There’s no escaping the popularity of the SUV in the era of electric cars.
Spacious and practical, SUVs are versatile and capable of filling many roles. They can transport goods, move more people from one place to another and are more capable off-road, in some scenarios.
But SUVs aren’t ideal for everybody. There are many drivers out there who still prefer smaller cars, which are lighter, better to drive and more affordable.
As far as small electric cars are concerned, the industry has never been stronger, and there are more options to choose from than ever before.
If you’re looking for a small electric car in 2026, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a huge list of every new, small electric car due to arrive this year - so scroll on to find what just might be your future car.
Aion UT
GAC is preparing to tackle Europe with the UT hatchback. Set to rival the Mini, the UT packs up to 500km (310 miles) of range into a compact body.
Audi A2 E-tron
On sale: December
This EV riffs on the cult-classic supermini and is strongly tipped to take its name. It's due to be unveiled before the end of the year and will sit on the MEB platform, which is also used by the Volkswagen ID 3.
Cupra Born
On sale: May
Cupra's electric hatch is due for a new look to bring it into line with the Raval and Tavascan, likely bringing with it new motors and batteries to boost range credentials.
Cupra Raval
On sale: September
VW's sportier sibling brand takes the baby ID cars as the basis for an angry little hot hatch packing 223bhp and a more focused chassis set-up.
Dacia Spring
On sale: March
Budget EV is upgraded with a choice of 69bhp and 99bhp powertrains.
Fiat Topolino
On sale: June
Retro reworking of Citroën Ami ditches doors and gains a rag top. Perfect for our famously balmy summers.
Firefly
Premium firm Nio’s entry-level brand Firefly will reach the UK with its answer to the Mini Cooper. It can use its parent company’s battery swap stations in China, but will have to use boring old chargers here. For now, at least.
Honda Super N
On sale: July
The spiritual successor to the Honda E aims for the enthusiast vote with a fake gearbox and exhaust note.
Kia EV2
On sale: July
Kia’s smallest and most affordable electric car yet is a chunky crossover to fight the Renault 4. It will be offered with a choice of two battery sizes of 42.2kWh and 61kWh, which means a range of up to 447km (278 miles).
Leapmotor B05
On sale: June
Leapmotor describes the B05 as a “sporty-looking hatch” that has been designed “for the new generation of 'urban trendsetters'. It sits on the new Leap 3.5 platform, draws power from either a 56.2kWh or 67.1kWh battery pack and offers up to 418km (260 miles) of range.
MG 4
On sale: September
There's already an all-new version of MG's EV hatch in China, but we'll get an upgraded version of today's car first.
Peugeot e-208 GTi
On sale: June
The first GTi in yonks is unashamedly inspired by the legendary hot 205 but has the mettle to back it, with a 278bhp electric motor and limited-slip differential.
Renault 4 Savane
On sale: May
The Scrappy-Doo of off-roaders: tiny crossover gets a 15mm lift, grippier tyres and a second motor for 4WD.
Renault Megane
On sale: July
The oldest Renault EV on sale is due for a major refresh to reignite buyer interest. it could also spawn a new RS flagship...
Renault Twingo
On sale: November
Renault's revived supermini is a new entry-level model with a range of 262km (163 miles) and an dan affordable price. Power comes from a single electric motor that sends 80bhp and 129lb ft to the front wheels.
Skoda Epiq
On sale: December
The VW Group's fourth entry EV is a questionably named but reassuringly no-nonsense little Skoda SUV. It's likely to be as close as we'll get to an electric Fabia.
Smart #2
On sale: December
Smart's new city car revives the spirit of the original Smart Fortwo. And yes, it’s smaller than the #1. Don’t think about it too much.
On sale: February
Ever-sensible Toyota stays firmly in the mould with a slope-backed electric SUV that's pleasant but predictable. As standard, it comes with a 57.7kWh battery, but a long-range version gets a 77kWh unit with 563km (350 miles) of range.
Volkswagen ID 3
On sale: August
VW's seminal bespoke EV has been a bit overlooked of late. A new look, higher-quality interior and powertrain upgrades should put it back on the map.
Volkswagen ID Cross
On sale: July
An SUV version of the ID Polo, VW's Ford Puma Gen-E rival, is the same size as today's T-Cross. Expect it to remain competitive with around 420km (261 miles) of range.
Volkswagen ID Polo
On sale: November
At long last, Volkswagen takes on the Renault 5 with an electric supermini that dons a familiar nameplate - presumably championed by its designer Andy Mindt.
Volkswagen ID Polo GTI
On sale: December
VW’s first electric hot hatch has the weight of umpteen inestimable forebears on its shoulders; it needs to offer driving thrills that go beyond raw straight-line pace. No pressure, then.
