BEST SMALL ELECTRIC CARS
When it comes to EVS, small is beautiful, says motoring editor Ginny Buckley.
Sales of all plug-in cars, including hybrids, surpassed 1m for the first time in the UK in 2020. And given that the government announced last year that the ban on the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars would take effect in 2035, more of us could be getting behind the wheel of an EV sooner than we thought. The choice is growing, and if you’d prefer a small car, here are three options.
It’s been more than 60 years since Fiat introduced the original 500. It was small, groundbreaking and stylish. Now, the newest version (from £19,995) is the centre of attention, too; it’s the first 500 that is purely electric. Built for city driving and short journeys, the 500 was the ideal candidate for an electric makeover (not that you’ll be confined to driving around town, as the model can come with a 42kwh battery, which does 199 miles on one charge). We were impressed with its easy-to-use 10in touchscreen (Carplay, Android Auto and Tomtom Sat Nav are included) and elegant interior. There’s USB connectivity and extras, such as 360° parking sensors and driver assistance tech. Like all small electric cars, it’s nippy, plus its great turning circle and compact shape make it easy to park.
Also worth considering is the Mini Electric (£24,900). It’s another classic packed with character, albeit not quite as practical as the three-door Fiat. Its smallish battery is good for a modest 140 miles. The research team at Mini discovered owners drive 26 miles a day on average, so for most of us, a smaller, less expensive battery that recharges fast works perfectly. This is a fun, well-built run-around at a sensible price.
We’ve also been charmed by the Seat Mii (£19,800). This well-made EV covers all the basics and has a usable range of 169 miles. Factor in the sub-£20k price and it makes financial sense for drivers who might have thought they couldn’t go electric.