- 2025 has so far been a year when we’ve seen yet more compact EVs hit the market, widening options for those looking for models that are suited to narrow streets and tight parking spots.
- Small EVs are typically more efficient and more affordable than their electric SUV counterparts, helping to bring back the total costs of EV ownership further.
- These are the best small electric cars in 2025.
The best small electric cars on sale right now
Prices in this article are listed in British Pound Sterling.
Renault 5 E-Tech
Drawing styling from the original 20th century iterations of the Renault 5, the new fully-electric Renault 5 has already become a style icon, recently winning the European Car of the Year 2025 award. In longer-range 52kWh battery form, the 5 can manage a maximum range of around 250 miles, allowing this small hatchback to tackle longer journeys with ease too.
In the UK, the Renault 5 is also eligible for the new Electric Car Grant. This brings its base on-the-road price down to just £21,495, helping to also make it one of the most affordable EVs on the market.
Hyundai INSTER
Hyundai’s INSTER is the most compact and most affordable EV currently sold by the brand. Despite its compact footprint, the uniquely boxy shape gives a feeling of space inside that makes it feel like you’re sitting in a much larger car. All four seats including the front can be folded flat, to help load larger items or even turn the INSTER into a makeshift camping vehicle.
Kevin Booker recently reviewed the INSTER for ElectricDrives, and also came out impressed with its efficiency. Despite a claimed WLTP range of 223 miles in the model testing, Kevin achieved a total distance on one charge of 260 miles, despite running the air conditioning and travelling much of the journey at motorway speeds.
MINI Cooper Electric
One of the more premium cars on this list, the all-electric MINI Cooper is another great option when it comes to small EVs. Whilst it’s still larger than the classic MINI – which you can also get in restomod EV form – it still retains the short overhangs of its petrol-powered predecessors, helping it to maintain that go-kart feel associated with MINIs. For those looking for a bit more performance, the Cooper Electric can also be specified in ‘John Cooper Works’ form, helping it to keep up with many electric sports cars.
In the UK, prices for the all-electric Cooper start at £26,905. However, with the electric variant currently being produced in China, the chances of the MINI becoming eligible for the Electric Car Grant and receiving a further discount are unlikely.
BYD Dolphin Surf
The BYD Dolphin Surf has already been on sale in China since early 2023, where it’s sold as the BYD Seagull, but has only just gone on sale in Europe – existing as the cheapest and smallest model sold by the Chinese EV giant here.
With UK pricing starting from £18,650, the Dolphin Surf exists on the more budget end of the small electric car market, competing against models such as the Leapmotor T03 and Fiat Grande Panda Electric. The list of standard equipment is impressive for such a budget EV, containing features typically associated with much larger and expensive models, a large rotating central touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and even the option of a 360-degree camera setup.
Citroen e-C3
Despite its SUV-looking shape, the Citroen e-C3 still remains a small car that’s perfectly suited to urban environments. Thanks to Citroen’s long-standing expertise in creating comfortable vehicles, the e-C3 also benefits from tailored suspension tuning and seats that help make the e-C3 a relaxing car to drive both on short and longer journeys.
Once again, thanks to its eligibility within the Electric Car Grant, the e-C3 has recently become an even more affordable option – with pricing after the ECG starting at £20,595.
