As part of a study, several of the most affordable new electric cars were tested to determine their real-world range on a single charge. The tests were conducted in northern conditions until the battery packs were completely depleted. During the tests, key consumer characteristics were evaluated, and the outstanding features and drawbacks of each car were identified. Special attention was paid to practicality, comfort, and value for money.

Introduction: The Cheapest Electric Cars

The author plans to test the most affordable new electric cars, determining their maximum range on a single charge. The tests will be conducted in a northern location until the batteries are completely depleted. During the tests, key consumer characteristics of each car will be examined, identifying one outstanding feature and one annoying one. The first car to be reviewed is the Microlino, whose distinctive feature is its front-mounted door, although the mechanism for opening it was not immediately obvious.

Honda e Testing: Review and First Impressions

The Honda e is not equipped with air conditioning; instead, a small fan is used, which is noisy and inefficient. During testing, all vehicles were fully charged to 100% the day before. Driving was conducted in compliance with the speed limit. At a low battery charge level, the plan was to start conserving energy, simulating real driver behavior. Air conditioning will be used to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature.

Performance Issues with the Honda e

The Honda e has a top speed of 57 mph. The base model can only reach speeds of up to 28 mph. Both variants are equipped with a 17 horsepower engine.

A cupholder issue has been identified in the vehicle: it is not deep enough, which led to a drink can tipping over with a casual touch.

The Price of the Honda e: The Main Problem

The Honda e costs £23,000. There is an option to save money by choosing a trim with a smaller battery capacity. This model is stated to have a range of 140 miles on a single charge, however, the actual range will be tested later. The author suggests that in the near future, they will opt for the Citroën Ami to save money, and considers the Honda e a niche vehicle.

At 50 mph, the car feels stable, unlike the Citroën Ami, which cannot reach this speed. Despite concerns, crosswinds did not significantly affect the Honda e, which may be due to its aerodynamic shape. The author notes that the car's brakes are reminiscent of racing brakes.

The Honda e is classified as a quadricycle, not a full car, as it does not come equipped with mandatory safety systems for cars, such as ABS and electronic stability control. The vehicle does not undergo the same crash tests as regular cars, posing increased risks in the event of an accident.

The engine noise, which initially seemed appealing, became irritating and loud over time. The car's sound is compared to a "tin can."

Honda e Features and Controls

To open the Honda e's trunk, a key must be used as there is no button on the door itself. The trunk capacity is 200 liters. During the test, it was demonstrated that a person approximately 183 cm (6 feet) tall could fit in the trunk. However, there was a delay when attempting to open the trunk using the button on the key, raising concerns about its functionality. After several attempts, the trunk was successfully opened.

The car features a function that allows passage through the entire cabin by folding down the seats. This creates a sense of spaciousness inside, despite the car's compact exterior dimensions. The drive mode selection system (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) is implemented using buttons, the placement of which seemed illogical.

When driving, the Honda e emits a simulated internal combustion engine sound with artificial gear changes. The car is rated as a "proper car" with good handling. The car's cost is £19,000, which is cheaper than the Microlino, while the Honda e surpasses it in many aspects. The car's appearance, including the "blueberry" color, is positively reviewed. The car's suspension provides a comfortable ride. The trim includes air conditioning, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The engine power is 64 horsepower.

Honda e Technical Specifications

The Honda e is equipped with a front-wheel-drive engine. In "Boost" mode, the power reaches 95 horsepower. The car can accelerate up to 113 km/h on the highway. The handling is sharp, although it is less responsive than the Microlino. The model is equipped with a stability control system, airbags, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

The claimed driving range is 206 km. According to the manufacturer, this figure can reach 200 km in urban conditions.

The interior of the Honda e is designed for two passengers. Legroom and headroom are sufficient. A minor drawback is the low seating position due to the battery located under the floor, which leads to a slightly raised leg position.

Dacia Spring Review: Practicality and Features

The Dacia Spring is equipped with adaptive cruise control, but it was deactivated for testing purposes. The car's charging port is located at the front, which is convenient for nose-in parking. The Dacia Spring's door gives a cheap impression when closing, and the door opening mechanism also draws criticism.

Compared to the Honda e, the Dacia Spring is £2,000 cheaper, but it has significantly fewer options and feels more budget-friendly inside. The interior materials, including the steering wheel, raise questions about quality. Despite this, the car offers functionality, such as fully folding rear seats that create a flat floor. There is also a small additional storage space, but it is insufficient for storing charging cables in bags.

Dacia Spring: Previous Model and Availability

The car presented is a pre-facelift version of the Dacia Spring. Its power output is 65 horsepower, whereas the latest models are equipped with engines producing 70 or 100 horsepower, making them more dynamic. The battery capacity of this car is similar to newer versions, and the stated range is 140 miles.

The car was provided by MotorPoint. The Dacia Spring is an affordable option on the used market, costing around £10,000.

The car's suspension is soft and comfortable, however, the handling is described as unstable. Updated versions feature a front anti-roll bar to improve handling. In this particular car, even the airflow from passing vehicles causes noticeable body roll. The level of wind noise in the cabin is higher than in the Honda e, requiring louder speech. Despite this, the overall driving impression is not negative.

The main drawback of the car, in the author's opinion, is the limited rear seat space.

Dacia Spring Driving Experience: Cramped and Comfortable

The Dacia Spring proved to be cramped for a driver of above-average height. Passenger accommodation, especially for a tall person, is comparable to getting into a Porsche 911 due to the need to sit close to the front seat. Despite ample storage space, the cabin lacks a physical cup holder. This creates a risk of spilling drinks from an open container.

During the test, after covering approximately 57 miles, the Dacia Spring's battery charge remaining was 49%. The initial range readings from the onboard computer were incorrect, displaying 70% instead of the actual 50%, and then 80%. Subjectively, the driving comfort in the Dacia Spring is rated as half that of the Honda e, despite the price difference between the two cars being only two thousand pounds sterling.

Dacia Spring Range: Comparison with Other Models

At the time of checking, the Dacia Spring had 50% battery charge remaining, which corresponded to a range of 64 miles. The Microlino microcar had 43% charge, and having covered 58 miles, this suggested an overall range of approximately 100 miles.

Other electric vehicles showed the following results:

• Honda e: 44% charge, 48 miles of range.
• Leap motor: 56% charge, 88 miles of range.
• Citroën: 65% charge, 110 miles of range.
• Fiat 500e: 68% charge, 116 miles of range.
• BYD: 70% charge, 139 miles of range.
• Hyundai: 75% charge, 160 miles of range, leading in this metric.

Fiat 500e Review: Boot Space and Practicality

The Dacia Spring has a boot capacity of 308 liters. A boot capacity test was conducted using a dummy. The dummy was successfully placed in the boot, which was rated as a satisfactory result, surpassing previous tests. The car also features a panoramic roof that can be activated at the touch of a button.

Fiat 500e: Price and Comfort

The lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support is a significant drawback. The Elite Motor T03 car looks preferable to the Dacia Spring, partly due to its more attractive design, reminiscent of the old Smart Forfour. The car's interior creates a positive impression, and despite all components being made with the price range in mind, the materials do not feel cheap or low-quality, unlike the Dacia. The only drawback is the placement of the infotainment system screen, which is too low, requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road.

The trunk volume is sufficient, and there is a full-sized cup holder. The use of outdated USB ports instead of USB-C is regrettable. The rear seat offers ample space, including headroom and legroom, allowing even tall passengers to sit comfortably.

The most attractive aspect of this car is its price. The starting price is £16,000, however, when purchased through Carway, a £2,000 discount can be obtained, reducing the price to £14,000. The car's specification is complete, except for the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The range is 165 miles, which is a respectable figure.

The car is equipped with front-wheel drive and a 95 horsepower engine, providing sufficient dynamics for maintaining highway speeds and overtaking when necessary. The car's suspension provides a comfortable ride and a low noise level. During aggressive driving on winding roads, the narrow eco-friendly tires may lead to a loss of grip and the onset of oversteer. However, for the intended use of the car, these characteristics are not critical. The car is easy to drive, making it a worthwhile purchase. The choice of trim is simplified: only one battery configuration and one trim level are available, with all options being standard.

Comparison of Micro Mobility with Other Electric Vehicles

The Microlino car has reached the finish line. The Leap Motors' trunk has a volume of 200 liters. An attempt to place a person in the Leap Motors' trunk was unsuccessful, indicating its small size. The Citroën EC3 offers a more spacious trunk. One of the distinctive features of the Citroën EC3 is the ability to easily disable certain functions.

Driver Assistance Systems and General Impressions

Driver assistance features, such as lane departure warning and speed limit warning, can be deactivated. The small size of the glove compartment is noted as a drawback. The car feels the largest and most expensive of those tested. The suspension provides a comfortable ride, and the handling is rated as good. As speed increases, despite the 113 hp engine, there is some delay in acceleration due to the car's greater mass. Low wind noise is noted, but significant road noise is reflected in the rear of the cabin. The car's design and interior, including the fabric trim on the dashboard, leave a positive impression. This trim level is the top-of-the-line and includes essential options. The car's price is £24,000.

Fiat 500e Features and Range

The Fiat 500e costs less than £21,000, making it a good value proposition. When leased over three years, the total cost comes in at around £8,000, which is less than the assumed depreciation if you were to buy the car. The annual cost is approximately £2,600. The car comes with essential features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and climate control. However, it lacks adaptive cruise control, only offering standard cruise control. This is a drawback compared to the Honda e, which was cheaper and included this feature.

The Fiat 500e has a larger battery than the Honda e, offering a claimed range of 199 miles. However, the question remains whether the car can achieve this in practice. During a test, the car covered 98.2 miles with 5% battery remaining. Speed had to be reduced during the drive due to the rapid depletion of the charge. With the air conditioning turned off, the range increased by approximately half a mile. The driver aimed to maintain speeds above 60 mph but allowed for slower speeds in stressful situations. The car demonstrated the ability to reach the next checkpoint with sufficient charge remaining.

Battery Charge Remainder and Final Impressions

The battery charge remainder is 14%. It is assumed that the car will travel a greater distance than the Honda e, unless it has a hidden reserve that is not communicated to the driver. Currently, the car's power is limited, indicating it is nearing the end of its operational cycle.

Before moving on to the next car, the boot capacity of the Citroën EC3 was checked, which is 310 liters, the largest among all the cars tested.

The Fiat Panda features a convenient front-mounted charging port, simplifying the charging process, especially when reversing into a parking space. The charging cable is conveniently located inside.

Suspension Details and Comparison

The Fiat 500e lacks vanity mirrors in the sun visors for both the driver and passenger. This is noted as an oddity, considering the Citroën EC3, built on the same platform, is equipped with such mirrors.

When driving at 50 mph, the Fiat 500e feels like a substantial car. Its road manners are similar to the Citroën EC3, although the Citroën's suspension is slightly softer. The Fiat 500e's suspension is not stiff. The car features a 113 horsepower engine, which provides adequate performance in urban settings but makes it somewhat sluggish at higher speeds. The Fiat 500e's range is 199 miles, matching the Citroën EC3's figure. Notably, the Fiat 500e is less expensive than the Citroën EC3.

Honda e: Final Thoughts on Range

Despite being positioned as a top-performing car, the Honda e's appearance gives the impression of a more expensive vehicle. The author expressed a desire to own this particular car due to its attractiveness and excellent exterior design.

At a speed of 70 mph, the Honda e's range decreased to 6 miles. However, when the speed was reduced, the author did not feel concerned about reaching the charging station.

Meanwhile, the Micro Mobility car had 11% battery charge remaining. The system indicated a power limitation, but the maximum speed of 56 mph remained accessible, allowing for continued movement.

Comparing the two cars, the author concluded that the Honda e would likely not be able to reach the next service area. Even when driving at 50 mph, the Honda e's range decreased by another mile.

Farewell to the Honda e and Final Remarks

The Honda e demonstrated disappointing results during testing. After the main testing phase was completed, the car was sent for an additional run to determine the exact moment of complete shutdown. During this run, the plan was to record the maximum distance traveled before the battery was fully depleted and to describe the shutdown process. In contrast to the Honda e, the Fiat 500e made a positive impression, particularly regarding its price-quality ratio and interior design, which was deemed thoughtful despite the use of hard plastic materials.

Overview and First Impressions

The car is equipped with a glove box, which is a practical solution. It is noted that the acceleration dynamics have become sluggish.

There is a possibility that the car will not reach the nearest service area, located 8 miles away. In case of a breakdown on the roadside, this could cause inconvenience, as there are no shoulders.

This car is preferable to the Citroën due to its lower cost. However, like the Citroën, it suffers from a lack of practicality in the rear seats. Although the headroom and legroom in the rear are sufficient, the low seating position makes them uncomfortable. This is the only significant drawback of the car.

The car competes with the Honda in terms of design originality and handling, while surpassing it in terms of size and comfort. The range remains significant. In real-world operating conditions, it significantly outperforms the Honda.

Absence of Microlino. The trunk capacity is being checked, which is rated as the best among the presented models. The absence of cables is noted.

The BYD Dolphin Surf is equipped with a unique feature: pressing a button on the steering wheel can switch the screen to portrait mode. However, when using polarized sunglasses, the screen becomes invisible due to the polarization effect.

Before starting the journey, an updated forecast of the remaining range is provided:

• Dacia: 7% battery charge, 10 miles range.
• Elite Motor: 15% battery charge, 24 miles range.
• Citroën: 33% battery charge, 51 miles range.
• Fiat: 39% battery charge, 64 miles range.

BYD: Battery Health and Comparison

The BYD car has a 40% battery charge, which translates to a range of 76 miles. The High and Die car has a 49% battery charge and a range of 99 miles.

While driving, the Dacia car, driven by Tom, reached a top speed of 65 mph and exited the motorway after 1.2 miles. It had 73 miles of range remaining. A strong plastic smell was noticeable inside the cabin. Nevertheless, the quality of materials and build was rated as premium, with pleasant-to-touch switches and steering wheel. Good storage options were noted.

The multimedia system interface, despite its clear display, demanded constant driver attention due to small and difficult-to-press icons. The car's suspension was described as sufficiently soft, and its handling as acceptable. However, compared to the Citroën and Fiat, the Dacia felt less stable on the motorway, requiring frequent steering corrections. The price of this car, with optional paint, was £225,000, and at Carwow dealership, it was around £21,000.

The BYD Dolphin Surf in its base trim is equipped with an 88 horsepower engine, which is adequate for motorway driving. A 156 horsepower version is available for an additional £2,000. The car's exterior styling was rated as "average" compared to other models tested. However, the rear seats were noted as surprisingly spacious and comfortable.

The Honda e covered 121 miles out of a stated 128 miles, which was considered an accurate but not outstanding result. As the battery depleted, the car slowed down gradually, maintaining the ability to control gears and windows even when completely discharged.

Range Comparison: Microlino vs. Honda

During electric vehicle testing, it was determined that the Microlino surpasses the Honda e in terms of range. A call was made to the Microlino driver for clarification on the details. While driving, the car was cut off by a van whose driver had overtaken, disregarding traffic rules and creating a dangerous situation.

Honda Test Results

The Honda e drove 121 miles. The Microlino drove 115 miles, one mile more than advertised. When the battery charge dropped to 0%, the car continued to switch between 0% and 1% for about 20 minutes. While driving through a residential area, the car navigated a small incline and a speed bump before continuing at 2 mph. On a flat stretch, the car came to a complete stop at 114.9 miles. The car was manually moved to a parking spot. The ability to move the car even with a completely depleted battery is a useful feature.

Citroën: First Battery Warning

The car received its first low battery warning. This was unexpected, given previous readings.

Citroën: Battery Capacity and Specifications

The car is equipped with a 280-liter battery. This capacity may include space under the floor. When the seats are moved forward, the trunk volume increases to 350 liters. The car has seven seats. The interior trim uses plastic elements integrated with sensors.

Range and Dynamics Comparison

The Hyundai has 35% battery charge, corresponding to 70 miles of range. The BYD has 23% battery charge and 45 miles of range. The Fiat has 25% battery charge and 44 miles of range. The Citroën has 13% battery charge and 20 miles of range. Both the Citroën and Fiat had low battery warnings.

The Citroën C4, with its 115 horsepower, offers ample power and the best acceleration among the tested models, allowing for confident overtaking on the highway.

The Citroën driver is forced to reduce speed to reach the next charging station, located 18 miles away, with a remaining range of 16 miles.

Driving Impressions and Price

The car demonstrates confident handling at highway speeds, feeling cohesive and the quietest among those tested. The exterior design is also appealing, and the interior has character, despite the use of some dated design elements and brittle plastic parts. The seats are comfortable. Unlike the Honda e, the car features pedals that adjust the level of energy recuperation, rather than simulating gear changes.

The main advantage of this car is its price. Initially, the cost of the model in this trim level is £27,000, however, there is currently a £5,000 discount, reducing the price to £22,000. After covering almost 150 miles, the car retained 60 miles of range, making it an attractive proposition.

The rear seats in the topspec trim allow for fore-aft adjustment and backrest recline, providing a high level of comfort. Despite its compact dimensions, the cabin feels spacious.

During testing, some uncertainty arose regarding the speed limit, which, according to the car's navigation system, was 50 mph, while a phone indicated 70 mph.

Risks When Buying a Used Electric Car

When buying a used electric car, there is a risk that the previous owner may have operated the car incorrectly. It is recommended to check the car's history before purchasing. For example, a Tesla Model 3 was recorded as being involved in an accident and flagged by the Car Vertical system. Such a car should not be purchased. To check the history of a used car, it is recommended to use the Car Vertical service. Using the code "carwow" provides a 20% discount. A low battery charge level can lead to reduced performance. At 20% battery charge, the range may be around 40 miles.

Finding Charging Stations

As the Fiat 500e approached 10% battery, a low battery warning appeared. It had 9% charge remaining, equivalent to 14 miles of range, with 16 miles to the charging station.

The BYD also displayed a charging alert. It had 7% charge, with 13 miles of range remaining, while the charging station was 16 miles away. The car's range was decreasing.

The car's battery indicator began to flash yellow continuously.

Upon reaching 5% battery, a large yellow warning appeared, indicating no range. The car was in an area with no coverage. It was noted that the car had traveled 173 miles.

Vehicle Deceleration

The driver began to decelerate the vehicle due to concerns about reaching the route's endpoint. While one participant continued to move forward, another followed to observe the unfolding situation. Both vehicles are expected to complete the trial at the same location.

Dacia Testing

The Dacia Spring drove 123.4 miles until it stopped completely in a pub car park. After reaching zero range, the car drove for another 8 miles. For the last 5 miles, power was limited to 20 mph, then to 10 mph. Eventually, the car was crawling at 4-5 mph around the car park until an error message appeared on the dashboard.

Car Stopped Moving

The car has completely stopped moving. After it had to be pushed uphill in the parking lot to the charging station, it stopped. It is noted that the ability to push the car is an advantage, as some electric vehicles can lock up and become impossible to move. This model does not have a park mode, it is always in neutral, which makes it easier to push.

Dacia Results: Distance Covered

Dacia's officially stated range is 140 miles. The car covered 140 miles before coming to a complete stop. This is the best result among the cars tested so far. However, this is less than the manufacturer's stated range of 165 miles. After the low battery warning, the car drove for approximately another 4.5 miles before power began to decrease.

Battery Health and the Last Miles

The car began showing signs of erratic behavior, after which it was possible to reach a charging station. A low battery warning appeared: 10% remaining and 19 miles (approximately 30.5 km) of range. The manufacturer's stated range is 223 miles (approximately 359 km). At 2% battery charge, the range significantly decreased. It was expected to reach 210 miles (approximately 338 km), however, the actual mileage did not exceed 200 miles (approximately 322 km). An attempt was made to find a safe place to fully discharge the battery.

BYD: Condition and Comparison with Others

The BYD car traveled 185.6 miles, close to the stated 200 miles, despite highway driving. After reporting zero range, the car drove an additional 12 miles. Subsequently, the BYD car stopped on the side of the road, engaging hazard lights and activating the parking brake. The vehicle is capable of moving approximately 10 meters before stopping again.

Power Limitation

Upon reaching 1% battery charge and with 1.2 miles of range remaining, the vehicle began to exhibit power limitation. This occurred before reaching the 200-mile mark of total distance traveled. After regenerative braking on a downhill slope, 1 mile of range was recovered. Shortly thereafter, the 200-mile milestone was reached.

Ratio of Distance Traveled to Stated Range

The car traveled approximately 90% of the stated range. This figure is expected to increase slightly. During the tests, the car approached the return point, avoiding a stop. Three miles of travel were recorded. A decrease in air conditioner efficiency is noted, which may be related to a reduction in battery charge. The system alerted to a potentially dangerous situation, preventing a possible accident.

Difficult Section and Charging

The car came to a complete stop and could not move. After releasing the parking brake, it was possible to push it to the charging station. However, when connected to charging, a charging error message appeared on the dashboard. The Grid Serve charging station also reported that it was unable to establish a connection. The car required towing.

Despite having zero battery charge remaining, the car drove another 10 miles beyond its stated range. The car's power became more limited.

Overcoming the Incline

The vehicle was unable to overcome the incline with a remaining battery charge of 211.5 miles. Despite fully depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle did not generate enough power to ascend. An attempt was made to reach the 212-mile mark, but the vehicle failed to do so. The driver expressed concern about the vehicle stopping directly next to another vehicle.

Electric Vehicle Range Testing

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 achieved 211.9 miles, which is 95% of its stated range. The car was parked in a safe location but was unable to reach the service area with a charging station.

Another test participant, driving a car with zero range, traveled an additional 10 miles after the corresponding indicator appeared on the dashboard. The total distance covered was 198.9 miles, which corresponds to the manufacturer's stated range. The car continued to move at speeds up to 45 mph, despite reduced power.

After the Hyundai Ioniq 5 stopped, it was transported to the nearest service area and successfully connected to a charging station.

The participant driving another electric vehicle reported a breakdown after covering 201.8 miles, which was 2 miles more than the manufacturer's stated range. For the last 5 miles, the car gradually lost power but remained capable of moving at 20-30 mph. Half a mile before coming to a complete stop, warnings about ESP and ABS system malfunctions appeared, after which the car stopped and automatically engaged the parking brake. The car stopped on a roundabout less than 50 meters from a charging station. The car was transported to the charging station using a tow truck.

Comparative range test results:

• Hyundai Ioniq 5: 212 miles (95% of stated).
• Fiat 500e: 202 miles (102% of stated).
• BYD: 186 miles (93% of stated).
• Citroën: 171 miles (86% of stated).
• Leap Motor: 140 miles (85% of stated).
• Dacia Spring: 123 miles (88% of stated).
• Honda e: 121 miles (95% of stated).
• Microlino: 115 miles (101% of stated).

By efficiency:

• Microlino: 7.7 miles per kWh (speed limit of 56 mph on highways).
• BYD and Dacia Spring: 4.8 miles per kWh.
• Citroën: 3.3 miles per kWh.

The Citroën was unable to charge from a 360 kW charging station due to communication issues. After moving to a 150 kW charging station, charging was successful.