We’re seeing an influx of new small electric cars entering the market, combining a city-friendly footprint with a wallet-friendly price tag. While electric SUVs are the best selling EV segment right now, these more compact EVs are worth considering – also boasting lower running costs than their SUV counterparts. Thanks to clever packaging and their lack of engine, some of these small EVs are still much more practical than their petrol and diesel-powered predecessors. If you are looking for the perfect blend of range, manoeuvrability, and affordability, these are our top picks for the best small electric cars in 2025.
What are the best small electric cars to buy this year?
Fiat Grande Panda Electric – Volkswagen ID.3 Neo – Renault Twingo – Renault 5 – Citroen e-C3 – BYD Dolphin Surf – Hyundai INSTER – Kia EV2
Fiat Grande Panda Electric
A newcomer to the small electric car scene, the Fiat Grande Panda is an option well worth considering. Despite its rugged and upright looks, the Grande Panda is still a small EV, that combines retro looks and modern technology in a great package, much like the Renault 5. With UK pricing starting from as little as £20,995, it’s also an affordable option.
Battery range stands at a claimed 198 miles, so it’s definitely an EV more suited to the city than for longer distance drives. However, even out on the open roads, it still has the fun driving feel and peppy acceleration that people have come to expect from small Fiats.
You can read our full Fiat Grande Panda Electric review, here.
Volkswagen ID.3 Neo
The original Volkswagen ID.3 wasn’t without its criticisms, particularly on the interior, with capactive touch buttons on the steering wheel and for climate control proving unpopular. The overhauled ID.3 Neo addresses these issues, reverting back to physical buttons on the steering wheel and easy-to-use physical controls for key functions such as air conditioning and volume control.
In addition, the ID.3 Neo also gains a more attractive front design, along with technical changes bringing more efficiency – and an improved maximum range of 371 miles, depending on specification – pretty impressive for a small hatchback.
Renault Twingo
The new all-electric Renault Twingo is yet another electric model paying tribute to a cult classic model – in this case, mirroring the design of the original 90s model whilst combining it with a modern electric powertrain.
With a target price tag below £20,000 / €20,000, the Twingo will also be one of the most affordable EVs on the market, mirroring the low price that made the original Twingo such a hit in Europe.
Renault 5
Renault’s fully-electric and modernised iteration of its old-school 5 model is arguably one of the most desirable small cars on the market. Despite its small footprint, the EV platform’s flat interior floor pays dividends here, giving generous space to seat five adults whilst offering a segment-respectable boot space of 326 litres.
In the UK, the Renault 5 is also eligible for the Electric Car Grant, helping bring its starting price down to only £21,495. Across the rest of Europe (and before accounting for local subsidies), the 5 starts at around €25,000. When specified with the larger 52kWh battery pack, the Renault 5 can also manage up to 250 miles between charges, allowing this EV to also take on much longer journeys despite its city car origins.
Citroen e-C3
Despite its SUV-looking shape, the Citroen e-C3 still remains a small electric car that’s perfectly suited to urban environments. Standing out from the rest of the Stellantis EV crowd, 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.
In the UK, the e-C3 is another car on this list that qualifies for a £1,500 discount through the Electric Car Grant scheme, bringing its starting price down to £20,595. Across the rest of Europe, the e-C3 starts at around €23,300 for the base model.
BYD Dolphin Surf
The BYD Dolphin Surf is a relatively new addition to the European electric car market, and with a starting price of £18,650 / €19,990, it’s also one of the cheapest electric cars on the market.
At this price, the Dolphin Surf competes with some of the more affordable small electric cars such as the Leapmotor T03 and Fiat Grande Panda Electric.
Despite its small size and price tag, this model still carries bags of technology like we’ve come to expect from BYD’s other EVs.
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.
Base pricing for the INSTER starts at around £23,755 / €23,900.
Kia EV2
Don’t be fooled by its SUV looks. The Kia EV2 has recently hit the market, becoming the smallest and most affordable EV offered by Kia, with pricing starting at around £27,995 / €26,600.
When specified with the larger capacity battery pack, the EV2 can travel an impressive 278 miles between chargers. The EV2 is also packed with tech we previously saw on much larger and more expensive EVs, such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) support. By offloading energy from the battery back into the home when required, the cost of ownership of this car can be impressively low when combined with a V2G home energy tariff.
Looking for a slightly larger electric vehicle? Check out our guide to the best electric SUVs here.
