The Smallest Electric Cars Ever Made, Ranked By Size

Companies are proving that big things come in small packages with the compact electric vehicles they keep releasing. Despite their diminutive sizes, these still offer accommodating interiors, ample power from their powertrains, and adequate range from their battery packs. With numerous advancements in technology, these electric vehicles now have the luxury of a range of advanced features from their base models.

Traditionally, diminutive vehicles compromised interior space and performance and the first-generation electric vehicles compromised range heavily. Manufacturers have cleverly solved this problem, maximizing the usage of available space, through the cleverly designed platforms the vehicles are built on which leverage elongated wheelbases to allow for comfortable seating with enough legroom for both front and rear passengers. So, don’t be fooled by their sizes, because these vehicles (some of them) can carry the entire family without compromising on comfort.

They’ve also utilized efficient electric powertrains to deliver impressive torque and acceleration. Leveraging their lightweight construction and clever aerodynamics, these cars can accelerate quickly and maneuver easily through congested city streets. Battery technology has also improved, allowing their compact sizes to achieve ranges similar to what the big boys offer. There’s then the practice of fitting luxury from the base model, from larger touchscreen infotainment systems to smart connectivity options.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Car And Driver. Each vehicle on this list was selected based on its overall length and the models sold in the U.S.

10 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Length: 182.5 Inches

On the 168-horsepower standard range base model, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a range of up to 220 miles. It goes up to 303 miles on the extended-range rear-wheel drive model, which delivers 225 horsepower and a 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.4 seconds. Opting for the all-wheel drive version of the Ioniq 5 offers more power: 320 horsepower and a 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.5 seconds.

Exterior Dimensions

(Data was collected from Hyundai)

The interior features an intuitive 12.3-inch HD touchscreen display with navigation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging. Everything has been crammed into an overall length of 182.5 inches. That also includes the advanced driver-assistance Highway Driving Assist 2 system.

9 Polestar 2

Length: 181.3 Inches

Its 181.3-inch length doesn’t compromise its capabilities. The Polestar 2 has a max range of 320 miles on a full charge. With DC fast-charging capabilities, the battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes. In rear-wheel drive, it delivers 299 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. The Polestar 2’s all-wheel drive option goes up to 421 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds.

Exterior Dimensions

(Data was collected from Polestar)

The Performance Pack offers a peak horsepower of 456. The 19-inch five-double spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels are standard with optional upgrades like the 20-inch four-multispoke black polished forged alloy wheels of the Performance Pack, or the 20-inch five-V spoke black silver alloy wheels.

8 Volkswagen ID.4

Length: 180.5 Inches

The 180.5-inch long Volkswagen ID.4 is offered in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations as well as 82-kWh extended and 209-mile 62-kWh standard range battery packs. In the rear-wheel drive configuration with the extended range battery, it has a range of 275 miles and 255 miles with the all-wheel drive option. With quick charging capabilities on a fast DC charger, you can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 30 to 36 minutes. It also features wireless charging.

Exterior Dimensions

(Data was collected from Volkswagen)

The rear-wheel drive configuration offers 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.8 seconds. The all-wheel drive option maintains the same torque but increases the performance to 295 horsepower and a 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds.

7 Nissan Leaf

Length: 176.4 Inches

The Nissan Leaf is a 176.4-inch long compact car that offers a practical and stylish design. Its single-motor front-wheel drive system can produce up to 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. It has a 60 kWh battery pack which offers an impressive range of 212 miles on a full charge.

Exterior Dimensions

(Data was collected from Nissan)

It’s also equipped with fast charging capabilities that recharge up to 80 percent in just 45 minutes. The cabin features a seven-inch information display gauge cluster, an eight-inch color display with multi-touch control, voice recognition, and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system for convenience. With all seats down, it has a cargo volume of up to 30.0 cubic-feet, from 23.6 cubic-feet with the seats down.

6 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Length: 174.2 Inches

The Volvo XC40 Recharge has both a single and dual-motor configuration. The dual-motor trim delivers 402 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque, which results in a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.6 seconds. Its overall 174.2-inch length allows the single-motor configuration to be equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack that offers a range of 293 miles.

Exterior Dimensions

(Data was collected from Volvo)

With fast charging capabilities, it can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in 27 minutes. It is 174.2 inches long, with a starting price of $53,645. It’s equipped with an air purifier and the optional Harman Kardon Premium Sound system. Its touchscreen display uses Google built-in to grant you access to a suite of smart features and services.

5 Kia Niro EV

Length: 174.0 Inches

The Kia Niro EV’s length of 174.0 inches, offers this compact electric SUV a stylish and spacious design. Priced at $39,600, it boasts an impressive EPA-estimated range of 253 miles and an EPA-estimated energy efficiency of 113 MPGe. When charging with a DC Fast Charger, you can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in just 43 minutes.

Exterior Dimensions

(Data was collected from Kia)

The electric motor produces 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. The exhilarating driving experience includes a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.1 seconds. Its drivetrain is a front-wheel setup. It has a heat pump, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Inside, it offers 63.7 cubic-feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, an optional 10-inch heads-up display, and an onboard power generator.

4 Mazda MX-30

Length: 173.0 Inches

The Mazda MX-30’s 173.0-inch length should be able to accommodate more than its 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery which produces a range of 100 miles on a full charge, 150 miles less than the industry average. Using Level 3 DC fast charging, it recharges 80 percent in about 36 minutes. The interior features an 8.8-inch large center display and a seven-inch digital gauge display, and it’s equipped with i-Activsense safety features.

Exterior Dimensions

(Data was collected from Mazda)

Heated front seats come standard at a starting price of $34,110. It’s equipped with an electric motor, with 143 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, delivering a 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.7 seconds. It’s configured in front-wheel-drive and with a single-speed automatic transmission.

3 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Length: 169.5 Inches

The spaciousness of the compact Chevrolet Bolt EUV may not be evident due to its length of 169.5 inches, but its 105.3-inch wheelbase opens space for five passengers, and even 39.1 inches of rear seat legroom. There’s 96.5 cubic-feet of interior volume for passengers, which doesn’t affect the trunk volume of 16.3 cubic-feet and helps improve it to 56.9 cubic-feet with the rear seats folded.

Exterior Dimensions

(Data was collected from Chevrolet)

It runs on a single motor, generating 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds. The Chevrolet Bolt EUV can travel for 247 miles, and you can also charge it up to 100 miles in 30 minutes.

2 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Length: 163.2 Inches

The Chevrolet Bolt EV’s length of 163.2 inches throws it squarely into the compact category, but its wheelbase of 102.4 inches, helps it accommodate five passengers. Still, it has a trunk volume of 16.6 cubic-feet expanding to 57 cubic-feet with the rear seats folded.

Exterior Dimensions

(Data was collected from Chevrolet)

With a starting price of $26,500, tech on the interior centers around the 10.2-inch touchscreen media display. It’s equipped with the same single motor as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, but has a swifter 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.5 seconds. It can travel 259 miles and affords you the convenience of charging it up to 100 miles in just 30 minutes.

1 Mini Cooper SE

Length: 151.7 Inches

The Mini Cooper SE is a two-door compact electric car for four passengers, priced at $30,900. It has a single-motor layout that delivers 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. It’s one of the smallest vehicles at a length of 151.7 inches, but its wheelbase of 98.2 inches offers just enough room in the cabin.

Exterior Dimensions

(Data was collected from Mini)

It has a trunk volume of 8.7 cubic-feet, and with the rear seats folded, a total cargo volume of 34 cubic-feet. Its battery can travel a range of 114 miles and can be recharged to 80 percent in just 36 minutes at a speed of 50 kW. In the cabin, an 8.8-inch touchscreen media display with navigation adds convenience and technology to your driving experience.