sale at Wilsons Epsom

With more choice than ever in the electric car market, a good place to start your search is here at Wilsons Epsom. Art our multi-franchise dealership in Surrey, we have a great selection of small electric cars to suit your needs and budget, including award-winning models such as the Hyundai KONA Electric, MG4 EV, and Renault ZOE. 

Accelerate your journey to zero emissions driving with almost 500 new and used EVs to choose from all in one location. Save thousands of pounds on a brand-new electric model and benefit from Government incentives as well as ongoing low running costs. Shift into the electric era with ease by speaking to one of our EV experts who will be happy to talk you through your choices.