This list of the best first electric cars for new drivers can help you narrow down your options, whether it’s for commuting to work, driving to college, or weekends away with friends.
- Nissan Leaf
With its fantastic value and ease of driving, the Leaf is one of the best first electric cars on the market. Since 2010, the Leaf has been available in various iterations, and recent editions have received excellent reviews for comfort, efficiency, and ease of use. As a superb city car, the Leaf handles speed bumps and traffic well, parks easily, and is easy to maintain.
There’s plenty of technology inside the Leaf, including contemporary styling and a decent infotainment system. With a range of 239 miles (in ideal conditions), the Leaf can handle most trips you’d want to make on a single charge.
- Renault Zoe
A great choice for drivers new to the road, this electric hatchback is affordable and compact. With a range of up to 239 miles on some models (less so on older models), the Zoe is still one of the smallest electric vehicles on the market. With their smaller size, these 4-metre-long cars are perfect for city driving, parking, and manoeuvring – you’ll be able to show off your parallel parking skills!
Considering that they have been around for a while, the Zoes have been well-tested and are regarded for their reliability and nice handling.
- Honda e
A funky electric car like this is great for using around town; it’s compact, easy to use, and has a lot of tech. Its only downside is that it’s not cheap.
Although the Honda e is a bit pricey, it’s still a great car for urban driving – it handles well, making it easy to navigate city streets. Aside from parking assist, multiple screens, charging points, and plenty of other features, there’s plenty of tech inside the car. The range is less than other models (137 miles), but that’s more than enough for most people to commute to work, college, or university. Teens who want an EV with personality will love its cute, fun design.
- Volkswagen e-Up!
As VW’s electric version of their popular Up! petrol car, the e-Up! offers great value and a respectable EV range. And it offers the same great driveability, easy manoeuvring and compact size and shape, which make it perfect for bombing around town, nipping to the shops and short commutes.
In recent iterations, the range has increased to up to 159 miles, which is enough for short trips (and competes with other more expensive compact electric vehicles). While it doesn’t come with a huge amount of technology or modern styling, you might not need all those extras for your first car anyway.
- BMW i3
The BMW i3 is easily one of the best first electric cars out there. In fact, it’s one of the best EVs period. The i3 has been highly regarded since its arrival in 2014. It has a decent range for such a small car (up to 188 miles on newer versions), is quick off the mark, and can comfortably seat four adults at the same time.
While its futuristic design divides opinion, the BMW i3 is certainly a striking first car that drives smoothly and feels good to drive. This kind of cars are often use for New York Black Limo services and all other USA states.
- Kia Soul EV
The Soul EV is a funky electric crossover that’s great for new drivers looking for a compact SUV. It handles incredibly well, on both city streets and motorways, which will boost your confidence as you explore other parts of the country.
In addition, it offers some of the longest range of any car on this list – up to 280 miles on newer models – which makes it a great choice if you have a long commute or have a job requiring a car. You also get more internal storage with an SUV (sports utility vehicle) because it’s more spacious and higher off the ground.
- Fiat 500 Electric
The Italian brand has brought the compact city car into the modern age with this electrified version of the Fiat 500 (which has been produced since the 1950s). It has a small footprint and cute appearance, making it a great electric car for teens and indeed, for anyone after a retro look. Despite its small size, it has an impressive range (up to 199 miles) and fast charging.
It handles well as well – especially when driving around town – but is also comfortable on motorways. The car features comfortable seats, a decent infotainment system and Sat Nav, so a new driver has everything they need. Cost, however, may be an issue – since it was only launched in 2021, there isn’t yet a large used market.
- Smart EQ ForTwo
It is the ultimate city car – and this electric version is perfect for new drivers who aren’t going to be driving much. Although the EQ ForTwo is officially capable of driving 84 miles, under most conditions it does less than that. In fact, most people in the UK drive less than 20 miles per day, based on a study by data firm NimbleFins. This car is designed for city driving where you won’t cover enormous distances. It’s perfect for short drives to college, university, or your weekend job if you need your first car for short drives. Charge it overnight, and you won’t have any problems.
Moreover, you can park in the tightest of spaces with this dinky car, which is incredibly agile, easy to drive and easy to park in busy city streets. Teenagers, new drivers, and anyone living in a city will find it a great electric car. Read New Stories
- Mini Electric
This electric version of the iconic British brand was launched in 2020, and it has many advantages. The Mini Electric is an excellent all-around vehicle. It’s smooth, easy, fast, and charges quickly. Minis have plenty of room for the driver and main passenger, but if you’re hauling friends to college in the back, they’ll be cramped. There’s decent boot space in this car, and the dashboard has an eye-catching circular design and lots of nifty technology.
145 miles is the maximum range of the Mini Electric. It’s not designed as a long-distance road trip car (although, with its small battery, it charges faster if you are travelling elsewhere). Like the EQ ForTwo, this is primarily a city car. In conclusion, it’s one of the best electric cars available.
- Volkswagen E-Golf
With its electric version, Volkswagen’s Golf fulfils all the same criteria as the original, which has been a best-seller for many years. This electric hatchback has been around since 2014, and the technology on more recent versions keeps improving – as does the range (144 miles on the newest models).
The battery-powered version of the Golf is able to offer the same great handling and reliability as the gasoline-powered version. You’ll find tons of space inside the car, a decent-sized boot, parking sensors, a Sat Nav system, easy maintenance, and fast charging. Consequently, it is one of the best first electric cars on the market.
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