The popularity of smaller cars is nothing new. They’re cost effective, practical, can be more reliable, and are a continuous favourite for new and older drivers alike. The addition of new electric vehicles has only added to their popularity over the past few years, with the introduction of electric models such as the Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, and the Fiat 500.With an increasing selection of EV’s available to buy, it can be difficult to know which make and model is right for you. But if you like the guarantees that come with owning a smaller vehicle, and you’re considering buying an EV, then please check out our list below.
In this article, we aim to reveal some of the most notable small EVs of 2022, that are considered to be the best among the rest.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 has the kind of futuristic cutting-edge design that you’d expect from this manufacturer. The i3 comes equipped with a range up to 190 miles from a single charge, reaching 80% in less than 45 minutes, powered by a 42.2kWh battery. This premium EV is constructed from F1 spec carbon fibre, and comes complete with the latest technology, Automatic Stability Control, and a SPORT driving mode. The i3 is priced from £32,305, with this higher price tag being justified by its sustainable design.Fiat 500 Electric
The iconic Fiat 500 Electric is an affordable small city car, providing a range of up to 118 miles and a 24kWh battery with their short-range model, and a range of up to 199 miles from a single charge and a 42kWh battery with the long-range alternative. The Fiat 500 is also compatible for rapid charging, with an 80% charge being achieved in less than half an hour. This retro style is available as a hatchback or as a convertible and comes complete with the latest technology, including autonomous driving, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Prices start at around £20,995 for the short-range version.
Honda e
The retro-inspired Honda e might look small, but the interior is spacious despite its compact size. The Honda e provides a range of up to 137 miles – for both the standard and advanced models, with a 35.5kWh battery, but don’t let its limited range put you off, as for what it lacks in range it makes up for with its cool interior features. This five-door EV boasts super tight turns of 8.6 metres, which makes it perfect for driving around sharp city roads. The Honda e comes complete with five wall to wall digital display screens, a cool built-in aquarium mode, heated front seats, and a panoramic sky roof, with prices starting from £26,160.KIA Soul EV
The box-style Kia Soul EV consists of a distinctive design based on the construction of the Kia e-Niro. Kia’s Soul model contains a 64kWh battery size, providing an impressive range of up to 280 miles from a single charge. This model also comes complete with a 204hp electric motor for excelled performance, as well as the latest technology including: smart cruise control, and a large 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system. Prices start from £34,995.
Mercedes EQA
The premium quality Mercedes EQA is a compact SUV providing a cheaper entry into the brand’s range, with a lower price tag than its competitor – the BMW iX3. The EQA contains a 66.5kWh battery and provides a fantastic range of up to 264 miles, from an approximate 30-minute charge. The luxuriously sporty design features a sleek and spacious interior, a generously sized boot, all of the latest tech, as well as an optional sunroof. The EQA starts at £45,645, for a new generation model.Mini Electric
The new Mini Electric is sharper and sleeker than ever, combining its iconic style with electricity, for an all new environmentally friendly fashionable vehicle. Designed for shorter journeys, the Mini Electric is powered by a 32.6kWh battery, providing a range up to 145 miles – from a single charge, reaching 80% in just over 30 minutes with rapid charging. This model includes a digital display, including two-mode regenerative braking, a quick 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.3 seconds, and a panoramic sunroof. Prices start at £27,000.
Nissan Leaf
Ever since its launch in 2011, the Nissan Leaf has been incredibly popular and now it is being redesigned with an all-new model for 2022. The new Nissan Leaf features two new shades of blue and a black sporty design with alloy wheels. A 39kWh battery will remain from previous models, as well as a driving range of up to 168 miles. There will also be an optional upgrade available with a 59kWh battery, providing a range of up to 239 miles. The Nissan Leaf comes equipped with autonomous tech, regenerative braking, and the Nissan Connect interface. Prices for the new 2022 model start at £26,995.Peugeot- e-208
The stylish Peugeot e-208 is a modern 5-door EV with a sporty exterior, designed with city driving in mind. With a smooth almost silent drive, the e-208 contains a 50kWh battery, offering rapid-charging capability and charging to 80% capacity within 30 minutes. The e-208 provides a range of up to 225 miles on a single charge, and also comes complete with the tech and connectivity you’d expect, making this practical model one of the best on the market. The Peugeot e-208 is priced from £28,260.
Renault Zoe
The practical Renault Zoe is another favourite in the UK. Containing a 55kWh battery, and providing a range of up to 245 miles; this model also features 5 doors, parking sensors, and new 'B-mode' technology with regenerative braking and optimised energy. Renault’s Zoe model is priced around £27,595.Vauxhall Corsa-e
The Vauxhall Corsa-e is the first all-electric Corsa. The Corsa-e comes with a 50kWh battery, providing a range of up to 209 miles – from a single charge. The Corsa-e also features rapid charging capability, charging in just 30 minutes. With a practical 5-door design, the Corsa-e also contains a reasonable sized boot, B-mode technology for regenerative braking, and low running costs. Vauxhall also provides incentives such as a free wall-box installation and free insurance for the first year. Prices for Vauxhall’s Corsa-e start from £26,490.