Top 10 Electric Cars Under £40k

From £35,700 

The Volkswagen ID.3 is a solid all-rounder - it's fun to drive, well-equipped, and comfortable.

There are two versions of the ID.3: Pro and Pro S. The Pro is the base model with a 58kWh battery, offering an official range of 265 miles. The Pro S comes with a larger 77kWh battery, giving it a range of 347 miles.

Although the ID.3 isn’t exactly cheap, it comes loaded with standard features and safety tech.

From £33,150

You might not have heard much about BYD yet, but it's one of the fastest-growing electric car brands in the world. Its standout model is the Seal, a sleek four-door sedan competing with the Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.7.

The Seal comes in two versions, both quick, with an official range of up to 354 miles (though in our winter test, it hit 255 miles). The suspension is well-tuned for UK roads—firm enough for stability but soft enough to handle rough surfaces smoothly.

Up front, there's plenty of space, but the rear seats are tighter than in the ID.7 and not as comfortable as the Model 3. Inside, there's a massive Tesla-style touchscreen that rotates between portrait and landscape.

From £36,440

MG's electric hatchback, the MG4, offers incredible value for money, especially in the entry-level SE trim. Even at its lowest price, it still comes loaded with features like adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors.

In terms of range, the MG4 holds its own, offering up to 218 miles on the cheaper 50.8kWh battery. Opt for the pricier 61.7kWh version, and you can get up to 281 miles. For those after serious performance, the MG4 XPower delivers with 429bhp and all-wheel drive, boasting acceleration that can rival a Porsche Taycan 4S.

From £37,495

Brands survive by adapting to changing trends and customer demand, and Renault seems to have nailed it with the Scenic E-Tech.

While the Scenic used to be an unfashionable MPV, it’s now been reimagined as an electric SUV. It offers solid space, practicality, and a well-designed interior. Plus, it’s great value—especially with the larger battery option, which provides a good range between charges while being more affordable than some competitors.

From £39,900

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 marks a big step up for the brand, competing with premium electric cars and attracting EV buyers who value sleek design, cutting-edge tech, and solid range with fast charging speeds.

Its bold, concept car-inspired look might not be for everyone, but there’s no denying the Ioniq 5's unique style. On top of its cool factor, it offers great value with competitive pricing, plenty of standard features, and advanced safety systems.

From £39,100

Despite its awkward name, the Honda E:Ny1 is a solid choice . It has a sleek, stylish look without being over-the-top, comes loaded with modern tech that’s user-friendly, and drives smoothly without being too intense. It offers a great blend of decent range, practicality, and strong performance, making it a well-rounded option.

From £36,305

The Skoda Enyaq is a great EV that just fits under our £40,000 budget for a new car, though you'll end up with the base battery, motor, and trim. But that's not a big deal with the Enyaq—it comes with plenty of standard features, smooth performance, and a super spacious interior. This version offers a decent range of 249 miles and with standard 120kW charging, you can get an 80% charge in just 35 minutes on a fast charger.

From £33,995

If you still think of the Renault Megane as just another Golf-sized hatchback, it's time to catch up! The latest model is now a sleek electric SUV with a seriously upscale interior and great practicality for its size. It offers a solid range of 280 miles, and with fast charging, you can add up to 186 miles in just 30 minutes.

From £29,140

The latest Kia Niro is looking sharp with its sleek, modern exterior and a cool, geometric interior. Thanks to smart battery tech, the new model only needs a 65kWh pack to achieve over 280 miles of range, all for under £40,000. Unlike many other brands, Kia has kept some actual buttons for key climate controls—though they’re touch-sensitive, they’re still easier to use while driving than a full touchscreen.

From £39,000

Right now, you can snag the updated Tesla Model 3 in the UK for just under £40,000. This price gets you the rear-wheel-drive version with the smaller battery, but don’t let that fool you—this "entry-level" model can still outpace most hot hatches in a drag race and offers a range of 318 miles. While it might not be the newest option on the list, the ultra-minimalist interior still feels modern, and it offers a surprising amount of space for passengers and cargo despite its compact size.