The choice of electric cars on the market has grown significantly in recent years and is increasingly expanding to include vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
It’s particularly true of compact EVs, with a flurry of new models coming available in recent months, offering greater competition and also increased choice for buyers. Here we pick out the 10 best compact electric cars on the market today.
MG4
MG is a brand that’s growing at quite a rate, and a key driver for this is its electric cars. Its ZS EV crossover and MG5 estate have both proven popular choices, but the firm has really hit the jackpot with its new MG4 hatchback.
Now MG’s most affordable EV, its £26,995 starting price undercuts most rivals by a significant cut, yet still offers smart styling, generous equipment levels and a great driving experience. The ‘Long Range’ model is also able to travel an impressive claimed 281 miles on a charge.
Mini Electric
Mini’s Hatch is a popular choice in and around cities, and unsurprisingly the latest ‘Electric’ model has only built on this. It retains the same charm as the regular three-door model, while having a particularly premium interior for such a small car.
The Mini Electric is also huge fun to drive thanks to its punchy powertrain, and it feels very nimble by EV standards too. Though the 145-mile range isn’t the longest, it will be more than enough for urban use.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf might be getting on a bit in terms of age, but it’s still able to hold its own and remains one of the most popular electric cars on the market. Produced in Nissan’s Sunderland factory, the Leaf’s range of up to 239 miles should be plenty for most drivers.
The Leaf is also practical and would make a great small family car thanks to lots of rear seat room and a big boot. There’s plenty of standard equipment included too, particularly on the safety front. A starting price of £28,995 also makes it decent value for money.
Citroen e-C4
Citroen is really growing its line-up of electric models, and the e-C4 is proving to be one of its most popular choices. While a conventional hatchback, Citroen has given it more of an SUV-like profile and raised the suspension too, and it certainly looks the part.
Standard equipment levels are plentiful on the e-C4 too, while if you value comfort this is a fantastic choice thanks to its supple suspension and soft seats. The e-C4 offers a range of up to 219 miles.
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Vauxhall’s best-selling Corsa is now available as an EV, and if you want to go electric without having to make major adjustments or shouting about driving an electric car, this Vauxhall supermini is a great choice.
Based on the latest generation of Corsa, it offers a smart design inside and out and lots of equipment for the money. Performance is brisk too, while Vauxhall claims the Corsa Electirc can manage 222 miles to a charge.
Fiat 500
Ever since Fiat revived the iconic 500 back in 2008, it’s been a huge success, and that’s now continuing with this latest electric model. Though retaining the 500’s chic looks, it’s actually a completely different car to the regular petrol model underneath.
The electric 500 is great to drive and brilliant to use around the city, while it’s also packed full of equipment and technology – including a large 10.25-inch touchscreen and various driver assistance features. A range of up to 199 miles is very credible for something as small as the 500, too.
Cupra Born
Spanish brand Cupra introduced its first EV in 2022 in the form of the Born – a model closely linked to Volkswagen ID.3’s hatchback. However, the Born arguably offers a more stylish look, while it’s more enjoyable to drive as well.
Offering a modern, technology-laden interior, the Born is also practical and would fit in well with family duties. Various powertrain options are available, with the flagship 77kWh battery model offering a fantastic range of up to 343 miles.
Renault Megane E-Tech Electric
Renault’s next step of electrification kicked off in 2022 with the introduction of the Megane E-Tech Electric. Based around a new EV platform that’s shared with Nissan, this Renault offers a stunning design and is equipped with a new Google-powered infotainment system.
The interior in general is a fantastic place to spend time, while the Megane is also great to drive and is among one of the best electric hatchbacks on the market. A range of up to 280 miles is offered, too.
Peugeot e-208
Peugeot’s 208 is one of the most premium superminis on the market, offering a high-quality cabin and upmarket exterior styling, and customers can also benefit from the electric e-208.
High-spec models are packed full of equipment, while the 225-mile electric range is good too. Peugeot will soon be upgrading the e-208 with a more powerful electric motor and longer battery enabling a greater range, which will expand its appeal further.
Honda e
Last but not least we have the brilliantly funky Honda e. A car like nothing we’ve ever seen before from the Japanese firm, it is jam-packed full of screens and technology. There are even cameras that replace conventional door mirrors.
The ‘e’ is also great fun to drive, with drive being delivered to the rear wheels, it’s very engaging but has plenty of performance to go with it. The drawbacks are that all this technology doesn’t come cheap, while the 137-mile range of this Honda compromises its use for those making longer trips.
