10 Electric Vehicles With the Lowest EPA Range

Electric vehicles come in all shapes and sizes and with a variety of range capabilities. Although certain versions of the Tesla Model S promise up to 270 miles on a single charge, some EVs don't even achieve a third of that number. Here are the 10 electric vehicles currently on sale with the lowest EPA range.

Mitsubishi i: 62 miles

Good news: This egg-shaped car achieves the equivalent of 112 mpg and is the least expensive electric car currently sold in the U.S. Bad news: It also offers the shortest range at just 62 miles per charge. On the road, the Mitsubishi i feels slow even for an electric car, and understeer is a major problem. Sales of the Mitsubishi i have declined; only 72 copies were sold during the first half of 2015.

Smart Fortwo Electric: 68 miles

The Smart Fortwo electric comes in a variety of color combinations and either coupe or convertible body styles, giving buyers a bit more choice when it comes to their EV. But no matter which version you choose, you're only getting 68 miles of juice. Under the sheetmetal, the itty-bitty electric produces just 74 hp, making it a chore to get up to highway speeds.

Ford Focus Electric: 76 miles

The electric version of the Ford Focus hatchback originally went on sale for the 2012 model year with a hefty price tag. Now, the model is $10,000 less than when it first arrived. Although it is now offered at a competitive price of less than $30,000 before tax credits, its 76-mile range is still low compared to many other EVs.

BMW i3: 81 miles

It's the BMW that doesn't look like a BMW. Along with its funky box shape, the BMW i3 also features a variety of unique materials. Renewable open-pore eucalyptus wood, recycled plastics, natural fibers, and leather treated with olive leaf extract make up the car's sustainable interior. Beneath the surface, the i3 packs a 170-hp electric motor and lithium-ion battery that helps the mini-car achieve 81 miles of range. Drivers looking to take longer trips may want to opt for the extended-range model, which is equipped with a tiny gas tank that nearly doubles the car's available range.

Chevrolet Spark EV: 82 miles

The Chevrolet Spark EV only comes with 140 hp, but its 400 lb-ft of torque provides for a fun driving experience. By the way, that's more twist than the Porsche 911 Carrera S, Ferrari 458 Italia, and a host of other sports cars. On the downside, charging this nimble car takes 7 hours, a bit slow compared to many other EVs on the market. Buyers can snatch one up in California, Oregon, or Maryland.

Volkswagen e-Golf: 83 miles

The Volkswagen e-Golf is completely new for 2015, and buyers can enjoy many of the same benefits on this model as on the traditional Golf. Just like other versions of the compact car, the electric Golf offers a quiet ride, high-quality interior, and plenty of room especially when the rear seats are folded down. The model is available in about a dozen states across the country on both the East and West coasts.

Nissan Leaf: 84 miles

It's the world's best-selling electric car, and although it only offers 84 miles of range, that is expected to change in the near future. Reports say that a refreshed Nissan Leaf could reach 125 miles on a single charge by August 2015. Nissan is also reportedly testing out next-generation technology that would allow the Leaf to achieve more than 310 miles, which would put it above any electric car currently offered on the market.

Fiat 500e: 87 miles

Available only in California and Oregon, the Fiat 500e comes loaded with standard features. Heated front seats, SiriusXM satellite radio, Uconnect infotainment, and navigation come standard. It's also the first member of the Fiat 500 family to receive a 7-inch thin-film gauge cluster display and push-button transmission controls. Leatherette seats with "electric orange" contrast stitching add personality to the cabin.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class: 87 miles

The B-Class is a fully electric hatch, but it feels every bit like a true Mercedes when you hop inside. The things that aren't "pure Mercedes" are the lithium-ion battery pack and the 177-hp electric motor, both assembled by Tesla. Range comes in at 87 miles on a single charge, but that can be extended by 15 percent for those who opt for the optional Range package. Cars with this special option have added insulation in the doors and roof, so the model can squeeze out as much range as possible on a charge by conserving energy used for the HVAC system.

Kia Soul EV: 93 miles

Aside from the Tesla Model S, the Kia Soul EV offers the highest EPA-rated range of any electric vehicle on the market. Its range won't get you from Los Angeles to San Diego on a single charge, but it is more than sufficient for the majority of daily commutes. At first, the model was only sold in California, but sales are expanding to Georgia, Texas, Oregon, and Washington this year. More states are expected to follow in 2016.