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The rise of electric city cars
The market for electric city cars is growing by leaps and bounds, reflecting the rapid evolution of the automotive industry towards more sustainable mobility. By 2024-2025, these compact, environmentally-friendly vehicles will be the ideal solution for urban driving, combining practicality, economy and respect for the environment.
The popularity of electric city cars can be explained by a number of factors:
- Autonomy Improved: Technological advances now mean that many models can go on for more than 300 km, meeting the everyday needs of the majority of urban drivers.
- More affordable prices: With increased production and government incentives, the price of a small electric car is becoming increasingly affordable, making these vehicles accessible to a wider public.
- A diverse range: from ultra-compact models like the mini electric car to more spacious versions, the choice of electric city cars has widened considerably, enabling everyone to find the best electric city car to suit their needs.
- Improved performance and comfort: The new generations of electric city cars offer impressive driving performance and a high level of comfort, rivalling their internal combustion counterparts.
Carmakers are vying with each other to come up with the best small electric car, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and attractive designs.
In 2024, the comparison of electric city cars reveals a clear improvement in terms of value for money, range and equipment. This trend looks set to continue, making electric city cars an increasingly obvious choice for tomorrow's urban mobility.
What criteria should you take into account when choosing an electric city car?
Choosing an electric city car is an important decision that requires a number of key factors to be taken into account.
Here are the main criteria to consider when choosing the right electric city car for your needs in 2024-2025:
- Range: This is an essential criterion for an electric city car. Opt for a model that offers sufficient range for your daily journeys, with a safety margin.
- Price: The cost of ownership varies considerably between different electric city cars. Set your budget taking into account the government grants available.
- Recharging time: Assess the vehicle's compatibility with different types of charger and its recharging speed, which is particularly important for frequent urban use.
- Dimensions and practicality: A mini electric car needs to be easy to handle in town. Check the exterior dimensions and interior space, including the boot volume.
- Performance: Although not a major consideration for a city car, engine power and acceleration can influence your choice, especially if you're planning extra-urban journeys.
- Equipment and technology: Compare the features on offer, such as driver assistance systems, connectivity and interior comfort.
- Reliability and warranty: Find out about the manufacturer's reputation and warranty conditions, particularly for the battery.
- Design: Aesthetics remain an important factor, even for a small electric car. Choose a model that appeals to you visually.
By taking these criteria into account, you can make a relevant comparison of the electric city cars available and choose the one that best matches your expectations and your urban lifestyle.
Renault Twingo E-Tech electric
La Renault Twingo E-Tech electric is emerging as one of the best electric city cars of 2024-2025, combining urban practicality with green technology. This mini electric car, heir to an iconic model, offers an ideal solution for the urban mobility of the future.
With its compact size and 60 kW (82 bhp) electric motor, Twingo E-Tech excels in dense urban environments. Its exceptional turning circle and manoeuvrability make it the perfect companion for squeezing through narrow streets and parking with ease.
In terms of range, this electric city car offers up to 190 km in the full WLTP cycle, and even 270 km in the urban cycle. While these figures are lower than some of its rivals, they are more than sufficient for everyday use in and around town.
The price of a small electric car is often a barrier to purchase, but it's not always the case. Renault electric has succeeded in positioning its Twingo E-Tech competitively. With a base price from €24,050 (excluding the environmental bonus), it is one of the most affordable options on the market for electric city cars.
Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric highlights :
- Attractive, typically Twingo design
- Excellent manoeuvrability in urban environments
- Fast charging with charger chameleon (up to 22 kW)
- Reduced running costs
- Connected services tailored to electrical use
For those wondering which small electric car to choose in 2024, the Twingo E-Tech deserves a prominent place in the comparison.
It combines the fun spirit of Twingo with a zero-emission powertrain, making it one of the best electric city cars on the road today.
Opel e-Corsa
L'Opel e-Corsa is positioned as one of the best electric city cars for 2024-2025, offering a perfect balance between performance, range and style.
With its new 156 bhp Emotors engine, this restyled version of the electric Corsa offers increased power and more dynamic driving.. Its impressive range of 402 km on the WLTP cycle makes daily journeys worry-free, while its controlled fuel consumption of 14.3-14.8 kWh/100 km makes it an economical option in the long term.
The e-Corsa's elegant, modern design and premium finish reflect Opel's repositioning in the premium segment among mainstream manufacturers. Inside, generous standard equipment includes a multimedia system with 10-inch touch screen and Opel Connect connectivity.
Opel e-Corsa highlights :
- Powerful 156 hp electric motor
- Extended range of up to 402 km (WLTP)
- Fast charging: up to 100 kW DC
- Attractive design with customisation options
- Cutting-edge technology and advanced connectivity
With its commitment to full electrification from 2025, Opel is demonstrating its vision for the future, making the e-Corsa a smart choice for forward-looking drivers.
Volkswagen e-Up
La Volkswagen e-Up is an attractive option in the electric city car segment.
Despite its age, this little German car remains a safe bet for 2024-2025, offering an interesting balance between urban practicality and range.
With its 36.8 kWh battery, the e-Up offers a WLTP range of 260 km, enough for most daily journeys.
Its 83bhp electric motor gives it a lively feel in town, while its compact dimensions (3.60m long) make it an ideal ally for urban parking.
The e-Up stands out for :
- Attractive value for money, particularly on the second-hand market
- Agile, pleasant driving in urban environments
- A well-designed interior despite its modest size
- Fast charging up to 40 kW DC possible
Although production of the e-Up is about to come to an end, it remains a relevant option for drivers looking for a reliable and proven electric city car.
Its moderate success in terms of sales does not reflect its intrinsic qualities, making it an interesting alternative to the more high-profile models in the segment.
New Mini Cooper electric
The Mini Cooper Electric 2024 redefines the standards of the premium electric city car.
This new generation, the result of a collaboration between BMW and Great Wall Motors, combines Mini's iconic charm with cutting-edge technology.
Powered by an electric motor developing up to 218 bhp in its SE version, the Mini Cooper Electric offers performance worthy of its sporting heritage. Its instant torque of 330 Nm guarantees lively acceleration, perfect for city driving.
Autonomy, once the brand's Achilles heel, has made a significant leap forward:
- The Cooper E offers 305 km WLTP range
- The Cooper SE achieves up to 402 km, now rivalling the best in its class
Inside, Mini remains true to its DNA with a cabin that is both retro and high-tech, dominated by a circular central OLED screen. The perceived quality and meticulous finish justify its premium positioning.
Despite being manufactured in China, which deprives it of the environmental bonus in France, the Mini Cooper Electric 2024 is an attractive choice for city dwellers looking for an electric car that combines style, performance and practicality.
Dacia Spring
La Dacia Spring is one of the best options for those looking for an affordable and practical electric city car. This small electric car, launched in 2021, has rapidly conquered the European market, becoming the 3rd best-selling electric vehicle for private customers in Europe in 2023.
With its robust, assertive new design, the Spring 2024 looks more seductive than ever. Its completely redesigned interior and new features make it an even more attractive proposition.
Here's what sets Dacia Spring apart:
- Efficient powertrain: Equipped with a 65 bhp (48 kW) engine, the Spring offers performance that's well suited to city driving, while remaining energy-efficient.
- Impressive range: With a range of 230 km in the combined WLTP cycle and up to 305 km in the urban cycle, the Spring meets the everyday needs of most drivers.
- Convenient recharging: the optional rapid charge allows the 80% to be recharged in less than an hour.
- On-board technology: The new version offers a 7″ digital dashboard, a multimedia system with Bluetooth connection and modern driving aids.
- Competitive price: With a starting price of €18,900, the Spring remains one of the most affordable electric cars on the market.
Despite its compact size, the Spring offers generous interior space and a 290-litre boot that can be extended to 620 litres. Its weight of less than a tonne contributes to its fuel efficiency, with fuel consumption of less than 14.6 kWh/100 km.
New Peugeot e-208
Peugeot has considerably improved its flagship electric city car, now offering :
- An impressive range of up to 410 km WLTP, thanks to a new 51 kWh battery.
- A more powerful 156 bhp electric motor, available on the Allure and GT trim levels, offering enhanced performance.
- Optimised fuel consumption of 14.0 kWh/100 km, making the e-208 one of the most efficient electric city cars on the market.
- A refreshed design with a more assertive front end and a new Full LED Technology light signature.
- The PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®, combining ergonomics and intuitiveness for an enhanced driving experience.
The e-208 also stands out for its versatility, offering excellent performance in urban environments and on the road.
Its real range of 336 km on the road makes it one of the best in its category.
With an attractive starting price and eligibility for the eco-bonus, the Nouvelle Peugeot e-208 is a smart choice for drivers looking for a modern, efficient and economical electric city car.
Honda E
The Honda E stands out in the electric city car segment with its bold neo-retro design and futuristic interior. Launching in 2020, this compact car offers a unique urban driving experience, despite a few compromises:
- Range limited to 222 km in the WLTP cycle for the base version
- A choice of two engines: 136 bhp or 154 bhp, both with 315 Nm of torque
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds for the most powerful version
- 35.5 kWh battery, enabling rapid recharging of up to 80% in 36 minutes at a 50 kW charging point
Its high-tech interior impresses with a dashboard featuring multiple screens, including displays for the camera mirrors..
Although its starting price of €35,060 and modest range may put off some buyers, the Honda e remains an attractive choice for city dwellers looking for originality and manoeuvrability.
Despite the recent announcement that it will cease production, the Honda e remains an attractive option on the second-hand market for urban drivers looking for a uniquely styled electric vehicle.
New Hyundai Kona electric
The New Hyundai Kona Electric is a must-have choice in the electric city car segment for 2024-2025.
This second generation of the Korean compact SUV offers significant improvements over its predecessor, which is already recognised for its qualities.
Here are the highlights that set the New Hyundai Kona Electric apart:
- Innovative design: With its distinctive front end and aerodynamic lines, the Kona Electric has a resolutely modern and attractive style.
- Impressive range: The version equipped with the 65.4 kWh battery offers a range of up to 514 km in the WLTP cycle, putting the Kona among the leaders in its class.
- Two engine options: a choice between a 156 bhp engine (48.4 kWh battery) and a more powerful 217 bhp engine (65.4 kWh battery) to suit every driver's needs.
- Cutting-edge technology: The vehicle incorporates advanced features such as an 11 kW on-board charger, compatibility with rapid recharging up to 102 kW, and semi-autonomous driving functions.
- European manufacturing: Produced at Hyundai's Czech plant, the Kona Electric benefits from local production, reducing delivery times and making it more eligible for government incentives.
- Excellent value for money: With its performance, range and equipment, the Kona Electric offers excellent value for money in its category.
The new Hyundai Kona Electric stands out for its versatility, combining urban practicality with the ability to make long journeys. Its blend of style, technology and performance makes it a wise choice for drivers looking for a reliable and efficient electric city car.
Renault R5 Electric
The Renault R5 Electric marks the return of a French icon, reinvented for the electric age. This 3.92-metre-long compact city car combines retro-futuristic styling with cutting-edge technology, making it one of the undisputed stars of the segment in 2024-2025.
Assembled in Douai, the R5 Electric stands out for :
- A seductive design that pays tribute to its illustrious ancestor while remaining resolutely modern
- A powerful 150 hp (110 kW) electric motor offering instant torque of 245 Nm
- A 52 kWh battery with a WLTP range of up to 410 km
- Fast charging with up to 100 kW DC power
- Innovative features such as bidirectional charging (V2L and V2G)
Its dynamic handling and precise steering make this electric city car particularly enjoyable to drive.
The modern, well-equipped interior offers a good compromise between space and compactness, with an optimised wheelbase of 2.54 metres.
With a starting price of €33,490 (excluding environmental bonus) for the top-of-the-range version, the R5 Electric is an attractive option for those looking for an electric city car that combines style, performance and practicality.
Fiat 500 electric
The Fiat 500 Electric continues to charm fans of trendy city cars with its iconic neo-retro design. Despite a recent pause in production, it remains an attractive choice for urban driving. Here's what sets it apart:
- Iconic styling: The 500e retains the round, friendly lines of its combustion version, while adding a touch of modernity.
- Adequate range: With 320 km in the WLTP cycle, it offers sufficient freedom for daily journeys and weekend getaways.
- Fast charge: just 5 minutes of charge is enough to recover 50 km of range, ideal for express stops.
- On-board technology : Advanced connectivity and Level 2 driving aids make this a high-tech city car.
- Varied versions: Available as a saloon, cabriolet and 3+1, it can be adapted to suit different needs.
However, its relatively high starting price (€30,400 excluding bonuses) and increasingly fierce competition could put the brakes on some potential buyers.
Despite this, the Fiat 500 Electric remains an attractive option for those looking for an electric city car with undeniable Italian charm.
Comparison table
| Model | Range (WLTP) | Price (€) | Engine (hp) | Fast recharge | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Twingo E-Tech | 190-270 km | 24 050 | 82 ea | Up to 22 kW | Urban handling, attractive design, low costs |
| Opel e-Corsa | 402 km | Not specified | 156 hp | Up to 100 kW | Extended range, modern design, cutting-edge technology |
| Volkswagen e-Up | 260 km | Attractive (used) | 83 ea | Up to 40 kW | Value for money, agile driving, well-designed interior |
| Mini Cooper Electric | 305-402 km | Not specified | 218 bhp (SE) | Not specified | Iconic design, sporty performance, high-tech interior |
| Dacia Spring | 230-305 km | 18 900 | 65 ea | Up to 80% in 1 hour | Competitive price, urban autonomy, on-board technology |
| Peugeot e-208 | 410 km | Attractive (bonus) | 156 hp | Not specified | Impressive range, updated design, optimised power consumption |
| Honda E | 222 km | 35 060 | 136-154 hp | Up to 80% in 36 min | Neo-retro design, futuristic interior, urban handling |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 514 km | Not specified | 156-217 ea. | Up to 102 kW | Leading autonomy, advanced technology, European manufacturing |
| Renault R5 Electric | 410 km | 33 490 | 150 hp | Up to 100 kW | Retro-futuristic design, bi-directional charging, dynamic behaviour |
| Fiat 500 Electric | 320 km | 30 400 | Not specified | 50 km in 5 min | Iconic styling, fast charging, a range of versions (saloon, cabriolet, 3+1) |
Conclusion
The electric city car market for 2024-2025 offers an impressive range of choices for urban drivers. From the revolutionary Renault R5 Electric to the iconic Fiat 500 Electric, not forgetting the new Peugeot e-208 with enhanced performance, each model brings its own unique strengths to the table.
Increased range, more affordable prices and on-board technology make these vehicles increasingly attractive options.
If you would like to find out more about electric city cars don't hesitate to consult our article on this subject.
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