What are the best EVs for city-based drivers?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are booming in popularity, as technology advances and more small and affordable models arrive on the market. For city drivers, there are more reasons than ever to make the switch.

Many urban areas now enforce Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and Clean Air Zones (CAZs), which EVs can either enter for free or at a reduced cost. In London, fully electric cars are completely exempt from the Congestion Charge and ULEZ charges, saving commuters up to £27.50 per day.

City EV drivers also benefit from easier parking. Many councils offer free or discounted resident permits for EVs, along with EV-only spaces and low-cost chargers in car parks. Charging infrastructure in cities is expanding rapidly too, with more on-street chargers, rapid-charging hubs, and innovations like cross-pavement charging backed by government funding.

With lower running costs, zero road tax, salary sacrifice savings, and smooth driving in traffic, EVs are fast becoming the go-to choice for urban drivers.

Here are some of the top EV picks for city-based drivers:

Renault 5

The Renault 5 is a fantastic new EV which has received many positive comments from all the media that have driven it. Taking inspiration from the cult classic hatchbacks of the 1970s and 80s, the electric Renault 5 combines retro-cool looks with modern technology, making it a fun, stylish option for city-based driving.

The standard 40kWh battery delivers 190 miles of range, plenty for zipping around town, or you can choose the bigger 52kWh battery that promises up to 253 miles. If you’re in a hurry, fast charging is also quick and easy too, with 100kW rapid charging getting you from 15% to 80% in around half an hour.

Inside, the Renault 5 is packed with modern driving comforts, clever tech, and plenty of personality. Designed for urban driving, it glides over potholes and speed bumps with ease, while its compact size and confident handling make city trips a breeze.

Fiat 500e

Small, stylish, and fully electric, the Fiat 500e keeps its iconic looks while adding smart modern updates. It’s compact design also makes it perfect for navigating narrow streets and tight parking spaces.

A 42kWh battery provides up to 199 miles of range, plenty for typical city driving and commuting. Thanks to its lightweight design and nippy acceleration, it feels lively at low speeds too.

Inside, you’ll find a more grown-up interior than expected, with a large central touchscreen and plenty of handy tech. It’s also impressively refined for a small car, staying quiet and smooth over uneven road surfaces.

BYD Dolphin Surf

BYD is a brand you may not be too familiar with, but it’s rapidly becoming a big player in the UK EV market, while it’s already the most established Chinese car brand in Europe.

The BYD Dolphin Surf is similar in size to the Renault 5 and Dacia Spring, so manoeuvrability and performance won’t disappoint. It comes with two battery options up to 43.2kWh, and has a maximum range of 199 miles. It can also charge from 10-80% in around 30 minutes with a rapid charger.

Inside, it’s surprisingly roomy with lots of tech and premium-feeling materials.  A new brand worth checking out when choosing your next salary sacrifice car.

Dacia Spring

Dacia is a brand known for delivering reliable cars at a competitive price, and the Spring is no different – it’s the cheapest EV on the market. Its compact design makes it ideal for city driving, but its surprisingly spacious inside.

The battery size is smaller than some equivalent models, at only 27kWh – but it’s incredibly efficient, delivering 137 miles of range. The Extreme variant also offers Vehicle to Load (V2L) charging capabilities, meaning you can use the car’s battery to power external devices, such as an electric BBQ grill or an e-bike.

If you’re after simple, fuss-free driving with low running costs, the Dacia Spring is a smart option that makes switching to an EV more accessible than ever.

Leapmotor T03

Leapmotor is another Chinese brand growing in popularity in the UK, backed by automotive giant Stellantis, known for other big names such as Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Jeep.

The T03 is a compact electric hatchback that’s ideal for city driving, coming with a 37kWh paired with a 94hp motor, resulting in a range of 165 miles. Inside, you’ll find a clean, modern cabin with a digital driver display and a large 10-inch touchscreen for all your key controls. It’s also impressively smooth and quiet around town, with light steering that makes tight manoeuvres a breeze.

All in all, the T03 is a great option for anyone after a practical, well-equipped EV that’s perfectly suited to busy city life.

Fiat Grande Panda Electric

Italian roads are narrow and winding, which is why Fiat designs its cars to thrive in busy city spaces, and the new Fiat Grande Panda Electric is no different. It’s punchy, agile, and most importantly, it comes at an affordable price for those who need a car.

It features a 44kWh battery that delivers up to 199 miles of range – ideal for regular short trips, while still offering enough capacity to handle those longer journeys.

As well as being stylish and personable, the interior is spacious and jam-packed with tech to ensure you’re well equipped to take on the road ahead.

Citroen e-C3

Citroen is a brand centred around practicality and simplicity, designed for those who aren’t bothered about having the fastest or flashiest car available. If that sounds like your thing, the Citroen e-C3 is an EV you should definitely look into.

It’s compact yet spacious, and its 44kWh battery will give you just under 200 miles of range. It beats the Dacia Spring on specs, and holds its own when compared to the Renault 5 or BYD Dolphin Surf.

All-in-all, it offers excellent value without compromising on driver comforts… perfect for everyday use in the city!