As more people live, work and move to cities and urban areas, there’s an increasing demand for compact electric vehicles that are easy to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top five compact electric vehicles for city driving.
01. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market, and it’s no surprise why. It’s compact, affordable, and has a range of up to 150 miles on a single charge (depending on the version), which is suitable for most daily commutes. It’s also very easy to drive and park, making it perfect for city driving. However, the limited fast-charging infrastructure in some areas may make long-distance travel challenging, and the design may not be as appealing to some buyers.
Pros
- Affordable price compared to other EVs (From £28,940)
- Good range for a compact EV
- Easy to drive and park in tight spaces
Cons
- The interior feels a bit dated
- The battery takes a long time to charge compared to other EVs
02. Fiat 500 EV
The Fiat 500 EV is known for its stylish and iconic design, which sets it apart from other EVs on the market. Its peppy acceleration and nimble handling make it fun to drive, and its decent range of up to 199 miles (depending on the version) makes it suitable for most daily commutes. The fast-charging capability allows for quick recharging on the go. However, the limited rear seat and cargo space compared to other similarly priced EVs may be a drawback for some buyers. The interior quality could also be better, and the price is higher than some other EVs in its class.
Pros
- Stylish and iconic design that stands out from other electric vehicles
- Peppy acceleration and nimble handling make it fun to drive
- Decent range of up to 199 miles (depending on the version) makes it suitable for most daily commutes
- Fast-charging capability allows for quick recharging on the go
Cons
- Limited rear seat and cargo space compared to other similarly priced electric vehicles
- Interior quality could be better
- Price is higher than some other electric vehicles in its class
03. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most popular electric vehicles in the world and for a good reason. It’s sleek, fast, and has a range of up to 353 miles on a single charge (depending on the version) and quick acceleration. While it’s a bit larger than other vehicles on this list, it’s still very easy to manoeuvre and park in the city. Its spacious and luxurious interior, with advanced technology features, has also made it a popular choice for those looking for a high-end EV. However, the higher price compared to some other electric vehicles in its class may be a drawback for some buyers.
Pros
- Longest range on this list
- Sleek and modern design
- Fast acceleration
Cons
- Expensive compared to other EVs
- Some people find the minimalist interior design lacking in features
04. BMW i3
The BMW i3 is a stylish, sporty, and fun electric vehicle that’s perfect for city driving. It has a range of up to 153 miles on a single charge, and it’s very easy to park thanks to its compact size. Plus, it’s a BMW, so you know it’s going to be fun to drive. However, the limited passenger and cargo space due to its small size may be a drawback for some buyers, and the design may not be as appealing to some.
Pros
- Stylish and unique design
- Fun to drive
- Easy to park in tight spaces
Cons
- Expensive compared to other compact EVs
- The range is lower than some other vehicles on this list
05. Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe is a spacious and comfortable EV with ample passenger and cargo space. Its impressive range of up to 245 miles (depending on the version) makes it suitable for longer trips. The quick acceleration and responsive handling make it fun to drive, and it comes with a range of safety features and advanced technology. However, the higher price compared to some other EVs in its class may be a drawback for some buyers. Some may also find the design and styling to be bland or unexciting. The limited fast-charging infrastructure in some areas may also make long-distance travel challenging.
Pros
- Spacious and comfortable interior with ample passenger and cargo space
- Impressive range of up to 245 miles (depending on the version) makes it suitable for longer trips
- Quick acceleration and responsive handling make it fun to drive
- Comes with a range of safety features and advanced technology
Cons
- Higher price compared to some other electric vehicles in its class
- Some may find the design and styling to be bland or unexciting
- Limited fast-charging infrastructure in some areas may make long-distance travel challenging
06. Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a practical and affordable electric vehicle that’s perfect for city driving. It has a range of up to 259 miles on a single charge, which is one of the best on this list. Its spacious interior and ample cargo space make it a practical choice for families and its responsive handling and quick acceleration make it fun to drive; great for long trips as well. However, the higher starting price compared to some other EVs in its class may be a drawback for some buyers.
Pros
- Long range for a compact EV
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Affordable price compared to other EVs
Cons
- The design may not be as sleek or stylish as some other vehicles on this list
- The ride can be a bit bumpy on rough roads
07. Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV is a great all-around electric vehicle that’s perfect for city driving. It has a range of up to 239 miles on a single charge, which is very impressive and makes it suitable for longer trips. It’s also very spacious and comfortable, and it has a practical design that’s perfect for families.
Pros
- Long range for a compact EV
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Practical design for families
Cons
- Some people find the design a bit boring or unexciting
- The price is a bit higher than some other compact EVs
08. smart EQ fourtwo
The smart EQ fourtwo is a compact EV that is perfect for city driving. Its small size makes it easy to manoeuvre in city traffic and park in tight spaces. The quick acceleration and responsive handling make it fun to drive, and its decent range of up to 83 miles makes it suitable for short commutes and city driving. The low starting price also makes it an affordable option for those on a budget. However, the limited passenger and cargo space due to its small size may be a drawback for some buyers. The interior quality could also be better, and the range is limited compared to other similarly priced EVs.
Pros
- Compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre in city traffic and park in tight spaces
- Quick acceleration and responsive handling make it fun to drive
- Decent range of up to 83 miles makes it suitable for short commutes and city driving
- Low starting price makes it an affordable option for those on a budget
Cons
- Limited passenger and cargo space due to its small size
- Interior quality could be better
- Limited range compared to other similarly priced electric vehicles
There are plenty of great compact electric vehicles out there for city driving, and these are just a few of the best. When choosing an EV, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences, as well as your budget. Whether you’re looking for a practical and affordable option, or something more stylish and luxurious, there’s an electric vehicle out there that’s perfect for you.
