Small electric cars for city driving

It’s no surprise that small electric cars are proving to be so popular. Prices are coming down so they’re more affordable than ever, they’re compact yet practical enough for family use, and the characteristics of electric cars make them so much fun to drive around the city and further afield.

 

From tight turns and bumper-to-bumper traffic to the ever-persistent hunt for a parking space, navigating urban streets demands a car that’s nimble, efficient, and stress-free. That’s where small electric cars shine.

 

In this guide, we’ll look at why small all electric cars are ideal for city life, explore some of the best small electric cars in the UK, and show you why Renault and the Renault 5 E-Tech electric is leading the charge—quite literally.

Let’s be honest, city driving can be a challenge – unless you have the right car. Roads are busier, emissions regulations are tighter, and petrol prices are hardly what we’d call friendly. Having a small electric car will tick so many boxes:

 

• They’re compact in size and ideal for narrow streets and tight parking spots.
• The instant torque you get from an EV means zippy acceleration.
• No combustion engine means quiet driving. You’ll have a calmer commute and enjoy your in-car entertainment more.
• Zero exhaust pipe emissions mean an EV is perfect for low-emission zones.
• And lower running costs mean you can save a fortune in the long run.
• Renault’s Total Cost of Ownership Calculator shows a potential saving of around £1,308 by going for the Renault 5 E-Tech electric car compared to a Clio full hybrid E-Tech.⁴

So, a small electric car will make huge savings – it could save you cash and it could save you time as its easier to thread through city streets.

 

If you’re after a city car with zero exhaust pipe emissions, an electric option is a smart move.

When hunting for the best small electric car, especially for city driving, there are a few key features to keep in mind:

 

• Agility: Can it manoeuvre around tight corners with ease?
• Battery range: Will it get you through the week on a single charge?
• Tech and safety: Smart infotainment and urban-friendly features like parking sensors are essential.
• Style: Let’s not forget—you want to look good in it too.
  

Car experts seem to think that the Renault 5 E-Tech electric is the best small electric car you can buy in the UK. It’s the current European Car of the Year, it’s What Car? Car of the Year, it’s the Motor Awards (from The Sunday Times and The Sun) Electric Car of the Year and was Top Gear’s Car of the Year for 2024.

 

The Renault 5 is a modern city car icon, bringing back the spirit of the original Renault 5 with a bold, retro-modern twist – this car is built for today’s urban lifestyle.

 

Thanks to its compact dimensions, the Renault 5 is a natural in the city. It’s light on its wheels and offers brilliant manoeuvrability – essential when you’re tackling tight corners or threading your way through city streets.

 

It also features a low centre of gravity thanks to the battery set down low in the car, which helps it feel planted and confident even at lower speeds. And the electric powertrain means there’s an instant surge of acceleration when you need to nip into a space in the traffic.

 

There are no worries about range anxiety with the Renault 5 – it boasts a range of up to 250 miles^, depending on the version you choose. The Renault 5’s range is enough for the average weeks’ worth of commuting, errands, and zipping about town without range anxiety creeping in.

 

And when it’s time to top up? Things couldn’t be easier or faster. Charging at home is simple with the handily sited charging port on the side of the car. And when you’re out, at a suitable fast charger the Renault 5 can charge at super-quick speeds of up to 100kW, getting you from 15 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes**. That’s plenty of time for a coffee break.

 

Although the Renault 5 is small on the outside, its clever packaging with no big engine under the bonnet and just a battery under the floor means there’s loads of room inside. It’s packed with clever features to make life  easier, from a smart Google-powered infotainment system¹ to an advanced driver assistance³ suite designed to reduce the stress of city driving. Features like lane assist, adaptive cruise control², and a reversing camera¹ all help you stay safe and focused.

 

And the design? Retro-inspired, but with a modern edge and in a selection of fun and funky colours, plus ways to personalise your car. The 5 turns heads for all the right reasons – it’s proof that small can still be stylish.

 

So the Renault 5 is small, stylish and affordable, too, with prices starting at just £21,495* it can be made even more affordable with a range of finance offers from Renault that will help to spread the cost.

Where the Renault 5 leads, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric follows. The 4 is the even more practical sibling of the 5, with even more space and practicality, but with the same amount of charm and still in a compact city-friendly package.

 

And although the 4 is only just going on sale, it’s already a winner with a host of five-star reviews from motoring experts and an award for Best Electric Car from Top Gear already in the bag.

 

The Renault 4 follows the same retro-futuristic theme as the 5, combining iconic looks with the very latest technology – LED lighting for example – and the same cheeky driving style.

 

The 4 also has that nippy acceleration, comfortable ride and ease of use that makes it so much fun to drive around city streets. It also adds in an extra dose of practicality and space with a low loading sill for easy access into the boot, electric handsfree tailgate and just under 100L more boot space than Renault 5. There’s also Google-powered infotainment on board¹.

 

It’ll go for up to 250 miles^ on a single charge, too, with similarly fast charging speeds as the Renault 5 at up to 100kW for a 15 to 80 per cent fast charge in as little as 30 minutes***.

 

If you want to be one of the first to enjoy the city-friendly fun of the new Renault 4, then Renault retailers have a tempting array of finance offers to make it easy and affordable to buy.

^based on Renault 5 E-Tech electric 150hp comfort range. WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes only. Actual real world driving results may vary depending on factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.

 

*MRRP for Renault 5 E-Tech electric evolution 120hp urban range, including Government EV Grant. Excludes metallic paint 

 

**Figures quoted are for a new Renault 5 techno 52kWh battery with a standard 100 kW DC charger. Charging time may vary depending on charging conditions, including charger type and condition, on-site power usage, battery temperature as well as ambient temperature at point of use, battery age and state of charge, and if battery safeguarding technology is activated. Indicated rapid charging time requires use of a 100kw DC charger, available only on public charger network - visit MyRenault for coverage details.

 

***Figures quoted are for a new Renault 4 comfort range 52kWh battery with a standard 100 kW DC charger. Charging time may vary depending on charging conditions, including charger type and condition, on-site power usage, battery temperature as well as ambient temperature at point of use, battery age and state of charge, and if battery safeguarding technology is activated. Indicated rapid charging time requires use of a 100kw DC charger, available only on public charger network - visit MyRenault for coverage details.

 

¹available from techno version.

 

²available from iconic version.

 

³Always follow road safety regulations. It is your responsibility to stay alert, drive safely and be in control of the vehicle at all times. Driver assistance features have speed and other limitations and should not be solely relied on. For more information, please refer to the owner’s manual or visit renault.co.uk/safety.

 

⁴based on Renault 5 E-Tech Techno 120hp Urban Range vs Clio Techno full hybrid E-Tech 145 using the Total Cost of Ownership Calculator. The information provided in this calculator is for guidance only and should not be relied upon. There may be additional costs associated with owning a car which are not included in these figures, such as insurance, MOT and other maintenance costs. Imagery and information shown throughout this website may not reflect latest UK specifications, colours may vary, options and/or accessories may be featured at additional cost.

 

This article is advertorial content reviewed by Renault prior to publication.

Steve is a leading UK automotive journalist, EV editor at The Independent, editor of Auto Express, Autocar and What Car?, and a global car awards judge and broadcaster.

 

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