Best Small Electric Cars 2024
By FergusWith the automotive industry trying to improve its environmental impact, manufacturers across the globe are adapting by producing zero-emission vehicles that cater for all needs.
For example, a small electric car isn't just great for driving around town but also great for the environment as they produce low to zero emissions. Add in the UK Government's road to zero emissions plan and there's never been a better time to lease an electric car.
Whether you're looking for a small electric car to drive around a busy city centre or just a daily runner to the shops, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has put together a list of the top 10 small electric cars to lease based on style, range, zero road tax rates practicality, and overall driving experience.
The electric vehicles featured in this article:
Small electric cars are often defined as city cars, superminis, and small hatchbacks with an average length of between 2,695mm and 4,726mm.
Thanks to their small size, they’re generally easy to park and manoeuvre, making them excellent choices for people who live in urban areas. If you’re looking for more information regarding vehicle size, Understanding Car Body Types and Understanding Car Size and Dimensions.
Benefits of a small electric car include:
- Cheaper to maintain
- Better for the environment
- Fast to charge
- No road tax (until 2025)
- Low insurance
The best small electric car for your money has to be the Volkswagen ID.3. The Volkswagen ID.3, along with the Tesla Model 3, are among the best-sellers for electric cars in the UK.
Although not the cheapest small electric car on the market, the Volkswagen ID.3 is a very capable car. It offers up to 356 miles of range on the Pro S version and has plenty of tech as standard.
You can get behind the wheel of a Volkswagen ID.3 for around £400 per month (prices as of June 2024 and subject to change).
Currently, one of the cheapest small electric cars on the market is the Ora 03 (previously known as the Funky Cat). The first car to arrive in the UK from Chinese brand Ora, the 03 is available for as little as £238 per month (as of June 2024).
The Ora 03 features a 48kWh or 63kWh battery that offers up to 261 miles of range, more than enough for inner-city commutes. It also has rapid 100kW DC charging capabilities, taking the 03 from 15 to 80% in 42 minutes with the smaller battery.
What stands out about the 03 is its interior. The 03 makes you feel like you’re sitting in a luxury car, which is very impressive considering its price.
If you’re looking to lease a small electric car, it’s vital to understand which is best for you. Here are our ten small electric cars available to lease:
Top 10 Small Electric Cars
1. Peugeot 208
The Peugeot e-208 is a brilliantly nippy small electric car for commuting to and from town regularly. The e-208’s sculpted bonnet, rear piano black trim and three-claw LED light design give it a distinctive, stylish look.
The Peugeot e-208 has a 50kWh battery which offers a range of 248 miles between charges. Its 100kW electric motor makes it great for darting through gaps in traffic on busy city streets. Charging is also easy too, taking just 30 minutes from flat to 80% fully charged using a fast public charge point, or around seven hours when charging the e-208 at home using a 7kW wall charger.
Inside the Peugeot e-208, there's room for five adults, although space can be a little tight in the back. A high-resolution 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system is also offered as standard and is relatively easy to navigate.
Pros:
- Decent electric range
- Fast 100kWh charging standard
- Superb design
Cons:
- Rear space is limited
- A bit expensive
- Tech not as advanced as premium rivals
2. Vauxhall Corsa-e
The electric Corsa-e is another brilliant choice for those looking to get a small electric car. The Vauxhall Corsa-e has a smart exterior design with a bold grille and striking LED headlight clusters at the front, that sets it aside from the original Corsa.
The Vauxhall Corsa-e has a 51kWh battery and a 156hp electric motor, powerful enough to give it nippy performance around town. The Corsa-e also has a range that will take you up to 246 miles on one charge. To charge the Corsa-e batteries from flat to 80% full will take 30 minutes using a public rapid charge point or just over seven hours if you were to charge the Corsa-e from home with a 7kW wall charger.
Inside the Corsa-e has a cosy feel to it and you won't have any problems getting comfortable. While the back seats inside the Corsa-e aren't very spacious, boot space is the same as the standard Corsa thanks to its clever battery placement. The technology inside is also relatively decent, with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with Vauxhall Connect. .
Pros:
- Well-equipped
- Decent range and impressive performance
- Looks good
Cons:
- Lacks the sparkle of some rivals
- Space in the back isn’t great
- The interior feels a bit dull
3. MINI Cooper Electric
The Mini Cooper Electric is a modern twist on a classic car. Remaining true to its roots in terms of design, the Cooper Electric is a two-door electric city car that combines nippy performance with superb technology.
Available with either a 40kWh or 54kWh battery, the Electric Cooper returns up to 250 miles of range and can charge at speeds of up to 95kW using a DC charger in just 30 minutes.
The battery is paired with either a 135kW or 160kW electric motor that really gives a go-kart feel on the road. You'll shoot from 0-62mph in as little as 6.7 seconds and benefit from advanced drive dynamics like a low centre-of-gravity and optimised weight distribution.
Inside, the Cooper Electric is as good as it gets for small electric car. The dashboard is minimalist and clean, and centres around the circular OLED display that features various features, such as Mini Experience Modes.
Pros:
- Punchy electric performance
- High-quality interior
- Sharp handling
Cons:
- Interior space is limited
- Charging speeds not as fast as rivals
4. Fiat 500 Electric Hatchback
Keeping its all-important renowned looks, the Fiat 500 is now available in electric form both as a cabriolet or hard-top. One difference you'll spot on the new Fiat 500 Electric is its new curved daytime-running lights which shine out through the bonnet, as well new flush door handles and hidden indicators, which make it stand out on the road.
The Fiat 500 Electric comes with either a 23.7kWh battery and a 95hp motor or a 42kWh battery with a 118hp electric motor. The 23.7kWh battery provides the 500 Electric with a range of 115-miles, whereas the 42kWh battery gives you a 199-mile range. To fully charge the Fiat 500 Electric from home using a 7.4kW wall box will take just over six hours. However, using an 85kW public fast charger can top it up from empty to 80% charged in 35 minutes.
The Fiat 500 Electric interior is completely different from the original Fiat 500 with a new seven-inch digital dial display replacing its traditional dials. You also get a 10-inch touchscreen on the dashboard with a wireless Apple CarPlay. In the front, there’s room for two adults with decent storage options. However, the back seats accommodate two only, and its little room isn't great for comfort.
Pros:
- Looks great
- Decent electric range
- Nippy performance
Cons:
- Interior is a bit basic
- Hard to get to and cramped rear seats
- The boot is small and not practical
5. Volkswagen ID.3
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a fully electric hatchback with plenty of room inside. The ID.3 is perfect for drivers who travel in and out of busy cities as it offers an enjoyable ride, even on tedious motorways. The ID.3 is also great to look at with its sleek body and prominent LED headlights which complements its bold style.
The ID.3 is available with two different battery packs, with the largest pack boasting an impressive range of around 356 miles. Acceleration is also instantaneous and its 204hp comes in handy when you are nipping in and out of gaps in city traffic.
Inside, Volkswagen has gone for a minimalist look with a large 10in touchscreen infotainment unit which overlooks the dash top, along with a smaller digital display that can be operated with the controls on the steering wheel. Passenger space is also excellent inside the ID.3, with room enough for all passengers to ride comfortably.
Pros:
- Impressive interior space
- Decent infotainment system
- Fantastic range
Cons:
- Interior feels cheap in places
- Quirky switchgear is confusing
- Fiddly infotainment
6. Honda e Hatchback
If you're on the lookout for a quirky small electric car then look no further than the Honda e. The e Hatchback retro looks make it stand out from the crowd while its unique compact proportions make it perfect for whipping around town.
The Honda e has a 35kWh battery and a modest range of 136 miles. With136hp, the e Hatchback is most at home nipping around the city centre traffic. Charging time varies from around six hours at home using a 7kWh charger or just 30 minutes from 10-80% with a rapid charger.
Inside the Honda e is just as quirky with a screen for everything. Two screens in the middle handle the car's infotainment system, plus a set of digital controls for the driver while another screen on each side that displays the digital door mirror images. As for space, there's plenty of room in the front but the back seats are best left for children, over adults.
Pros:
- Striking looks inside
- Unique interior
- Agility in town
Cons:
- Expensive
- Poor range
- Small boot space
7. GWM Ora 03
The Ora 03 (previously known as the Funky Cat) is a feline-inspired small electric car that features a unique exterior design and a superb interior.
Available with either a 48kWh or 63kWh battery, the 03 offers up to 261 miles of range and can charge at speeds of up to 100kW DC, taking the battery from 15 to 80% in just 42 minutes.
Climb inside the 03 and it's like you've time travelled to the future. The cabin is minimalist and features a superb range of technology, such as twin 10.25-inch displays, voice assistant, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems.
Trust me, this is a car you need to give a go.
8. BYD Dolphin
You'll probably be drawn to the BYD Dolphin because of its cool name, but once you get behind the wheel, you won't want to give it up. An affordable electric hatchback, the Dolphin has a comfortable interior and good on-the-road performance, making it perfect for small families.
Pairing a 60kWh battery with a 204hp electric motor, the Dolphin returns up to 265 miles of range on a single charge. When on the road, this 204hp is put to good use, and you'll effortlessly accelerate from stationary.
Inside, the Dolphin features a floating centre console which is intended to create a dynamic driving environment. Whether this is true is up to personal preference. However one thing that's for sure is the brilliant tech in the Dolphin.
The minimalist dashboard is dominated by a large display screen that serves as the point of contact for pretty much everything, integrating intelligent connected car functions to allow the driver to drive without distraction.
9. Nissan LEAF
The Nissan Leaf is on the larger side for a small electric car, so is more suited towards families. Providing an all-electric range of up to 168 miles, the Leaf appeals to families looking for low running costs.
Inside, there's plenty of space for four passengers to get comfortable and loads of technology such as an eight-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
10. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is technically a compact crossover, but it's that good; we had to include it in this list. With a unique exterior design, a spacious interior, and loads of tech, the Ioniq 5 is an ideal small electric car for families.
You get a choice of two batteries, either 58kWh or 77kWh, the latter of which is available with a single or dual motor. All-electric range is up to 315 miles, and ultra-fast 350kW DC ultra-fast charging is available, which charges 10 to 80% in as little as 36 minutes.
Inside, the Ioniq 5 has a pleasant and comfortable cabin. The dashboard follows a slightly odd layout with a flat-screen behind the steering wheel housing a pair of 12.3-inch touchscreens. It takes a while to get used to, but it's a good system to use once you've mastered it.
Want to know more about electric cars?
To find out more about electric car leasing, check out our excellent Electric & Hybrid Car Guides varying from Best Electric Cars for Families to Top 10 Cheapest Electric Cars, or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0345 811 9595 for specialist advice.
Guide Information
Originally published: 20th July 2021
Last updated: 11th June 2024
