The best small electric cars – driven, rated and ranked

Accessibility has never been associated with electric cars, especially when they first filtered into the mainstream market more than a decade ago. 

This was particularly true of smaller electric cars, which were pricey, short on range and too heavy to offer anything for the keen driver. For the everyman, finding an electric supermini or hatchback that offered the same value for money as an ICE one was a challenge. 

Fast-forward to 2025 and the small electric car market is far more promising, with a plethora of affordable and efficient EVs that are packed with usable technology and offer a decent range – and, crucially, ensure you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck. 

Battery technology has come a long way, too, with more energy-dense packs enabling car makers to strap smaller units to the underside of an EV without compromising on range and efficiency.

Where early electric superminis could barely manage 150 miles in the real world, there are plenty on sale today that will cover much longer distances – up to 250 miles in some cases. 

The breadth of choice is also varied at the lower end of the EV market, with brands like Vauxhall, Peugeot and Citroën competing with upcoming rivals from China, the latter of which typically offered with a lower list price than their European counterparts. 

And while most diminutive EVs are built to maximise range and comfort, there are a few that are tipped towards the keen drivers among us.

But which small electric car should be buy? We’ve tested each and every one and here is our rundown of the very best.