The market for affordable, small electric vehicles is expanding globally, offering consumers more choices than ever before. While the United States faces a limited selection, Europe and the United Kingdom are seeing a surge in promising new models. A recent road trip test by the UK’s What Car? pitted three of the most compelling affordable small EVs against each other, providing insights for consumers and highlighting the growing competition between European and Chinese automakers in the EV sector.
European Market Sees Fierce Competition in Affordable EV Segment
The contenders in this crucial test were the MG MG4, a popular model from a historically British brand now owned by China’s SAIC; the BYD Dolphin, an even more budget-friendly option from the rapidly expanding Chinese EV giant BYD; and the Citroën e-C3, a European offering from Stellantis that stands out for its price point.
Key Specifications and Pricing
The MG4, in its entry-level SE trim, starts at £26,995 (approximately $35,000 USD), featuring a 50.8 kWh battery with a WLTP-rated range of up to 218 miles. The BYD Dolphin is priced slightly lower at £26,195, equipped with a 44.9 kWh battery delivering up to 211 miles of WLTP range. The Citroën e-C3 significantly undercuts its rivals, with the range-topping Max model costing £21,990 (around $28,000 USD). This model boasts a 47.3 kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of 199 miles. While these ranges are optimized for shorter journeys typical of European driving habits, they represent a significant step forward for accessible electric mobility.
Performance and Driving Dynamics Under Test
To evaluate the vehicles comprehensively, a 200-mile road trip was conducted under consistent conditions, with air conditioning running and all settings on automatic. A key differentiator emerged: the MG4 and BYD Dolphin are built on dedicated EV platforms, offering superior packaging, while the Citroën e-C3 utilizes a flexible platform adaptable for internal combustion engines, resulting in some compromises in space and design.
In terms of user experience, the BYD Dolphin impressed with its bright, rotating infotainment screen, though its support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was limited to landscape mode. The Citroën e-C3 offered a more traditional, albeit slightly cramped, interior with a comfortable, upright driving position, but its software was described as “not particularly great.” The MG4, while the current sales leader, was deemed “acceptable but not special” inside, with some climate control quirks. Dynamically, the MG4 was considered the most athletic, while the Citroën e-C3 was characterized as “lazy” and “gutless” in comparison.
Charging and Efficiency Comparison
The road trip revealed performance differences in range endurance and charging times. The Citroën e-C3 was the first to require charging on the motorway. During a charging stop, the e-C3 went from 17% to 80% in 38 minutes. The MG4, benefiting from faster charging capabilities, achieved an 80% charge from 4% in the same 38 minutes. The BYD Dolphin, however, exhibited slower charging, taking 52 minutes to reach 80% from 4%. Despite the longer charging time, the Dolphin proved to be the most cost-effective and efficient overall during the test.
MG4 EV Declared the Winner
Ultimately, What Car? recommended the MG4 EV as the top choice. The publication highlighted the MG4’s strong balance of price, range, running costs, and charging performance, confirming its position as a benchmark in the affordable small EV segment. The closely contested nature of the test, however, indicates that European automakers are capable of competing effectively with their Chinese counterparts on price and performance.
The results suggest a positive outlook for the affordable EV market, with European manufacturers showing they can indeed challenge the influence of Chinese brands. This competitive landscape is expected to intensify in the coming years.
For a more detailed look at the comparison, the full What Car? test can be viewed.