While SUVs might be hugely in-demand, not everyone wants or needs a larger car. That’s especially true of the electric car world, where SUVs are often more expensive and less efficient than their hatchback counterparts.

Electric hatchbacks can come in lots of shapes and sizes, from more compact city cars through to larger, more family-focused options.

When it comes to electric hatchbacks, affordability and low running costs are of particular importance, though it’s worth making sure that these models fit your lifestyle as they don’t always provide the longest of electric ranges.

The top 10 used electric hatchbacks to buy

As we’ve mentioned, electric hatchbacks can come in various shapes and for different audiences. We’ve picked out 10 of the best from different sizes and budgets, meaning there’s an electric hatchback to suit all who might be on the lookout for a vehicle of this nature;

1. MG4 (2022-present)

MG has quickly established itself as one of the best electric car manufacturers, with a range of affordable and easy-to-live-with models. It started with crossovers and an estate car, but now the MG4 is available for those wanting an electric hatchback.

This Ford Focus-sized model is one of the best EVs to date, combining a great driving experience with generous equipment levels and – crucially – at a price that undercuts pretty much all of its rivals. There are a range of versions available, with an ‘Extended Range’ model at the top of the line-up offering up to 323 miles between charges.

Best Features

  • Great value for money
  • Range of up to 323 miles
  • Seven-year warranty

Things to consider

  • Entry-level car can still do a claimed 218 miles on a charge – you might not need to upgrade
  • Most of the car’s controls are operated via a touchscreen, which won’t suit everyone
  • Compromised rear visibility
Search Used MG4

2. Mini Electric (2020-present)

If you want a smaller hatchback and spaciousness isn’t important, it’s hard to beat a Mini Electric. Based on the firm’s popular three-door Hatch, it retains that car’s iconic stylish design and high-quality interior. You’ll struggle to find a better small premium electric hatchback than this. The Mini Electric is also a joy to drive, with its nippy powertrain offering plenty of performance, and the legendary fun Mini handling has been retained.

The Mini Electric is only really suitable for those who live in urban areas and don’t do all that many miles, as its 32.6kWh battery allowing for a small range of only around 145 miles.

Best Features

  • Fun to drive
  • Cool design
  • Strong interior quality

Things to consider

  • It’s worth remembering just how small the Mini is
  • Limited electric range
  • Entry-level ‘Level 1’ cars don’t get the most equipment
Search Used Mini Electric

3. Volkswagen ID.3 (2020-present)

The ID.3 will go down as one of Volkswagen’s most important cars, kickstarting its bold electric offensive back in 2020. This is a Golf-sized hatchback that’s ideal for family duties thanks to its cleverly-packaged interior that boasts plenty of rear-seat space and a practical boot.

Elswhere, the ID.3’s rear-wheel-drive layout makes it great to drive, with plenty of performance on all versions. There are a range of versions ov versions available, with the top-spec Pro S model able to trvel up to a remarkable 356 miles on a single charge. Now that it’s been on sale for three years, there are some fantastic deals to be had on secondhand examples, too.

Best Features

  • Great to drive
  • Generous interior space
  • Electric range

Things to consider

  • Touchscreen-controlled interior can be awkward to use
  • Interior quality could be better
  • Some used examples have suffered from lagging software
Search Used Volkswagen ID.3

4. Peugeot e-208 (2020-present)

Peugeot now has one of the most expansive line-up of electric and hybrid cars of any manufacturer, and its smallest EV is the e-208. Sold alongside petrol versions of this popular hatchback – it was Europe’s most popular car in 2022 – it brings the stylish look and high-quality finish that modern-day Peugeots have become known for.

The e-208 doesn’t have the pace or tricks up its sleeve that other electric hatchacks have, but is a comfortable and refined small EV that would be very easy to live with. A claimed range of up to 248 miles on the latest version is also excellent for a car of this size.

Best Features

  • Stylish and modern design
  • Upmarket interior for a small car
  • Comfortable and easy to drive

Things to consider

  • The latest 2023 e-208 is far more efficient than previous models
  • The e-208 is fairly small inside for a supermini
  • Peugeot’s driving position won’t suit everyone
Search Used Peugeot e-208

5. Nissan Leaf (2011-present)

The Nissan Leaf is one of the earliest modern EVs, and since its introduction in 2011 has helped thousands of motorists make the switch to electric. The Leaf does away without gimmicks, and instead puts the focus on ease of use.

Earlier Leafs are now available for just a few thousand pounds, though will be limited by a small electric range of only around 50 miles in real-world conditions. Newer Leaf models, however, now boast a range of up to 239 miles. This Sunderland-built EV also boasts a practical interior and generous equipment levels, and makes a lot of sense for families as a result.

Best Features

  • Low used prices make the Leaf a very affordable way to go electric
  • Spacious interior
  • Plenty of standard equipment

Things to consider

  • The Leaf’s technology lags behind many rivals
  • The Leaf uses a different charging connector to most other EVs, which can make public charging more difficult
  • Slower charging speeds than rivals
Search Used Nissan Leaf

6. Renault Zoe (2013-present)

The Renault Zoe was another early electric car to arrive on the scene, and was introduced back in 2013. Exceptional depreciation means it’s a terrific used buy, especially models produced from 2020 onwards that get a more modern design and longer range of around 238 miles. You can pick up a 2020-registered example for around £10,000 now too, which offers remarkable value for money.

Like the Nissan Leaf, the Zoe is lags behind more modern electric hatchbacks when it comes to technology and charging speeds, but if you only drive locally and can charge at home, there are plenty of reasons to consider this Renault.

Best Features

  • Fantastic used buy thanks to low prices
  • Good equipment levels
  • Spacious interior

Things to consider

  • Rapid charging was an option, so make sure any car you’re buying has this capability
  • The Zoe is quite slow to charge.
  • Limited safety equipment earned the Zoe a zero-star Euro NCAP safety rating back in 2021.
Search Used Renault Zoe

7. Volkswagen e-Up! (2013-onwards)

If you’re looking for a smaller electric hatchback that’s especially easy to drive and park, we strongly recommend a look at the Volkswagen e-Up!. Introduced in 2013, it shares the same fun styling as petrol versions of this city car, and is just as practical as well. There’s even space for adults to sit in the rear seats in comfort, while the boot is the same spacious size too.

Ideally look out for a model registered from 2020 onwards as Volkswagen introduced a larger battery that significantly boosted the claimed range from 99 miles to 160 miles.

Best Features

  • Small size makes the e-Up! very easy to drive and park
  • Surprisingly roomy for such a small car
  • Nimble and fun to drive

Things to consider

  • 2020-onwards models boast a far longer range
  • Limited technology on offer
  • Not an EV that’s suitable for long-distance driving
Search Used Volkswagen e-Up!

8. Cupra Born (2022-present)

Cupra is a fairly new brand that’s been spun out from Seat and forms part of the Volkswagen Group. It’s only been established for a few years but sales are already growing at an impressive rate – helped particularly by the Cupra Born, introduced in 2022.

Based on the Volkswagen ID.3, it boasts a sportier look and more lively enjoyable driving experience, and in many respects is better than the VW. Standard equipment levels are also very generous, while there’s a broad range of different models available depending on your requirements. With the larger 77kWh battery, Cupra also claims an excellent range of up to 342 miles.

Best Features

  • Fun to drive
  • Sporty styling
  • Generous equipment levels

Things to consider

  • Could be a better choice than the Volkswagen ID.3 if sportiness is important
  • Higher-spec models can be quite expensive
  • Touchscreen-dominated interior won’t suit everyone
Search Used Cupra Born

9. Fiat 500 Electric (2021-present)

The Fiat 500 is one of the most popular city cars around, and was a natural fit to make electric, which Fiat did in 2021. Though looking similar to the existing petrol car, this EV is completely different underneath and gets a range of new technologies, such as a large touchscreen and impressive driver assistance features.

Yet none of this takes away from the charm of the 500, with its cool design continuing to be the key attraction for buyers. This EV also drives particularly well and is ideal for around the city. The larger 42kWh battery also allows for a claimed range of up to 199 miles.

Best Features

  • Cool retro styling
  • Great city car
  • Decent range from larger battery

Things to consider

  • Small boot and limited space in the rear seats
  • Entry-level 24kWh battery versions have a range of only 118 miles
  • Not the best EV for longer journeys
Search Used Fiat 500 electric

10. Vauxhall Corsa Electric (2020-present)

You know electric cars are gaining momentum when a nameplate as popular as the Vauxhall Corsa is available as an EV. This supermini is an ideal electric hatchback for those wanting something unintimidating and easy to use and drive, with logical controls and ergonomic interior making it quick to get your head around.

The Corsa Electric is another EV that has depreciated heavily, but it makes used models a great buy as they’re available for a fraction of the price of a new model. With a range of up to 246 miles on the latest model, and fast charging speeds, there’s the possibility of longer journeys in it too.

Best Features

  • An ideal first EV because of its easy-to-understand nature
  • Great charging speeds
  • Plenty of standard equipment

Things to consider

  • A 2023 update brought much-needed efficiency improvements
  • Not very interesting to drive
  • Rivals are more exciting
Search Used Vauxhall Corsa Electric

What should you consider when buying a used electric hatchback?

To make sure you find the electric hatchback that suits your needs best, there are a few things to consider.

How much space do you need?

The first thing to think about is how much space you’ll need. There are electric hatchbacks of various shapes and sizes, from small city cars such as the Fiat 500 to larger family-aimed models like the Volkswagen ID.3. Which of these suits you best will depend on how often you carry rear-seat passengers and how much boot space you need. Some of the boots on electric cars can also be smaller than the equivalent petrol – such as on the Vauxhall Corsa.

Range

The second thing to consider is how much electric range you need. If you only do shorter trips, there isn’t a need for something with a larger, more expensive battery and a car like the Mini Electric or entry-level Fiat 500 could be ideal. But if you do a lot of miles and longer trips, a longer range is important. Cars such as the Volkswagen ID.3, MG4 and Cupra Born in this respect.

Where do you do most of your driving?

The last thing to think about is where most of your driving takes place. If it’s primarily around town, something like the Fiat 500 and Volkswagen e-Up! would be ideal because of their small size. If it’s mainly on motorways, larger EVs like the MG4 are much better-suited with their plentiful performance and more refined drive. If you do a combination, a supermini in the middle of the two – such as the Peugeot e-208 – would be an excellent choice.

Why should you buy a used electric hatchback?

You should consider an electric hatchback if you want a smaller EV that will cost less to buy and also be cheaper to run than an SUV counterpart. The choice of different models is plentiful, depending on your needs.

Electric hatchbacks are also ideal for around towns and cities, with their smaller dimensions making them easy to drive, manoeuvre and park. If you live on a busy street or have a tight driveway, they’re ideal.

Most of the mainstream manufacturers now sell an electric hatchback too, meaning that there’s plenty of choice, but also that if you have an allegiance to a particular company, there will be something available for you.

Ted Welford
Ted Welford has been writing about cars for more than six years. Specalising in used cars, he'll often be founding searching through the marketplace for the best deals and used car bargains.
Article published January 3rd, 2024