Top 10 Compact EVs
Criteria
All the cars in this list are in the compact segment; they all require a driving license and are expected to be able to easily sustain highway speeds.
When there are multiple battery pack options for a car, I choose the smallest one. The 30 kWh average in this compact section is about half that of the other cars I surveyed; the same is true for the average price and the real-world range—they are all roughly half of their bigger siblings.
In terms of aerodynamic performance, being rather short and tall, the height average is close to that of crossovers and MPVs. These compacts are not slender, and the drag coefficient shows it; it’s only their diminutive tyres and weight that allow them to achieve 3.6 miles per kWh—just a bit above their full-sized competitors.
Winner
The Skoda Citigo-e iV is the winner by quite a margin, but there is a significant drawback: this is the only compact in the list without fast-charging capabilities unless you opt for the slightly more expensive SE version.
Unless you only plan to charge at home, the solid contenders are the Seat Mii Electric, VW e-Up!, and Fiat 500e. The main thing to note about them is that they are all built on a legacy ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) platform, as opposed to the Chinese contender, Kandi—a new player with no established European presence but a highly competitive, electric-only platform.
The Mini Electric, VW e-Golf, and Honda e offer slightly less value for money, but each has a unique temperament and aesthetic. The Honda, in particular, features an entirely new electric platform with rear-wheel drive, providing a distinct experience inside and out.
Losers
The Smart EQ is a Mercedes through and through, with a price to match. I fail to understand their positioning; they would have made more sense half a decade ago, and I doubt they will sell particularly well, which is a shame. Here’s hoping Daimler updates them with better range soon.