For a long time, electric cars have been common on UK roads. This makes them an attractive option for anyone looking to buy new or used cars. While many of you are familiar with the pros and cons associated with electric cars, there are some tips for those who want to switch from petrol or diesel.
Affordable to purchase, but not cheap to run
Because of the difficult-to-find materials used in batteries, they are expensive to make. This makes the price of a battery much higher than a petrol or diesel car.
If you have a low off-peak rate or a cap on energy prices, you will spend less on ‘fuel, road tax, and the ULEZ fee.
Government grants
You can’t get a grant from the government to pay for a car but you can still get money to help you buy a small van or wheelchair accessible vehicle.
Efficiency
You shouldn’t expect a long range with a small car. Some cars are more efficient than others. A Smart EQ Fortwo can travel only 81 miles while a Fiat 500 or Peugeot e208 can travel over 200.
Also, keep an eye on the advertised miles per kWh number. This is the distance your car can travel for each unit of electricity.
These are the ten best small electric cars.
- Renault Twizy
This is technically not a car. It’s actually a quadricycle with two seats that doesn’t need to pass the same crash test. Although it has a limited range and only 62 miles of practicality, it is affordable, can travel 50 mph, and is well-suited for whizzing through a city.
- Mini Electric
The electric Mini Cooper S is similar to the regular Mini Cooper S. It has a premium interior, fast acceleration, and the best handling in its class. If you have one with a panoramic sunroof, be prepared for bumpy rides, a small boot, and cramped rear seats.
- Honda e
The Honda e is a mini-mini with a luxurious interior. It’s also great to drive. Even if you do, the boot is tiny and you won’t get more than 100 miles.
- VW E-Up
The E-Up is just as easy to drive as a regular Up, but with an automatic gearbox. It should last for just over 100 miles, if you drive it carefully. This is a great used option that’s also very affordable. The Seat Mii Electric is almost the same car.
- BMW i3
The i3 is a familiar car even though it has been around for a while. Although its small rear doors and tiny boot make it difficult to use, the i3 is practical and offers plenty of space for passengers. You can also get over 100 miles per charge.
- Kia Soul Electric
The Kia Soul is not available in a diesel or petrol version, unlike its predecessors. This all-electric car shares its motor with the Niro EV, which gives it a time of 7.9 seconds to go from 0-60 mph and a range of more than 200 miles.
- Peugeot e-208
The e-208 is a more expensive option that the petrol or diesel 208 but it makes a lot of sense. It has a comfortable interior that rivals Mini’s, and a punchy performance. You can ignore the official range of 211 miles, 140 miles is more accurate.
- Vauxhall Corsa -e
The Corsa-e shares the same mechanical parts as the e-208 but wraps them in a more conservative outfit. Vauxhall has better finance options and the interior is less divisive. This is enough to make Vauxhall more recommended in our opinion.
- Renault Zoe
Although it is not the most recent car on our list the Zoe has been improving year after year. The Zoe’s range has increased to the point where the larger battery versions can go over 200 miles per charge. Also, the interior has seen significant improvements. Alternativly, you can buy an early version for a low price to get into electric car ownership.
- Fiat 500 Electric
The 500 electric is the most affordable small electric car. The 500 electric is fun to drive, has a great interior, and can travel around 140 miles in real life if you get the large battery.
