The Best Small Electric Cars 2024

If you’re looking for the best small electric cars, you’ve come to the right place. 

There’s so much to love about small electric vehicles. They’re easier to park, lower road tax, softer on the purse strings – the list goes on!

If you’re looking to lease a car, we’re here to help. We have a wide range of small electric cars for you to choose from. 

With the government banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2035, it’s never been more important to start looking at electric vehicles. 

We’ve been helping drivers across the UK find the best car for their budget and needs for more than 25 years – will you be next?

Our expert team is just a phone call away to find out more. 

The Best Small Electric Cars in the UK

With so many small EVs on the market, it’s hard to know which to choose. Fortunately, our expert team has collated their top ten best small EVs available in the UK. 

Let’s check out the list…

Nissan Leaf

It won’t have come as a shock to you that one of the best small EVs to lease is a Nissan Leaf. 

In 2011, the Leaf won World Car of the Year as well as European Car of the Year and Japan Car of the Year!

And for good reason. 

This 5-door hatchback has an SUV-style feel thanks to the elevated seating and large windows. 

Did you know that Leaf stands for Leading Environmentally-friendly Affordable Family car?

A great family car it sure is!

It has 435 litres of boot space making it the perfect choice for families who need space for buggies, shopping, and every single toy from the box. 

One downside to the Nissan Leaf is that it isn’t as modern as some of the small electric cars on this list. 

Vauxhall Mokka

This hatchback SUV is one of the best small electric cars on the market – so you won’t regret leasing a Vauxhall. 

You’d think this vehicle could be quite snug, but it’s not as bad as some of the EVs on this list!

This is due to the fact Vauxhall has made the car 10mm wider making it a bit more comfortable – especially for those in the back. 

It has 310 litres of boot space. Plus, the boot has a square opening and a height-adjustable floor to minimise loading lip making life easier for everyone. 

This small electric vehicle also has a 10-inch central touchscreen as well as a 12-inch driver’s display. 

Vauxhall really has thought of everything!

Don’t Believe Us? Hear from One of Our Customers…

Richard Skingsley has been leasing with us for 4 years, this is what Rich has to say about leasing the Vauxhall Mokka:

“I chose the Mokka as to be honest, I just loved how it looked! Almost like an SUV but smaller – it’s perfect. 

“I wanted to see what it was like to drive an electric vehicle and thought leasing was a great way to try it. 

“I thought the charging would be a pain but I haven’t had many problems with it – I just charge it at home! I love how you can set a timer for charging so you can use those hours when the price of electricity is reduced. 

“One downside is the space. I really wish it was bigger in the back. It’s a tight squeeze in the back, but that’s fine for me as we don’t have any little ones.

“But I love the mod-cons and how quiet it is. The perfect small city car – and it’s electric!”

MG4

It may be one of the new kids on the block, but an MG4 lease is a great idea!

Originally called the MG Mulan, it was renamed the MG4 in 2023. The 5-seater hatchback features a 10.25-inch infotainment system which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. 

The small EV has been praised for its 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity that provides great handling. 

But the best bit about the MG4? There are four variations of the vehicle:

• Standard Range
• Long Range
• Extended Range
• XPower

The last two were only released towards the end of 2023, but have become extremely popular!

Volkswagen Id.3

If you choose to lease a Volkswagen Id.3, you won’t be disappointed. 

The Id.3 is the first model of Volkswagen’s Id. series and in 2023 it got a refresh. 

The revived version has a redesigned front bumper and air intake, plus the interiors now feature no animal-based materials. 

For example, it has cloth, faux suede, and faux leather that provide an elevated feel. 

The panoramic sunroof definitely makes this one of the most luxurious EVs – even if it is small!

There are two versions of the Id.3:

• Pro
• Pro S

The main difference between the two is the battery size and the fact the Pro S doesn’t have a middle seat. 

As of 2024, the vehicle now has a 12.9-inch infotainment system (compared to the 10-inch) and an AR head-up display – displaying important information on the windscreen. 

Toyota Bz4x

The Bz4X from Toyota is a lease you won’t regret. 

This is one of the seven Bz models Toyota is releasing by 2025! Bz4x stands for:

• Bz – Beyond zero
• 4 – Relating to the Toyota RAV4 
• X – To signify it’s a crossover

And what a car this is!

It has 452 litres of boot space and has plenty of room inside for all passengers. 

One downside would be that the over-the-shoulder visibility isn’t the best as it is hindered by some C-pillars. To rectify this, Toyota has installed a reversing camera and parking sensors. 

Abarth 500

As one of the most outlandish small electric cars, an Abarth lease deal is perfect for those of you looking for a rare EV!

It’s without a doubt a sporty car which is only exemplified by the extended rear spoiler and performance tabs. It displays real-time power and torque as well as racier instrument cluster graphics. 

With this in mind, this 3-door hatchback has limited space in the back seats and the boot meaning it’s not the most suitable choice for the family. 

The Scorpion logo is iconic and here at LeaseCar you could get the limited edition Scorpomissima – reach out to our team to find out more!

BYD Dolphin

A new contender to the European market, leasing a BYD Dolphin is an easy way to build your dreams…

This hatchback is just one of the cars in the Chinese manufacturer’s ‘Ocean Series’ – with the Seagull and Seal also part of the group. 

The Dolphin is extremely impressive – it has a 12.8-inch infotainment screen that can rotate from landscape to portrait! (However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available whilst in landscape mode). 

It has a 5-inch LCD instrument panel as well as a 360 surround camera!

The seats are made of vegan leather, so if being environmentally friendly is important to you, this is a small EV to consider. 

This vehicle also won the Best Small Electric Car 2024 award for CarBuyer – if it’s good enough for an award… 

Volvo EX30

Sleek, smooth, sophisticated – why wouldn’t you want to lease a Volvo EX30? 

There are three variations of the EX30:

• Single Motor
• Twin Motor
• Extended Range

Similarly to the BYD Dolphin, the 12.3-inch infotainment screen is portrait! The technology is easier to use than some other models – plus it is Google integrated within. 

Super easy to use Google Maps for those road trips!

However, unfortunately, there’s not much room inside – especially in the back and boot. 

BYD Atto 3

Another BYD! But we’re sure you won’t be disappointed by leasing this BYD: the Atto 3. 

Named after the attosecond, it is supposed to represent the car’s fast and dynamic characteristics. 

We’ll be the judge of that. 

On paper, this small EV sounds great! It has 440 litres of boot space, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen that can be moved from portrait to landscape with ease. 

Plus, the car comes in three trim levels:

• Active
• Comfort
• Design (in this trim, you get a 15.6-inch infotainment system)

It’s the inside of the car when things start to become… strange. 

For example, the inside was designed to look like a gym. 

Seriously. 

The air vents are supposed to look like dumbbells – although to us they just seem slightly clunky. 

The headroom is also something that could be improved as it’s a little snug. 

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Released earlier in 2024, leasing a Renault Scenic E-Tech is a choice you’ll never regret. 

Especially as it’s this year’s Car of the Year!

There’s no doubt this is the perfect family car. For example, it has loads of room throughout the cabin – with the boot even having 545 litres of space. 

The doors open extremely wide, allowing for car seats to be taken in and out with ease. Plus, there’s under-floor storage for those extra few bits!

This is the car that keeps on giving. 

It is also designed with 70% recycled materials. For example, the floor is made from recycled milk bottles and pipes. 

So a great choice if you’re hoping to be more environmentally friendly. 

Small EVs Coming to the UK in 2024

In 2023, there were almost 315,000 battery-electric vehicles on UK roads – up 18% compared to the previous year. This shows that more and more Brits are interested in switching to greener fuel types. 

Let’s see what options UK drivers for small EVs in 2024!

Fiat Topolino

Forgot the Topolino you associate with the old Fiat 500, this is the modern, eco-friendly version. 

According to Fiat, the new Topolino is an:

“Ideal solution for urban and short-range mobility, able to access anywhere thanks to its electric nature.”

At only 2.53 metres in length, it really can go anywhere!

With only a 5.4kWh battery it offers just 46.6 miles of range. Definitely not one for the family, but perfect for those who just need to nip around town.   

Alpine A290

With racing-inspired features thanks to Alpine’s Formula 1 vehicle, Alpine’s A290 is sure to set hearts racing. 

The hot hatch has three seats and a central driving position – blurring the lines between road driving and race tracks. 

Interestingly, it’s based on the upcoming Renault 5.

To us, the dimensions are about as similar as they get!

Dacia Spring

If you’re looking for a small EV that’s still big enough for the family, look no further than the Dacia Spring. 

What doesn’t this car have?

Two electric motors, 5 doors, 137 miles of range, 308 litres of boot space, and a 10-inch multimedia system with wireless connectivity – the benefits of this electric vehicle just don’t stop!

A potential downside to some would be that it only has four seats, rather than five, but we still think this is one of the best small electric cars to come in 2024. 

Citroen e-C3

Citreon is daring to change our views on electric cars as we know them stating:

“Forget everything you knew about electric cars. All new Citroën ë-C3. All Electric.”

The new e-C3 from Citreon will have the company’s trademarked Advanced Comfort Suspension and Advanced Comfort Seats for the first time in a C3!

It has 199 miles and 310 litres of boot space. But the best bit?

The e-C3 will have the all-new C-ZEN Lounge – an innovative take on the humble dashboard. 

Will this small EV live up to the hype?

BYD Seagull

As previously mentioned, BYD’s Seagull is part of the manufacturer’s ‘Ocean’ series.

Dubbed the BYD Dolphin Mini in some countries, the Seagull is the smallest EV from BYD despite having five doors and four seats!

The hatchback features numerous sharp, angular lines that give the vehicle a modern appearance. 

With the range reaching 252 miles depending on the battery size, this is definitely a small EV to consider. 

Ready to Start Leasing Your New Small EV? Get in Touch with Leasecar Today!

We hope this article has shown you that even though these are small electric vehicles, they have a big offering!

If you’re still on the fence about electric vehicles, car leasing is the perfect way to try it out without the commitment. 

And at an affordable price!

We have a wide selection of green vehicle lease deals so you can find the right small EV for your needs. 

Our team has been providing drivers around the UK with the best leasing deals for more than 25 years. 

Our five-star Trustpilot rating showcases the top-rate service we deliver. 

There really is no better place to find your next car lease deal. If you’re ready to find your small electric car lease, why not give us a call at 0344 745 1818 to speak with our experts – or simply fill out our online for