New Renault 5

Nissan Qashqai

Volvo V90

Seat Ibiza

Volkswagen Tayron

New Tesla Model Y

New Audi Q5

Peugeot 5008

the-best-small-electric-cars-in-2025

best-small-electric-cars-2025-the-cheap-evs-to-choose

It's a myth that going electric has to be an expensive move – because the best small electric cars are cheap to buy as well as being cheap to run.

Indeed, as with larger&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUVs</a>, going for one can save you a bundle on your running costs if you can charge it up at home or at work. And don't think that by going for a smaller car you're going to be struggling for space, because the best here offer more than enough room for your family and all of their luggage.

We define a small electric car as being anything which doesn't measure more than 4500mm in length, and while that means some larger models such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/seal/saloon/review/n26074">BYD Seal</a>&nbsp;don't qualify here, there are still lots of cracking options in this class – including our reigning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-overall-winner/n25379">What Car? Car of the Year</a>.

You can read more about each of the models below by following the links through to our dedicated reviews. And if anything takes your fancy, you can also see what deals are available. We've also answered some common questions about small electric cars at the bottom of this story.

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

Best small electric cars 2025: the cheap EVs to choose

Hatchback

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/cooper/hatchback/review/n26581">Mini Cooper</a>&nbsp;above, the Fiat 500 Electric combines retro charm with&nbsp;thoroughly forward-thinking electric&nbsp;technology.

These days there are multiple versions to choose from, but while the entry-level model might tempt you in thanks to its low price tag, it's also rather slow on faster roads, and can't go very far on a charge. Instead, we'd urge you to look at the&nbsp;42kWh model, which offers up to 199 miles of range depending on which trim you go for, and plenty of pep. Indeed, in our tests, the 117bhp electric motor managed to pull the 500 from zero&nbsp;to 60mph in 8.0sec, which is fine for most people's needs.

Combine that pep with the 500's tiny turning circle and agile handling, and you have an electric car which is in its element in the city, but which also has no trouble joining faster roads.

You sit higher up inside the 500 than you do in the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a>, and most drivers will have no trouble getting comfy. Just be aware than entry-level cars miss out on steering wheel adjustment. The 500's interior feels pleasantly premium, but be aware that space inside is limited, and the rear seats are best thought of as being for occasional use only.

“The 500 is an electric car I could buy with my head as well as my heart, because slow depreciation means I should get a good chunk of my money back when I came to sell it on.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta, Head of Video</a>

10: Fiat 500 Electric

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Decent range between charges</li>
	<li>Fun to drive around town</li>
	<li>Stacks up well financially</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Tiny rear seats</li>
	<li>Noisy on the motorway</li>
	<li>Rivals have longer electric ranges</li>
</ul>

BYD is one of the biggest names in electric cars globally, but only launched in the UK recently.

Even so, it has a fast-growing dealer network, and it's models - most notably the Tesla Model 3-rivalling Seal - are gaining attention for impressive tech and good driving ranges.

Other BYDs include the MG4-sized Dolphin and Nissan Qashqai-sized Atto 3.

DOLPHIN

There's much more to BYD's smallest and most affordable model beyond a mildly amusing name, because this small electric car has real substance.

For a start, you can officially travel for up to 265 miles if you choose the larger of the two battery sizes available, and that's more than some rivals can manage. This Dolphin is fast, too, with the Boost model managing to complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 7.5sec. That makes it both nippy around town, and ensures that you won't feel caught out when accelerating to join the motorway.

While the Dolphin's soft suspension means you won't be bounced around by potholes or sleeping policemen, rivals with firmer rides, such as the MG4 and Peugeot e-208, offer a more composed experience overall. Those cars are better to thread along a country road, too, with the Dolphin's steering feeling both light and vague.

Where the BYD fights back is in the space that it offers, because a couple of six-footers sitting in the rear seats will find that they have more room to stretch out than in the rival Mini Cooper Electric or Peugeot e-208. Plus, you'll be able to fit a decent amount of luggage into the Dolphin's boot, with it swallowing the same number of carry-on suitcases as the MG4 in our tests.

“As a tall driver, I'm often concerned about how well I'll fit into some small cars, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much room I had to stretch out in the back of the Dolphin.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/george-hill/n23609">George Hill, Staff Writer</a>

9: BYD Dolphin

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good straightline performance</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride around town</li>
	<li>Plenty of interior space</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Slower charging than rivals</li>
	<li>Wobblier than rivals on undulating roads</li>
	<li>Brake feel takes getting used to at low speeds</li>
</ul>

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

e-C3

Business tycoons will be used to talking about cost-effectiveness, but it's a phrase that's summed up perfectly by the&nbsp;Citroën ë-C3. Here's a small electric car which offers on-trend SUV styling, a decent range of close to 200 miles, and all the practicality a growing family might need, for a price that's less than most rivals.

Indeed, the e-C3 is one of the cheapest electric cars on sale, undercutting everything but the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/spring/hatchback/review/n26964">Dacia Spring</a>, which is a significantly smaller car and has a far cheaper-feeling interior. The e-C3, on the other hand, has an interior which is both comfortable to sit and and inviting to behold. Indeed, it's more inviting than that offered in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4</a>.

It's a shame that the e-C3's 10.25in infotainment touchscreen didn't receive more attention, because its graphics aren't impressive to look at, and it has limited applications – though you do still get&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a>&nbsp;smartphone mirroring.

Rear passengers will find they have more head room than in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/dolphin/hatchback/review/n25891">BYD Dolphin</a>, although that car counters with a bit more leg room, as well as more room for luggage. Still, the 310-litre boot offered by the e-C3 should still carry your weekly shop or a couple of holiday suitcases with ease.

“I was impressed with how nippy the e-C3's 111bhp motor made the 0-50mph sprint feel. Performance does tail off beyond that, but motorway overtakes are still easily accomplished.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a>

8: Citroën ë-C3

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>A cheap electric car…</li>
	<li>...but doesn't feel cheap</li>
	<li>Spacious interior considering its compact dimensions</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>The real-world range might put you off</li>
	<li>Charging speed is modest</li>
	<li>Boot would benefit from a false floor</li>
</ul>

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

COOPER

In many ways, you might think that the Mini Cooper would make the ideal small electric car. It's tiny, it's hugely popular and it has the cutesy styling which makes Instagrammers blush with delight.&nbsp;

Objectively, it's also a very good electric car. While the E model gets a relatively modest 190-mile range from its 36.6kWh battery, the SE version is better suited for more drivers, with its larger 49.2kWh battery officially providing up to 250 miles of range, and around 140-215 miles in real-world condidions. Like the E, the SE feels nippy thanks to its 181bhp electric motor, and while neither car truly feels like the go-kart Minis of old, they do offer plenty of fun along a twisting country road.

The Mini's interior has plenty to feast your eyes on. But while everything looks the part, we found the infotainment system to be confusing, with small icons which can be hard to hit on the move. As for space, those in the front can spread out and relax, but leg room is very tight in the rear, and both the MG4 EV and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a>&nbsp;can hold more in their boots.

“If like me you like a good bit of tech, then the customisable front and rear light signatures which come as standard on the Mini Cooper SE can offer hours of entertainment.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a>

7: Mini Cooper SE

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Nippy acceleration</li>
	<li>Grippy handling</li>
	<li>Relatively slow predicted depreciation</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Range of Cooper E variant isn't great</li>
	<li>Not very practical</li>
	<li>So-so charging speeds</li>
</ul>

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

ID 3

The Volkswagen ID 3 has been treated to a mid-life refresh, and while it's not at the top of the small electric car pile, it is still thoroughly recommendable.

Regardless of which version you choose, you'll get a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, but while you could spend more for a Pro S model with a 77kWh battery, we'd save our money and go for the Pro model, with its 58kWh battery, instead. This can officially take you up to 265 miles between charges – that's further than a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338">Nissan Leaf</a>&nbsp;– plus thanks to its lower weight, the Pro can out-sprint an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV</a>&nbsp;SE to 62mph.

While the ID 3's interior used to be a bit of a let-down, but this recent facelift has smartened up the materials used inside, adding soft-touch materials to pretty much every surface you're likely to touch regularly. Still, some parts of the interior still don't feel as well put together as, say, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/1-series/hatchback/review/n26">BMW 1 Series</a>. The centre console, for example, is very obviously made from cheaper plastics.

“I like knowing that the ID 3 will take good care of me if something goes wrong. Automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and a driver fatigue monitor all come as standard, and the car scored a full five stars from Euro NCAP when it was crash tested back in 2020. The tests have gotten tougher since then, though.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/steve-huntingford/n1018">Steve Huntingford, Editor</a>

6: Volkswagen ID 3

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Loads of standard luxury and safety kit</li>
	<li>Sprightly performance</li>
	<li>Decent to drive</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Patchy interior quality</li>
	<li>Fiddly controls</li>
	<li>Tesla Model 3 can use a better charging network</li>
</ul>

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Let's be clear – the MG4 EV is a&nbsp;bargain, safely under-cutting almost every other electric car of similar size. Yet don't go thinking that just because the MG4 has been built to a budget, that it's not hugely compelling in the areas which matter for electric car buyers.

Let's start with the range. Even the entry-level SE model can officially take you 218 miles between charges, while the Long Range model, with its more powerful motor and larger 61.7kWh battery, ups the range figure&nbsp;to 281 miles according to official figures. Even in the depths of winter, we recorded an impressive 196 miles in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-best-winter-range/n24274">real-world tests</a>.

No matter which version you go for, the MG4's ride is decent, with most lumps and bumps taken care of in a respectable manner, though the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-e-tech/hatchback/review/n24175">Renault Megane</a>&nbsp;are even comfier.&nbsp;

While the driving position of the MG4 isn't up there with the best in this class, because the steering wheel is slightly offset to the left, most of the car's controls are easy to get to grips with.&nbsp;Tall passengers will be more comfortable in the rear of the MG than they would in either of its Cupra or Renault rivals, too.

Despite costing far less than most rivals to begin with, our recommended SE models don't skimp on it, with adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors and even the ability to use the car's charge to power external devices all coming as standard.

“If you regularly travel big miles like I do, then you'll be pleased to know that going for the Long Range model also ups the MG4's maximum charging capacity to 135kW – slightly more than the Born can manage.&nbsp;” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a>

5: MG4 EV

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Incredibly well priced</li>
	<li>Competitive range between charges</li>
	<li>Long warranty</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Bad reliability record</li>
	<li>Slightly unsettled ride</li>
	<li>Infotainment system is fiddly</li>
</ul>

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

MEGANE E-TECH

The Renault Megane used to be a fairly frumpy family hatchback powered by petrol – now it's an electric SUV aiming to steer you away from rivals including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a>, MG4 EV and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338">Nissan Leaf</a>.

Where the Megane scores big points is inside, where it's easy to get comfortable thanks to having lots of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, and a driving position which places you fairly high up. Certainly, it's better than in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV</a>, with its offset steering wheel. There's lots of storage in the car for your odds and ends, too, and we managed to fit an impressive seven carry-on suitcases into its boot. The Cupra Born and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">VW ID 3</a>&nbsp;are both more accommodating for rear passengers, though.

It's worth going for entry-level Equilibre trim over the most expensive Megane models, because this comes with the smallest 18in alloy wheels, which produce the best ride. Speaking of which, the Megane's ride is firmer than in the MG4, but that doesn't translate into enjoyable handling, where the Megane's light steering can make it tricky to place the car where you want it.

“I like silence on my morning commute, so I appreciate the lengths Renault has gone to to cocoon drivers from the outside world. Driving the Megane is certainly a quieter experience than in the rival Cupra Born.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/stuart-milne/n25965">Stuart Milne, Digital Editor</a>

4: Renault Megane

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Strong performance</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride – even on 20in alloys</li>
	<li>Great driving position</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Relatively heavy depreciation</li>
	<li>Rivals have more rear space</li>
	<li>Grabby brake-pedal response</li>
</ul>

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

Like Abarth, some of Cupra's models including the Ateca and Leon are extensively reworked Seats, but models such as the Born and Formentor are exclusive to Cupra.

Whilst Cupras are closely related to equivalent models from Seat and Volkswagen, they are generally tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience.

CUPRA

Born

Small electric cars which are good fun to drive,&nbsp;like the Cupra Born, are few and far between.&nbsp;We love that not only does the entry-level car, with its 58kWh battery give you a decent range – up to 264 miles officially – but it's also light and powerful enough to let you cover the 0-60mph sprint in 7.0sec – that's faster than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916#on-the-road">MG4</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-e-tech/hatchback/review/n24175">Renault Megane</a>.

You can pay more for a larger 79kWh battery which offers more range, along with a more powerful motor which drops the sprint time down to 5.6sec, but we think most drivers will be satisfied with the standard car.&nbsp;

No matter which version you choose, the ride is comfortable, and feels more settled than that of the MG4. And then there's the handling, which is tidy and precise. Plus, with a turning circle of just 10.2m, the Born is a doddle to thread along city streets. Indeed, compared with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">Volkswagen ID 3</a>, with which the Born shares most of its components, you'll appreciate many of the tweaks Cupra has made to turn it into a more enjoyable car to drive quickly.

“I regularly travel five-up, which means the 58kWh Born is the one I'd choose every time. Why? Well, it comes with three rear seats, whereas the 77kWh model can only seat two in the back.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor</a>

3: Cupra Born

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good range between charges</li>
	<li>Relatively fun handling</li>
	<li>Quiet cruising manners</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Much pricier than an MG4</li>
	<li>Awful touch-sensitive dashboard buttons</li>
	<li>Slightly firmer ride than a VW ID 3</li>
</ul>

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Inster

If you want a small electric car with a smattering of SUV style, then the Hyundai Inster is well worth a look. Its rufty-tufty bodywork gives the look of a traditional petrol-engined SUV, but because it's both small and electric, it should cost you comparitive pennies to run – especially if you can charge it up at home.

While the smaller of the two available batteries can only take you up to 203 miles between charges offiically, it's worth paying a little more for the Long Range model, which ups that figure to 229 miles. That's more than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/spring/hatchback/review/n26964">Dacia Spring</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/e-c3/hatchback/review/n26854">Citroën ë-C3</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/hatchback/review/n84">Fiat 500e</a>&nbsp;can manage.

The Inster has a comfy ride, too, with its relatively soft suspension doing a good job of soaking up lumps and bumps in the road. In fact, combined with well-weighted steering, the Inster feels well suited to drivers living in the city.

Go for a car in 02 trim and you can slide the rear seats backward to create a surprising amount of leg room, but it's worth noting that, unlike some rivals, the Inster only has two rear seats. At least you'll have more space for luggage than you would in the likes of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/dolphin/hatchback/review/n25891">BYD Dolphin</a>&nbsp;and e-C3.&nbsp;Plus, starting prices for the Inster are less than those of the Dolphin.

"The Inster is a good fit for drivers like me who like to sit high up. I also like its large windows, which help to give you excellent visibility.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/darren-moss/n1005">Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor</a>

2: Hyundai Inster

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Surprising amount of interior space</li>
	<li>Long range compared with rivals</li>
	<li>Lots of standard kit</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Some rivals are bigger inside</li>
	<li>Loses puff at higher speeds</li>
	<li>Having just two rear seats won’t suit everyone</li>
</ul>

Its name may hark back to the past, but this new Renault 5 is definitely planted in the here and now. As a small electric car, it’s bang on trend, and it sets a new standard for this growing class.

Go for the entry-level model and you won’t feel like the Renault 5 has been built to a budget, while our preferred mid-range models has all of the tech that we like in the larger and more expensive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-e-tech/hatchback/review/n24175">Renault Megane</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic-e-tech/estate/review/n26635">Scenic</a>. Among those are 10.3in and 10.1in screens for instruments and infotainment respectively.

We especially like that the Renault 5’s interior includes physical controls for the air-con, making it easier to get along with than that of the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a>.

The larger, 52kWh battery which we recommend you go for can officially take you up to 253 miles between charges – further than the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/inster/hatchback/review/n27214">Hyundai Inster</a>&nbsp;can manage in Long Range form – and enough, we think, to suit the needs of most buyers.

When you need to charge, a 100kW peak rate means a 15-80% top-up need only take half an hour, while the way the 5 symbol on the bonnet can also act as a charging indicator is delightful.

Capping things off is the price, because the 5 is priced attractively next to rivals, proving that going green doesn’t need to be expensive.

When all those factors are taken into consideration, it's easy to see why we named the Renault 5 as our overall&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-overall-winner/n25379">Car of the Year</a>&nbsp;at the most recent What Car? Car of the Year Awards.

"Renault has done well in offering the 5 with a headline-grabbing price. I suspect that strong demand should slow any depreciation for the next few years, too." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a>

1: Renault 5 52kWh

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Great infotainment system</li>
	<li>Tempting pricing</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Rear leg room is tight</li>
	<li>No discounts</li>
</ul>

City-Car

The Ami is technically a quadricycle rather than a car, and its pitiful range, sluggish performance and extremely limited practicality stop it from competing with the best in this class.

And the small electric car to avoid: Citroën Ami

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Think going electric has to be expensive? Well, the best small EVs prove otherwise, but which models are we talking about, and which one should you avoid at all costs?

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