Street-legal small electric cars offer an eco-friendly and practical solution for urban commuting. The efficient design of these vehicles makes them perfect for maneuvering through narrow spaces. With advancements in electric vehicle technology, electric cars, including those for two people, are becoming more popular for their sustainability and convenience, offering a smart alternative to traditional vehicles. Those wishing to buy an electric car should look into the popular models to make an informed decision.
Volkswagen ID.4
Volkswagen has much to offer with this 2024 release as the only EV to its name currently. The manufacturer has revamped this compact car to a great extent to best suit consumer needs and compete with the rivals in the class.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is engineered with a high-performance motor for models employing the larger battery pack. ID.4 yields an impressive 335 HP for its AWD functionality. Beyond its power boost, Volkswagen also improved the cabin, making it luxe and visually appealing. It has a newly enhanced infotainment system, which is intuitive and smooth. The car rides well, and the purchase comes with a free 500 kWh of charging at Electrify America stations for three years. All these reasons make it among the best small electric cars.
WAEV GEM e2
It is among the first small electric cars to be street-legal in the country. The low-speed electric car aims to advance the concept of neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs). The company has changed owners a few times and is now part of WAEV after being spun off from Polaris.
GEM e2s are mostly open-air vehicles, similar to golf carts; however, car owners can add doors to make them more enclosed. They are commonly used at campuses, airports, and other venues where full-sized cars cannot be driven indoors.
GEM e2s are more refined than other low-speed vehicles (LSVs). That said, they are on the steeper side of the cost spectrum. Although base models start around $14,000, they use outdated lead-acid batteries, and upgrading to modern lithium-ion batteries costs over $9,000. While the car looks good and performs well, the high cost makes it more suited for commercial use.
AYRO
AYRO, a Texas-based electric vehicle startup, has launched its Vanish mini-truck. This vehicle is street-legal in its LSV (low-speed vehicle) version and can also be configured for private use. The Vanish comes in a standard flatbed model, but with add-ons, it can turn into a pickup truck with foldable side gates. There are also options to convert it into a box truck.
Manufactured at AYRO’s facility in Round Rock, Texas, the Vanish is one of the first electric mini-trucks made in the country. The Vanish, priced at around $33,000, is more expensive than most LSVs, but its design to carry heavier loads makes it appealing for commercial uses.
The Vanish is designed more for hauling cargo than transporting passengers. However, its modular design allows for customization to meet specific commercial needs.
2024 BMW i4
A street-legal car, the BMW i4 is an electrified model of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Its driver and tech aids are refined to perfection, and the lane guidance and adaptive cruise control work well. The car’s optional 360-degree surround camera is worth the upgrade. It comes with the Harman Kardon audio system for audiophiles, which isn’t too expensive and works well. Additionally, the electric car is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The BMW i4, courtesy of its dual electric motors, yields 536 HP and 586 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. The i4 accelerates quickly, rivaling the performance of sports cars. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Its brakes are impressive, and the EV handles well.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is a comfortable and quiet EV. Its affordable pricing makes it among the best small electric cars for budget-conscious customers. It is reasonably quick and sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds; however, the Leaf Plus variant takes 7 seconds flat. It is an easy-to-drive EV with smooth brakes that allow for controlled maneuvering around sharp turns.
The Nissan Leaf’s seats are comfortable without being overly confining. Its interior has ample head and legroom in all the seats, and the cabin is appropriate for its size. Furthermore, its low cowl and generously large windows enhance visibility.
So, these are some of the top street-legal electric cars. They are feature-rich, great for the environment, and easy to maintain. While some of these can be a tad expensive, a lot of electric vehicles are becoming more affordable. This is especially true for electric cars designed for two people.
