Top 10 cheapest electric cars of 2024

Pros: Massive price drop, sleek design, cosy and polished feel.
Cons: Limited range, somewhat budget interior.

Vauxhall has slashed rates for their Mokka crossover, with a whopping £7,115 reduction, now under £30,000. This comes with the introduction of a new special edition trim called the Griffin. Despite the price cut, it doesn't skimp on features, boasting a reversing camera, complimentary metallic paint, and a touchscreen with digital display.

While the Mokka Electric hasn't always been the top choice in the electric crossover market, the recent price drop makes it a much more enticing option compared to pricier competitors. Introduced in 2021 with a fresh design, it still looks sharp. Sporting the same 134bhp electric motor and 50kWh battery as the Corsa, it promises a claimed range of 209 miles.

from £29.140

Pro: sharp exterior and interior design, competitive battery range

Cons: Not the fastest charging EV

The Kia Niro EV stands out as a perfect choice for hassle-free yet premium family electric transportation. While it may not be the cheapest option in its category, its exceptional efficiency and impressive range make up for it. Moreover, the well-equipped interior, especially in mid-spec models and above, adds to its appeal. It offers ample space for both passengers and luggage, with excellent ride comfort that's perfect for navigating on uneven roads. 

Pros: Spacious, user-friendly, smooth ride.
Cons: Phasing out, dated charging technology.

Although the Nissan Leaf may not boast the longest range or the latest fast-charging tech, its affordability speaks volumes. Even the most basic models come in at under £30,000, while the range-topping Tekna variant, complete with Bose audio and advanced driver assistance, leaves you with change from £32,000.

Currently, the Leaf is only available with a 39kWh battery, offering a max range of 168 miles. Its 148bhp electric motor prioritises comfort over thrills, with a suspension tuned for relaxed cruising and light, imprecise steering that prefers leisurely speeds. Nissan's decision to halt Leaf production signals their shift towards upcoming EV models.

Pros: Speedy, enjoyable, and with the option for extended range with the larger battery.
Cons: Standard trim lacks impressive range, not the most practical choice.

While it might not be the quickest, most versatile, or longest-lasting electric hatchback out there, the Fiat 500 Electric is bursting with personality. It's perfect for urban life but sophisticated enough to handle faster roads – as long as you're mindful of nearby charging stations. The base model comes with a small 24kWh battery offering a modest 118-mile range.

Opting for the 42kWh version increases the range to around 200 miles, but it comes with a heftier price tag of £31,195. However, the driving experience more than makes up for it. It handles corners with finesse, boasting minimal body roll, sharp steering, and excellent grip, allowing for spirited driving. Just keep in mind, it's not meant for family outings; the rear space is tight, and the boot offers a mere 185 litres of storage.

Pros: Sleek design, upscale interior, enjoyable driving experience.
Cons: Limited electric range, lacks practicality.

The MX-30 relies heavily on its eye-catching design, which is fortunate because it falls short when it comes to covering long distances. With a small 35.5kWh battery pack, it lags behind rivals boasting 50kWh or larger batteries. The consequence? A maximum WLTP range of 124 miles and a real-world range of around 100 miles – not exactly impressive.

Nevertheless, your shorter trips should be enjoyable as the MX-30, true to Mazda's style, offers a fun driving experience. It's packed with unique design elements like reverse-opening rear doors, wooden trim on the centre console, and door card trims made from recycled plastic bottles. Previously a tough sell, Mazda has recently slashed prices by £3,000, significantly enhancing its appeal.

Pros: Thrilling driving experience, impressive range, loaded with tech.
Cons: Budget-feel interior, questionable reliability.

The MG 4 EV is a Chinese electric hatchback focusing on driver engagement. It's arguably the most enjoyable car to drive in its class, outperforming competitors like the Volkswagen ID.3 while offering significant cost savings. Pushing it to the limit, the MG 4's rear-driven platform even allows for controlled drifting, akin to a sports car. It's an exhilarating experience.

Thankfully, the MG 4 isn't just about fun. It's also practical. There's ample space for two adults in the back, along with a decent 363-liter boot. The beauty of the MG 4 is that you'll have to make fewer sacrifices than anticipated.

Pros: Substantial price reduction, impressive features, respectable range.
Cons: Limited interior space, unremarkable driving experience.

The Vauxhall Corsa remains a top pick among UK drivers, especially with the introduction of its electric variant in recent years. However, the EV model has been hindered by its high price tag.

Thankfully, Vauxhall has tackled this issue head-on with the introduction of the value-packed 'Yes Edition', slashing the starting price of the Corsa EV by a substantial £5,550. Despite the price drop, you still get the same powerful 134bhp electric motor and 50kWh battery, offering a claimed range of 221 miles on a single charge. Plus, Vauxhall hasn't skimped on features either; you still enjoy LED headlights, keyless entry, and a 10-inch touchscreen, among other highlights.

Pros: Incredible bang for your buck, intriguing interior design, smooth ride.
Cons: MG4 offers better driving dynamics at a similar price point, intrusive safety features.

Chinese automaker BYD delivers exceptional value with its whimsically named Dolphin, offering a larger size compared to other models in its class. With enough room for four adults and a 345-liter boot, it's practical too. The base model, priced at £26,140, boasts a 45kWh battery with a claimed range of 211 miles, while upgrading to the 60kWh battery extends that to 265 miles.

Surprisingly, the Dolphin handles quite well. While it may lack the refinement of European electric hatchbacks like the Cupra Born, it still provides ample grip and manageable body roll. Opt for the pricier 60kWh 201bhp version, and you'll enjoy a 0–62mph sprint in just 6.7 seconds. The interior is quirky as well, with the infotainment screen mounted on a motor, allowing it to rotate 90 degrees for either portrait or landscape orientation.

Pros: Solid range, attractive price point, anticipated comfort.
Cons: Final specifications to be confirmed, potential for flaws?

Citroen is expanding its electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of the new e-C3, joining the fourth generation of the popular Citroen supermini. Sporting a chunkier design aimed at SUV enthusiasts, the e-C3 promises the brand's signature comfortable suspension and seats, making it a promising option for daily commuting.

While orders have not yet opened, the e-C3 is expected to hit the UK market by the end of 2024. With a range of 199 miles and rapid 100kW DC charging capabilities, it could emerge as a competitive choice. Although Citroen has not disclosed UK pricing, it has confirmed a starting price of 'less than £23,000', with the possibility of even more affordable models.

Pros: Affordable pricing, undercutting petrol city cars, decent features.
Cons: Safety might be a concern.

British consumers will finally get their hands on the value-packed Dacia Spring, a popular electric vehicle across Europe. Set to debut in late 2024, the new generation of the Spring offers a compact city car option, smaller than the Sandero, with an enticing starting price of just £14,995, making it the most budget-friendly proper electric car on the market.

While we haven't had the chance to test the new Spring yet, it comes equipped with a modest 44bhp motor as standard, with higher-spec versions offering a more impressive 64bhp. With a 26.8kWh battery, it boasts a claimed range of up to 137 miles, suitable for short trips, although longer journeys may be a stretch. Standard features include a digital instrument cluster, cruise control, and rear parking sensors. Pre-orders for the Spring are currently available, with regular sales set to begin in June 2024. The first UK deliveries are expected by October.

Pros: Compact size, loads of fun, guaranteed attention-grabber. 
Cons: Bad ride, top speed of 28mph and limited electric range

The Ami is tailor-made for urban living. It’s small enough to navigate tight streets, with a glass-enclosed cabin giving you a heads-up on daring scooter riders well ahead of traditional cars. Plus, being electric means you can breeze into central London without shelling out to Sadiq Khan, at least for now.

Its only downside? It's strictly a city dweller. With a max range of 46 miles and a top speed of 28mph, it's ideal for buzzing around posh neighbourhoods but not cut out for countryside road trips. Stick to urban confines, though, and you'll reign supreme.