The UK’s five best small electric vehicles (EVs) priced under £25,000 have been officially named. This announcement comes as new battery electric cars become cheaper than petrol cars in the UK for the first time, according to data from the car sales website Autotrader.
The average price of a new electric car listed on Autotrader was £42,620, compared to £43,405 for a new petrol model. This makes EVs £785 cheaper based on advertised prices after discounts. Additionally, battery electric car sales accounted for 22% of all new car sales in the first quarter of the year, as reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Renault Twingo
The Renault Twingo is making a comeback in the UK as a compact and charming EV. The new model draws heavily from the original 1990s Twingo, featuring pronounced front headlights and a bubble-like exterior design. Inside, the car is equally characterful, with colour-coded dashboard trim, door cards, and unique touches such as a boiled sweet-styled hazard warning light switch. Renault has equipped the Twingo with a relatively small 27.5kWh battery pack paired with an 80bhp electric motor, offering a claimed range of up to 163 miles.
Honda Super-N
Honda is introducing the adorable and ultra-compact Super-N micro EV, based on the Japan-only N-One:e electric kei car. This is Honda’s second attempt at the compact EV class, replacing the E supermini. The Super-N boasts a distinctive exterior design with flared wheel arches, a large rear spoiler, circular front headlights, and a flat tailgate. While Honda has not yet revealed the battery pack size, it is likely to use a similar setup to the N-One:e, which features a 29.3kWh battery and an electric motor providing a claimed range of up to 183 miles.
Volkswagen ID.Polo
The Volkswagen ID.Polo is set to become the entry-level model in Volkswagen’s EV lineup. Although it has not been revealed in production form, camouflage images show that it will share a similar body to the Cupra Raval, with more subdued styling details. The ID.Polo will ride on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform. Inside, it will feature a button-heavy design with physical climate control dials, steering wheel controls, and door panel switches, offering a more tactile experience.
Cupra Raval
Cupra, known for its stylish SUVs and performance hot hatches, is entering the compact EV segment with the Raval. This electric supermini will also sit on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform, shared with the upcoming Skoda Epiq, Volkswagen ID.Cross, and ID.Polo. The Raval is the sportier option among the group, with a hot VZ model boasting 226bhp and 290Nm of torque from its electric motor. Cupra has not yet revealed battery pack sizes or production exterior/interior images.
Kia EV2
Kia’s electric lineup is already one of the most competitive, and the EV2 takes it a step further by entering the B-segment electric SUV category. The EV2 will be available with two battery options: a Standard Range 42.2kWh pack and a Long Range 61kWh unit, offering claimed ranges of 197 miles and 278 miles, respectively. It will come in three trim levels: Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S. The car is expected to go on sale in the UK in spring.
