The 8 types of electric cars
Body style determines efficiency, interior space and price far more than the badge. Here are the eight families that structure the market, with their key figures and the use cases they serve.
Small, light, built for the city — and finally affordable.
12–16 kWh · per 100 km Type 02 Electric sedanThe balance point: aerodynamics, range and long-distance comfort.
400–650 km · WLTP Type 03 Electric SUVThe dominant segment, at the cost of efficiency.
17–22 kWh · per 100 km Type 04 Electric estateThe most rational body style — and the rarest.
500–600 l · of boot space with sedan efficiency Type 05 Electric MPVThe most usable space per square metre.
7 seats · with a flat floor and modular seating Type 06 Electric sports carExtraordinary acceleration, and a battery question.
2–5 s · from 0 to 100 km/h Type 07 Electric pickupThe most versatile… and the thirstiest.
24–32 kWh · per 100 km Type 08 Electric vanThe segment where electric already wins, numbers in hand.
€2–4 · of energy per 100 kmEfficiency and budget by body style
Order-of-magnitude figures for recent models in mixed, mild-weather use.
| Type | Length | Battery | WLTP range | Consumption | New price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric city car | 3.50 m to 4.10 m | 25 to 50 kWh usable | 200 to 420 km | 12 to 16 kWh/100 km | €17,000 to €32,000 |
| Electric sedan | 4.60 m to 4.90 m | 55 to 85 kWh usable | 400 to 650 km | 14 to 18 kWh/100 km | €33,000 to €65,000 |
| Electric SUV | 4.30 m to 5.00 m | 50 to 100 kWh usable | 350 to 600 km | 17 to 22 kWh/100 km | €30,000 to €75,000 |
| Electric estate | 4.60 m to 4.95 m | 55 to 86 kWh usable | 400 to 600 km | 15 to 19 kWh/100 km | €38,000 to €65,000 |
| Electric MPV | 4.40 m to 5.00 m | 50 to 100 kWh usable | 350 to 550 km | 17 to 23 kWh/100 km | €35,000 to €75,000 |
| Electric sports car | — | 70 to 120 kWh usable | 350 to 650 km | 18 to 28 kWh/100 km | €45,000 to €250,000 |
| Electric pickup | 5.30 m to 5.90 m | 90 to 130 kWh usable | 350 to 550 km | 24 to 32 kWh/100 km | €45,000 to €95,000 |
| Electric van | — | 45 to 90 kWh usable | 200 to 350 km | 20 to 26 kWh/100 km | €30,000 to €60,000 |
Which type of electric car should you choose?
Which type of electric car uses the least energy?
The city car, at 12–16 kWh/100 km, followed by the sedan (14–18 kWh/100 km). An SUV uses 17–22 kWh/100 km and a pickup 24–32 kWh/100 km. On the same battery, a sedan covers 15–25 % more kilometres than an SUV.
Which electric car type is best for a family?
For two children, a sedan or estate is enough (480–600 l boot). For three or more, a seven-seat SUV or an MPV is better suited, with a flat floor and a usable third row. The estate remains the best range-to-volume compromise for families who drive a lot.
Are there electric estates and MPVs?
Yes, but the offering is narrow: Peugeot e-308 SW, Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer and BMW i5 Touring for estates; Renault Scénic E-Tech, Volkswagen ID.Buzz and Citroën ë-SpaceTourer for MPVs. Manufacturers favour more profitable SUVs.