2023 Electric Car Highlights: Compact Cars Taking Center Stage!

The evolution of the number one Peugeot e-208, a completely new Mini, small Jeep Avenger SUV, and city electric cars will display a certain dynamism in 2023.

Electric city cars have quickly matured, perhaps more than compact and family models. Notable are the appearance of the new Peugeot e-208 and the new Renault ZOE in 2019, followed by Fiat 500e in 2020, then Dacia Spring in 2021. This quartet meets the expectations of most drivers, propelling them into the best-selling market segment (alongside Tesla). And it will continue to grow with an even more comprehensive catalog in 2023.

Many automotive innovations at Stellantis

With a strong portfolio of brands, Stellantis will have an active year in 2023. The number one electric car in France, the Peugeot e-208, is adopting new motors. Developing 115 kW compared to 100 kW previously, and maintaining the same torque of 260 Nm, it will be more efficient. Featuring a larger battery (54 kWh vs. 50), this city car with the lion emblem aims for 400 km of range. It is also expected to undergo a mid-life facelift later this year. The Opel Corsa-e, based on the 208, has not announced these updates yet but will also have an evolution.

As for SUV derivatives, the DS3 will be the first with a 115 kW motor and a 54 kWh battery. Losing its Crossback suffix, this small, high-end French model will arrive in dealerships this winter.

And an upcoming, never-seen-before electric Jeep, followed by Mini

Stellantis will also introduce a novel electric vehicle in 2023. The Jeep Avenger will be the smallest model of the American brand! While it will have an internal combustion version, this mini-SUV, barely over 4 meters long with looks reminiscent of the Renegade, will launch in full electric this winter. Priced under €40,000 for the launch edition, it uses the same motor/battery duo as the 208 and DS3.

Conveniently, a Mini Aceman electric is also on the horizon. Presented as a concept, this 4-meter SUV, which is expected to replace the 5-door Mini, will have an electric version that we hope will be priced below €40,000. The classic Mini, with three doors, will also have a successor. Known as Cooper SE or Electric, it will return in 2023 with a slightly updated style. Let’s hope it offers better comfort without losing agility—along with a bit more range than its current 230 km. The current price near €35,000 will be the minimum.

Electric Car 2023: Expect Some Sportiness!

Among the new models, no Fiat 500 crossover like the 500X (for now), but a sporty version. It sports the Abarth badge, which is betting on totally abandoning gasoline, claiming that electric is more performant.

Indeed, the motor now delivers 155 horsepower, compared to a maximum of 118 for the Fiat and 180 hp for the previous Abarth 500. The spicy little beast will do 0-100 km/h in around 7 seconds and will produce a fake sound very characteristic of the brand. As for the price of the Abarth 500e, expect no less than €40,000.

Also read: Mondial Auto 2022, new models and concepts in photos