What is the Best Small Electric Car? (2025)
Find out which are the best small electric cars for your needs
When looking for an affordable electric car, a small and cheap option may be your first thought. But, as with buying any new car, there are several things to consider to make sure you get the best deal. To ensure you get the best small electric car for you, you must consider:
- Price (less than £35,000)
- Cheap to Insure (low insurance group; under 25)
- Small and Nimble (easy to drive in urban areas)
- Range (cheap to run; can go extended periods without needing charging)
With these considerations in mind, we recommend the best 5 small, affordable electric cars below.
What Small, Cheap Electric Cars are Available?
There are currently 8 small electric cars available for less than £35,000. Our top 5 recommendations are:
- Fiat 500e
- Nissan Leaf
- Renault Zoe
- Smart EQ fortwo
- Vauxhall Corsa-e
If you don't like these options, you can also consider the Citroën Ami, MG4 EV, MINI Electric, Ora Funky Cat and the Peugeot e-208.
Which is the Best Small Electric Car Available?
Fiat 500e
The Fiat 500e is a good-looking, surprisingly fun small electric car that offers good value for money against its competitors, making it one of the best small electric cars. However, the rear seats are very cramped, there is very little boot space and it can be noisy when driving on the motorway.
Read the full WhatCar? review of the Fiat 500e.
Nissan Leaf
The Leaf is pretty good to drive, well-equipped and easy to live with (mainly thanks to a bigger boot than some competitors). However, it feels slightly cramped in the back, the driving position is slightly flawed and it is falling behind other models in its class.
Read the full WhatCar? review of the Nissan Leaf.
Renault Zoe
The Zoe offers exceptional value for money, mainly thanks to its impressive range, smart interior and practicality. However, it is a little cramped and the flawed driving position and uncomfortable ride make it a less attractive purchase than some of its competitors.
Read the full WhatCar? review of the Renault Zoe.
Smart EQ fortwo
The fortwo is a vehicle that has always felt at home in the city. It's small and zippy with quite a few bits of tech included in the very affordable price - however, the low range, poor ride quality and lack of space are huge drawbacks for some people.
Read the full WhatCar? review of the Smart EQ fortwo.
Vauxhall Corsa-e
The Corsa-e is a great all-rounder because it is nice to drive, well-equipped and handles sharply. However, the interior design is a bit uninspiring and it is less comfortable and has less range than some of its rivals, especially those available for the same money.
Read the full WhatCar? review of the Vauxhall Corsa-e.
Read More
How Can I Afford an Electric Car?
Even though small electric cars are highly affordable (in comparison to other EVs) they still cost much more than petrol or diesel cars. If you’re worried about affording an electric car, find out what other purchase and hire options are available in this article.
How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Car? (Vs an ICE)
Running costs are another key consideration of owning an electric car. Find out how much it will cost to insure, charge, tax and maintain your EV in this article.
What is the Smallest Electric Car? (UK; 2024)
If size is a key consideration for you, then you might want to read this guide. We rank every electric car currently available by size so that you can find the smallest.
What is an Electric Car Subscription?
If you're looking to own an electric car in 2024, but you don't want to buy one outright, a subscription service may be right for you. It's a flexible and affordable new way to drive the latest EVs, with running costs included. If you're interested, read this guide to learn more.
What is the Safest Electric Car?
A huge part of choosing a new car is considering how safe it will keep you in the event of an emergency. If you are thinking about buying an electric car and want to ensure you are purchasing one of the safest models available, check out this list.