Discover the 2026 top 10 best small electric cars, from affordable city runabouts to stylish compact SUVs. Find your perfect EV today!
Autocar’s 2026 roundup spotlights the most practical, fun‑to‑drive and budget‑friendly compact EVs on the market today. From city‑slick hatchbacks to tiny SUVs, these ten models deliver range, style and value for the modern driver.
Dacia Spring
- Motor: 69 hp (standard) – 99 hp (high‑output)
- Battery: 24.3 kWh
- Official WLTP range: 224 km (up to 304 km in city‑only mode)
- Key features: 7‑inch infotainment screen, electric windows, auto‑hold brake, rear‑view sensor
- Starting price: £14,999 (≈ £15k)
The Spring’s ultra‑low price makes it the cheapest new EV on British roads, while its modest power and compact dimensions keep city driving effortless.
BYD Dolphin Surf
- Motor: 150 hp (approx.)
- Battery: 45 kWh
- WLTP range: 322 km
- Starting price: £18,675 (≈ £19k)
- Highlights: roomy cabin, solid build quality, smooth ride
Despite its low price, the Dolphin Surf feels spacious and well‑appointed, beating many European rivals such as the Citroën ë‑C3 and Renault 5.
Volkswagen ID.3 (facelift)
- Trims: Pure (52 kWh), Pro (58 kWh), Pro S (77 kWh)
- Top range (Pro S): 555 km
- Driving vibe: easy city manoeuvre, comfortable cruising
- Starting price: £30,000 (≈ £30k)
The refreshed ID.3 fixes earlier complaints about a tangled infotainment system and confusing trim levels, but its price still sits above many competitors.
Hyundai Ioniq
- Battery options: 39 kWh (19 kWh usable) – 64 kWh (48 kWh usable)
- Maximum range: 369 km (large‑battery version)
- Starting price: £20,005 for the 39 kWh model; £23,255 for the 64 kWh model
- Pros: distinctive design, flexible rear‑seat layout, plenty of physical buttons for easy use
The Ioniq’s clever interior packaging and competitive pricing give it an edge over rivals like the Fiat 500e.
Ford Puma Gen‑E
- Motor: 166 hp front‑mount
- Battery: 43.6 kWh
- WLTP range: 375 km
- Starting price: £29,995 (≈ £30k)
- Notes: praised for its engaging drive; interior finish feels less premium; single‑pedal mode can be tricky
Ford’s first fully electric Puma offers the most lively handling in the sub‑compact segment.
Cupra Born
- Motor: rear‑wheel drive, 215 hp
- Battery: 79 kWh
- Range: 435–530 km
- Starting price: £35,000 (≈ £35k)
- Highlights: sporty chassis, roomy four‑seat cabin, decent boot space
While the Born feels thrilling, its premium price pushes many buyers toward cheaper alternatives with similar range.
Citroën ë‑C3
- Motor: 111 hp
- Battery: 44 kWh
- Range: 320 km
- Starting price: £21,990 (≈ £22k)
- Strengths: low entry cost, generous equipment list, easy to use
The ë‑C3 isn’t a performance beast, but it delivers a relaxed driving experience and excellent value for urban commuters.
MG4 EV
- Battery: 51 kWh (Standard) – 64 kWh (Long Range SE)
- Long‑range WLTP: 463 km
- Starting price: £27,000; Long Range SE near £30,000
- Performance version: XPower with 429 hp, rear‑wheel drive
- Critiques: cheap interior material, infotainment and ADAS can feel sluggish
MG balances affordability with an optional high‑performance model, making the MG4 a versatile choice for budget‑savvy drivers.
Mini Cooper E (2024+)
- Cooper E: 181 hp, 40.7 kWh battery, 306 km range
- Cooper SE: 215 hp, 54.2 kWh battery, 402 km range
- Starting price: around £30,000
- Pros: premium interior, solid build quality, BMW‑derived digital systems
- Cons: heavier than older Mini EV, infotainment screen has a learning curve
The new Cooper EVs retain Mini’s iconic styling while delivering a respectable electric range at a reasonable price.
Renault 5
- Motor: 148 hp
- Battery: 52 kWh
- Range: up to 402 km (WLTP)
- Design cue: retro‑inspired 1970s look with modern finishes
- Weakness: highway efficiency drops, slightly reducing real‑world range
Renault’s revival of the classic 5 blends nostalgic charm with contemporary EV performance, making it a strong contender for style‑focused buyers.
Each of these ten models offers a different blend of price, performance and practicality. Whether you need a city‑centric runabout, a compact SUV, or a sporty hatchback, the 2026 market has a small electric car that fits your lifestyle.