Your guide to the best small electric cars
Over the past few years, there has been significant discourse surrounding the increasing size of cars. Various prominent UK newspapers in 2023 have engaged in discussions addressing this matter. Notably, the Telegraph published an article titled "Britain’s roads can’t keep up with our massive cars," shedding light on the issue. Similarly, a BBC article highlighted that 150 car models are now too big for standard UK parking spaces. This trend has been coined as "autobesity," symbolising the phenomenon of cars becoming excessively large.
This graph shows an increase from 1.3 million new SUVs purchased in 2010 to 4.5 million in 2021. Ultimately showing that there has been a substantial rise in the number of larger cars on the road.
Jerome Micheron, Senior Vice President of Peugeot Products, spoke with the Telegraph and expects cars to get smaller because EVs do not need bulky internal combustion engines (ICEs). He emphasised that the batteries used in EVs will get smaller as technology advances. Manufacturers will face the challenge of reducing the vehicles’ size while still being able to offer increased range and capacity.
Our focus is on examining the performance of small electric cars, both past and future while highlighting the top small electric car models at the moment. We also list the best small electric cars you can salary sacrifice at The Electric Car Scheme now.
A brief history into an iconic small car: the Mini
When considering small cars, the MINI stands out prominently. Praised for its exceptional design, compact size, easy parking, quality, and outstanding safety, MINIs are ideal for city driving. The aim behind the MINI was to create a small, fuel-efficient car capable of accommodating four adults and accessible to everyone economically. This goal emerged in response to the Suez Crisis, which triggered fuel price hikes, prompting reconsideration of the practicality of larger vehicles.
By 1969, over 2 million Minis had been sold worldwide, soaring to 4 million by 1977. Its acclaim reached new heights when it was honoured as the "European Car of the Century" in 1999, trailing only Ford’s Model T in global votes.
The MINI represents the adoration for small, cost-effective cars that efficiently navigate from point A to B. Its resurgence in the electric car market is noteworthy, with the Electric Mini witnessing a 14.3% surge in sales from 2021 to 2022, constituting 21% of all global Mini sales.
The best small electric cars listed
Among the most budget-friendly EVs, the finest small electric cars excel not only in affordability but also in their suitability for manoeuvring through city traffic. If your usual mileage primarily occurs in urban areas and you don't need extensive space for extra passengers, these cars are an ideal choice for you!
Mini Electric
Beginning our lineup with the Mini Electric was a natural choice. Despite its compact size, this car boasts impressive power, reaching a top speed of 93mph and delivering 184 horsepower.
This image is sourced from Dick Lovett
The Mini Electric accelerates from 0 to 60mph in just 7.3 seconds, ensuring swift journeys from point A to point B. With a reliable range of 144 miles, it offers dependable performance. What makes driving this car enjoyable is its four driving modes: Sport, Mid, Green, and Green Plus. Notably, the Green mode encourages efficient driving habits by requiring a firmer push on the accelerator pedal for optimal acceleration.
The Mini Electric is available to salary sacrifice at The Electric Car Scheme - you can use our quote tool to understand how it works and what you can save.
Alfa Romeo Milano
The Alfa Romeo Milano was leaked in September 2023 and is set to be released in early 2024. This will be Alfa Romeo’s first pure electric car. There will also be a mild-hybrid version, using the same electrically-assisted 1.2-litre petrol engine.
This image is sourced from Automotive News Europe
The Milano is set to launch in Alfa Romeo's highest-tier 'Veloce' and 'Special Edition' trim versions, featuring a dual-motor setup for four-wheel drive. Car Buyer anticipates a price tag of approximately £40,000 for this model, with a more affordable single-motor variant expected to debut shortly after that. The Milano will be equipped with the 54kWh battery found in the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600e. This battery provides an estimated range of about 250 miles, while the charging capability will reach a maximum speed of 100kW. This allows for a quick 20% to 80% recharge in under 30 minutes.
Volkswagen e-Up!
Volkswagen initially revealed plans for manufacturing the e-up electric car in 2011 and sales started in September 2013. However, on October 11th, 2023, Volkswagen officially announced the discontinuation of the Up model, confirming the cessation of its production by the year's end.
This image is sourced from TopGear
The e-up has a total battery capacity of 36.8kWh and it has a range of around 125 miles once fully charged. It is front-wheel drive and can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 11.9 seconds with a top speed of 81mph. This is a great car for city driving and is comfortable for all passengers, despite it being so small!
Renault Zoe E-Tech
The Renault Zoe is Europe’s best-selling electric car. The E-Tech is available in two versions: Techno and Iconic. The main differences between these versions are the WLTP electric range (you can travel further in the Techno) and the tyres.
This image is sourced from ArenaEV
The Renault Zoe E-Tech showcases an impressive driving range of up to 239 miles, a notable feat for a compact car. Ideal for daily commutes and extended journeys, it gives drivers confidence in its range of capabilities. Utilising a DC rapid charger, it can provide 90 miles of driving range in just 30 minutes and with its 135 hp engine, the Zoe offers swift acceleration, ensuring a quick start. This dependable car is well-suited for both short trips and long-distance travel respectively.
The best small cars to salary sacrifice at The Electric Car Scheme
The Electric Car Scheme makes it easy for employers to implement a salary sacrifice scheme as an employee benefit. So, we make it easy for employees to unlock government tax incentives and save up to 60% on any car. We have broken down the prices for some small cars we have available at The Electric Car Scheme right now!
The GWM ORA Funky Cat is a stylish, family-friendly compact EV, offering a roomy interior, advanced driver assistance features, and a commendable range. The Funky Cat is categorised as a small SUV (although in photos you may assume it is the same size as a Mini). It comes in two versions - the First Edition and First Addition +, differing mainly in battery type, range, and capacity. The First Edition model boasts a range of 193 miles, accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.3 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 99 mph. The Funky Cat is available from The Electric Car Scheme for £279 per month.
The Citroen Ami Coupe is available via The Electric Car Scheme’s salary sacrifice scheme for just £147 per month. This car is 1.4 meters wide and less than 2 meters long, yet can seat two people and is perfect for city driving. The Ami has a maximum range of 47 miles, ideal for short, daily journeys - the average driver’s daily mileage in the UK is between 10 and 20 miles. This is now the cheapest vehicle you can buy in the UK, with prices starting from £7,695
The CUPRA Born marks the brand's debut into the fully electric vehicle realm, presenting itself as a roomy hatchback featuring a pragmatic interior and robust performance. With a maximum range of 265 miles and a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 7.3 seconds, it combines efficiency and speed. Equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the absence of physical buttons might not suit everyone's preferences and could be a source of frustration for some users. This spacious vehicle offers a generous boot space of up to 385 litres and ample room in the back seats, comfortably accommodating three passengers. The CUPRA Born is available via salary sacrifice for £355 per month at The Electric Car Scheme.
The MG Motor UK MG4 has a good range of 218 miles which makes it a reliable choice for a hatchback and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. This is the brand’s first car in the electric hatchback market and is good value for money, which earned it a commendable spot in both the Outstanding EV and Urban Living Categories at the 2024 Carwow Car of the Year Awards. This is a great car, especially for town driving because it is easy to manoeuvre, has good visibility and agile suspension. The MG4 is available at The Electric Car Scheme for £256 per month!
You can learn more about The Electric Car Scheme via our website and you can browse the cars we have available to salary sacrifice via our quote tool!
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