Compact and affordable: the best small electric cars are named

A few years ago, high prices were an important obstacle to buying an electric car. Finding a compact, affordable, and fuel-efficient electric car was not easy. Small cars are equipped with smaller batteries, which naturally offer a shorter range.

However, in recent years, compact electric vehicles have become more affordable and stronger. As battery technology has improved, it has become possible to drive much longer distances on a single charge. Experts have compiled a rating of the best compact electric cars at an affordable price.

Mini Cooper E

The Mini EV has received a new elegant design, additional range and the latest digital technology systems from the BMW Group.

Based on a new platform developed in partnership with the Chinese giant Great Wall Motors, the Cooper E is equipped with a 181 hp electric motor and a 40.7 kWh battery that provides a range of up to 470 km. The more powerful Cooper SE has 215 hp and a 54.2 kWh battery with a range of up to 400 km. The new Mini offers a much longer range and faster charging. However, its weight has increased, which you may felt when cornering.

MG 4 EV

The MG 4 EV has been targeting the budget segment of the market since the relaunch of the British brand, which is owned by Chinese giant SAIC. The rear-wheel drive provides a great driving experience, and the soft but steady ride means that the car is well suited for uneven roads.

The car has a very competitive range and charging performance. You may notice some low-quality interior materials and somewhat haphazard infotainment and driver assistance features, but none of them are so bad to ruin the value for money that the MG 4 offers.

Citroën ë-C3

The car is powered by a 44 kWh battery that provides a claimed range of 481 km. It is equipped with a 111 hp front electric motor, which allows the ë-C3 to accelerate to 100 km/h in about 11.0 seconds.

Although all ë-C3s are currently equipped with a 44 kW battery, a smaller battery option may be available in Europe next year.

Fiat 500e

Fiat has done a great job of keeping the 500's cute retro look while transforming it into a car for the modern era. Since the Fiat 500e was designed to be a purely electric car, it has a rather impressive 42 kWh battery for a small car.

There is a cheaper Fiat 500 Action model with a 24 kWh unit, but experts do not believe that the financial savings are sufficient to compensate for the much shorter range.

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring is one of the cheapest full-size electric cars. Entry-level models are equipped with a weak 44 hp electric motor that accelerates to 100 km per hour in 19.1 seconds.

The variant with a higher power of 64 hp reduces this time to 13.7 seconds. The figures may not seem very attractive, but experts say that the Dacia Spring can match the 1-liter Volkswagen Up in terms of speed. Both models are equipped with a 26.8 kWh battery, which is quite enough for the claimed total range of 220 km. Equipment levels are good too: a 7-inch touchscreen, electric windows, cruise control, and rear parking sensors are included as standard.

Mazda MX-30

Mazda has never been afraid to do things its own way, and the approach it has taken with its first all-electric car is truly impressive. Such a tiny appearance is due to the extremely small battery - only 35.5 kWh - which provides an official range of 200 km.

Fast charging with a power of up to 50 kW is possible, so if a limited range suits you, the Mazda MX-30 may be a good option.

Peugeot e-208

As a traditional supermini with an internal combustion engine, the Peugeot 208 doesn't stand out too much in its segment. However, in its all-electric form, the car makes good use of its truly useful range, good performance, practicality, style and quality.

GWM Ora 03

The GMW Ora 03 (formerly Ora Funky Cat) from the Chinese automaker group Great Wall Motors can catch your attention for many reasons. This is a rather large and practical car in its price segment. The GWM Ora 03 is undoubtedly a spacious and moderately attractive model by class standards. Owners often complain about the average quality of the interior and equipment. Moreover, the infotainment system, although having a lot of functionality, is inconvenient due to very small controls.

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