Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on this: These small electric cars are already here or are coming soon

The range of electric small cars is growing. Following the Renault R5 and Hyundai Inster, the VW ID.2 and ID.1 will soon be launched. What other affordable electric vehicles will be available soon?

The market for electric cars is growing. In the first four months of the year, 158,000 new electric vehicles were registered – an increase of 42.8 percent compared to the same period last year. However, most electric cars fall into the compact, mid-size, or luxury car category. Small cars under or around four meters in length? Not really a sign. This is strange, because small electric cars offer advantages, especially in cities: small, maneuverable, and locally emission-free.

But this supply will soon grow as well. "There is currently a great need for affordable small cars that can compete with comparable combustion engines," says Professor Stefan Bratzel, Director of the Center of Automotive Management (CAM) in Bergisch Gladbach.

And not just among drivers, but also within the industry. "With small electric cars, EU fleet limits can be met more easily than with combustion engines, so manufacturers are now increasingly focusing on this segment," says Bratzel. He expects there to be a wider range of small, electric models in the future, although not from all manufacturers.

Different models for different needs

"There are a few new, interesting models in the electric small car segment, such as the Hyundai Inster, Renault R5, and in the future the Nissan Micra and VW ID.2, as well as the ID.1 later," says Jens Dralle, Head of Test & Technology at the magazine "Auto, Motor und Sport."

Models like the Hyundai Inster and the Renault R5 are very different and appeal to different drivers. While the Hyundai focuses on a versatile interior with ample space for four people, the R5, with its retro charm, offers, depending on the variant, a high level of performance and driving pleasure. The electric Mini also delights owners with agile handling, depending on the power level.

Still a disadvantage of electric vehicles: higher price

But even as the range grows, there are some disadvantages to electric city cars. "Compared to small cars with combustion engines, electric vehicles cost significantly more and remain an expensive pleasure. The discussion about affordable electric small cars is eyewash," says Jens Dralle. Comparable models with gasoline engines still cost significantly less.

Interested parties should therefore calculate before purchasing whether the premium over a combustion engine is worth it. In simple terms, this means comparing the higher purchase price with potentially lower maintenance costs.

They should also consider how they will use their vehicle. "But this applies to every vehicle segment. Drivers who have previously used small cars as their primary vehicle will have to make compromises with an electric small car," says Dralle. Despite small batteries, the range is usually acceptable for everyday use. Depending on the model variant, however, electric small cars only offer AC charging at 11 kW, with fast DC charging only optionally. The result is long charging breaks – and annoying on vacation trips.

An interesting trend is coming from China. For about two years now, Chinese brands have no longer been competing against each other, but rather electric vehicles against combustion engines. "Manufacturers are trying to undercut combustion engines on price," says Stefan Bratzel. The goal in Europe, too, must be that by 2030 at the latest, electric models can displace comparable cars with combustion engines in terms of price and functionality – and that interested parties will then have a wide selection of electric small cars.

A selection of current and soon-to-be-launched models:

BYD Dolphin Surf

The Chinese manufacturer BYD (for "Build Your Dreams") is offering the new 3.99-meter-long Dolphin Surf subcompact until the end of June for €19,990. Starting in July, the entry-level four-seater model with 65 kW/88 hp and a 30 kWh battery will cost €22,990. The electric range is up to 220 kilometers. Other variants with 43.2 kWh batteries for up to 322 kilometers and a version with 115 kW/156 hp are available.

Citroën e-C3

One of the most affordable electric small cars in Europe is the Citroën e-C3. Starting at €23,300, the five-door model features an 83 kW/113 hp electric motor and a 44 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 322 kilometers according to the WLTP test cycle. The French car measures 4.01 meters in length and offers seating for five people. Incidentally, the Fiat Grande Panda Electric, Corsa-e, and e-208, among others, also share the same platform.

Dacia Spring

At €16,900, the 3.70-meter-long Dacia Spring is currently the most affordable new electric car. The five-door model delivers 33 kW/44 hp and, with its 26.8 kWh battery, has a range of up to 225 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. However, the base version only charges at 3.7 kW AC and has a top speed of 125 km/h. Those seeking more comfort will pay significantly more.

Fiat Grande Panda Electric

At 3.90 meters long, the Grand Panda Electric remains small on the outside. However, the Italian car offers ample space inside. The electric motor on the front axle produces 83 kW/113 hp and, with the 44 kWh battery, can travel up to 320 kilometers according to the WLTP test. 100 kW DC fast charging is standard. Price: from €24,990. Fiat also offers the electric versions of the 500e (from €29,490) and the larger 600e (from €36,490).

Hyundai Inster

With the Inster, Hyundai is offering a fresh, everyday-suitable small car with a versatile interior starting at €23,900. The five-door model, measuring 3.82 meters in length, delivers either 71 kW/97 hp or 85 kW/115 hp, depending on the variant, and can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h or 150 km/h, respectively. DC charging power is between 73 and 85 kW, and the maximum AC charging power is 11 kW for the 42 kWh or 49 kWh battery. Depending on the variant, the power is sufficient for a range of 327 or 370 kilometers.

Mini Cooper E

With at least 135 kW/184 hp, the electric Mini is sufficiently powered; the more powerful versions, the Cooper SE (160 kW/218 hp) and John Cooper Works Electric (190 kW/258 hp), deliver even more. The Cooper E's 36.6 kWh battery provides a range of up to 300 kilometers. The 3.85-meter-long two-door model costs at least €27,200. At 4.07 meters long, the Mini Aceman E, with similar drivetrains, offers five doors and more space, and costs at least €29,700.

Nissan Micra

After a three-year hiatus, Nissan is returning with the Micra. The 3.97-meter-long electric subcompact shares its platform with the Renault R5 and R4. The base five-door model features a 40-kWh battery and a 90 kW/122 hp electric motor, providing a range of 310 kilometers according to the WLTP test cycle.

The top-of-the-line variant features a 52 kWh battery and a 110 kW/150 hp electric motor, offering a range of up to 408 kilometers. Depending on the variant, the Micra's DC charging capacity is either 80 kW or 100 kW. The small car is scheduled to launch at the end of the year; prices have not yet been announced. Media estimates predict approximately €28,000.

Peugeot e-208

From the Stellantis Group, the Opel Corsa Electric and the 4.05-meter-long Peugeot e-208 share their technology. The e-208's 100 kW/136 hp electric motor uses a 50 kWh battery for a range of up to 362 kilometers, while the 115 kW/156 hp version uses a 51 kWh battery for a range of 432 kilometers. Prices start at €36,425. The Corsa Electric with 136 hp costs at least €29,990. Only the appearance and operation differ, as do some equipment details.

Renault R5

With the R5, Renault is selling the electric remake of the classic R5. The compact car measures 3.92 meters and has five doors. An electric motor with 90 kW/122 hp or 110 kW/150 hp drives the front wheels, and the battery has a range of up to 350 or 410 kilometers, depending on the model. Price: from 27,900 euros. Depending on the battery variant, the R5, like the Micra DC, can charge up to 80 kW or 100 kW. Based on the same platform, the French company will offer the sportier Alpine A290 GT variant and, later this year, the slightly larger, retro-looking R4.

VW ID.2 and ID.1

With the VW ID.2, a kind of electric Polo, VW plans to enter the small car segment of the future in 2026. Starting at €25,000, the ID.2 will offer space for five people in an exterior length of 4.05 meters. It will be powered by various electric motors with up to 166 kW/226 hp and batteries with a range of up to 450 kilometers. VW plans to launch the smaller ID.1, the successor to the eUp!, in 2027 at the earliest. The approximately 3.9-meter-long model will be available starting at around €20,000.