Growing concern for the climate and push to phase out fossil fuels created the electric car. When it started taking the roads in the early 2000s, people questioned its viability. Now, electric is the future and we have it in our current cars.
Among many two-seaters, electric cars in the market, the Renault Twizy, Smart EQ ForTwo, Arcimoto FUV and Eli Zero are among the best. These provide the quality and value that you would look for in an electric car. When it comes to performance, specs, and even value for money, these electric cars for two are the pick.
Picking any of these electric cars will be worth your time, but many would only have a budget for one. If you have to choose, which one do you need? Check what we have to say and decide for yourself.
Why Would I Want a Small Two-Seater Electric Car?
Before we even talk about the best electric cars for you, why would you even want one? Why would you want to invest in a compact electric car for two people? There are many reasons for it.
First, the simplest answer is to reduce your carbon footprint. Electric vehicles (EVs) are very important pieces in the fight against climate change. They represent not only the future for private transportation but the replacements for automobiles.
A typical passenger car can emit up to 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year, even in ideal conditions. If you have worse fuel economy and even use diesel, you’re doing extreme harm. With more than 272 million cars in the US, this puts a heavy strain on the environment.
Electric vehicles, in comparison, have far lower impacts on the environment. They don’t burn fossil fuels, so they have far fewer carbon emissions. They can help cut down on potential global-warming related temperature changes.
Beyond the eco-friendliness, electric vehicles make for a great city cruiser. They’re easy to use and need very little technical handling.
Two-seater electric cars are also great for the beginner driver. If you live in the city, having a big car can be cumbersome. It’s easier for you to be stuck in traffic and you have far fewer accessibility options.
For families, a two-seater will not make sense. If you’re single or living in the city with your life partner, two-seaters make sense. They’re compact cars that are easy to drive and smooth to use.
Many of these electric cars also have enough tech in them that you would enjoy using them. Driving around EVs feel good with the smooth handling and are easy on the budget. You save more on gas in the long run while helping the environment.
So, which one do you need?
1. The Renault Twizy
Renault Twizy is one of the few French electric cars available in the market. It’s a nice halfway between an electric car and an electric scooter because of its size. It’s super compact, looking like a small, stubby pony in metal and plastic.
Yes, the Renault Twizy looked like a good-looking buggy in a beautiful package. It’s an eye-catching two-seater electric car that has zero emissions whenever you use it. This supposed quadricycle is nothing you see on the road.
Twizy was the top-selling plug-in EV in 2012 in the EU. Its own market share and responsive users give it good street cred interested buyers. Before we even talk about it, is it even street legal?
In the European market, the Renault Twizy is street legal and available. It even has one of the biggest markets in the big euro markets like Germany and France. It is street legal in many Latin American countries like Bermuda, Colombia, and Brazil.
In the US, however, the Twizy is under different branding. The Renault Twizy is under a rebrand as the Nissan Scoot Quad stateside. It is not for sale yet, accessible only through Scoot Networks ride-sharing.
Like any electric car, the Twizy follows the standard minimum driving age. Licensing changes depending on the country. In the US, for example, this electric vehicle does not need motorcycle licenses.
| Available in | US, EU, South America |
| Power | 5 – 17 hp (4 – 13 kW) |
| Max speed | 28 – 50 mph (45 – 80 km/h) |
| Range | 56 – 62 miles (90 – 100 km) |
| Charging time | 3.5 hours |
| Battery | 6.1 kWh lithium-ion |
Why Buy a Renault Twizy
The Renault Twizy is a gorgeous two-seater with a ton of personality in it. It has a roomy front seat for the driver and a surprising, roomy passenger seat on the back. This three-door hatchback has a lot of bells and whistles that you won’t find in many two-seater quads.
The Twizy has a powerful onboard dash with drive and speed display, Bluetooth kit with full audio speakers and dash compartments. The seatbelts provide extra safety with 3 point and four point connections. The interior is interchangeable as well depending on the model.
It provides an econometer to show all the information that you need and energy recovery. For everything under the hood, it’s smarts and performance you’re looking at.
The Twizy uses tubular chassis and disc brakes on every wheel for superior safety. Its turning radius is quite responsive, making it maneuverable in many environments. What sets the Twizy apart, however, is the motor.
The two-seater Twizy uses a 17 hp (13 kW) electric motor at automatic. It’s capable of reaching up to 50 mph (80 km/h) depending on the driving style. Its cruising range can reach up to around 62 miles (100 km) on a single charge.
What makes the two-seater Renault Twizy awesome is the charge time. It can go from 0 to 100% in 3.5 hours, which is super quick. Its lithium-ion battery is ultra-discreet and you can plug it into any socket.
For two-seater electric cars, the Twizy is a nice option. It is a powerhouse and you can add more to it. Its optional scissor doors give it a more private feel if you plan on using it as a daily commuter vehicle.
With maneuverability and ease of use, the Renault Twizy is something you would want to have. It’s comfortable and maneuverable and can be your best pick for short-range travel. The Twizy is the electric car you need for that superb mobility.
2. Smart EQ ForTwo
Sometimes, one of the best electric vehicles is one made to be among the best in its class. A good example of this is the Smart EQ ForTwo, which is a full-fledged two-seater minicar. This electric compact is big, beautiful, and a full-sized coupe condensed further.
The Smart EQ ForTwo is under manufacturing by Mercedes-Benz, which is a good flag to start with. With the manufacturer alone, you know you’re getting quality engineering. Of course, it’s not always about who makes it.
The Smart EQ ForTwo is available in two types: as a two-seater coupe or a soft-top convertible. If you’re looking into having a nice, reliable short-distance commuter car, the coupe is a great pick. For people who want a bit of extra leisure in their EV, the soft-top convertible is the bomb.
The feel of the car itself is fabulous. The drive will feel zippy and animated, with its good combination of speed and solid turning. It’s great if you live in the city or in the suburbs because of the solid handling even compared to other EVs.
The color choices are bold and hard to miss and the parking is zero trouble at all. If you’re someone looking for a starter electric car, the Smart EQ ForTwo will give you good service.
The Smart EQ ForTwo is street-legal in 37 different countries worldwide, so you’d love it anywhere you are. The Smart EQ ForTwo is available in the US, Canada, UK, and some EU & Asian markets. In the US alone, it is already street legal for more than 10 years now.
It follows the same legal licensing and insurance laws as many other full-sized cars. It can be, however, subject to federal tax credits because of being electric.
| Available in | US, Canada, EU, Asia |
| Power | 80 hp (60 kW) |
| Max speed | 80 mph (130 km/h) |
| Range | 65 – 102 miles (105 – 165 km) |
| Charging time | 4.5 hours |
| Battery | 17.6 kWh lithium-ion |
Why Get the Smart EQ ForTwo?
So, why would you want a Smart EQ ForTwo? The Smart EQ ForTwo is a reliable two-seater electric car. It went through rigorous market-testing and people love it.
The Smart EQ ForTwo uses a 17.6 kWh battery pack that runs a superb 80 horsepower electric motor. Its charge time takes up to 4.5 hours from zero, which is still a decent amount of time for the range. It can go up to a range of approx. 65 – 102 miles (105 – 165 km) on a single charge.
The Smart EQ ForTwo tops out at a whopping 80 mph (130 km/h). This makes it viable for highways and freeways but the best for city and suburb use. Its rear-wheel-drive gives it better handling and solid acceleration for an EV unit.
Unlike most of its competitors, what makes it special is its body. Its design follows a full-fledged car, so it has all the bells and whistles that come with the domain. You can use it during inclement weather without major hangups.
If there is a small gripe that we have about the Smart EQ ForTwo, it’s the interior. Most of the interior is laughable and drab. The design choices are somehow questionable, especially with the dash design and typical upholstery.
Even if the interior is not very inviting, the performance is undeniable. The Smart EQ ForTwo is a great two-seater electric car for the cityscapes. It’s a breeze to drive and it’s natural on your hands, so we’re sure you’d love it too.
3. The Arcimoto FUV (Formerly Arcimoto SRK)
Many manufacturers try a lot of weird things with their two-seater electric cars. Even then, there’s nothing weirder in the market right now than the Arcimoto FUV. It’s more of a fun little trike than a full-fledged electric car, so it’s super confusing for everyone.
The Arcimoto FUV (Fun Utility Vehicle), is a three-wheel two-seater minicar. It combines the steering design of a motorcycle for the driver with the chassis of a buggy. It’s going places – not the top, but places.
The Arcimoto FUV is US-only as of the moment and is street-legal in the US. The company claims that you don’t have to have a motorcycle license to use it. Even then, you still need a legit driver’s license because of its speed and capacity.
| Available in | US |
| Power | 81 hp (60 kW) |
| Max speed | 75 mph (120 km/h) |
| Range | 100 miles (160 km) |
| Charging time | N/A |
| Battery | 12 – 20 kWh lithium-ion |
Why Pick the Arcimoto FUV
The Arcimoto FUV is a weird hybrid and it’s hard to know where to start with this EV. For starters, the steering uses motorcycle handlebars reminiscent of a tricycle. Its body comprises of a clear windshield and sunroof, with roll cages for the frame.
The two-seater features tandem seating with a driver and back seat. Both have plenty of legroom, so you’d love to use it in fair city weather.
Even with its weird aesthetics, the performance is nothing to scoff at. The FUV can run up to a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h) but this still doesn’t make it viable in the freeway. Its city driving range clocks in at a decent 100 miles (160 km) on a single charge.
For storage, it has lockable rear storage and all the entertainment features you’d need with a car. Its regenerative braking and crossed seatbelts put you at a strong safety ranking. It’s easy to park and quick to maneuver too.
If you need to wade through inclement weather, you can use the West Coast half doors they provide. The Arcimoto FUV is a great pick if you plan on staying around the city to enjoy a sweet cruise.
4. The Eli Zero
The Eli Zero is one of the most interesting two-seaters electric vehicles on the market now. Advertised as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), it knows its purpose and what it can do. It’s going as small as possible and as affordable as possible for its solid performance.
The Eli Zero is a low-speed cruiser EV built for small suburbs and inside cities. Its slow top speed makes it a great cruiser and pushes it out of the need for any special license. It’s light, compact, and street-legal, making it great for small neighborhoods.
The Zero is only available in the US at the moment with two variants: the Zero and the Zero+. It’s in its pre-order stages and would take a bit more time until it’s market-ready.
| Available in | N/A |
| Power | 11.87 hp (8.8 kW) |
| Max speed | 25 mph (40 km/h) |
| Range | 85 miles (135 km) |
| Charging time | 4.5 – 6 hours |
| Battery | 6.0 – 8.3 kWh lithium-ion |
Why Choose the Eli Zero
The Eli Zero is not the most powerful EV out of everything listed here. Clocking at a basic 25 mph (40 km/h) top speed and a 55 miles (88 km) single-charge range. It’s not any good for the freeway, but it’s great for everywhere else.
The Zero can charge from 0 to 100% in 6 hours for standard outlets and 4.5 hours in charging stations. Its high strength aluminum and rear engine provide a powerful turning. The smooth acceleration comes from custom 11.87 hp (8.8 kW) Async electric motor with solid torque.
What it lacks in raw power, however, it makes up for its creature comforts. It aims to be a consistent companion for you and your partner in your neighborhood adventures. It’s a great electric vehicle for people looking for an easy transport option around the city.
It uses state of the art 3D tempered glass doors, which are uber-resistant and durable to the environment. These doors make your Eli Zero’s exterior crisp and beautiful in aesthetics. It insulates you from the weather outside without needing to buy anything optional.
With its solid cruise control and very nimble 24 ft (8 m) turning radius, you’ll get the perfect parking. It has almost a zero learning curve, putting it at ease for electric car drivers of all skill levels. Whether it’s your first car or your daily driver, the Eli Zero is a superb choice.
The Eli Zero is efficient and smart, but there are still things it can improve on. For one, it lacks the speed and power necessary to compete with any unit on this list. Its speed is on par with other smaller micromobility vehicles like electric kick scooters.
This limits where you can go with the Zero, considering it is not usable in a freeway. It’s a solid pick if you’re zipping around the city or going for quick trips in the neighborhood. The Eli Zero is, after all, a NEV.
Conclusion
Looking at the two-seat electric cars on this list, you’ll notice that every car has its own niche corner. Even if they’re competing for the same market, the two-seaters we reviewed have their own visions. They know where their electric vehicles are in drastic need.
The Renault Twizy offers superior mobility and a commuter car option for the arterial roads in the city. It’s a great choice for people commuting to work and need to be there on time.
The Smart EQ ForTwo is the closest you can get to a full-fledged car. This electric vehicle moves you in larger distances at better speeds, which makes it a great all-rounder.
The Arcimoto FUV, on the other hand, is a city cruiser built for people looking for a safe city EV. Its special design aesthetics and redundant safety features make it a solid pick in any condition.
The Eli Zero is, from top to bottom, a neighborhood electric vehicle. You use it at leisure speeds and cruise and use it for short trips around your city.
Whichever you pick, we’re sure they will be the right one for you. The electric car market is growing and, with these compact two-seaters, you’re looking at a great future. Cars are getting smaller but more powerful, so these are the first step to a great green tomorrow.
Which electric vehicle do you think fits your needs? Eye them closer now.
Last update on October 2019
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