Summary
- Limited selection of small, affordable electric vehicles in the United States
- European and UK buyers have a better range of electric vehicle choices
- Comparison test conducted by What Car? on MG MG4, BYD Dolphin, and Citroën e-C3
- Chinese electric vehicles show advanced battery tech and lower prices compared to European models
- MG4 recommended as the best choice based on price, range, running costs, and charging capabilities
Article
In the United States, the selection of small, affordable electric vehicles is limited, but it is expected to improve with the introduction of new models such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV and Kia EV3. However, in Europe and the United Kingdom, there is a wider range of choices for electric vehicles. What Car? conducted a test of three promising examples to determine the best option for consumers looking to switch to electric vehicles.
The contenders in the test were the MG MG4, a British brand now owned by China’s SAIC; the BYD Dolphin, a cheaper option with Chinese EV technology; and the Citroën e-C3, which is made in Europe and is priced lower than the other two. The inclusion of the Citroën in the test was seen as a way to see how European automakers like Stellantis are competing against Chinese newcomers in the EV market.
The specs of the three models were compared, with the MG4 starting at £26,995 and offering up to 218 miles of range, the BYD Dolphin priced at £26,195 with up to 211 miles of range, and the Citroën priced at £21,990 with 199 miles of range. While these range figures may not be impressive for long-distance road trips, they are suitable for city driving and short trips, which are common for European drivers.
The three vehicles were put through a 200-mile road trip test to determine their performance. The MG and BYD models, built on dedicated EV platforms, showed better software and infotainment features compared to the Citroën, which uses a flexible platform that can accommodate internal combustion engines. The Citroën was criticized for its software and driving performance compared to the other two models.
During charging, the Citroën took 38 minutes to go from 17% to 80%, the MG4 took the same time to go from 4% to 80%, and the BYD Dolphin took 52 minutes for the same charging range. Ultimately, What Car? recommended the MG4 as the best choice due to its balance of price, range, running costs, and charging capabilities. The test results also showed that European automakers have the potential to compete with Chinese counterparts in the electric vehicle market.
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