Electric cars have quickly become a default choice for those living in the city thanks to the charging infrastructure and their small size. That also means that the compact hatchback shape is perfectly suited to the electric powertrain, as it uses the smaller space available in an efficient manner. Compact SUVs like the Kia Soul have started to take over the market, but there's still a use case for a humble hatchback due to its lower driving position and (usually) better looks.
While there aren't many electric hatchbacks on the market, you still need to be up-to-date with key facts about each contender, including charging time, speeds, and maximum range. We've collated our two favorite electric hatchbacks on this list so you know which one is right for you.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.
1 Nissan Leaf
- Base Trim Engine
- Electric
- Base Trim Transmission
- Single-speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
- 174 hp
- Base Trim Torque
- 254 lb-ft
- Base Trim Battery Type
- lithium-ion
- Make
- Nissan
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2026 Nissan Leaf Specs |
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|---|---|
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Powertrain |
Single-motor |
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Drivetrain |
FWD |
|
Power |
214 hp |
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Torque |
261 lb-ft |
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Range |
S+: 303 miles SV+: 288 miles Platinum+: 259 miles |
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Starting Price |
$29,990 |
Is it an EV hatchback? A small SUV? It's a bit of both, although it's technically marketed as a crossover. Whatever the Nissan Leaf is, we named it the Car of the Year for 2026 at the most recent Buzz Awards for its low price, zippy performance and value for money. Every automaker has struggled to make a profit from small electric hatch models, and Nissan just went ahead and did it, and did it well. You won't have to wait for rebates or offers for the price to come down under $30k — this hatchback EV already starts there.
No one is saying the Leaf is a performance car, but 214 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque are all the performance figures you need in a small car like this. Nissan also impresses with a 303-mile range in the base model, which some automakers making cars for double the money are struggling to hit. While affordable, this brand new electric hatchback is still super safe, with safety features like a 360-degree camera, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control as standard.
"The 2026 Leaf is the electric car every automaker said would be unprofitable to build, but here's Nissan proving those companies wrong. Nissan didn't make this car particularly sporty, but the low center of gravity contributes to decent road holding, and smooth but relaxed power delivery makes the Leaf feel eager to gain speed. It's a pleasant commuter that can be fun-ish when you want, and it's not too loud on the highway if you want to take a road trip."
- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
Inside, you might be able to notice the cost-cutting, but it's solid and well-designed and presents excellent value for the money. Up front is a wraparound 12.3-inch screen that houses the driver display and infotainment unit, the latter of which has wireless phone connectivity. Headroom and legroom might have decreased slightly compared to the old Leaf, but it's a worthy trade-off for the miles-better interior. On the top spec, which comes in at under $40k, there's a 10-speaker Bose sound system, dimmable panoramic roof and heated seats for every passenger.
Overall, this electric hatchback is one of the best value-for-money purchases you can make right now, and we don't say that lightly. It might even be the best EV hatchback, even though there are only two true competitors in this segment. The Nissan Leaf shows other car companies that hatchbacks (or hatchback-ish shapes) aren't dead for the electric age.
2 Fiat 500e
- Base Trim Engine
- EV
- Base Trim Transmission
- Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
- 117 HP
- Base Trim Torque
- 162 lb.-ft.
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
- 121/100/110 mpge
- Base Trim Battery Type
- Lithium ion (Li-ion)
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2026 Fiat 500e Specs |
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|---|---|
|
Powertrain |
Single-motor |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
|
Power |
117 hp |
|
Torque |
162 lb-ft |
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Range |
162 miles |
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Starting Price |
$30,500 |
We'll get the Fiat-quoted range stat out the way first for the Fiat 500e: 162 miles. That will definitely put some people off, but there are worthy reasons to go for quirky Italian EV hatchbacks. First off, it'll be one of the easiest cars to drive and park in a tight city like New York, where space is of the essence. Secondly, you're probably not going to do 162 miles without stopping every day, and when you do, it only takes five minutes to reach 40 miles of range.
It's also packed inside with technology, like wireless charging, automatic wipers and temperature control, and safety features like emergency braking and traffic sign recognition. This won't be the best EV hatchback for many people due to its shortened range, but for those who just need a quick runabout, there's enough tech here to rival cars much bigger.
"It feels quicker than you'd expect and it wraps it all in a stylish and fun-looking package that never fails to put a smile on my face. For those who want a very efficient commuter car, it's all you need. The range is plenty for daily driving, and despite only having an 85 kW DC charge rate, the battery is only 42 kWh (about 37 kWh is usable) so it charges quickly, even on a slow level 1 charger."
- Matt Maranowski, Contibutor, CarBuzz
The 500e also starts at just over $30k, which means it's one of the cheapest EVs on the market. If you're cross-shopping this car with the Leaf and you know you're never going to carry passengers, it's a good choice. You won't need much more than this car offers in terms of space and comfort.
Size might not be on the 500e's side, but its shape means headroom is great and the exterior has an old-school charm to it. Oh, and that's complimented by LED lights and a bright red color that promotes the (RED) charity. There's even a Giorgio Armani version if you're into fashion. We won't say that this is the best electric hatchback for those who need a family car or a dependable range, but for going to work and back, we'd argue there's not much better.
3 Characteristics Of An Electric Hatchback
- Size: Hatchbacks are some of the smallest cars on the road, and while this has some advantages in comparison to larger ones, including a lower cost of ownership and high maneuverability, it has unfortunately led to their decline in popularity. Buyers want more practicality, and it’s not just about trunk space, which is actually a strong characteristic of hatches. This is why SUVs and crossovers have displaced the humble hatch.
- Powertrain: As hatchbacks are small and light, the fully electric hatchbacks on sale all have low-power motors and drive only the front wheels. This keeps things simple but limits performance. Many hatchbacks are destined for cities, though, so you probably don't need much more power.
- Appearance: Electric cars generally try to look a little more futuristic and quirky; it’s one of their key selling points, but not everyone can appreciate that. In fact, many automakers are now trying to tone back their styling to be more traditional. However, the few electric hatches that remain in the US are still quite quirky little cars.
- Price: Though EVs are still a little pricier than gas-fed vehicles, prices are dropping quickly to make them more accessible to the masses, like the latest Nissan Leaf. The smaller size of the hatch body helps to keep costs down, as well as maximize the benefits of improved fuel economy that comes with electric power and low curb weight.
What To Consider Before Buying An Electric Hatch
Unlike their hybrid cousins, every car in this segment relies completely on electricity for power. The powertrain configurations generally consist of a single battery pack connected to one or more motors, which power the wheels. These are the pros and cons of cars in this segment.
Pros
- Highly efficient
- No carbon emissions
- Near-silent running
- Decent amount of horsepower and torque
- Quick enough for city driving
- Tax rebates in certain states
Cons
- Maximum range is much lower than larger EVs
- No engine soundtrack to accompany peppy performance
- Charging times are longer than just filling up the tank
- Limited options in this category
What is the best electric hatchback for 2025?
Small electric cars remain champions of value for money, offering practicality, efficiency, and affordability in a compact package. The Nissan Leaf stands out as a versatile choice with a balance of affordability, space, and range, and its latest iteration carries on with years of experience building the first mass-produced electric car.
Ultimately, the best electric hatchback depends on your priorities: the Leaf for all-around value, or the fiat for style and its compact size.
Are there any affordable EV hatches?
As expected, the cheapest electric hatch right now comes from Nissan. As one of the longest standing members of the EV world, the Nissan Leaf has proven itself over time, with its functional design and everyday practicality, especially with the newest generation.
How long does it take to charge an EV battery?
Naturally, the time to fully charge a battery varies between makes, depending on a number of factors such as the type of charger and the size of the power pack. However, most of these automobiles achieve full power in around ten hours, give or take a couple of hours, when connected to a home charger. Fast charging drops this substantially, with smaller batteries like those found on hatchbacks filling up in 15 - 30 min.
Sources: Nissan, Fiat