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As cities continue to prioritize sustainability, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity. People who live and drive in urban environments have unique considerations when buying an EV, such as vehicle dimensions, charging infrastructure accessibility, and environmental impact. This guide highlights the best electric vehicles for city driving, offering a blend of practicality and eco-friendly benefits.
What makes a good EV for city driving?
For those living in the city, choosing an EV means finding a car that fits perfectly into their urban lifestyle. Key factors to consider include size, charging options, and environmental impact.
Here are the qualities we look for in an EV with city driving in mind:
- Compact size: EVs with reduced length, width, and height are easier to park and navigate through congested streets. A smaller footprint usually means lighter weight, which can enhance range and performance.
- Fast charging: For city driving, long battery range isn’t as important as the charging speed. Many city-friendly EVs offer quick recharging times despite having smaller battery sizes, allowing you to charge up efficiently.
- Easy parking & sharp turn radius: This is crucial for navigating tight urban spaces. Some EVs have a very short turn radius, which is great for parking and maneuvering in the city. Backup cameras make it easy to parallel park and exit tight spaces.
- Safety: An important consideration for any vehicle, no matter where it’s being driven. We selected EVs that come with the most useful safety features for city driving, and EV-specific features like cooling systems to control battery temperature.
Are you making the switch from a conventional gas-powered vehicle to an EV? Before you buy your first electric vehicle, read our guide to buying an electric car and see the best EVs on the market.
Top EV picks for city drivers:
Bringing all these qualities together can be challenging, but several electric vehicles are well suited for urban demands. Here are our top recommendations:
Audi Q4 e-tron
This electric SUV is a great pick for city driving due to its compact dimensions, best-in-class cargo space, and strong performance. It also comes equipped with traffic sign recognition technology to alert the driver of changing speed limits and traffic warnings. The Audi Q4 e-tron starts at an MSRP of $49,800.
Fiat 500e
Starting at $32,500, the Fiat 500e is the top choice for city drivers seeking the smallest EV on the market. Its compact size allows it to park almost anywhere, while easily maneuvering through narrow streets and alleys. Pedestrian and cyclist detection and emergency braking systems help keep drivers alert and safe behind the wheel.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric, starting at an MSRP of $32,975, is an excellent balance of value, comfort, and technology. It has a large cargo space and comes with helpful parking assist and blind-spot monitor technology at an affordable price tag. The Kona Electric can reach 80% battery charge in under 45 minutes with a DC fast charger, making it a quick and convenient way to get around the city.
Learn more about DC fast charging, public charging stations, and more in our EV charging guide.
Kia Niro EV
This budget-friendly EV starts at $39,600, and comes loaded with features that are ideal for urban driving. It’s equipped with 17 collision-avoidance and driver assistance features, including blind-spot collision avoidance and auto emergency braking. The Niro EV’s Smart Parking Assist can even help you parallel park and exit from spaces from inside or outside the vehicle.
Mini Countryman SE ALL4
The Mini Countryman SE ALL4 is an eye-catching option with a very small footprint. With a unique circular OLED display built into the dashboard, a suite of built-in safety features, it offers a combination of style and performance that’s hard to beat. It has a maximum range of 212 miles and can achieve 10-80% charging in 29 minutes with a DC fast charger. The Mini Countryman SE ALL4 starts at $45,200.
Nissan Ariya
Rated a “Best Buy” by Consumer Guide for its design, controls, and impressive range, the Nissan Ariya stands out among EVs for city driving. Its comfortable, luxurious interior, widescreen displays, and driver assistance technology make it easy and enjoyable to drive. The Nissan Ariya starts at $39,770 and includes EV Carefree+ benefits.
Volkswagen ID.4
The all-electric ID.4 combined a spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and good range at an affordable price. It’s a simple and modern electric car with a battery capable of reaching 291 miles per charge. With multiple trims and packages available, there are plenty of options depending on your budget—the Pro option offers the best value, with DC fast charging capabilities. The Volkswagen ID.4 starts at $41,420.
Volvo EX30
The Volvo EX30 was named the 2024 World Urban Car for its features, design, and price. This compact SUV features a sleek design that’s perfect for easy parking and an impressive 26-minute recharge from 10 to 80% with a DC fast charger. It offers speedy acceleration, capable of going from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds with an Electric Range (EPA) of 253 miles. The Volvo EX30 starts at $46,195.
Fast and reliable EV transport
Did you find the perfect electric car online, but it’s not available near you? Whether you’re buying an EV from an out-of-state seller or you’re relocating and need to ship your vehicle, Montway can help. We’ve arranged transport for over 1 million vehicles—including EVs, hybrid vehicles, and more—and earned over 80,000 5-star reviews.
Learn more about how car shipping works, see car shipping costs, or get started today with a free instant quote.
