Best small electric cars 2026: affordable new EVs to buy now

Are electric cars too expensive for the average motorist? It’s a common talking point among drivers – but is it a bit of a myth?

While there certainly are expensive cars that are electric out there, a recent explosion of smaller, more affordable EVs onto the market has given buyers much more of an incentive to go green if they’re willing to downsize.

But being easy on the wallet is one thing - check out our cheapest electric cars list if that's all that matters. The best small electric cars are also surprisingly desirable, capable and can manage longer distances than ever on a charge.

They’ll also have plenty of technology and comfort features to prove cheap doesn’t have to mean basic. From super compact models to slightly larger EVs able to swallow a small family, there’s something for everyone in our top 10 list.

Check out which small electric cars won awards in our New Car Awards 2026.

Best small electric cars: the shortlist

• Kia EV2
• Renault 4 E-Tech
• MG 4 Urban EV
• Renault 5
• Nissan Micra
• Hyundai Inster
• BYD Dolphin
• Fiat Grande Panda
• Leapmotor T03
• Vauxhall Corsa GSE

1. Kia EV2

Price: From £24,245               Range: 197 – 275 miles (official)

It's official: the Kia EV2 is our favourite small electric car on sale according to RAC experts. It tops this list by simply being the best all-round EV available at its price point.

The EV2 is Kia's smallest electric car, but it borrows plenty from the larger EV3. From its design to the technology, comfort and refinement, the EV2 is no poor relation and feels more grown up than any car in this list. Factor in the good amount of space for four adults, good-sized boot, easy to use interfaces and long range on a charge and it's clear why the EV2 marks a step forward for EVs at this size and price point.

2. Renault 4 E-Tech

Price: From £23,445               Range: 243 – 249 miles (official)

The retro-styled Renault 4 E-Tech narrowly loses out to the EV2 in our list of the best small electric cars. It's still a great EV, blending charm and character with a capable driving experience, high quality interior and reasonable practicality. It just can't quite match the Kia for range, comfort and interior space.

Whether you prefer the bigger Renault 4 to the more desirable Renault 5 is a matter of taste and priorities, but as an overall product the 4 has the same brilliantly intuitive tech, decent performance and competitive range, but with space in the back (just) for adults.

3. MG 4 Urban EV

Price: From £23,494               Range: 201 – 258 miles (official)

MG's smallest electric car isn't as compact as you might think - and what it lacks in desirability and sophistication compared to its Kia and Renault rivals it almost makes up for in sheer practicality and value.

Even the base model comes loaded with standard kit, but the MG 4 Urban big ace up its sleeve is it offers family hatchback levels of interior space and easily the biggest boot here. It's decent enough to drive, too, and even has a good quality interior.

4. Renault 5 E-Tech

Price: From £21.495               Range: 193 – 253 miles (official)

Undoubtedly one of the star cars of the last few years regardless of price, the Renault 5 E-Tech is the rebirth of a small hatchback icon. It’s a great electric car if space isn't a priority, but at under £22,000 for the cheapest version it’s a seriously tempting bit of kit. A smart interior with Google tech, a comfortable ride, and an official range of up to 250 miles is the icing on the cake - just be aware that adults will struggle for space in the back.

5. Nissan Micra

Price: From £21,495               Range: 193 – 253 miles (official)

Unsurprisingly given its close relationship to the Renault 5 (above) the Nissan Micra follows it closely in this list. While it doesn't quite have the Renault's head-turning looks, it matches it in every other area including the well-rounded driving experience, the decent range and the superbly usable and well-built interior. Again, its relative lack of practicality holds it back from the top small electric cars here.

6. Hyundai Inster

Price: from £23,495            Range: 203-229 miles (official)

Hyundai’s smallest electric car to date has a lot going for it, not least head-turning looks and an impressive amount of space for its compact footprint. Measuring in at just 3.8m long it’s smaller than the Renault 5, yet it offers even more rear seat room – if only space for two. It’s feature-packed, too, and won’t break the bank. But it's definitely a town focused car, lacking the range and sophisticated driving experience of bigger rivals here.

7. BYD Dolphin

Price: from £26,195           Range: 193-265 miles (official)

The BYD Dolphin is larger, more spacious and more luxurious inside than the truly compact cars in this list, and while it is a little more expensive it still looks like strong value. Factor in quirky details like an electrically rotating touchscreen and, while the Dolphin isn’t the most stylish or sharp to drive car here, it’s a very good contender.

8. Fiat Grande Panda

Price: from £20,995           Range: 199 miles (official)

Fiat has taken a leaf of our Renault's book by successfully reviving an icon and bringing it into the electric age. The Fiat Grande Panda isn't all style over substance, though, with good practicality, a colourful, feel-good interior and a very keen price tag. The Renault 5 is more fun and capable on the road, however, while in electric form the Panda's range and performance isn't outstanding.

9. Leapmotor T03

Price: £12,995                 Range: 165 miles (official)

Never heard of Leapmotor? It’s a Chinese electric car brand, but one with backing from the giant Stellantis group – owners of Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat and several others. The Leapmotor T03 might not look all that enticing at first glance but it’s exceptional value for money: a reasonably good-to-drive electric city car with just enough space for four adults and plenty of standard kit, for an amazingly tempting price.

10. Vauxhall Corsa GSE

Price: £32,995                 Range: up to 232 miles (official)

The standard Vauxhall Corsa is by no means an outstanding small electric car, but the racy new GSE variant breaths new life into it. If driver appeal is top of your list of priorities then the entertaining Corsa GSE delivers it in spades - it's genuinely fast and capable, giving petrol hot hatches a run for their money. It's not cheap, however, and the range suffers due to its performance focus.