The Best Small Electric Cars 2026 - Driven, Rated And Ranked

Small electric cars are a more common sight on British roads, with falling production costs, evolving battery technology and competitive government incentives helping UK drivers make the switch to electric motoring. 

Once dominated by heavy, inefficient and expensive EVs, the small electric car class has been revolutionised by a fleet of affordable and eye-catching models that serve as credible alternatives to petrol superminis. 

Led by the retro-inspired Renault 5, the small EV looks set to dominate the market for the foreseeable future with the arrival of the chunky Fiat Grande Panda and highly-anticipated Volkswagen ID Polo. 

These models showcase that you don’t need an electric SUV to reap the rewards of an EV. By developing energy-dense battery packs and space-efficient platforms, engineers are now able to squeeze all the benefits of an electric car into a much smaller package, without sacrificing on range or usability.

We think the best small EV you can buy today is the Renault 5. It neatly blends retro-styling with pleasant road manners, a well-configured interior and a starting price that undercuts many of its main rivals. It’s a brilliant all rounder and the benchmark for the class.

However, a new wave of small EVs means the 5 isn’t your only choice. You might prefer the budget comfort of a Citroën ë-C3, or the clever ergonomics of the quirky Hyundai Inster. 

Thanks to our expert road test team, we’ve put together a definitive guide to the best small electric cars on sale. 

Best small electric cars at a glance