Buying Guide: Which Compact Electric Car to Choose?

What if you swapped your old reliable diesel hatchback for an electric one? These four models are among the market’s trusted options, and they suit all personal and professional uses.

Buying Guide for Cupra Born V Battery L

Cousin – among others – of the Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.3, the Cupra Born aims to be the most dynamic in the group. The Iberian compact features an eye-catching style midway between a compact sedan and a minivan. The interior is more conventional but, above all, it adopts the small instrument cluster from the ID.3 and a less intuitive gear lever. Fortunately, the Spanish model makes up for this with spaciousness. In the version with 204 hp and the L battery of 58 kWh, performance levels are very satisfying, comparable to a small GTI. Range can reach up to 426 km according to Cupra, provided you avoid the highway. Charging is limited to 11 kW AC, but can go up to 120 kW DC (recovery from 5 to 80% in about 35 minutes, or roughly 200 real kilometers).

For leasing options, there is a 37-month long-term rental offer, with an initial payment of €11,600, reduced to €5,600 after the €6,000 eco-bonus*, followed by 36 monthly payments of €339.

Cupra Born V Battery L

Style/Interior Space ****

Performance ****

Range/Charging ****

Equipment/Connectivity ***

Prices starting at €38,500 (minus €6,000 bonus)

37-month lease, €339/month (initial payment €5,600, with €6,000 bonus deducted)

Buying Guide for Kia e-Soul 150 kW

In the shadow of its big brother e-Niro which shares its platform, the Kia e-Soul stands out with its unique style. With rounded shapes, the dashboard is very user-friendly with large buttons and big digital screens. While the interior is well-finished, it feels somewhat dull overall. Space-wise, it is sufficient for four adults, but the trunk is modest at only 315 liters. For family use, the version equipped with the larger 64 kWh battery is most suitable. With 204 hp, performance is adequate, and acceleration is excellent enough that the chassis sometimes struggles to keep up. A very positive point is its theoretical range of up to 452 km. Charging-wise, the Kia e-Soul can reach up to 77 kW on fast charging (0 to 80% in 45 minutes).

If you prefer leasing, Kia offers a 49-month LLD, with an initial payment of €6,100 after the bonus, followed by 48 monthly payments of €487.

Kia e-Soul 150 kW Active

Style/Interior Space ***

Performance ****

Range/Charging ****

Equipment/Connectivity ***

Prices from €41,390 (bonus of €6,000 deducted)

49-month lease, €487/month (initial payment €6,100, bonus deducted)

Buying Guide for Renault Megane E-Tech EV 60 Optimum Charge

The French model shares its CMF-EV platform with the Nissan Ariya. Measuring 4.20 m long, it features sharp styling with angular lines and large 20-inch wheels. Inside, the cockpit is bright and very modern, with a large multimedia screen. The space inside is quite generous, though the rear feels a bit confined. The Megane boasts a very spacious trunk of 440 liters and a dedicated compartment for charging cables. Under the hood of the EV 60 version, its 220 hp are well-suited, especially considering its light weight (1636 kg). The chassis is well-tuned. The battery also provides an estimated range of 450 km. For long-distance drivers, this version supports up to 130 kW charging, but only 7.4 kW on single-phase charging (9 hours for a full charge at home or work).

Renault offers a 37-month LLD plan, with an initial payment of €5,500 (bonus deducted) and 36 monthly payments of €332.

Renault Megane E-Tech EV 60 Optimum Charge

Style/Interior Space ****

Performance ****

Range/Charging *****

Equipment/Connectivity *****

Starting at €35,700 (after €6,000 bonus deduction)

37-month lease, €332/month (initial payment €5,500, bonus deducted)

Buying Guide for Peugeot e-2008 100 kW

Peugeot e-2008 adopts the same aesthetic cues. Fierce look, jagged grille, sharp profile… The French compact SUV irresistibly draws attention. Inside, the design is inspired by the larger 3008, with a cockpit featuring aircraft-inspired details. Ergonomics isn’t its strength, and the multimedia screen resolution looks dated. Equipped with the most modest motor in this lineup (136 hp), the e-2008 isn’t a speed demon but is sufficient in many conditions. Its smooth ride and refined chassis make up for it. Its range is average, with Peugeot claiming up to 345 km. The small battery charges rapidly (30 min from 0 to 80%) with fast charging at 100 kW, but a full charge on a wallbox (7.4 kW) takes about 7.5 hours.

Peugeot offers a 49-month LOA, with an initial payment of €6,370 and 48 installments of €370.

Peugeot 2008 100 kW

Style/Interior Space ***

Performance ***

Range/Charging **

Equipment/Connectivity ***

Starting at €34,950 (after €6,000 bonus deduction)

49-month LOA, €370/month (initial payment €6,370)

Also see: Guide: How to choose your bike?