The market for affordable electric vehicles is rapidly expanding, now offering swiss consumers at least eight EV options under 25,000 Swiss francs – a important increase from just three models two years ago. A recent comparative test by the German ADAC evaluated six of these small electric cars, with the Hyundai Inster and Fiat Grande panda emerging as top performers. While all models offer an choice to gasoline-powered vehicles, the ADAC’s assessment reveals compromises in range and features, especially at the lower end of the price spectrum.
Six candidates up to 25,000 Swiss francs: The ADAC has examined electric small cars. bild: ADAC
The market for affordable electric cars is growing. While Hyundai and Fiat convince with good grades in the test, the cheapest candidates reveal significant weaknesses.
November 29, 2025, 8:59 PMNovember 29, 2025, 8:59 PM
Christopher Clausen / t-online
The number of affordable new electric vehicles is increasing. Two years ago, there were only three cars available for under 30,000 Swiss francs, but buyers now have a choice of at least eight EVs priced below 25,000 Swiss francs – excluding discounts. The electric entry point begins at 15,000 Swiss francs with the Dacia Spring.
The German ADAC subjected six electric small cars to a comparative test. While there is a clear winner, the small differences in scores mean there are no real losers. However, the two lowest-ranked vehicles are only conditionally recommended by experts.
The results at a glance
Fiat Grande Panda convince. Leapmotor T03 and Dacia Spring Electric perform the worst.” data-image-id=”7751350028952297″/>
Hyundai Inster and Fiat Grande Panda convince. Leapmotor T03 and Dacia Spring Electric perform the worst.table: adac
The best electric vehicle at a small price
Hyundai Inster: The small car is available exclusively as an electric vehicle.Image: Hyundai Switzerland
With an overall score of 2.3, the Hyundai Inster in the base Select version took the top spot. This variant costs around 24,000 Swiss francs. It achieved the largest real-world range with 290 kilometers and also offered generous space. Safety and driving characteristics were also positively assessed. Our test showed a good impression, primarily due to its versatility.
The new Fiat Grande Panda combines a retro look with modern technology.Image: Fiat
Coming in second in the test is the Fiat Grande Panda Electric in the Red trim level (around 25,000 Swiss francs). The ADAC describes its performance as “solid.” The testers rated the Italian car’s driving characteristics as the best. A real-world range of 250 kilometers was also respectable. With an overall score of 2.5, the Panda is the second model in the field to achieve a “good” rating.
The Citroën ë-C3 starts at a fair 24,500 Swiss francs in the base variant.Image: Citroën
Close behind is the Citroën ë-C3 with a score of 2.6, which is technically closely related. Like the Fiat, it also received a score of 2.6 for driving characteristics. Despite the identical drive system, the Citroën drove slightly further with 255 kilometers. However, testers criticized the rather sparse equipment in the base model. Our test left a generally good impression.
The world’s largest EV manufacturer, BYD, is trying to gain a foothold in Switzerland with the Dolphin Surf.Image: keystone
The BYD Dolphin Surf also receives a score of 2.6, costing around 25,000 Swiss francs in the tested Boost trim and making it one of the most expensive cars in the test. It achieved the second-best real-world range with 260 kilometers. Its driving characteristics were comparatively poorly rated with a score of 3.6. Criticism included the tuning of the steering and charging times.
These two electric vehicles are only conditionally recommended
Leapmotor T03: The model is now aging in China.Image: keystone
The Leapmotor T03 with a score of 2.9 and the Dacia Spring with 3.0 follow in the rear positions. Both are among the most attractively priced electric cars in the tested trim with around 17,000 Swiss francs. However, their real-world ranges of 210 and 185 kilometers are low. The driving characteristics were rated as needing improvement with scores of 3.3 and 3.6, respectively. The Leapmotor also criticized a low payload of 289 kilograms, which would already lead to an overload with four adults each weighing 75 kilograms.
The Spring’s overall quality and the mediocre crash test result from 2021 left a bad aftertaste.
Dacia Spring: The cheapest car from the Romanian Renault subsidiary is produced in China.image: dacia
Overall, the ADAC sees a positive trend in the supply of small and compact electric cars. This is mainly because the small EVs are becoming more practical and affordable. However, the lowest prices, such as those of the Spring and T03, come with significant compromises in everyday usability.
The Renault 5, also available for just under 25,000 Swiss francs, was not included in the comparative test. Our test was impressed by its charm, driving fun and attention to detail.
What’s next?
From 2026, numerous other affordable electric small cars will be seeking customers. The most important upcoming models include Nissan Micra, Skoda Epiq, VW ID. Polo, VW ID. Cross, Cupra Raval and Renault Twingo.
The detailed test results from the ADAC can be found here.
