From the sophisticated Peugeot e-208 to the innovative Honda e, here are the ultimate small electric cars for city driving.
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In a sprawling metropolis, a small electric car is a great way to get around. If anything, electric vehicles are made for the city; everything is within a short distance so you will never have to worry about range anxiety, there is an abundance of charging points within touching distance and you help clean up the air quality of your urban area in your own small way.
We’ve written about the pros and cons of leasing an electric vehicle, and many of the cons are cleared up in a city. But the market is more saturated than ever, and the choices can feel as endless as the sea the tourists in London during the summer holidays. How can you separate the truly great from the average? Our list does just that, giving you the very best in the class and showing you each model’s strengths so you can find the perfect small electric city car for you.
1. Peugeot e-208
Peugeot’s transformation into a more upmarket car sculptor continues with the sophisticated Peugeot e-208. This supermini once existed as the 207, a drab and lifeless machine that pails in comparison to the inviting new model. With a 50kWh battery delivering up to 217 of the projected range, the French automakers have indulged the driver in the cabin space with a compact steering wheel, tinted windows at the rear and a wireless charging dock that holds multiple smartphones.
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2. Vauxhall Corsa-e
Next to the Ford Fiesta, the Vauxhall Corsa is perhaps the most legendary hot hatch in the UK. Now, the Vauxhall Corsa-e has given it a handsome facelift and a 50kWh battery that outputs an impressive 222 miles. It’s as accessible as a starter EV can be for the city, so if you’re worried about the prospect of electric cars and how they could bludgeon what you want out of a car, the Vauxhall Corsa-e will soothe those concerns.
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3. Fiat 500 Electric
To be frank, the original Fiat 500 is the ultimate city car. So it stands to reason that the electric version is still a formidable force on metropolitan roads, and this is absolutely the case. With nimble steering and a tight-knit package that can make light work of even the most narrow of sidestreets, the Fiat 500 does it all with a glowingly cutesy charm.
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4. MG Motor UK MG4 EV
MG’s comeback as a Chinese-owned brand has been a delight to see, and the products we’ve gotten out of it are also a huge bonus. Chief among them is the dazzling MG4 EV, which takes the hatchback formula and supercharges it with dynamic bodywork styling and, with the upgraded MG4 EV Trophy edition, delivers a staggering 358 miles of pure electric range in the city. The Trophy edition’s double-split spoiler is an esoteric addition, but one that shows just how one-of-a-kind the MG4 EV is.
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5. MINI Electric
No “best small city car” list is complete without a MINI, and the MINI Electric induces as big of a smile as the original. Still sporting the iconic looks of the original, the MINI Electric has a low centre of gravity to make steering zippy and positively joyous, as well as a powerful motor to give you plenty of acceleration when you need it. This electrified updo of a British icon is moulded to suit the city driver who doesn’t need a load of range but a light and spacious driving style and environment.
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6. Smart EQ ForTwo Coupe
Speed is all about scale, and if you’re looking for a tiny, back-to-basics car that will feel thrilling in a big cityscape, the Smart EQ ForTwo Coupe serves up something magical. This tandem-seated pod racer has 70 miles of range and gets off the line quicker than you think, getting up to 37mph in under five seconds. The minuscule turning circle makes driving the EQ ForTwo magnificent fun, and the built-in infotainment screen is a welcome surprise that hits home with how great value this car is.
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7. Honda e
The Honda e has been generating fervour amongst EV heads, and with good reason. With looks that could placate even the hardest of days at work, the Japanese automakers have also imparted their fastidious approach to tech with an app that takes care of the car while it’s on standby, rapid charging that fills up in 30 minutes and cameras in place of the wing and rearview mirrors. On paper, it’s one of Honda’s greatest success stories and in practice, it becomes one with the city and makes it feel alive.
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8. Volkswagen ID.3
We’ve written plenty about the Volkswagen ID.3 before now, and its most suited environment is where buildings are aplenty. It certainly looks the part with its space-age front end and game-changing headlights that allow you to flick the wide beams on without disturbing other drivers. What’s more, the acceleration is keen and you’ll have well over 200 miles of range as standard. The perfect car for the city-dweller who also frequents the suburbs.
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Fancy taking to the city streets in a brand-new electric car of your own? cars2buy is the best way to lease a car without the huge lump sum and exhaustive maintenance of ownership.
Customers love our service, which takes the hassle out of searching through hundreds of lease sites with no commission fee. We’ve curated a collection of the best small electric car leases from trusted partners already so you can start three steps ahead. Take a look at our electric car leases online today and you could be driving in a zero-emission city car sooner than you think.