The unexpected challenge of selecting a second electric family car
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is on the rise. However, families looking to acquire a second, smaller EV for short-distance tasks are often met with unexpected challenges. I encountered this personally, being on the lookout for a second smaller EV in addition to our Tesla Model Y to serve our family of four. This article discusses these issues, shedding light on the surprising absence of ideal options in the current market.
Requirements
Given a set of specific requirements - compact size, affordability (less than EUR 30k would be ideal), suitability for short, local trips but still capable of longer journeys, and most importantly, safety, I embarked on a journey to identify the best contenders from a pool of available and upcoming models. The results were surprising and illustrate the gaps in the current electric vehicle market.
I looked at the following options:
| Persons | Real-world Range (km at 90km/h / 120km/h) | WLTP Range km | Charging AC kW | Security | Price EUR | Price CHF | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 (cheapest version) | 5 | 443/313 | 491 | 11 | 42,000 | 42,000 | Now | |
| Smart #1 | 5 | 400 | 7.4 | 42,000 | 37,500 | Now | ||
| Mini electric | 4 | 236/163 | 234 | 11 | 35,000 | 42,000 | Now | |
| Fiat 500e | 4 | 249/170 | 190 | 11 | 30,000 | 30,000 | Now | |
| Microlino | 2 | 91 | 2.6 | No airbag | 22,000 | 15,000 | Now | |
| Smart EQ fortwo | 2 | 134 | 22,000 | 22,000 | Now | |||
| Nissan Leaf | 5 | 370/254 | 270 | 6.6 | 35,000 | 32,000 | Now | |
| Renault twingo electric | 4 | 190 | 22 | 25,000 | 24,000 | Now | ||
| BYD Dolphin | 5 | 340 | 25,000* | 25,000* | (Now) | |||
| VW ID.2 | 5 | 450 | 25,000* | 25,000* | 2025 | |||
| Tesla's rumored new entry level model | ? | ? | 25,000* | 25,000* | 2025 |
- indicates estimated prices.
Comparison of options
1. Size and Practicality
Contrary to expectations, the market for compact EVs is relatively limited. Cars like the Mini Electric and Fiat 500e fit the bill in terms of size, but their range is unsuitable for longer journeys. Even the Tesla Model 3, while spacious, isn’t ideal for navigating narrow spaces, such as tight parking lots. The Microlino and Smart Fortwo offer only two seats, which would require more compromise as a second car for most families.
2. Safety Considerations
Safety is an undeniable priority, especially for a family vehicle. Some of the smaller, affordable EV options, such as the Microlino, lack essential safety features. For instance, the Microlino does not have airbags, making it a less suitable choice for families.
3. Range and Affordability
For those seeking a balance between affordability and range, the options are surprisingly limited. Cost-effective models like the Fiat 500e and Smart fortwo, Renault Twingo, or even Microlino offer insufficient range, compromising their ability for longer trips. The Model 3 and Smart #1 offer the best WLTP range, but are in the 40k price range. (For the Smart #1 it would also be good to wait for real-world range tests.) If one is ready to spend 35-40k, our redommendation would definitely be to go with a Tesla. A Mini electric seems a really bad tradeoff at low range, slow charging, and rather high price.
The BYD Dolphin, which is now available in some European countries seems to be a gread option, but hasn’t been tested widely yet.
4. Future Models
There are also upcoming models like the VW ID.2 and the rumored cheaper Tesla model. These vehicles appear promising, but their unavailability until 2025 creates a gap for current buyers.
In conclusion, despite the growing popularity of EVs, it’s surprising to note that the search for a second, smaller electric car is challenging. The lack of compact, safe, and affordable EV options with a decent range points towards a gap in the market that manufacturers will need to address as the industry evolves.