City electric cars are revolutionizing urban mobility with compact design, efficient electric drivetrains, and innovative technology. These vehicles are perfect for navigating busy city streets, offering lower costs and reduced emissions. Here are 18 electric cars that are ideal for city living:
Nissan Leaf (2010)
Shiro Nakamura designed the Nissan Leaf, the first mass-market EV. It has an electric motor with a single lithium-ion battery, and recent models have 212 miles of range. The interior is simple yet modern, with a digital instrument cluster, comfortable seats, and an intuitive infotainment system. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.8 seconds, making it practical for quick urban commutes.
BMW i3 (2013)
The BMW i3 is one of the most innovative urban EVs. This model, designed by Benoit Jacob, boasts an unusual carbon-fiber structure, electric motor, and battery pack with up to 153 miles of range. Inside, sustainable materials, such as recycled plastics and natural fibers, are combined with high-tech elements like a floating touchscreen display. The i3 goes 0 to 60 mph for agile city life in 6.9 seconds.
Renault Zoe (2012)
Renault’s Laurens van den Acker designed the Zoe, representing a compact, affordable car for city use. It has an electric motor that delivers 245 miles of range. With a spacious cabin, the inside of the Zoe is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, soft-touch materials, and customizable ambient lighting. It goes from 0 to 60 mph at 9.5 seconds, which is not fast but good enough to be used in urban applications.
Chevrolet Bolt EV (2016)
Designed by Stuart Norris, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is a versatile hatchback EV with a single motor that can provide up to 259 miles of range. It features a 10.2-inch touchscreen, supportive seating, and ample cargo space for a compact car. The Bolt EV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, making it an efficient and practical choice for city dwellers.
Fiat 500e (2013)
The Fiat 500e, designed by Roberto Giolito, combines the retro charm of the original Fiat 500 with a modern electric drivetrain. Its compact battery gives it a range of up to 199 miles in newer models. The interior is stylish, with a digital instrument cluster, vibrant trim options, and a 7-inch infotainment screen. Its 0 to 60 mph time of 8.4 seconds ensures it’s zippy in city traffic.
Mini Cooper SE (2020)
The Cooper SE is a sporty urban EV designed by Mini’s design team under Oliver Heilmer. It features a single electric motor with a range of up to 114 miles, ideal for city commutes. The interior blends classic Mini design elements with modern technology, including a circular touchscreen infotainment system, premium upholstery, and ambient lighting. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, it’s quick and nimble, perfect for navigating busy city streets.
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (2017)
Franz von Holzhausen designed the Tesla Model 3. Slim, compact, and very urban, this EV is designed for ideal city living. The Standard Range Plus’s range is up to 272 miles. The minimalist single-row cabin hosts a 15-inch touchscreen, a panoramic glass roof, and vegan leather seats and can reach 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds.
Honda e (2020)
Ken Sahara designed this futuristic and compact urban EV. Its small electric motor delivers about 137 miles of range. The ultra-modern interior has a full-width digital dashboard, wood trim, and comfortable seats. Its 0 to 60 mph time of 8.3 seconds ensures it’s nimble enough for city navigation while maintaining an eco-friendly footprint.
Hyundai Kona Electric (2018)
Hyundai’s Luc Donckerwolke designed the Kona Electric, a versatile subcompact SUV with an electric drivetrain. It offers up to 258 miles of range, making it suitable for city and short road trips. The tech-filled interior features a 10.25-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, and plenty of cargo space. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, it’s a robust and reliable option for urbanites.
Volkswagen e-Golf (2014)
The e-Golf is a new model designed by Walter de Silva. It is an all-electric variant of the iconic Golf, perfect for daily commutes in urban cities. Its operating range is 125 miles. It comes equipped with supportive seats, a familiar yet updated interior, and durable materials, while an intuitive infotainment system rounds out everything. Its 8.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph make it a reliable city companion with a bit of German engineering.
Peugeot e-208 (2019)
Designed by Peugeot’s design team, headed by Gilles Vidal, the e-208 is a stylish and compact electric hatchback. It has a single motor and a range of up to 217 miles. The futuristic interior boasts Peugeot’s i-Cockpit layout with a 3D digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment, and premium materials. The e-208 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, offering a blend of style, performance, and efficiency.
Kia Soul EV (2014)
The Kia Soul EV, designed by Kia’s Peter Schreyer, is a boxy yet fun urban EV. In newer models, it offers a range of up to 243 miles, powered by a single electric motor. Inside, it features a funky design with customizable ambient lighting, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and plenty of headroom. It’s a practical and unique city car with a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.6 seconds.
Citroën ë-C4 (2020)
Designed by Citroën’s Pierre Leclercq, the ë-C4 is a stylish and comfortable compact EV. It’s available with a single electric motor and a maximum driving range of up to 217 miles. The interior emphasizes comfort with soft-touch materials, a 10-inch touchscreen, and Citroën’s Advanced Comfort seats. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds, it makes for a smooth and refined ride for urban journeys.
Mazda MX-30 (2020)
Designed by Akira Tamatani, the Mazda MX-30 is a weirdly styled urban EV featuring rear-hinged “suicide” doors that distinguish it. The single electric motor provides a modest 100-mile range for short commutes around the city. Inside, Mazda emphasizes sustainability with cork trim, recycled fabric upholstery, and a floating center console. Modern functionality features include a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system. The MX-30 comes in at a respectable 0 to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds but is styled to maximize the benefit.
Smart EQ ForTwo (2018)
The ForTwo’s electric motor allows a range of 58 miles, suitable for daily urban errands. The interior is minimalist: a 7-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, colorful accents abound, and the cabin is more significant than expected in this size category. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 11.4 seconds, the ForTwo isn’t built to be fast but an elegant and easy-in-and-out urban vehicle.
Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2016)
Hyundai’s design team designed the Ioniq Electric, a sleek and practical EV focusing on efficiency. It offers a range of up to 170 miles, powered by a single electric motor. The interior is ergonomic and high-tech, featuring an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen, supportive seats, and eco-friendly materials. The Ioniq Electric accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds, making it a reliable and eco-conscious choice for city drivers.
Toyota bZ4X (2022)
The Toyota bZ4X, a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, is Toyota’s first mass-market electric SUV. Its electric motor has a range of up to 250 miles, making it versatile for city and suburban driving. The futuristic interior features a digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and cabin space. The bZ4X can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, combining practicality with cutting-edge tech for urban explorers.
Lucid Air Pure (2021)
Derek Jenkins designed the Lucid Air Pure, a luxury EV that works well in cities. While often considered a long-range EV, its Pure variant is a more practical size for city living, with a 406-mile range in a compact, aerodynamic design. The interior is minimalist yet luxurious, with a glass cockpit, a 34-inch curved screen, and sustainable materials. The Air Pure accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, bringing high performance and luxury to urban EVs.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
Electric vehicles are no longer a luxury for the elite—they’re a smart investment for the everyday driver. With manufacturers stepping up to the plate, affordable EVs now deliver on reliability, range, and modern comforts. Here’s a look at 18 economical electric cars engineered to outlast their payment plans.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
