If an electric car ought to excel anywhere, it’s in the supermini segment. Typically used for shorter journeys or as a second car, these machines aren't as reliant on a long legged range as larger models, while the combination of compact dimensions, silent running and zero emissions at the tailpipe makes them perfect inner city assault vehicles.
Admittedly, a small platform means less space for batteries, so the range of the following cars will never match the potential of larger alternatives. But a small battery also means a lower asking price, especially important now the Government has completely scrapped its Plug-in Car Grant; and if we’re talking about urban runabouts that do only the occasional longer journey, it’s debatable just how many owners would need more than, say, 180 miles of driving range.
Best small electric cars 2021
1. Peugeot e-208
As a traditional combustion-engined supermini, the Peugeot 208 is only a little above average. However, in all-electric guise it’s one of the most appealing small cars there is, thanks to its mix of usable range, performance, value, practicality, style, perceived quality and driver appeal. Essentially, it deserves to figure highly if you’re shopping for your first electric car this year.
Unlike more low-rent-feeling EVs, the car’s materially rich interior distinguishes it just as clearly as the stylish bodywork. Practicality is on a par with the Renault Zoe and better than in a Mini Electric. Refinement beats both of those key rivals too, and performance is fairly strong. Certainly, you get an adequate dose of that electric-motor-enabled ‘zip’.
The car also rides with a suppleness missing from some smaller EVs, which often struggle to contain their body mass on the road, while in its higher-speed body movements it doesn't feel as heavy as key rivals. The steering is striking for its directness, although body control deteriorates a little bit if you drive more enthusiastically. Even so, it’s the roundedness of the e-208’s driving experience that really impresses.
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2. Fiat 500 Electric
Fiat’s model range is now slightly confusing, because the old car lives on as the Fiat 500 Hybrid (despite only being a mild hybrid). The one you want, however, is the new electric 500. It might look familiar, but it’s only when you see them side by side that you realise the new electric 500 is completely new.
Fiat has done a marvellous job at retaining the modern-day 500’s cute retro looks, while making it into a car for the modern age. As it was developed as a purely electric car from the outset, it has a fairly sizeable (for a small car) 42kWh battery and a theoretical WLTP-lab-test range of 199miles, even if that translates into more like 140 miles in real-world use. There is a cheaper ‘Fiat 500 Action’ model with a 24kWh pack, but the savings aren’t great enough for that version to be recommendable.
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The car autonomie is ridiculous compare to a Zoe, the driveability is appalling (i m not talking about performance), the dc charging power announcement is fake (two mins max at full power), the wheel are spinning like my 205 gti used to do and last but not least how can you say that the boot of Zoe is similar to a 208???
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