There are many great electric cars for sale in 2024, but most of them are larger vehicles that command higher prices. Small electric cars remain rare in the USA, whereas they’re thriving in markets like China. For now, there are only a handful of smaller EVs you can buy, but our list also includes a few exciting options that we either haven’t driven yet, or that are launching for the 2025 model year. For now, these are the best small electric cars of 2024, based on our BuzzScore methodology.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here.
Volkswagen ID.4
2024 Volkswagen ID.4
8.9/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $39,735
- Fuel Economy
- 115/98/107 MPGe (RWD base) | 122/104/113 MPGe (RWD 82 kWH) | 108/96/102 MPGe (AWD)
- Horsepower
- 201 hp (RWD Base) | 282 hp (RWD 82 kWh) | 335 hp (AWD)
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
- 115/98/107 MPGe
- Engine
- Electric
- Electric Range
- 206 miles (RWD Base) | 291 miles (RWD 82 kWH) | 263 miles (AWD)
Although rivaling the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E in the compact segment, the ID.4 is over five inches shorter in body length than both. The VW puts its compact proportions to good use, though - it has reasonable space for rear-seat passengers and over 30 cubic feet of space in the trunk. Starting at under $40,000, the ID.4 is also good value, although the base model has little more than 200 miles of range on a full charge. Pricier trims have AWD and up to 291 miles of range.
Ian WrightAutomotive Journalist
Expert Opinion
"It's clear that Volkswagen's goal with the ID.4 is to make the transition to all-electric power as easy as possible, and the goal has been reached."
Volvo XC40 Recharge
2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge
8.9/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $52,450
- Horsepower
- 248 hp
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
- 118/95/106 MPGe
- Engine
- Electric
- Electric Range
- 254-293 miles
Small often means undesirable in the car world, but this isn’t the case for the Volvo XC40 Recharge. Yes, its size limits the cargo space, but it looks every bit like a luxury vehicle. The tasteful interior design is classy and restrained, while material quality is first-rate. With 402 horsepower, the dual-motor version can sprint to 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds. With the single-motor version, you get the best range of up to 293 miles. As a first step into the EV space, the XC40 Recharge is an attractive option.
Volvo C40 Recharge
2024 Volvo C40 Recharge
8.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $53,600
- Horsepower
- 248 hp
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
- 118/96/107 MPGe
- Engine
- Electric
- Electric Range
- 257-297 miles
When launched, the C40 Recharge became the first Volvo nameplate that was only available with a fully electric powertrain. Sharing aspects of its design and construction with the XC40 Recharge, the C40 has a unique sloping roofline, lending it a sportier air. Buyers can choose from single- and dual-motor versions of the C40 Recharge, with the latter producing over 400 hp. However, it’s the single-motor version that has the best range of 297 miles; that drops to 257 miles for the more powerful model. Unique for being entirely leather-free, the C40 Recharge’s interior still feels distinctly premium.
Nissan Leaf
2024 Nissan Leaf
8.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $28,140
- Horsepower
- 147 hp
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
- 111/123/99 MPGe
- Engine
- Electric
- Electric Range
- 149 - 212 miles
Although no longer a cutting-edge EV, the Nissan Leaf’s compact proportions and low price ensure it’s still worthy of consideration. It’s one of the only EVs to start at under $30,000, but that only gets you the S variant with a small 40-kWh battery and 149-mile range. The SV’s larger battery extends the range to 212 miles, but it costs over $8,000 more. The Leaf is more conventional to operate than many newer EVs, and it has a practical interior. Slow charging and the poor range will limit its appeal, though.
Kia Niro EV
2024 Kia Niro EV
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $39,600
- Horsepower
- 201 hp
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
- 126/101/113 MPGe
- Engine
- Electric
- Electric Range
- 253 miles
Priced from just under $40,000, the Niro EV is similar in size to the Leaf, but the Kia’s higher price reflects its much more modern design. Both Niro EV trims produce 201 hp from a single electric motor, enough for a sub-seven-second 0-60 mph sprint. The range on a full charge works out to 253 miles, which should be fine for those commuting in big cities with plentiful public chargers, or anyone with charging access at home. The Niro EV has a youthful design and comes equipped with features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, multiple USB ports, and wireless phone charging, making it ideal for the younger set.
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Hyundai Kona Electric
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $32,675
- Horsepower
- 133 hp
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
- 131/105/118 MPGe
- Engine
- Electric
- Electric Range
- 200 - 261 miles
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric boasts fresh styling and an appealing starting price of under $33k. The second generation of the Kona Electric, it’s more spacious than the previous model and has a decent range with the larger of the two batteries. The base model makes do with just 133 hp, so it doesn't have the instant performance of most other EVs, but one must bear in mind the low starting price of this model. The Kona Electric has a fashionable interior equipped with all the safety and connectivity features one would expect, and Hyundai's generous warranty further sweetens the deal.
Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop
2024 Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop
7.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $30,900
- Horsepower
- 181 hp
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
- 119/100/110 MPGe
- Engine
- Electric
- Electric Range
- 114 miles
If your only mission is to find the smallest electric car you can get your hands on, look no further than the Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop. The body stretches to just over 150 inches, so it’s incredibly easy to park. Available in front-wheel drive only, the Mini’s 181-hp electric motor allows it to hit 60 in just over six seconds. It also retains much of the gas model’s quick reflexes and responsive handling. Unfortunately, a range of just 114 miles prevents the Cooper Electric Hardtop from ranking any higher on our list.
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More Small Electric Cars On The Way
Besides the models above, there are other new small electric cars that are either on the way or which have not received a CarBuzz rating yet, due to us not having had the luxury of subjecting them to a full test. The first is the Fiat 500e, a new arrival this year. With its retro styling and extremely petite size (it’s under 143 inches in length), it’s as small as it gets for a new EV in America. However, the car’s limited practicality and short range make it better suited for use as a second car.
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2024 Fiat 500e
- Base MSRP
- $32,500
- Horsepower
- 117 hp
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
- 127/104/116 MPGe
- Engine
- Electric
- Electric Range
- 141 - 149 miles
The 2025 Volvo EX30 is another enticing small EV, slotting in below the XC40 Recharge. At under $35,000, it’s the most affordable EV you can buy from a premium-badged automaker.
2025 Volvo EX30
- Base MSRP
- $34,950
- Fuel Economy
- TBC
- Engine
- Electric
Characteristics Of The Smallest Electric Cars
Electric propulsion has a lot of benefits, but a number of drawbacks, too. Despite this, there has been widespread acceptance of the technology, and a subcompact or compact electric car is a great way for first-time buyers to get an introduction to what is likely to be the future of all cars. But what exactly defines this segment?
- Size: Unsurprisingly, the length, height, weight, and how wide a car is all contribute to whether or not it is considered small. Interior passenger and cargo capacity are also relevant factors.
- Range: The size of an EV’s battery directly affects its range, and since smaller cars have less space and want to keep their weight down, they generally have a smaller battery. This limits their range, but the same factors that prevent the use of a larger battery also mean that they get the most out of what they have, so expect great economy.
- Price: When you compare EV prices to that of standard gas-powered cars, there is an obvious discrepancy. However, compact EVs are not much more expensive than their gas alternatives. Add this to the fact that they get incredible mileage and are relatively easy to maintain, and they are easily one of the more affordable car types to own.
- No emissions: It stands to reason that without an internal combustion engine, there are no harmful emissions being pumped into the atmosphere. While you have to charge up your EV, you’re not using fossil fuels, and you are lessening the impact on the environment.
What To Consider When Buying A Small EV
While the smallest electric car models might not be for everyone, they have a lot going for them. You might need something with a little more space for the family or your stuff, but carefully weigh the pros and cons before you make a final decision.
Pros
- This group includes the most affordable EVs on sale
- Quiet and comfortable
- Highly efficient
- Eco-friendly with no emissions
- Access to many tech and safety features
Cons
- Small batteries, limited range on a full charge
- Longer charging times than pricier EVs
- Pricey upper trims
What is the smallest electric car available?
In the USA, the new Fiat 500e is currently the smallest electric car. It has a length of just 142.95 inches and the wheelbase is only 91.4 inches long. Due to its small size, Fiat has been able to get away with a small 42-kWh battery.
Which small EV is the best value for money?
With its more upmarket interior and starting price of under $35k, the latest Hyundai Kona EV is a lot of car for the money. Volvo's upcoming EX30 also deserves a mention for bringing a luxury badge within reach of more people who want a new EV.
What is the cheapest small EV?
At a few grand under $30k in 2022, the Nissan Leaf is still the most affordable small electric car.
