A small electric car, which ones are there? And what is the best choice? In the Netherlands, you see relatively many small cars on the road, they are ideal for our densely populated country and economical too. With manufacturers increasingly switching to electric cars, the range of small electric cars is larger than ever. These vehicles are ideal due to their low consumption and maintenance costs and easy to drive.
Best small electric cars
Below we have 5 small electric cars listed that you can buy now based on various tests. Almost all of them are examples of electric models that are quite affordable.
You could argue that an electric car makes the most sense when used for short drives in urban areas. Assuming you can charge somewhere at home or work, a small electric car with a range of around 300 km is a fantastic option. Even if you can't charge at home, you might only need to find a public charger once a week, maybe even less!
In addition, fast acceleration, near-silent operation and beautifully simple control interfaces make these small electric cars very attractive. Enough talk, where's the list!
Top 5 small electric cars
- Fiat 500e
- Peugeot e-208
- MINI Electric
- Renault Twingo Electric
- Renault Zoe Electric
Fiat 500e
The already very popular Fiat 500 is now available fully electric as the 500e. This means you can now enjoy even lower costs and zero emissions while retaining the retro style, nimble driving experience and overall ease of use that this long-standing favourite has become synonymous with.
While the 500e is just about capable of handling shorter journeys on the motorway, it really excels in urban environments. It is easy to park, the steering is light, the ride is comfortable for a car of this class. The new 500e hit the market in 2020 and promises a range of 190 kilometres. That applies to the base version with a 23.8 kWh battery pack. Those choosing a more expensive version will get a 42 kWh battery pack and a corresponding range of 320 kilometres. Indeed, Fiat promises a range of more than 450 kilometres if you only drive in town.
Peugeot e-208
The Peugeot e-208 really stands out when it comes to styling, its sharp exterior stands out, while the interior has features of much larger Peugeot models. It also features decent technology and connectivity. The e-208 can also charge on the go at the fast charger. With a 50 kWh battery pack and a quick-charging capacity of 100 kW per hour, you will be back on the road within 30 minutes with 80% of total range.
With 260 Nm of torque, 0-100 km/h acceleration takes just 8.1 seconds, while the small steering wheel and well-tuned chassis make it relatively attractive for an electric car. Regenerative braking even means you can drive around with just one pedal most of the time. The 134 hp engine offers near-silent operation and a smooth performance boost. The e-208 always has five doors and a hefty range (range) of 340 kilometres (factory specification).
As a small electric car, the e-208 is not only quite fun to drive, but unlike many small electric cars based on an internal combustion engine car, there is no practical disadvantage as it offers the same luggage space of 311 litres. The Peugeot e-208 is a practical, serviceable compact electric car for not too much money.
Mini Electric
With a range of 234 km, the MINI Electric is more suitable for short trips, but it retains the driving feel characteristic of the brand. That means handling is sharp, making it the choice for sporty drivers. The two-mode regenerative braking setup is also strong at the highest setting, which is great for single-pedal driving. The benefits of an electric powertrain (all the power instantly available, perfect weight distribution due to the battery pack at the bottom of the car) suit this electric Mini perfectly and make it drive like a go-kart.
Subtle tweaks to the exterior include optional 17-inch alloy wheels that look like a socket and the recessed grille. The Mini looks stylish and is superbly finished down to the smallest details. Still, the Mini Electric does have a few drawbacks. For instance, the boot is on the small side compared to other compact electric cars. And getting in and out of the car is a challenge for the rear passengers. But then again, you do drive a Mini!
Renault Twingo Electric
The Twingo has a 22 kWh battery with a practical range of 160 kilometres (factory specification: 190 kilometres). That's not much compared to other compact electric cars, but Renault assumes that most Twingos are used in and around town anyway. Its e-motor is rear-mounted and powers the rear wheels. Well, we say 'powers' - you only get 80 hp and 118 lb ft, giving a 0-100 km/h time in 12.6 seconds and a top speed of 134 km/h.
An 80 per cent charge takes just over an hour, provided you use a 22 kW fast charger, while a full charge from a 7 kW home wallbox takes about four hours. Unfortunately, fast charging is not possible.
So really an electric car for the city, where the Twingo's small dimensions and small turning circle make it a perfect car. There is one drawback, though: the amount of boot space is limited and therefore already almost too cramped for getting groceries. A very compact little electric car indeed. Those looking for a bit more space might be better off with a Renault Zoe?
Renault Zoe Electric
A modern and sporty design, striking curves and just the right dose of cheekiness. This small electric car from Renault has changed a lot both inside and out, and in a positive way. Its brand new colours, exterior mirrors with indicators, Full Led lighting, grille with chrome trim, hologram-style logos make it an attractive sight on the road. The new ZOE boasts a longer range thanks to updated technology. The battery delivers a capacity of 52 kWh. This allows you to drive up to 395 km. The new generation ZOE possesses all the features to excel at the top with its electric performance, while the model has remained unchanged affordable.
Which small electric car to choose?
There is quite a lot of choice and we know that our list by no means includes all the popular models. Which model suits you best depends on how long the range should be but of course also on the size and look of the car. After all, the eye wants something too. Either way, these small electric cars are good for the environment and your wallet, so incredibly fun to drive! Good luck and have fun searching and driving!
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