Best Small Electric Cars 2023: The Top 10 Complete Guide For The UK

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Overview

The expression ‘good things come in small packages’, could not hold more true for small electric cars. Though the recent years have witnessed a significant surge in popularity of larger SUV family cars, smaller cars continue to remain a favourite among urban drivers.

We at e-zoomed believe that smaller cars are a better way forward for us all, to include, those living in villages, towns and cities. In general, all types of smaller family cars, offer numerous advantages over larger cars in reducing the negative environmental impact from road transportation, on our day-to-day lives. We encourage families and companies to always opt for a smaller vehicle than a larger vehicle.

In terms of small cars, pure electric cars are best placed to meet our urgent need for a cleaner solution to road transportation. Both, worsening air quality and increased traffic congestion, are now centre stage in the narrative of our villages, towns and cities. Though road transportation is not the only culprit for the increased air pollution, it is certainly a significant contributor (over 30%). In regards to increased road congestion, large petrol and diesel cars are literally clogging our streets and lungs!

We would encourage, both families and company car drivers, to carefully consider their needs. If indeed, a smaller electric car can fulfil most day-to-day needs, then, using a smaller EV would be a better choice. Do keep in mind that the majority of the time, vehicles are left parked up to 80% of the time. Some estimates have suggested up to 95% of the time!

Moreover, most journeys in the UK are short. An average commute is a mere 12 miles and an average distance covered a day is just 30 miles. Do you really need a large family car? For journeys that require the use of a larger vehicle, the vehicle can always be borrowed or rented!

In our list of the best small pure electric cars, the EVs offer real-world practicality for most needs. At one end of the spectrum is the all-electric Citroën Ami Quadricycle. An irresistibly cute and compact zero-tailpipe emission electric car. The Ami incorporates a 5.5 kWh onboard EV battery, with a 46.6 miles pure electric range. For those individuals or businesses that don’t need significant cabin and luggage space, and travel short distances, the Ami is certainly worth considering. It can be, either a primary or secondary vehicle, depending on the needs of the individual, family or business.

All the other small electric cars on our list are ‘regular’ family cars, in terms of interior space and boot size. These EVs incorporate an onboard EV battery from 24 kWh to 66 kWh, with an electric range from 118 miles to 281 miles. Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, these small family electric cars offer a very practical emission-free electric range. The majority of the small EVs on our list are hatchbacks, except for the Ami and the all-electric Smart #1 SUV.

Also on our list, is the recently introduced all-electric Abarth 500e Scorpionissima. Like the all-electric Fiat 500e, the Abarth 500e targets primarily urban drivers, but the difference being, offering more ‘hardcore fun’ than the Fiat 500e. Like the Fiat 500e, the Abarth electric also offers an onboard 42 kWh EV battery. The manufacturer has not yet released the WLTP range for the EV, but we can expect it to be close to the claimed 199 miles (WLTP) range of the Fiat 500 electric car.

Another small electric car worth considering is the all-electric MG4 EV. The MG4 EV is available in two EV battery sizes: 51 kWh and 64 kWh (Long Range). The choice of two EV battery sizes increases the potential customer base, as not every EV driver needs a large onboard EV battery and long electric range. Both battery sizes offer a useful and practical pure electric range. The 51 kWh has a range up to 218 miles (WLTP), while the 64 kWh offers a range up to 281 miles (WLTP).

It is worth noting that the latest generation of pure small electric cars incorporate DC charging from 50 kW DC to 150 kW DC. All the e-cars on our list, except the Ami, are capable of DC charging. Most EVs can be charged 10% – 80% in 30 minutes using a rapid DC charger.

Of course, the majority of electric cars are charged at home, usually overnight. These small electric cars incorporate a single-phase onboard AC charger, with some offering a three-phase onboard AC charger. Given that most homes in the UK are powered by single-phase power supply, a single-phase onboard charger is more than sufficient. We discourage the use of a domestic 3 PIN plug for charging an electric car. We recommend using a dedicated home EV charging station, like myenergi zappi.

Though a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), is a better option, compared to a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), petrol or diesel car, a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) remains the best option. For those new to electric driving, a BEV is also often referred to as a pure electric car. Bottom-line, small electric cars are good for the environment and the wallet. Moreover, these EVs are also practical and fun! Think big, drive small!

Advantages: Small Electric Cars
Lower acquisition and financing costs
Lower maintenance and running costs
Zero-tailpipe emissions: lower air pollution
Reduction in road and parking congestion
Easier to drive and park in congested areas
Lower taxes
Lower environmental impact during production
Lower noise pollution

You can read a complete guide on each of the electric cars listed below on the e-zoomed Electric Living Blog by following the links.

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Gallery

Best Small Pure Electric Cars 2023

Abarth 500e, Citroën Ami, Fiat 500e, Honda e, MG4 EV, MINI Electric, Peugeot e-208, Renault Zoe, Smart #1, Vauxhall Corsa-e

Best Small Pure Electric Cars: Top 10

Brand/ Model	Battery Size (kWh)	Electric Range (WLTP)	Body Type
Abarth 500e	42 kWh	N/A	Hatchback
Citroën Ami	5.5 kWh	46.6 miles	Quadricycle
Fiat 500e	24 kWh/ 42 kWh	118 – 199 miles	Hatchback
Honda e	35.5 kWh	131 – 137 miles	Hatchback
MG4 EV	51 kWh/64 kWh	218 – 281 miles	Hatchback
MINI Electric	32.6 kWh	140 – 144 miles	Hatchback
Peugeot e-208	50 kWh	218 – 224 miles	Hatchback
Renault Zoe E-Tech	52 kWh	223 – 238 miles	Hatchback
Smart #1	66 kWh	260 – 273 miles	SUV
Vauxhall Corsa-e	50 kWh	222 miles	Hatchback

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