If an electric car ought to excel anywhere, it's in the supermini segment. Typically used for short hops, commuting or as a second car, these compact runarounds aren't as reliant on a long legged range as larger models, while the combination of dinky dimensions, silent running and zero emissions at the tailpipe makes them ideal for zipping about the urban jungle.
A small platform does means less space for batteries, but with their lower kerbweights and less powerful motors many of these small EVs can travel further on a single charge than you'd think. What's more, a smaller battery also means a lower asking price, which is especially important following the the Government's scrapping of its Plug-in Car Grant. That said, these machines are still more costly to buy than their ICE alternatives, but even with the increased cost of energy you should soon recover the extra outlay thanks to reduced running costs, especially if you charge at home. So here are our favourite small EVs.
Best small electric cars 2022
1. Peugeot e-208
As a traditional combustion-engined supermini, the Peugeot 208 is only a little above average. However, in all-electric guise it's one of the most appealing small cars there is, thanks to its mix of usable range, performance, value, practicality, style, perceived quality and driver appeal. Essentially, it deserves to figure highly if you're shopping for your first electric car this year.
Unlike more low-rent-feeling EVs, the car's materially rich interior distinguishes it just as clearly as the stylish bodywork. Practicality is on a par with the Renault Zoe and better than in a Mini Electric. Refinement beats both of those key rivals too, and performance is fairly strong. Certainly, you get an adequate dose of that electric-motor-enabled zip'.
The car also rides with a suppleness missing from some smaller EVs, which often struggle to contain their body mass on the road, while in its higher-speed body movements it doesn't feel as heavy as key rivals. The steering is striking for its directness, although body control deteriorates a little bit if you drive more enthusiastically. Even so, it's the roundedness of the e-208's driving experience that really impresses. It's claimed range of 225 miles isn't to be sniffed at either.
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2. Fiat 500
Fiat's model range is now slightly confusing, because the old car lives on as the Fiat 500 Hybrid (despite only being a mild hybrid). The one you want, however, is the new electric 500. It might look familiar, but it's only when you see them side by side that you realise the new electric 500 is completely new.
Fiat has done a marvellous job at retaining the modern-day 500's cute retro looks, while making it into a car for the modern age. As it was developed as a purely electric car from the outset, it has a fairly sizeable (for a small car) 42kWh battery and a theoretical WLTP-lab-test range of 199miles, even if that translates into more like 140 miles in real-world use. There is a cheaper 'Fiat 500 Action' model with a 24kWh pack, but the financial savings aren't great enough to offset the much shorter range.
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I think that the resale residue values of electric vehicles are relatively low owing to battery degradation and battery leasing agreements because there is very little or no discussion of these values. Am I right?
IF this website was hiring journalists: then you would include the MG 4 in your line up. Please start researching your articles. This is appalling that you have not even evaluated the efficiency of any of the cars. This is the most important issue with Ev’s today.
The car autonomie is ridiculous compare to a Zoe, the driveability is appalling (i m not talking about performance), the dc charging power announcement is fake (two mins max at full power), the wheel are spinning like my 205 gti used to do and last but not least how can you say that the boot of Zoe is similar to a 208???