Drivers of big cars usually choose them because they have to do big drives, yet the rush to cut emissions and strive for electrification means EVs are being sold to everyone. City drivers, faced with congestion, slow speeds and cramped spaces, are the ones most likely to benefit from an electric car – and for that, you need to go small.
Early on the popular electric cars were small, too. BMW’s i3 and Renault’s Zoe set the pace for the last decade on tech and affordability respectively. Check out the used market and demand with tools such as a Parkers car valuation and you’ll find they’re barely depreciating these days; in fact, for anyone looking at financing a second-hand EV, it may be cheaper per month to get a new small electric car via a lease, subscription, or PCP finance deal.
And the good news is, aftera period of mostly larger models being released and genuinely small EVs being very compromised like the Smart Forfour ED or SEAT Mii, there’s a new generation of fast, capable and distinctive models to choose from. Most will allow street parking by offering a larger battery capacity that you could charge once a week at a public charger if you only use them within city routes.
Style and substance – and savings: the MG4
MG may be a British brand historically, but it’s become the symbol for something far more exciting than oil-leaking rusty roadsters or oddly-aggressively style Rovers. Part of one of China’s largest automotive groups, it’s at the heart of cutting-edge tech development and the new MG4 reflects that. Stylish, yet not derivative, it stands out from most angles, but most buyers will appreciate the way it grabs attention with the list price and impressive range on a charge.
Naturally, there are some elements of cost-cutting to achieve that – mostly in the infotainment system and hidden plastics – but nothing you’d care about. What matters is how it drives, and where it lives up to the legacy of sporty, fun handling and low running costs.
Unlike many cheaper cars, you don’t get the feeling of having to justify your choice – the MG4’s genuinely appealing and rewarding to own.
If I fits, I sits: boxing cleverly with the Kia Soul EV
Looking for the most space in the shortest footprint? The Kia Soul has always been a quirky choice, but it’s found a natural resonance with buyers as an electric car. You’ll find plenty of used ones (it’s been around a while, with steady improvements for each generation) and don’t let the functional, upright exterior fool you – it’s got a fun side, and a surprising turn of pace.
You’ll be able to use that in the stressful confines of city traffic, thanks to the big windows, great visibility, and flat, boxy shape that’s easy to place between obstacles. A 280 mile range means days of urban driving before you also need to find a plug.
There’s a downside to the compact dimensions of course – if you have an eye on family ferrying that interior space is perfect for people, but the boot is not generous. Friends admiring your van-like EV will have a choice; send you to IKEA, or come with you and leave the boxes behind…
City slickers: the Fiat 500E and the MINI Electric
European cities – or our memories of them from holidays – are often defined by three things: the culture, the street food, and the small cars. Turin has the Fiat 500, London has the MINI, and France has the Twingo or Renault 4, but only two of those are on offer in a 21st-century electric form. For now, at least.
Of the two, the MINI is the one that’s all about style. Not so much that Fiat lacks it, but more that the MINI can only do 145 miles on a charge at best, whereas Fiat offers a choice of tiny-but-cheap battery for frequent short drives and your own charger, or a longer range if you rely on public plugs. Both offer space for four people and not much stuff, and are great to drive in town and on country roads, but the Fiat has the option of a roll-back full-length sunroof whereas MINI’s electric convertible option is a luxury limited edition for collectors.
The real world: Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 208 and the Jeep Avenger
The Goldilocks zone of ‘just right’ exists for people who don’t want too hot, too cool, or overly sharp-edged and quirky cars, and it comes from Stellantis – a constellation of car manufacturers that turns out to be very habitable indeed. Forget the rather dull or down-market image of old Corsa’s, the latest model is good looking, well-made and very capable. Don’t feel like Vauxhall is your brand? Peugeot’s 208 has a different image and interior and reprises the trendy feel of the 205 very effectively.
But with the fondness Britain has for SUVs, there’s a highly appealing third choice for this short, medium-range and well-balanced trio of cars. What’s more urban-off-road chic than a Jeep? The Jeep Avenger is new to the market and has already won awards. Proven running gear and a brand that, if you like it, has an absolutely rock-solid image? Saving the environment (a little) while looking like you can explore all of it is hard to resist, even if the biggest obstacle it’ll tackle is the Westway.
Small electric cars and the city – why they work so well.
People legitimately worry about charging an electric car, but the great thing about EVs in urban environments is that they deliver their best economy and cut emissions where pollution from vehicles is most concentrated. If you only do 6 miles a day, an EV with 100 mile range will need charging fully every fortnight; one trip to a public charger for a shopping centre or night out and it’s sorted.
Slow-moving smoothness, no idling engines, ample torque and lower noise all have benefits for everyone’s experience in big cities and towns, too. You don’t need to buy a new, expensive car if you want to spend cash outright – we recommend the SEAT Mii electric if you want something genuinely small and reassuringly familiar when moving from an older car, or the BMW i3 if you like cutting-edge tech – 10 years on, no other car has matched the lightweight, advanced construction and architectural style.
