While electric car prices are mellowing compared to standard petrol and diesel models, there’s still quite a difference between like-for-like models.
One of the most extreme cases is the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, which can cost up to £10,000 more as an EV, though used prices do soften and reduce the price difference. However, there are a number of more affordable new electric cars due to go on sale in the next couple of years, opening up ownership to a wider audience.
It’s worth noting the attraction of EVs, too. They’re compliant with ULEZ and similar restrictions, currently free to tax and can also be far more affordable to run if you’re able to charge at home at off-peak times.
But what are the most affordable new electric cars you can buy today, and what cheap EVs are coming soon? Let’s take a look.
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Citroen Ami
Citroen’s Ami arguably isn’t really a car at all, but it has four wheels, can seat two people and is electric, so that’s good enough for it to count for us. Available from £7,695, it’s by far the cheapest ‘EV’ available.
It’s quite a compromised choice, and not suitable if you live out of town because the top speed is capped at 28mph and the range is 46 miles. But as a cheap and fun urban runabout, it’s easy to see the appeal.
MG4
We jump in price considerably over the cheapest electric ‘car’, with the MG4 starting from £26,995. It’s no more expensive than a petrol hatchback of the same power and size, such as a Ford Focus, though, so it’s easy to see why the MG4 is now one of the UK’s most popular electric cars.
A range of sportier and longer-range versions is available, but even the standard car can manage 218 miles on a full charge and gets a generous equipment list too.
Fiat 500 Electric
To get behind the wheel of Fiat’s electric 500 might cost almost twice the price of the hybrid model, but at £28,195, it’s still one of the most affordable ways into a new electric car. This funky EV retains all of the 500’s charm, yet is based on a new platform that makes it feel much more modern than petrol versions of this Fiat.
The £28,195 price does limit you to the entry-level model, which can only manage a range of 118 miles. A larger battery model is available, bringing up to 199 miles from a charge, though will set you back more than £30,000.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf was the first mass-market electric car, and for a number of years, no EV could get close to it in terms of popularity. Though the competition has now caught up – and overtaken it in some areas – there’s still a lot going for this practical, family-friendly model.
Prices start from £28,495 for the standard car, which brings a 168-mile range. The Leaf comes with lots of equipment as standard and is comfortable to drive as well.
Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe was another early EV, and again is one that is just starting to show its age. That said, if you want a fairly affordable small electric car with a big range, it’s got plenty going for it.
Prices kick off from £29,995, though big discounts are available on unregistered models with many dealers, and for that, you get 245 miles of range and plenty of standard equipment as well. It did, however, perform disappointingly in Euro NCAP safety tests.
COMING SOON
Dacia Spring
Dacia is probably better known for its cars’ value for money than any other manufacturer. In other European countries, such as France, Spain and Italy, money-savvy buyers have been able to buy Dacia’s electric Spring for a couple of years, but it’s never been introduced to the UK.
That’s changing soon, however, as Dacia recently confirmed its introduction to Britain in 2024. It will be an updated model, too, bringing a greater range than the car currently on sale elsewhere. With a starting price rumoured to be around £20,000, the Spring could prove a game-changer in the affordable electric car world.
Citroen e-C3
Citroen is putting a real focus on value, and that’s been shown with the recent reveal of its new e-C3. Promising best-in-class comfort and space, the French firm has said it will start at ‘less than £23,000’ when it arrives on sale next year. That brings an excellent 199-mile range too.
Citroen will also sell an even more affordable model with a smaller battery, though this is yet to be confirmed for the UK. With smart looks and plenty of standard equipment, we expect the e-C3 to be a big seller.
Volkswagen ID.2
Volkswagen’s ‘ID’ line-up has yet to really offer more affordable EVs, but that will change in 2025 with the introduction of the ID.2. The German firm says it will be ‘as spacious as a Golf and as affordable as a Polo’.
Volkswagen has already revealed the ID.2all concept car, though this is said to be fairly close to production. The German firm says it will sell the EV for ‘less than €25,000 (£21,700).
Mini Cooper E
The Mini Electric is one of the most popular small EVs, though it’s always been a touch on the expensive side. But Mini is soon introducing a next-generation version, now known as the Cooper, which will surprisingly cost less than the current car – starting from around £30,000.
Currently available to reserve, the Cooper E uses a new powertrain that allows for a range of up to 190 miles – an increase from 145 in the older car – while getting a range of new technology.
BYD Dolphin
BYD is a fairly new car firm in the UK, but this Chinese brand is a big deal in other markets and sells more electric and hybrid cars than any other manufacturer in the world. While the BYD Dolphin, a family EV hatchback, is already on sale, it’s only been available so far in pricier configurations.
But BYD will soon introduce a more affordable ‘Active’ model that brings the price down to around £25,000, yet still offers a claimed 211-mile range. It’s certainly one to watch out for in the future.