By: Ben Welham
Last updated: 16 January 2025
Since the UK government announced electric cars as the future, the Motability scheme has adapted to ensure that those who use it, can benefit from electric cars as well as petrol and diesel.
Here are ten of the best electric cars you can get through the Motability scheme:
Vauxhall Mokka Electric
Despite a very overcrowded SUV market, the Vauxhall Mokka Electric manages to shine through, thanks to its excellent range, great build quality and futuristic looks.
Power comes from a 50kW battery that works in conjunction with a 136hp electric motor that drives the front wheels. This allows for a range of up to 209 miles.
As it shares its body with the petrol and diesel-powered Mokka, the electric version also has a similar interior which offers plenty of space and is filled with all the usual technology you’d expect to find in a modern electric car.
Read our Vauxhall Mokka review
Hyundai KONA Electric
As small electric SUVs go, you’d be hard-pressed to find one better than the Hyundai KONA. It has a great electric range of up to 279 miles, it’s surprisingly fun to drive, and it comes with some rather impressive bells and whistles.
And to make things even better, being a Hyundai, the KONA comes with a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty which means even used examples will most likely benefit from this superb service.
Inside, you’ll get a really solid infotainment system and you’ll also be greeted by a pleasant overall interior that’s very functional and hard-wearing.
Read our Hyundai KONA Electric review
Peugeot e-208
If you’re familiar with the standard Peugeot 208, then the all-electric e-208 won’t seem all that different, other than its lack of an engine.
There are plenty of trim levels on offer, too, starting with the entry-level Active trim and moving up to the range-topping GT model – which is worth the price if you can stretch to it.
With the GT Premium model, you get extras such as 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, and special Alcantara-covered seats.
Read our Peugeot e-208 review
Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe is an honest, faff-free piece of kit. It doesn’t try to be fancy or show-off – instead, it simply offers a great overall package and a solid range for a small electric city car.
Driving the Zoe is a 110hp motor which comes as standard, but you can opt for the more powerful 135hp motor that comes in top-spec GT trim cars. Additionally, this mighty little electric car punts out around 240 miles on a single charge which is hugely impressive for a car of this size and price.
It’s no secret that the Zoe has some tough competition, but when it comes down to it, there are very few other small electric cars that come close to it, that cost under £30,000.
Read our Renault Zoe review
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Like many other electric cars on this list, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric is related to a petrol or diesel-powered cousin – meaning it’s very reliable, well made and familiar. But this is all doubled because the Corsa Electric shares many of its parts with the Peugeot e-208.
This means it gets a similar range at 222 miles on a single charge and is powered by a 136hp electric motor and a battery that’s quick to charge and affordable all around.
Read our Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
Watch our Hyundai Kona Electric review:
Peugeot e-2008
Rivalling the likes of the Kia Niro EV and MG ZS EV, the e-2008 has a lot to excel at but it holds itself well and like the smaller e-208, is a solid buy.
Peugeot claims it will get up to 212 miles on a single charge which for a 1,600kg+ SUV isn’t all that bad. It’s also powered by a 136hp electric motor that provides plenty of poke for both longer motorway journeys and shorter drives through towns or cities.
On top of this, the exterior and interior are very stylish and really looks the part – following Peugeot’s current futuristic design language.
Read our Peugeot e-2008 review
smart forfour
When you think of small city cars, the first carmaker that may come to mind is smart which makes some of the smallest and best city cars for UK roads.
But more specifically, the one you want is the smart forfour because it has four doors – resulting in more space for people and luggage.
Power comes from an 81hp electric motor that’s mated to a 17kWh battery which may not seem like much compared to larger hatchbacks, but it’s still a decent range for city and town driving.
Read our smart forfour review
Mini Electric
Just like the ordinary petrol hatchback, the Mini Electric offers a lot of car in such a compact package. And like the petrol-powered variant, it’s fun to drive – with power coming from a 183hp electric motor that drives the front wheels.
Mini claims its electric hatchback will return up to 140 miles on a single charge from its 32.6kWh battery pack. To help the car along, there are Green and Green+ modes to increase efficiency, which work well if you need that little bit of extra juice on your journey.
Read our Mini Electric review
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf has been on the scene for well over a decade now and that shows when you take a closer look around. Not only does it have some excellent range but it also looks the part and is practical, too.
Nissan claims the standard Leaf will travel up to 168 miles on a single charge which is impressive, but what’s even better is the Leaf e+ which promises a 239-mile range from its 62kWh battery pack.
Mated to the battery is a 217hp electric motor that’s really quick, resulting in an impressive 0-60mph time of 7.9 seconds.
Read our Nissan Leaf review
Fiat 500e
The king of the small electric car world is the Fiat 500e which can be found all over Europe like a pigeon that can survive anywhere across Italy.
The electric Fiat 500 comes with the choice of two electric motors: a 95hp motor and a 118hp electric motor. The latter comes with a 23.7kWh battery, whereas the former comes with a larger 42kWh unit that offers a range up to 199 miles.
Additionally, the 500e can fast charge up to 85% in a staggering 35 minutes – meaning you should never have to worry about not getting to your destination on time.
Read our Fiat 500e review
Ready to hit the open road?
Let’s find your next car