The electric car sales continue to significantly increase, with 7.8 million EV registrations worldwide in 2022. Today we are going to focus on urban models, the best option to deal with daily traffic in low-emission areas in cities, where combustion vehicles movement is restricted.
We have made a list of seven of the most popular “urban” EVs. They have a clear urban character and they are ideal for moving through the dense traffic of the city in the most sustainable way. All of them include standard and fast charges that vary the charging time and can reach 80% in a half an hour. Additionally, their autonomy can exceed 200 kilometres (even 300 km) so making trips outside the city is very feasible.
Remember that it is not necessary to have a charging point at home to be able to use an EV on a daily basis in the city. You can probably charge your electric vehicle in your area, either at your workplace, in car parks, shopping centres, hotels and restaurants car parks, or at charging stations set up on public roads and service stations near you. Have a look at our map of charging points and you will see more options near you every day.
Fiat 500e, the EV that competes in sales with Tesla
This is the most successful car among urban pure electrics, since it is capable of competing directly with the best-selling Tesla, in fact, the Fiat 500e was the fourth best-selling electric car in Europe in 2022. The Fiat 500e accounts for almost 40% of sales of the model for the Fiat brand. In addition, it is marketed in a cabriolet version - that makes it even more versatile for all seasons - with an attractive design and outstanding features.
The autonomy of the Fiat 500e is one of its strengths: it exceeds 300 kilometres in its 118 CV version (320 kilometres according to Fiat). This means that its battery can easily last for several days before needing to be charged.
This EV is also available with a smaller 21.3 kW battery, which provides 95 hp and a range of about 190 kilometres.
Peugeot e-208, more dynamic and sporty
The brand of the lion has among its EV offerings a model that stands out, both in sales and in performance and urban utility. This is the Peugeot e-208, a fully electric car that offers more power and autonomy thanks to the new GT version that also improves the general equipment with a more dynamic and sporty style.
This GT version includes a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 48.1 kW to achieve a power of 156 CV. This also allows it to increase its autonomy, which can now reach up to 400 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. Thanks to its 100 kW charging capacity, the Peugeot 208-e can go from 20% to 80% in just 25 minutes.
Mini Cooper SE, the urban electric car that keeps its soul
The Mini Cooper electric is already the best-selling version of this iconic model. In terms of design and equipment, it is very similar with the combustion versions, with one notable difference: in the Mini Cooper SE the dashboard is completely digital, which is pretty cool. The heat recovery system used in this car stands out, saving up to 75% energy versus a traditional heating system.
In terms of performance, the Mini Cooper SE mounts a powerful electric engine with 184 HP of power and a torque of 270 Nm, although its speed is limited to 150 km/h. The batteries have a capacity of 32.6 kW to achieve an autonomy of 234 kilometres, according to the brand. 80% charge can be reached in about 35 minutes at a 50 kW fast charging point (the maximum supported in this model).
Renault ZOE, the electric urban car celebrates its 10 year anniversary
The veteran Renault ZOE (manufactured since 2013) is being marketed in its third generation, with significant equipment and performance improvements, that have helped it to become one of the most successful urban EVs in Europe. Among these last upgrades, a 50 kW lithium-ion battery (also available with a 40 kW battery) stands out, and it allows the Zoe to achieve a range of nearly 400 kilometres (389 km according to the brand). The power offered by its electric engine (developed by Renault) can vary from 110 to 135 hp, depending on the type of battery.
This electric vehicle is sold with a socket called 'Chameleon', capable of adapting the intensity and power received for charging, and it is compatible with a fast charging system - up to 50 kW of power - to offer about 150 km in just half an hour.
Opel Corsa-e, practical and simple
The Opel Corsa-e offers a careful exterior design in its five-door body and remarkable equipment with new technologies that make driving more enjoyable and safer. This shows how, as the aforementioned Peugeot e-208, both Stellantis group car models share platform and components.
The Opel Corsa-e is offered in Elegance and GS versions, both with an electric engine of 136 CV of power and 260 Nm of maximum torque, associated with a 50 kW lithium-ion battery. This battery gives the Corsa-e a range of more than 300 kilometres (up to 359 kilometres of autonomy according to the brand, if some advice on speed and driving style are followed), and also allows it to be charged to 80% in just 30 minutes.
Hyundai Kona EV, an urban car with great autonomy
The popular Korean brand is making a strong commitment to the market for more urban electric cars with the Kona EV. This is a model with SUV (all-purpose) characteristics that has a powerful 204 hp and 255 Nm engine. Its batteries -cup to 64 kW - can boast a range that exceeds 460 kilometres (484 km in combined use, and up to 660 km in the city on a single charge -as specified by the brand), so long trips with the Kona EV are also a good option.
The interior of the Hyundai Kona is spacious for its five occupants and includes a complete standard equipment, including the latest technology to make life on board more pleasant. In addition, this vehicle adds intelligent security systems that offer high protection.
Dacia Spring, the cheapest EV on the market
The Dacia Spring is with no doubt one of the electric cars of the moment. Its popularity is closely linked to the value for money ratio that this zero emission urban car offers. In its “Essential” version it comes with 45 hp (33 kW), a battery of 27.4 kW of useful capacity, and a WLTP autonomy range of 230 km, which is more than enough for daily usage.
The new Dacia Spring Extreme features also an "Electric 65" engine, which improves acceleration and overtaking ability, according to the brand. In this way, with the same battery, it achieves a power of 65 hp (48 kW) and a range of 224 km. This new version can be pre-ordered from February 1st and the first deliveries are expected right before the Summer. Its sale price is around 22,000 euros, depending on the country, making it the only EV available at that aggressive price point.
