Top 9 Best Small Electric Cars in 2024

In a time when environmental awareness is of utmost importance, small electric cars have emerged as the champions of urban mobility. These compact powerhouses are more than just a trend; they reflect a growing consciousness for sustainable living. In Germany, where efficiency and eco-friendliness are highly valued, small electric cars and hybrids are particularly appealing. This article explores the nine best small electric cars and hybrids of 2024, each offering a unique combination of performance, comfort, and ecological responsibility.

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1. Our Top 9 Small Electric Cars for 2024

1. VW e-up!

The Volkswagen e-up! is a compact electric car designed for city driving, offering an attractive blend of efficiency and functionality. Priced between €21,422 and €29,995, it stands out in the small electric car segment. With a practical range of up to 258 kilometers, it's well-suited for city commutes and short trips. The 32.3 kWh battery upgrade in 2020 significantly improved its range, addressing previous limitations. The car’s acceleration is lively, thanks to its electric motor providing instant torque, enhancing the driving experience in urban settings.
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Highlights:

• Practical Range: With a major battery upgrade, the Volkswagen e-up! now offers a range of around 260 kilometers, ideal for city driving and daily commutes.
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• Cost-Efficiency: The e-up! is known for its low operating and maintenance costs, making it an economical choice for drivers, supported by tax benefits for electric vehicles.
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• Urban Dynamics: With its compact size, good maneuverability, and quick acceleration, the e-up! is a practical and enjoyable city car.

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2. Dacia Spring Electric

The Dacia Spring, an affordable revolution in the electric car market, is set for a major update in 2024. Originally launched in Germany in 2021 at a groundbreaking price of €20,490, the Spring now costs around €22,750, maintaining its status as one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market.
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Technologically, the new Spring is likely to be based on the CMF-AEV platform, which Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo praised as "the most affordable in the world" specifically designed for electric vehicles. This advanced version of the current CMF-A platform promises increased safety and sophistication. Moderate improvements to its motor power and battery capacity (currently at 45 or 65 hp and 27.4 kWh) will enhance its range and acceleration.
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Highlights:

• Affordable Electric Mobility: The Dacia Spring remains one of the most budget-friendly electric cars, appealing to cost-conscious buyers seeking eco-friendly transportation.
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• Compact and City-Friendly: Its compact size and crossover design make the Spring ideal for city traffic, offering easy maneuverability and parking.
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• Technological Advancements: The upcoming model will feature a more advanced platform and improved technical specifications, enhancing safety, performance, and user experience without significantly affecting the cost.

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3. Opel Corsa

The Opel Corsa 2024, a key player in the small car segment, has undergone significant updates three years after its introduction. This German model now features a refreshed design aligned with Opel's modern aesthetics and an updated engine lineup focused on electrification and efficiency.
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Highlights:

• Updated Design: Features the new Opel Vizor grille, sleeker headlights, and a subtly redesigned rear with prominent "Corsa" lettering.
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• Enhanced Interior and Technology: Upgraded upholstery, a new steering wheel, and a 10-inch advanced multimedia system with faster operation and wireless connectivity.
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• Engine Options: Includes petrol and mild-hybrid engines with up to 136 hp and electric variants with ranges of up to 352 and 402 kilometers, as well as fast-charging capabilities.

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4. Ora Funky Cat

The Ora Funky Cat is an innovative compact electric car from Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor, promising a mix of openness, reliability, and an alternative driving experience. Inside, the Funky Cat offers ample space, particularly in the rear, with quality and comfort features matching its competitors, including adaptive cruise control and massage seats. It received a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test, highlighting its commitment to passenger safety. The manufacturer’s confidence in the car is reflected in its generous 5-year warranty.
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Highlights:

• Quality and Features: Offers good build quality and extensive comfort and safety features, including adaptive cruise control and massage functions.
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• Safety: Achieved a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test, ensuring a high level of protection.
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• Warranty: Comes with a 5-year warranty, indicating the manufacturer's trust in its reliability.

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5. Kia Niro

The Kia Niro 2024, with a starting price of approximately €26,000, is a stylish and compact SUV, perfectly suited for urban environments. It is available in two versions: a standard hybrid with a 139 hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a plug-in hybrid with 180 hp and an electric range of 53 kilometers. While the standard hybrid offers modest performance, the plug-in hybrid variant stands out with its increased power. The Niro’s interior features a modern cabin with digital instruments and ample space, ensuring comfort and style. In higher trim levels like EX and SX, the Niro is well-equipped, making it a convincing choice for those seeking a compact hybrid SUV for city living.
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Highlights:

• Hybrid Options: Offers both a standard and a plug-in hybrid version, with the latter providing more power and an electric range.
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• Stylish Design: Boasts an attractive exterior and interior design, incorporating sustainable materials for an eco-friendly touch.
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• Urban Focus: Ideal for city mobility, combining style, comfort, and hybrid efficiency, though real fuel consumption may differ from initial expectations.

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6. Smart EQ ForTwo

The Smart EQ ForTwo is the smallest electric car available in Europe, measuring just 2.69 meters in length. Designed as the perfect city car, it offers a tight turning circle and easy maneuverability. Equipped with a 60 kW motor, it has a range of about 130 km per charge and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds.

Price in Germany: €21,940
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Highlights:

• Compact Dimensions: Perfect for city driving; easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
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• Limited Range: With a range of around 112-120 km per charge, it is more suitable for short city trips rather than longer journeys.

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7. Honda e

The Honda e impresses with its futuristic design and innovative interior, featuring a continuous screen dashboard with camera-based side mirrors. Measuring 3.89 meters in length, it is compact yet slightly larger than the Smart EQ ForTwo. Its 35.5 kWh battery provides a range of around 220 km, and the electric motor allows acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds.

Price in Germany: €29,470
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Highlights:

• Modern Interior: With a digital dashboard and side mirror cameras, the Honda e stands out among city cars.
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• Limited Range: The relatively short range makes it less suitable for longer trips.

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8. MINI Electric

The MINI Electric combines the brand’s iconic design with dynamic driving characteristics. With a length of 3.85 meters, it is compact and sporty. Powered by a 135 kW motor, it offers a range of approximately 235 km. Its precise handling provides a go-kart-like driving experience, making it an ideal choice for urban driving.

Price in Germany: €35,700

Highlights:

• Fun Driving Experience: Known for its precise handling and responsive driving feel.
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• Compact Interior: Limited rear seat space and a small trunk may not be practical for families or larger loads.

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9. Fiat 500 Electric

The Fiat 500 Electric combines retro charm with modern electric efficiency. This three-door hatchback is 3.63 meters long and offers a range of up to 320 km with its 42-kWh battery. It features one-pedal driving and a stylish interior, making it a practical and chic option for city commuters.

Price in Germany: €22,966 (Action variant) up to €34,020 (La Prima variant)
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Highlights:

• Stylish Design: Attractive and compact, ideal for city driving.
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• Limited Interior Space: Rear seats and trunk offer limited space.

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2. The Benefits of Small Electric Cars

Small electric cars are redefining urban mobility with their blend of efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. It is clear that these vehicles are not just a passing trend but represent a significant step towards a greener, cleaner future. Here are the key benefits:
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• Lower Operating Costs: Small electric cars are known for their cost efficiency. Driving an electric car costs about 40-60% less per kilometer compared to traditional gasoline vehicles. The absence of conventional engine components means no more routine oil changes or emission checks, leading to significant savings on maintenance.
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• Environmental Impact: One of the most compelling reasons for choosing a small electric car is its minimal environmental footprint. These vehicles, which emit no exhaust fumes, play a crucial role in reducing urban air pollution. Studies show that electric cars can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%.
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• Quieter, More Pleasant Rides: Electric cars are known for their quiet operation. This reduction in noise pollution is a welcome change, especially in densely populated urban areas. The silent operation not only enhances driving comfort but also contributes to a more peaceful city environment.
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• Quick and Convenient Charging: Gone are the days of long waits at gas stations. Small electric cars can be charged at home or at rapidly growing public charging infrastructure. With advances in charging technology, recharging your electric car’s battery is now faster and more convenient than ever.
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• Eco-Friendly Batteries: Many small electric cars use batteries made from recycled materials, further solidifying their status as a sustainable transportation option. This circular approach in manufacturing not only reduces waste but also ensures a lower overall environmental impact.
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• Lower Fuel Costs: Since electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline and the possibility of using renewable energy sources like solar panels exists, small electric cars offer significant fuel cost savings. This aspect is particularly beneficial for frequent city commuters.

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3. Hybrid, Compact, and Efficient – Germany's Most Popular Small Hybrid Cars

For those who find shorter distances covered purely by electric power sufficient, the plug-in hybrid market is the perfect solution. Most PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) can now travel 50 to 100 km on electric power alone. The smaller models tend to be on the lower end of this range, but with regenerative braking, their overall consumption remains low. "Small" is relative when it comes to plug-in hybrids, as even the smallest models need space for two motors and batteries! Here’s how far you can go with these plug-in hybrid cars.
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1. Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid packs a solid 180 hp. Its 1.6-liter hybrid engine offers an electric range of 53 km, making it ideal as a commuter or city car. The elegant 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, heated front seats, wireless charging, and driving assistance features make this small hybrid a standout choice.

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2. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

City-dwelling families should take a closer look at the Mitsubishi Outlander with its seven seats. The car has 248 hp and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds. With an all-electric range of around 61 km, it is not only suitable for family outings but also for everyday trips. However, the noise generated by the drive train is still considered an area for improvement – something to be mindful of!

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3. Peugeot 3008 Plug-in Hybrid

This hybrid comes in two versions – one with 180 hp and another with 225 hp. Both promise a powerful drive, with an all-electric range of up to 68 km. The more powerful version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.9 seconds. One downside mentioned is the car's weight, which affects handling. This is something to be aware of when purchasing a plug-in hybrid.

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4. Cardino's Role in the Electric and Hybrid Car Market

Cardino offers a digital platform for the quick sale of hybrid and electric cars. Auto dealers can participate in auctions three times a week, leading to fair prices and fast processing. Cardino even supports the sale of financed vehicles. The process involves fast connections with dealers and efficient handling of all formalities. Cardino simplifies the sales process with comprehensive support and useful information on their blog.
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In summary:

• Fair prices for sellers and dealers
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• Quick transaction processing, including paperwork
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• Assistance from staff
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• Informative blog posts on various topics

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Conclusion

The market for small electric cars in 2024 offers an impressive selection for environmentally conscious city dwellers. Models like the cost-effective VW e-up!, the budget-friendly Dacia Spring, the technologically advanced Opel Corsa, the innovative Ora Funky Cat, and the stylish Kia Niro highlight the growing shift toward sustainable mobility. Their compact size and advanced technology make them ideal for city life while reducing environmental impact. Whether you choose a hybrid or an electric vehicle depends on your personal preferences. Cardino is here to help – with helpful blog articles and support in selling your old vehicle.

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FAQs

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Why are small electric cars a good choice for the city?

Small electric cars are ideal for city driving due to their compact size for easy maneuvering and parking, low operating costs, and zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air in urban areas.

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How do the operating costs of small electric cars compare?

Small electric cars typically cost about 40-60% less per kilometer in operation compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, thanks to lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance requirements.

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Are there environmental benefits to using small electric cars?

Yes, small electric cars significantly reduce environmental impact by emitting zero tailpipe emissions, playing a crucial role in reducing urban pollution and carbon dioxide emissions.

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Can plug-in hybrids drive short distances purely on electric power?

Yes, most plug-in hybrids can travel 50 to 100 kilometers on electric power alone.

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How does Cardino support the sale of hybrid and electric cars?

Car dealers can participate in regular auctions, guaranteeing fair prices and quick processing.

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