Many people considering an electric vehicle are in search of a compact city car that's ideal for daily commutes, can easily fit into tight parking spots, and still offers ample room for backseat passengers. Despite the market being dominated with larger SUV/Crossovers, there are still plenty of smaller EVs to choose from.
In the early days of electric vehicles (EVs), a smaller car typically meant a smaller battery, resulting in a shorter range on a single charge. However, with advancements in technology, we are now seeing smaller EVs that can compete with their larger counterparts in terms of range.
At Lease Electric, we've curated our Top 10 Small EVs for 2024, ranging from the iconic MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 to the lesser-known Ora 03 and the upcoming Renault 5. We've also included the Citroen AMI in our discussion to help you select your new, small electric vehicle.
VW 1D.3
When you think of small Volkswagen’s - you’ll think of the likes of the Polo, the Beetle, maybe the Fox, the UP! or even the Lupo. But what about the ID.3, VWs smallest, fully electric car currently available in the UK.
Volkswagen Group launched the ID.3 in 2020, a pioneering model built on the versatile and successful Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform. It offers an impressive range of up to 347 miles on a single charge and features cutting-edge technology and connectivity, including an augmented reality head-up display and various driver assistance systems.
Though slightly larger than VW's current Golf Hatchback and comparable in size to the MG4 and Ora 03, the ID.3 isn't the smallest car in Lease Electric's Top 10 smallest EVs. Nevertheless, it's expected to be the smallest in VW's fully electric line-up until the anticipated 2026 launch of the ID.2all, which is rumoured to be akin to the Polo in size.
The ID.3 is offered in three trims: Pro Essential, Pro Match, and Pro S Essential. The Pro Essential and Pro Match come with a 59kWh battery, while the top-tier Pro S Essential features a 77kWh battery, offering up to 347 miles (WLTP) on a single charge.
View our VW ID.3 Leasing Deals
MG4
2024 marks 100 years of MG, with its recent triumphs stemming from the brand's lineup of electric vehicles produced by the Chinese Automaker SAIC Motor. Alongside the ZS , MG5 and the long anticipated Cyberster, the MG4 fits into the line up as the brands small hatchback.
The MG4 EV is the brand's first fully-electric hatchback. Boasting an electric range of up to 323 miles (WLTP) and offering two battery options, it comes standard with a 10.25" touchscreen, MG iSMART app connectivity, and the comprehensive MG Pilot suite of driver assistance systems. Opt for the Trophy Long Range model to gain additional features such as a 360° Parking Camera, Satellite Navigation, Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel, and a Mobile Phone Bluetooth Key.
Available in six unique colours, including the new Volcano Orange, the MG4 EV allows you to personalize your vehicle to your style.
BYD Dolphin
The Dolphin is a compact electric vehicle from 'Build Your Dreams', the world's largest EV manufacturer.
It is currently the smallest model from BYD available in the UK. However, BYD has recently introduced an even smaller, entry-level EV, the Seagull, in Europe, which is expected to join their UK line up sometime in 2025.
Like the other BYDs currently on the market (Atto 3 and Seal), the Dolphin comes standard with an array of tech, safety, and assistance features. These encompass advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Its infotainment system is cutting-edge, boasting a rotating touchscreen, smartphone integration, and voice command capabilities.
The Dolphin is available in Comfort, Active, Boost, or Design trims, and comes with a choice of a 44.9kWh or 60.4kWh battery. The Dolphin Comfort with a 60.4kWh battery can reach up to 265 miles (WLTP) on a single charge.
View our BYD Dolphin Leasing Deals
Ora 03
The Ora 03, a Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) initially named 'Funky Cat', has recently reached an important sales landmark with 1,000 units now navigating UK roads.
Sporting a retro-futuristic design, the Ora 03 draws comparisons to iconic brands such as MINI and Porsche, yet it stands out with its advanced technology features, available as standard. Contrary to its seemingly compact size in images, the Ora 03 is similar in dimensions to the VW ID.3, being slightly shorter but both taller and slightly wider.
There are two models of the ORA 03 available in the UK:
The ORA 03 PURE+ model comes equipped with a 48kWh battery that delivers a 193-mile range according to WLTP standards. Coupled with a comprehensive suite of standard features including wireless phone charging, facial recognition, electric front seats, app integration, and 'Hello ORA' intelligent voice assistance.
Alternatively, the ORA 03 PRO+ model boasts an enhanced 63kWh battery that provides a 260-mile WLTP range and additional luxury features. Owners can indulge in heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, a gesture-controlled powered tailgate, rear privacy glass, and sophisticated automatic parking assistance.
As the Ora 03 begins to establish itself in the UK market, the brand is gearing up to introduce a new model, the Ora 07, a larger saloon-style EV, slated for release in late 2024.
Mini Cooper Electric
An emblem of 1960s British popular culture, a legend of the racing circuit, and now a staple at classic car shows, few cars can boast the iconic status and recognition of the MINI.
The MINI Cooper has evolved significantly since its original design in the late 1950s, and a new range of fully electric MINIs are now available. In 2019, during the brand’s 60th Anniversary year, the first fully electric MINI Cooper was launched, Since then, MINI have continued to expand their electric line-up, with plans to go fully electric by 2030.
In 2024 the new MINI Cooper was released. The iconic three-door design has been given sharper lines, striking new LED headlights and bigger wheels. Its go-kart handling, race-inspired sports seats, and a variety of exterior color options preserve the quintessential MINI racing spirit. The technology has also advanced, offering the brand’s most intuitive user experience to date, including a world-first circular OLED display and a voice-activated MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant.
The all-electric MINI Cooper is available as the MINI Cooper E, or the MINI Cooper SE, in three trims: Classic, Exclusive, and Sport, across three different levels each offering unique features such as panoramic sunroofs, surround sound systems, and Driving and Parking Assistant Plus.
With two battery options, the larger 54kWh battery provides a range of up to 250 miles (WLTP) on a single charge.
View our Mini Cooper Leasing Deals
Vauxhall Corsa-E
Vauxhall stands as the UK's oldest surviving car brand, with its first model debuting in 1903. More than a century on, Vauxhall has consistently evolved, now offering a selection of fully electric cars and vans.
The Vauxhall Corsa, one of Britain's top-selling cars, has seen both its interior and exterior undergo significant transformations over the years.The most notable change was the release of the Corsa-e in 2020. By early 2024, the fully electric Corsa received an update, featuring a redesigned front end, interior and infotainment enhancements, and improvements to the powertrain and battery pack.
The Corsa-e offers four trim levels: Design, GS, and Ultimate, with the latter two being the premium options. Both the Ultimate and GS models can reach up to 248 miles (WLTP) on a single charge, thanks to their 51kWh batteries.
View our Vauxhall Corsa-E Leasing Deals
Renualt Zoe
Renault first presented a series of concept cars named Zoe, including the Zoe City Car in 2005 and the Zoe Z.E. electric concept in 2009 and 2010. The production version of the Zoe was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, marking Renault's entry into the mainstream electric car market. The initial production model of the Zoe was equipped with a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering a range of 130 miles under the NEDC cycle.
In 2023, after 11 years, the Renault Zoe continued to be the top-selling EV in France, staying competitive with its rivals by offering a 52kWh battery and a range of 238 miles on a single charge. Renault, however, ceased production of the Zoe in March 2024, paving the way for the upcoming Renault 5, which is expected to launch soon in the UK. A limited number of stock vehicles are still available, and you may still have the chance to own one of the final Renault Zoes available in the UK.
View our Renault Zoe Leasing Deals
Peugeot E-208
The Peugeot 208, a subcompact car by the French manufacturer Peugeot, was first presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012, sitting below the larger 308 in the lineup. The initial models of the 208 were three-door hatchbacks, introduced as successors to the Peugeot 207.
The electric variant, the Peugeot e-208, has undergone various efficiency improvements since its debut. Peugeot announced an updated e-208 model in late 2023, entering the UK market in 2024.Boasting a new design, cutting-edge technologies, a novel powertrain, and an enhanced electric range of up to 248 miles per charge.
Sporting a contemporary sporty aesthetic, the e-208 is offered in striking colours like Agueda Yellow and Elixir Red, with three trim levels: Active, Allure, and GT, and two electric engines.
Equipped with a 51kWh battery, it delivers 156hp and a 248-mile range (WLTP) on a single charge, while the smaller 50kWh battery provides 136hp and a 224-mile range (WLTP).
View our Peugeot E-208 Leasing Deals
Fiat 500e
The Fiat 500 is renowned as an icon of Italian automotive design. Its compact and stylish appearance, combined with a rich history dating back to the 1950s , has solidified its position in the small car category.
In 2020, Fiat introduced the fully electric Fiat 500. Boasting advanced infotainment systems, smart connectivity features, and a range of safety technologies, the 500e was designed to cater to modern drivers while preserving the 500's classic retro look.
A variety of trims are available, and for those searching for an all electric convertible the 500 Electric Convertible boasts a fabric roof that retracts with the simple touch of a button, neatly folding into the boot lid in just 25 seconds.
The Fiat 500e comes with a choice of two battery capacities, with the larger 42kWh battery offering up to 199 miles (WLTP) on a single charge.
View our Fiat 500e Leasing Deals
Renault 5 E-Tech - Coming Soon
True to the 2021 concept, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric is the inaugural vehicle to be constructed on the AmpR Small, the innovative all-electric platform designed to highlight its classic design without compromising performance.
Engineered for urban use and more, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric provides a selection of motors and batteries tailored to the car's purpose. Boasting a power output of up to 110 kW / 150hp, a range of up to 248 miles WLTP, and DC charging capability of up to 100 kW, it possesses the attributes of a larger vehicle while retaining its nimbleness and agility. Uncommon in the electric city car category, it can also tow a trailer with a capacity of 500kg.
The Renault 5 E-Tech is slated for release in the UK market in late summer or early autumn.
Find out more about the Renault 5 E-Tech
What about the Citroën AMI?
Have you noticed the Citroën AMI on the roads in your area? Perhaps you've come across advertisements on social media, or read reviews online or in well-known car magazines. If you've perused Lease Electric's Top 10 Small EVs for 2024, you might be curious about the Citroën AMI.
The Citroën Ami is a two-passenger electric quadricycle developed by Groupe PSA, now a part of Stellantis. Designed for urban use, the ultra-compact AMI measures just 2.41m in length, 1.39m in width, and 1.52m in height, fitting into half a standard parking space. It's ideal for daily commutes and errands, offering a range of up to 46 miles and a top speed of 28mph.
The base model of the Citroën AMI comes with two adjustable seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, a USB charging port, heating and ventilation, and a 63-liter luggage capacity. The Colour and Peps trims enhance the exterior and interior design, along with infotainment and connectivity features.
The AMI is categorized as an L6E vehicle, which sets it apart from standard cars and aligns it more closely with mopeds or scooters. However, unlike these vehicles, the AMI offers the protection of a roof, doors, and seatbelt. In the UK, the Citroën AMI is classified as a quadricycle (L6e-A), which means it can be legally driven on public roads by those holding the appropriate license.
Although not yet widely popular in the UK, the Citroen AMI is gaining some traction in European cities. As other brands follow suit, the UK could soon see the introduction of similar quadricycles, like the Fiat Topolino, which may gain popularity in larger cities like London.