Best Small Electric Cars for 2026
Image source: Press Renault
Small electric cars have never been more appealing. For 2026, the compact EV market is getting smarter, more efficient, and more affordable - especially if you're using salary sacrifice. New models like the revived Citroën 2CV Electric, updated favourites such as the Fiat 500e, and practical choices like the Renault 5 E-Tech are making it easier than ever to go electric without upsizing.
With over 86,000 public chargers now available across the UK, running a small electric car is becoming simpler for both city and suburban drivers. And with Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) for EVs set at 3% until April 2026, then rising only to 4% afterwards, salary sacrifice continues to offer 20–50% savings, making premium compact EVs within reach.
Whether you're looking for something stylish, budget-friendly, or perfectly suited for tight city streets, here are the best small electric cars for 2026!
Budget Champions
MG4 EV
Estimated salary sacrifice from: £305/month
Range: Up to 270 miles (WLTP)
Boot space: 363 litres
Best for: Maximum value and everyday practicality
The MG4 continues to dominate the value end of the EV market. With excellent efficiency, generous equipment, and sharp handling, it’s one of the strongest all-rounders you can choose. Its 270‑mile range comfortably covers both city and motorway needs, while rapid charging keeps longer trips stress-free.
Key features:
Fast charging up to 135 kW
Spacious interior for a small EV
Strong efficiency for low running costs
Dacia Spring (2026 update)
Estimated salary sacrifice from: ~£230/month (est.)
Range: 140–160 miles (WLTP, UK spec TBC)
Boot space: 300 litres
Best for: First-time EV drivers who want ultra-low running costs
Image source: Dacia Press UK
The UK finally gets the updated Dacia Spring in 2026, and it is set to be one of the cheapest EVs on sale. It’s light, efficient, and ideal for short urban journeys. If you mainly drive around town and want the lowest possible cost, the Spring is hard to ignore.
Key features:
Extremely efficient for city driving
Lightweight design improves handling
One of the cheapest EVs to lease or buy
BYD Dolphin
Estimated salary sacrifice from: £359/month
Range: Up to 265 miles
Boot space: 345 litres
Best for: Drivers who want value with a premium feel
The BYD Dolphin blends affordability with impressive technology. Its spacious cabin and excellent standard spec make it a compelling option against more expensive European rivals.
Key features:
Heat pump as standard for better winter range
60 kWh battery available
Large interior for a compact hatch
Premium Compact EVs
Fiat 500e
Estimated salary sacrifice from: £380/month
Range: 160–200 miles
Boot space: 185 litres
Best for: Style-conscious city drivers
The Fiat 500e remains one of the most charming and recognisable small EVs on the road. While there’s no confirmed refresh, the current model continues to be a favourite thanks to its retro-inspired design, smooth performance and compact footprint that’s perfect for navigating tight urban streets.
Key features:
Ultra-compact for city driving
Textured digital interior and premium materials
Instant torque for quick urban acceleration
Mini Cooper Electric (2026)
Estimated salary sacrifice from: £271 a month
Range: 180–250 miles, depending on battery
Boot space: 200 litres
Best for: Drivers who want fun handling in a small package
The 2026 Mini Electric brings better range, a lighter chassis, and the classic Mini go-kart feel. Perfect if you want a small EV that feels sporty.
Key features:
New digital circular OLED screen
Sharper suspension and steering
Faster charging than the previous generation
Practical Small EVs
Renault 5 E-Tech
Estimated salary sacrifice from: £244/month (current version)
Range: Up to 249 miles
Boot space: 326 litres
Best for: Families or commuters wanting retro style with real practicality
One of the most anticipated EVs of recent years, the Renault 5 combines nostalgic looks with cutting-edge tech. It’s efficient, great to drive, and surprisingly spacious.
Key features:
Google built-in infotainment
Fast charging up to 100 kW
Lightweight platform for efficiency
Peugeot e-208 (2026)
Make it stand out
Salary sacrifice from: £297/month (current model)
Range: Around 225–240 miles
Boot space: 311 litres
Best for: Drivers wanting a premium design and strong efficiency
The e‑208 remains one of the slickest-looking small EVs. For 2026, it gets refined software, better regenerative braking, and subtle styling updates.
Key features:
Peugeot i‑Cockpit with 3D dials
Smooth, refined power delivery
Great for mixed city–motorway driving
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Estimated salary sacrifice from: £287/month
Range: Up to 222 miles
Boot space: 309 litres
Best for: Drivers who want something familiar and easy to live with
The Corsa Electric shares tech with the e‑208 but offers a more understated design. It’s ideal if you want something simple, efficient, and practical.
Key features:
Familiar controls and layout
Smooth acceleration for urban traffic
Great balance of comfort and price
Mazda MX-30
Estimated salary sacrifice from: £416/month
Range: 124 miles
Boot space: 366 litres
Best for: Drivers who want a premium feel over outright range
With freestyle doors and a minimalist interior, the MX‑30 is one of the most unique small EVs available. Its short range suits city-based driving, while the interior feels more premium than many rivals.
Key features:
Sustainable materials throughout
Excellent ride comfort
Distinctive styling
Smart #1
Estimated salary sacrifice from: £346/month
Range: Up to 260 miles
Boot space: 273 litres
Best for: Drivers who want compact size with SUV comfort
The Smart #1 offers great value thanks to its spacious interior, smooth performance, and high‑quality finish. If you want a small EV that’s easy to park yet feels genuinely premium inside, the Smart #1 should be an option.
Key features:
Fast charging capability
High-quality interior
Smart Pilot Assist system
New for 2026
Citroën 2CV Electric (all-new)
Estimated salary sacrifice from: £310/month (est.)
Range: 180–220 miles (est.)
Boot space: TBC
Best for: Drivers who want a quirky, modern city car with heritage flair
Image source: Autocar
The much‑anticipated electric 2CV returns in 2026 with unmistakable retro styling and a lightweight platform that prioritises simplicity and efficiency.
Key features:
Iconic design reimagined for the EV era
Simple, intuitive tech
Designed for commuting in towns and cities
Choosing Your Small Electric Car
When comparing small EVs, make sure to consider the features that will make your daily life easier!
City practicality
Small EVs excel here thanks to tight turning circles, compact dimensions, and light steering. If you live in a busy city, consider models like the Fiat 500e, Honda e, or Renault 5.
Parking sensors and 360‑degree cameras are becoming standard in premium trims - especially helpful if you regularly squeeze into narrow spaces.
Boot Space and Flexibility
Need room for weekend bags or a pram? Check out the boot space in the following:
Mazda MX‑30: 366 litres
Renault 5: 326 litres
Peugeot e‑208: 311 litres
See more in our guide to Top EVs With the Largest Boot Space.
Range for Everyday Driving
Most small EVs today easily cover 80–95% of typical UK journeys. If you mostly drive short distances, range becomes less important; however, longer commutes may suit models like the MG4 or BYD Dolphin.
Charging Your EV At Home
Installing a home charger is one of the easiest ways to make EV ownership feel seamless. Instead of relying on public chargers, you can plug in overnight and start each day with a full battery - just like charging your phone.
Most small electric cars can fully recharge in 5–8 hours with a standard 7.4 kW home wallbox, while some models offer even faster AC charging for added convenience. Smart chargers can also schedule charging during cheaper off-peak hours, helping you keep running costs low.
Running Costs
Electric cars are generally cheaper to run than petrol or diesel vehicles, and small EVs can be especially cost‑effective thanks to their lighter weight and higher efficiency. You’ll typically spend less on energy, maintenance, servicing, and brakes - regenerative braking reduces wear on pads and discs.
Charging at home usually offers the best value, especially if you use off‑peak tariffs. Public charging can be more expensive, but planning your charging with the right apps helps keep costs manageable.
Small EVs Through Salary Sacrifice
Salary sacrifice is one of the most cost-effective ways to drive a small electric car - and if you're not familiar with how it works, our guide to what an electric car salary sacrifice scheme is is a great place to start.
By paying for your EV through your gross salary, you save income tax and National Insurance, unlocking 20–50% savings compared with taking out a traditional lease. Even premium models like the Mini Electric or Smart #1 suddenly become far more affordable.
Because electric cars currently benefit from very low Benefit-in-Kind rates - 3% until April 2026, rising only to 4% afterwards - the overall running costs stay impressively low.
Example: Leasing a Mini Cooper Electric
Here’s a breakdown of how much it would cost a 40% taxpayer, leasing a Mini Cooper Electric for 3 years on a flat payment profile.
| Savings breakdown | Mini Cooper Electric (41kWh) |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT | £423 |
| Employee income savings | -£169 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£8 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £46 |
| Net cost/You pay | £291 |
Without salary sacrifice, you’d pay £423 per month to lease a Mini Cooper. However, combine employee income and national insurance savings, you’d save £177 monthly. You would have to pay a small amount of BiK tax, bringing your total lease cost for a new Mini Cooper to £291. Get a personalised quote by using our salary sacrifice calculator and see how much you can save!
Complete Employer Protection
The Electric Car Scheme also offers employer protection, covering unexpected situations like redundancy, long-term sickness, or resignation - giving everyone extra peace of mind.
Real-World Considerations
Winter Range Impact
Cold weather affects all EVs, but many small electric cars are now equipped with features that help reduce the impact. An example of this is battery preconditioning, which warms the battery before charging or driving to maintain performance. Models with heat pumps are particularly efficient, helping cabin heating use far less energy.
Insurance
Insurance costs can vary depending on the model, battery size, and even your postcode. If insurance costs are a concern, it’s worth comparing quotes before choosing your car.
Public Charging Without a Driveway
If you don’t have off-street parking, going electric is still perfectly doable. With 86,000 public chargers across the UK (including rapid and ultra-rapid hubs) it’s easier than ever to keep a small EV topped up. Many drivers simply charge while shopping, at the gym, or during regular weekly routines.
If you want extra flexibility, The Electric Car Scheme also offers The Charge Scheme, which allows employees to save on all charging costs through salary sacrifice!
If you want a compact, affordable, and future-ready car, 2026 is an excellent time to go electric. The MG4 offers unbeatable value, the Renault 5 and Fiat 500e deliver iconic design, and newcomers like the Citroën 2CV Electric bring fresh personality to the market.
And with salary sacrifice saving you 20–50%, even with BiK moving to 4% from April 2026, choosing your next small EV has never been easier!
Ready to explore your options? Head to our quote tool and see how much you could save.
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Last updated: 22.11.2025
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
