Small electric cars with the longest range
From superminis to crossovers, these EVs showcase how you can get 200, 300, even 250 miles from a small EV.
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In the rapidly evolving world of electric motoring, smaller electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular thanks to their efficiency and practicality. But which small electric car has the longest range?
Getting the most range from an EV is often about balancing weight, efficiency and a big battery, which is why many of the models we’ve included were built from the ground up with electric power in mind.
It’s this clever packaging that has helped them go from around 100 miles of range in the early days of small electric cars to the magic number of up to 300 miles – with some even pushing 400 miles of usable range.
So, here are eight of the best small electric cars with the longest ranges.
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Which small electric cars have the longest range?
Superminis and hatchbacks
BYD Dolphin
GWM Ora 03
Peugeot e-208
MINI Cooper SE
Crossovers
Hyundai Inster
Kia EV3
Mercedes EQA
Volvo EX30
Superminis and hatchbacks with the longest range
BYD Dolphin
 "BYD Dolphin")
Our pick: BYD Dolphin Comfort
Range: Up to 265 miles
BYD is a new kid on the block, but its Dolphin is setting new standards in the compact electric car market, which has previously been dominated by household names.
This compact and stylish Chinese model is increasing in popularity and is ideal for city living, where its small dimensions and tight turning circle make light work of narrow side streets.
Its standout feature is its affordability – it has one of the longest electric ranges for any supermini, but you can pick up a used model for around the £20,000 mark.
For the best range, consider the larger 60kWh battery, which unlocks up to 265 miles of range. The smaller (and cheaper) 45kWh unit provides up to 211 miles.
Electric driving range
265 miles
Dimensions
Length: 4,290mm
Width: 2,012mm (including mirrors)
Height: 1,570mm
GWM Ora 03
 "GWM Ora Funky Cat / Ora 03")
Our pick: GWM ORA 03 Pro+
Range: Up to 260 miles
Previously known as the GWM Ora Funky Cat before it got a tamer name, this is another Chinese entry to the list, offering a blend of retro-inspired charm and modern EV technology.
It’s a supermini with family hatchback levels of space inside and plenty of big-car tech, including a 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control and a heated steering wheel.
Because the car was created as part of a joint venture with BMW, the Ora 03 borrows some familiar styling cues from MINI models, which adds to its appeal.
Its biggest selling point is its range. The 63kWh Pro+ battery version is good for 260 miles between charges. Even the smaller 48kWh Pure+ model will do 193 miles.
Electric driving range
260 miles
Dimensions
Length: 4,235mm
Width: 1,825mm (excluding mirrors)
Height: 1,603mm
Peugeot e-208
 "Peugeot e-208 driving")
Our pick: Peugeot e-208 GT
Range: Up to 248 miles
One of the earliest mainstream electric superminis on the market, the Peugeot e-208 launched in 2019 and has already been updated with a fresh new style and new battery and motor options.
It shares many parts with the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, so both have the same claimed range, but we think the Peugeot e-208 not only looks better but offers better value for money. This is thanks to its higher build quality and superior list of standard equipment.
What makes the e-208 particularly appealing is its balanced driving dynamics, which offer a smooth and responsive ride without compromising the car’s great handling.
With the newer and bigger 51kWh battery, the e-208 is capable of a claimed 248 miles of electric range.
If you can manage with a 225-mile range, the 50kWh battery (available in the current and previous generations) offers great value on the used market.
Electric driving range
248 miles
Dimensions
Length: 4,055mm
Width: 1,960mm (including mirrors)
Height: 1,430mm
MINI Cooper SE
 "Mini Cooper Electric driving")
Our pick: MINI Cooper SE Sport
Range: Up to 247 miles
When MINI first launched the electric version of its hatchback, range was a sticking point for many – it only had a small 33kWh battery. Thankfully, the second electric model offers a welcome improvement.
With its largest 49kWh battery, it’ll do 247 miles. It’s the sportier SE model, so it also benefits from 218hp and a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds.
The MINI Cooper SE also shines with its driving dynamics, offering a sporty, responsive ride that’s befitting of the company’s go-kart handling ethos. There’s even a go-kart driving mode for driving enthusiasts.
The sharp exterior styling continues inside where this generation of MINI has high-quality materials and a large circular infotainment system that’s reminiscent of classic MINIs.
Electric driving range
247 miles
Dimensions
Length: 3,858mm
Width: 1,967mm (including mirrors)
Height: 1,460mm
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Small crossovers with the longest range
Hyundai Inster
 "Hyundai Inster")
Our pick: Hyundai Inster 02
Range: Up to 229 miles
The Hyundai Inster is a compact electric car that redefines our expectations in the small EV segment. It combines clever design, practicality and impressive range – and won’t break the bank.
Boot space ranges from 238 to an impressive 351 litres, depending on where you have your sliding rear seats positioned. And you can fold every single one of them flat (yes, even the driver’s seat) to fit whatever you need inside your Inster. Hyundai even says it’ll fit a mattress for camping adventures.
Standard equipment is strong, with an efficiency-boosting heat pump, twin-10.25-inch displays and adaptive cruise control, all available on the base spec model.
Upgrade from the standard 42kWh battery to the 49kWh option, and you’ll see range climb from 203 to 229 miles.
Electric driving range
229 miles
Dimensions
Length: 3,825mm
Width: 1,610mm (excluding mirrors)
Height: 1,575mm
Kia EV3
 "Kia EV3")
Our pick: Kia EV3 GT-Line 81.4kWh
Range: Up to 375 miles
We couldn’t list the best small EVs without a nod to the best small crossovers, given that crossovers and SUVs are the most popular body styles on the market right now.
A new addition to the Kia range and a worthy, slightly smaller sibling to the extremely popular Niro EV, the EV3 builds on the appeal of the EV6 crossover and EV9 SUV models with a modern look and stacks of tech.
Some of the highlights include a huge 30-inch widescreen display that includes all the usual instrument cluster and infotainment information, vehicle-to-load charging (to let you plug devices into the car) and smart-looking flush door handles.
The 81kWh battery is the one to go for if you want the maximum 375-mile range. Otherwise, the 58kWh pack’s 270-mile range is just as impressive for a high-spec electric crossover that costs around £33,000 new.
Electric driving range
375 miles
Dimensions
Length: 4,310mm
Width: 1,850mm (excluding mirrors)
Height: 1,570mm
Mercedes EQA
 "Mercedes EQA")
Our pick: Mercedes EQA+ Sport Executive
Range: Up to 345 miles
Another electric crossover, the Mercedes EQA is the smallest electric SUV you can buy from Mercedes and is the greener alternative to the GLA. It has that luxurious, big-car feel without taking up too much space on your driveway.
Compared with similarly premium rivals like the BMW iX1 and Audi Q4 e-tron, the EQA stands out with its longer range and higher-end interior, but its compact dimensions make it well suited to urban environments.
It launched in 2021, so used models have had time to become more affordable. It might cost the best part of £50,000 new, but you can pick up a 2021 model for closer to the £20,000 mark – well under half of the new list price.
It’s the 71kWh EQA 250+ you’ll want if you need the longest range. In Sport Executive trim, it’ll do 345 miles between charges.
Keep in mind that higher trim levels with larger wheels and less aerodynamic styling sacrifice a couple of miles, but the range is still comfortably over 300 miles.
Electric driving range
345 miles
Dimensions
Length: 4,463mm
Width: 2,020 (including mirrors)
Height: 1,612mm
Volvo EX30
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Our pick: Volvo EX30 Plus Single Motor Extended Range
Range: Up to 296 miles
The first new model from Volvo in years, marking a new direction for Volvo’s electric cars, the EX30 has an ultra-modern interior powered by an easy-to-use Google-based operating system.
Its portrait-oriented touchscreen is the only display in sight, housing everything from mapping to your current speed – very Tesla-esque.
There’s not a single version of the EX30 we wouldn’t recommend because every model has outstanding performance and an endless list of standard equipment, but mid-spec Plus models with the Single Motor Extended Range option represent the sweet spot and offer the best range.
You’ll get a claimed 296 miles of range on this 64kWh model, but don’t expect to travel that far if you abuse its 5.3-second 0-62mph sprint time too frequently.
Volvo will also remind you that the EX30 is about as sustainable as they come – recycled steel, aluminium and interior trim parts help to reduce waste, but you don’t lose that upmarket feel.
Electric driving range
296 miles
Dimensions
Length: 4,233mm
Width: 2,032 (including mirrors)
Height: 1,549mm
Small EVs with the longest range with cinch
Buying a small electric car is great for the environment as well as your wallet – they’re generally the most economical EVs, but they’re also among the cheapest to buy. In fact, many newer electric hatchbacks aren’t too much more expensive than their petrol counterparts, despite considerable running cost savings.
Don’t think that your small electric car will only last 100 miles between charges, though, because the best ones can double that with ease.
A handful of small electric cars can far exceed 300 miles on a full charge, making them look extremely attractive next to electric SUVs that can be several times their price.
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