Which small electric car would you recommend

[noworklifebalance]

I realise this is not an AIBU but wasn’t sure where to post it.

We are looking to buy an electric car, can be second hand, about the size of a Polo.
Would need to have space in the back for 2 children (8+), so no big car seats or super long legs.
Will be mainly for local-ish driving with occasional 50mile+ trips.

It’s all quite mind boggling and expensive (budget

@noworklifebalance

Many thanks all - really useful info. I find the whole thing so difficult to pick apart. We have a driveway so will be able install a charging point. Re: hybrid - will need to check whether it will be ok with the ULEZ, which we will be driving in and out of a few times a week.

I thought you might have a driveway and a charging point - not sure what the previous posters were jumping to assumptions about

The ULEZ rules are changing this year - from October 2021 only pure electric vehicles will be available for the 100% discount. So if you're not needing the 300 miles + range of a hybrid, and you're mainly doing short journeys and popping occasionally inside the North/South Circular (where the zone is expanding to in the same month) then electric makes sense.

Thanks @Ginuwine and @LadyEloise for directing to the car forum - totally missed that when scanning through the list of chat sites.

Also thanks @Ginuwine for your post - I am used to seeing posts like that, so I just ignore.

scalextric ferrari

Well you know that a small front wheel drive car with Winter tyres is better in the winter than a 4x4, which more than most.

It's unlikely to be better than 4x4 on winter tyres. Based on first hand experience.

I live rurally and a neighbour has a Leaf and loves it. Another friend lives on the west coast of Scotland and has just bought a Vauxhall Corsa (same underneath as the 208) and she loves that too. Neither have had any charging problems. They just plug them in at home overnight and have enough charge to run around all day.

A Leaf sounds like it would be ideal for you - plenty of space in the back, range 120ish miles (depending on air temperature and driving speed), within your budget.

We have an older Leaf and a Kia e-Niro and love both of them! Electric driving is just brilliant

@noworklifebalance

Thanks *@Ginuwine* and *@LadyEloise* for directing to the car forum - totally missed that when scanning through the list of chat sites.

Also thanks @Ginuwine for your post - I am used to seeing posts like that, so I just ignore.

There is a dizzying amount of forum listings on here!

Just to also say your post has inspired me - we are in a position to consider changing our car and electric is 100% going to be my choice this year.

We have a Leaf and I love it, it's perfect for commuting to work and slightly longer trips.

I agree with a PP about getting used to plugging it in when you can rather than waiting for it to run down.