Best Small Electric Cars In The UK 2023: Top Picks

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Best Small Electric Cars in the UK 2023: Top Picks

Hey everyone! Looking to make the switch to electric and want something compact for those tight UK streets? You're in the right place. In this article, we're diving into the best small electric cars you can get your hands on in the UK in 2023. We'll cover everything from range and price to how fun they are to drive and how practical they are for everyday life. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Why Go Electric with a Small Car?

Before we jump into the specific models, let's quickly chat about why choosing a small electric car is such a smart move, especially if you're in the UK.

  • Eco-Friendly: This is the big one, guys. Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means cleaner air in our cities and a smaller carbon footprint overall. By choosing an electric car, you're doing your bit for the environment.
  • Cost Savings: Electric cars can save you a lot of money in the long run. Electricity is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel, and electric cars have fewer moving parts, which means less maintenance. Plus, there are often government incentives and tax breaks available for electric car owners.
  • Perfect for Urban Driving: Small cars are ideal for navigating the UK's narrow streets and crowded cities. They're easy to park, nippy in traffic, and generally more fun to drive in urban environments. Adding electric power to the mix makes them even better, with instant torque and a smooth, quiet ride.
  • Government Incentives: The UK government is pushing hard for electric vehicle adoption, and there are various incentives available, such as grants for purchasing electric cars and tax breaks for company car drivers. Keep an eye on the latest policies to see how you can benefit.
  • Low Running Costs: We cannot stress this enough! The charm of electric vehicles goes beyond just environmental friendliness; the lower running costs are a huge draw. Think about it – no more frequent trips to the petrol station! Charging at home is much cheaper, and with the growing network of public charging stations, topping up on the go is becoming increasingly convenient. Also, electric cars generally require less maintenance than their petrol or diesel counterparts, saving you money on servicing and repairs.

Top Small Electric Cars in the UK 2023

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best small electric cars you can buy in the UK right now:

1. Fiat 500 Electric

Keywords: Fiat 500 Electric, small electric car, city car, retro design, range, price, UK. The Fiat 500 Electric is a stylish and charming city car that's perfect for urban dwellers. It retains the iconic retro design of the original Fiat 500 but adds a modern electric powertrain. The range is decent for city driving, and it's surprisingly fun to drive.

The Fiat 500 Electric isn't just a pretty face; it's packed with features that make it a great choice for city driving. Its compact size makes it a breeze to park in tight spots, and the electric motor provides instant torque for quick acceleration. Inside, you'll find a well-designed interior with a user-friendly infotainment system. While the rear seats are a bit cramped, they're perfectly adequate for short trips or carrying kids. Plus, with its distinctive Italian styling, the Fiat 500 Electric is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Let's talk numbers. The Fiat 500 Electric typically offers a range of around 199 miles on a single charge, which is more than enough for most daily commutes and errands around town. Charging is relatively quick, especially if you have a home charger installed. In terms of price, the Fiat 500 Electric is positioned competitively in the small electric car market, making it an accessible option for many buyers. Keep an eye out for different trim levels and options, as they can affect the price and features.

The Fiat 500 Electric stands out for its blend of style, practicality, and affordability. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a small electric car that's fun to drive and easy to live with. Whether you're zipping through city streets or cruising along country lanes, the Fiat 500 Electric offers a delightful driving experience.

2. Mini Electric

Keywords: Mini Electric, electric hatchback, sporty handling, iconic design, range, charging, UK. The Mini Electric is another popular choice, offering the same iconic design and sporty handling as the petrol-powered Mini, but with an electric motor. It's fun to drive and has a premium feel, but the range is a bit limited.

The Mini Electric brings the classic Mini experience into the electric age. It's instantly recognizable with its iconic design, and it retains the sporty handling that Mini is known for. The electric motor provides instant torque, making it quick and responsive. Inside, you'll find a well-appointed interior with comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. While the rear seats are a bit tight, they're adequate for short trips.

However, the Mini Electric's range is one of its main drawbacks. It typically offers around 145 miles on a single charge, which is less than some of its competitors. This might be a concern if you regularly drive long distances. Charging is relatively quick, but it's still important to plan your journeys carefully. Despite the limited range, the Mini Electric is a joy to drive, especially on twisty roads. Its compact size and responsive handling make it perfect for navigating city streets and country lanes.

In terms of price, the Mini Electric is positioned in the premium end of the small electric car market. It's more expensive than some of its competitors, but it offers a unique blend of style, performance, and brand appeal. If you're a fan of the Mini brand and you're looking for an electric car that's fun to drive, the Mini Electric is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to factor in the limited range when making your decision.

3. Renault Zoe

Keywords: Renault Zoe, electric supermini, long range, practical, affordable, UK. The Renault Zoe has been around for a while and is a well-established electric supermini. It offers a decent range, is practical for everyday use, and is relatively affordable. It's a great all-rounder.

The Renault Zoe has been a pioneer in the electric car market, and it continues to be a popular choice for UK buyers. It's a practical and affordable electric supermini that's well-suited for city driving and longer journeys. One of the Zoe's main strengths is its range. It typically offers around 238 miles on a single charge, which is one of the best in its class. This makes it a great option if you regularly drive longer distances.

The Zoe is also surprisingly spacious inside, with plenty of room for passengers and luggage. The interior is well-designed and features a user-friendly infotainment system. While it may not be as stylish as some of its competitors, the Zoe is a practical and reliable choice. It's also relatively affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers. If you're looking for an electric car that offers a good balance of range, practicality, and affordability, the Renault Zoe is definitely worth considering.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Renault Zoe's styling is starting to look a bit dated compared to some of the newer electric cars on the market. However, it's still a solid choice, and Renault has made several updates over the years to keep it competitive. Overall, the Renault Zoe is a practical and dependable electric car that's well-suited for everyday use.

4. Peugeot e-208

Keywords: Peugeot e-208, electric hatchback, stylish design, comfortable ride, range, UK. The Peugeot e-208 is a stylish and well-rounded electric hatchback. It offers a comfortable ride, a decent range, and a well-designed interior. It's a great alternative to the Renault Zoe.

The Peugeot e-208 stands out with its stylish design and comfortable ride. It's an electric hatchback that's perfect for city driving and longer journeys. The e-208 offers a range of around 217 miles on a single charge, which is more than adequate for most daily commutes. Inside, you'll find a well-designed interior with comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Peugeot e-208 feels more upmarket than some of its competitors, with high-quality materials and a modern design.

The e-208 is also fun to drive, with responsive steering and a smooth ride. It's easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the electric motor provides instant torque for quick acceleration. While the rear seats are a bit cramped, they're perfectly adequate for short trips. In terms of price, the Peugeot e-208 is positioned competitively in the small electric car market. It's a great choice for anyone looking for an electric car that offers a blend of style, comfort, and performance.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Peugeot e-208's infotainment system can be a bit fiddly to use at times. However, it's still a solid choice, and Peugeot has made several updates over the years to improve its usability. Overall, the Peugeot e-208 is a stylish and well-rounded electric car that's well-suited for everyday use.

5. Vauxhall Corsa-e

Keywords: Vauxhall Corsa-e, electric hatchback, affordable, practical, range, UK. The Vauxhall Corsa-e is a practical and affordable electric hatchback. It's based on the same platform as the Peugeot e-208 and offers a similar range and features. It's a great value option.

The Vauxhall Corsa-e is a practical and affordable electric hatchback that's perfect for first-time electric car buyers. It's based on the same platform as the Peugeot e-208, which means it offers a similar range and features. The Corsa-e provides a range of around 209 miles on a single charge, which is more than enough for most daily commutes. Inside, you'll find a well-designed interior with comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system.

The Corsa-e is also easy to drive, with responsive steering and a smooth ride. It's easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the electric motor provides instant torque for quick acceleration. While the rear seats are a bit cramped, they're perfectly adequate for short trips. In terms of price, the Vauxhall Corsa-e is one of the most affordable electric cars on the market. It's a great choice for anyone looking for an electric car that offers good value for money.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Vauxhall Corsa-e's styling is a bit more conservative than some of its competitors. However, it's still a solid choice, and Vauxhall has made several updates over the years to keep it competitive. Overall, the Vauxhall Corsa-e is a practical and affordable electric car that's well-suited for everyday use.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Okay, so you've got a few models in mind. Great! But before you rush out and sign on the dotted line, here are a few more things to think about:

  • Range: How far do you typically drive each day? Make sure the car you choose has enough range to meet your needs. Don't just look at the official figures – check out real-world range tests to get a more accurate idea.
  • Charging: Where will you charge your car? If you have off-street parking, a home charger is a must. If not, you'll need to rely on public charging stations. Check the availability of charging stations in your area.
  • Price: Electric cars can be more expensive than petrol or diesel cars upfront, but they can save you money in the long run. Consider the total cost of ownership, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
  • Features: What features are important to you? Do you need a large boot, a sophisticated infotainment system, or advanced safety features? Make a list of your must-haves and use it to narrow down your options.
  • Test Drive: Always, always, always take a test drive before you buy. This is the best way to see if a car is right for you. Pay attention to how it handles, how comfortable it is, and how easy it is to use.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – our top picks for the best small electric cars in the UK in 2023. Whether you're looking for style, performance, practicality, or affordability, there's an electric car out there for you. Just remember to do your research, consider your needs, and take a test drive before you make your final decision. Happy driving, folks!