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Your guide to small electric cars in 2023

Electric cars offer a lot of benefits. Low running costs and access to the low-emission zones that are cropping up in our cities are a couple of those, but the fact that they are enjoyable to drive and offer instantaneous response from the electric motor is a real bonus too.

The relative newness of the tech and the high cost of batteries means that they are still more expensive than their equivalent petrol and diesel alternative, but the gap is closing. Even better, the choice is growing, too. Before you start asking ‘how much is my car worth’ and bidding farewell to petrol stations for good, it pays to do some research. These are the best small EVs you can get in 2023.

Fiat 500e

The Fiat 500 is the archetypal city car in the eyes of many, and now it has a motor that is perfectly suited for urban motoring. There are two batteries to choose from, but neither are huge, with the 24kWh option offering a 115-mile range while the 42kWh version promises 199 miles between charges.

If you spend your time flitting between city spots then the former will probably suffice, but the latter will give a little more reassurance for those who want to pop out to neighbouring towns from time to time.

VW ID.3

The ID.3 is Volkswagen’s purpose-built electric hatchback, and promises impressive performance in a package that brings a high level of tech within reach for more buyers. The days of plotting where to plug in every few miles should be over, with the ID.3 offering almost 350 miles in between charges.

Careful when choosing, as the top-of-the-range models can get quite expensive.

Cupra Born

Fancy a VW ID.3 but in a slightly different form? The Cupra Born is based on the ID.3 but merits consideration in its own right. It’s got revamped, sportier styling on the outside with bespoke bumpers, fancier wheels and a smarter interior. It’s pretty quick, too, with versions able to get from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds.

Like the VW it also gets a choice of two batteries, with a 58kWh and a 77kWh option – it’s the bigger of these that you’ll need for the 340-mile range.

MG 4

MG has made a thing recently of offering a great level of value from its cars, and the MG4 does this and more. Not only does it offer an impressive maximum range – 281 miles in the 61.7kWh SE Long Range model – it also does so at a price that undercuts all of its main similarly sized rivals and some that are smaller too.

It’s good to drive, too, striking a fine balance between ride and handling.

Vauxhall Corsa Electric

The Vauxhall Corsa is a regular fixture at the top of the best-seller lists, and it now offers you an electric version alongside the conventional alternatives. This gives it a pretty big advantage over its main rivals – you can’t get an electric VW Polo or Ford Fiesta for example.

It’s got a 50kWh battery that gives you a 209-mile range and fast charging that will allow you to replenish in around half an hour.

Renault Megane E-Tech

The Renault Megane is now an electric-only car, and the latest version brings some of the funky stylings that the model has offered over the years.

There is only one battery – a 60kWh pack that promises a range of 280 miles, officially in any case. It’s got a pretty funky interior too