Top 10 best small electric cars 2024

When electric cars first entered the mainstream market, they weren't exactly accessible to the general buyer - particularly if they were small or compact electric cars. 

That's down to several reasons. Up until now, high prices have been an important barrier to EV ownership, as have packaging and weight, plus the fact that small cars are fitted with smaller batteries, which naturally offer lower driving ranges. 

Batteries are expensive and more easily hidden in something SUV-shaped, which means that we’ve seen most of the innovation in the bigger segments, with the classes of larger EVs filling up quickly with very competitive models.

But over the last few years, small electric cars have become more affordable and viable. Some of the best superminis on sale in the UK today have an electric option, while others are solely powered by electrons. 

Plus, as battery technology improves, smaller electric cars can travel much longer distances on a single charge and can be topped up faster than ever. Some will even hit over 250 miles in the real world when previously you might struggle to hit 150. 

There's also a wider choice than ever at the lower end of the market, with brands such as Peugeot, Vauxhall, Mazda and a host of Chinese rivals regularly slashing list prices. 

But why should you consider a small electric car? Well, small hatchbacks have long been among the most popular cars in the UK and to this day are some of the more enjoyable to drive. 

The question is: which are the best small electric cars on sale today? We’ve tested each and every one, so here is our rundown of those we consider to be the very best.

Best small electric cars 2024