The Best Compact Electric Cars On Sale At The Moment
The best compact EVs on sale at the moment
The electric car segment has absolutely ballooned in recent years. Dial time back only a short amount of time and there wasn’t much variety in the EV market, but these days there are battery-powered models of all shapes and sizes.
The compact end of the spectrum makes a real amount of sense when it comes to electric cars. After all, EVs bypass the emissions zones that are in operation in many of the UK’s cities and then, once you’re there, these models are easy to park and drive around. Let’s check out some of the best on sale today.
Peugeot e-208
Peugeot has seriously ramped up its electric car line-up lately, but its smallest EV is one of its most impressive. The e-208 is the battery-powered alternative to the regular petrol 208, but there are a number of reasons to choose this smart-looking hatchback over its combustion-engined stablemate.
It’ll manage up to 225 miles from a single charge, while its interior is both surprisingly spacious and really well equipped with some of the latest technology.
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Vauxhall has also been pushing hard when it comes to electric vehicles, with its progression helped no end by the firm’s inclusion in the wider Stellantis brand. Through this access it has been able to develop a number of great-value EVs, including the Corsa Electric which shares many components and features with the e-208.
The pair share the same range, in fact, but the Vauxhall takes a slightly different angle on styling with a more refined and less ‘out there’ design.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai has been finessing its electric vehicles for a while and the Kona - its smallest crossover - is a great example of how far the Korean brand has come. Still offered with the choice of petrol, hybrid or fully electric setups, it’s that latter option which seems the strongest thanks to its 300-mile range which surpasses those offered by far more expensive alternatives.
It’s also really funky to look at, with a rounded front end which helps it to stand out from the crowd.
Cupra Born
Cupra has really come into its own since branching out from Seat and becoming a brand in its own right. The Born is its very first electric-only model and as well as that all-important electric powertrain, it’s also got loads of sporty touches that help to make it feel as special as possible.
It can deliver up to 340 miles in big-battery form, but thanks to great steering and well-judged suspension it’s got an exciting driving style to go alongside that long-distance range.
Volkswagen e-Up!
Volkswagen’s Up! has gone down as one of the best compact cars around, but it was the e-Up! which showed just how well smaller vehicles could work with an electric setup. The cabin is remarkably practical, too, and it’s sometimes difficult to work out just how Volkswagen has managed to squeeze so much space from a little car.
With a range of 159 miles it’s got plenty in the ‘tank’ for most journeys, while nimble handling makes this a great option for inner-city drivers.
Smart EQ ForTwo
If you want to go even more compact, then there’s the Smart EQ ForTwo. Now the ‘Smart Car’ has always been an icon of urban mobility, but it seemed only natural that it would be kitted out with an electric motor before too long.
That brings us to the EQ ForTwo. Though its 60-mile range isn’t the longest, it’s more than enough for the city where the ForTwo’s compact dimensions - you can still park it ‘nose in’ into spaces - really come into their own.
Fiat 500
Fiat successfully translated the iconic and original 500 into a modern-day supermini, but it has managed the feat once again in its transition to an electric vehicle. The 500’s eye-catching, vintage-style looks have been retained but sharpened, making this a good-looking car from the inside out.
A range of 199 miles is impressive for a car of this size, too, while the 500’s interior features a great level of technology and standard equipment.
