Electric vehicles (EVs) are really starting to take off in Britain. Since 2022, EV sales increased by 18%. Despite their popularity, though, electric cars are still more expensive to buy than their combustion-engined equivalents – so we’ve pulled together a list of the best cheap electric cars to get you behind the wheel of an EV affordably.
Thankfully, EVs are getting better, and prices are gradually falling – which is just as well because the government’s 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars is looming large. The most important thing to remember when shopping is that deals are becoming increasingly common as supply is increasingly outstripping demand, meaning dealers and brokers are keen to discount certain models.
Our order of preference is based on a combination of price, ease of finding cheap finance and overall usability.
Best cheap electric cars
A great electric car that undercuts key rivals on price
Our current car of the year doesn’t even feel that cheap. Sure there are some inexpensive plastics, but everything you interact with regularly feels solid.
Read our full MG4 EV review
Pros
- Better than more expensive rivals
- Good ride/handling balance
- Accurate range predictor
Cons
- Some cheap plastics inside
- Touchscreen-led cabin can be fiddly
Upmarket(ish) electric hatch with a smooth drive
But, the e-208 is a likeable EV that boasts a superb cabin that’s packed with clever tech and expensive-feeling materials. As far as zero-emission cars to pose around town in, there are few better.
Read our full Peugeot e-208 review
Pros
- High-quality cabin
- Plenty of torque
- Large boot
Cons
- Firm ride
- Inconsistent steering
Cheeky looks and a long-range for such a small car
It’s also great fun to drive and surprisingly responsive despite just having 118hp to play with. We struggled to fault it when we tested it.
Read our full Fiat 500e review
Pros
- Wonderfully stylish
- Quick and fun to drive
- Long range for a small car
Cons
- Not that practical
- Expensive options
MG5 EV
A value-focused, battery-powered load-lugger
But, when compared to similarly priced electric hatchback rivals, the rear looks like an aircraft hanger.
Read our full MG5 EV review
Pros
- Lots of standard kit
- Sensible real-world range
- Agreeable ride
Cons
- Uncomfortable seats
- Slightly impractical boot
Odd name, decent car that's well-priced
We also like the interesting design and appealing materials inside, while the ride is more comfortable than many rivals. Given the bargain pricing, it’s well worth considering.
Read the full BYD Dolphin review
Pros
- Terrific value and efficiency
- Strong acceleration
- Comfortable and spacious interior
Cons
- Boot not the largest
- Could be more fun to drive
MG ZS EV
Clever driver-assistance tech and a good electric range
It sacrifices interior quality, badge appeal and a dash of refinement for a long electric range, strong performance and good practicality. Is it exciting to drive? No. Will it make your neighbours jealous? Probably not. But who cares at this price?
Read our full MG ZS EV review
Pros
- Seven-year warranty
- 273-mile official range
- Five-star safety rating
Cons
- Low-rent cabin
- Not exciting to drive
Retro looks and a sharp driving experience
But it makes up for these foibles with sharp handling, punchy performance and a surprisingly low price tag.
Read our full MINI Electric review
Pros
- Sporty handling
- Quick acceleration
- Easy to use
Cons
- Three-door only
- Real-world range is lacklustre
Falling off the pace, but at least it’s cheap!
The cabin looks dated while newer, cheaper rivals offer longer ranges. Nissan has pulled the price down to reflect that, though, which we respect.
Read our full Nissan Leaf review
Pros
- Easy to drive
- Clever one-pedal driving mode
- Quiet
Cons
- Outdated infotainment
- Lots of rivals with greater ranges
A well-priced alternative to established electric hatchbacks
Every model features a dual-screen infotainment system, electrically adjustable seats, dual-zone climate control and a 360-degree parking camera. We’d have liked a bit more space in the boot, though – 228 litres is pitiful. The infotainment is also a tad befuddling.
Read our full GWM Ora 03 review
Pros
- Plush interior
- Well-equipped
- Stylish inside and out
Cons
- Tiny boot
- Not that fun to drive
Renault Zoe
A good electric car tainted by a zero-star safety score
However, it’s still a very affordable EV with an impressive electric range and decent practicality. And it’ll still be safer than a used car.
Read our full Renault Zoe review
Pros
- Long driving range
- Quiet around town
- Smaller but roomier than a Clio
Cons
- Uncomfortably high seating position
- Zero-star Euro NCAP score
Verdict
This concludes our guide to the most affordable electric cars on sale in the UK. Prices are steadily falling and we reckon there’s likely to be a car in here that will suit your needs. Just remember that EVs won’t suit everyone – they’re great for people doing shorter journeys with an urban focus and for those who can easily charge up at home.
If you do longer journeys, erratic distances and don’t have off-street charging, you may be better off sticking with a petrol, diesel or hybrid car for a while longer.
Read on for popular questions about affordable electric cars.
FAQ: cheapest electric car UK popular questions
How long ’til EVs come as cheap as conventional cars?
Most observers reckon it’ll happen before the middle of the decade – so stay tuned as we update this guide in the coming months. The direction of travel is clear to see: prices of batteries are falling, production is rising, and demand is soaring… EVs are inexorably getting cheaper!
How can I check electric car prices in the UK?
The Parkers specs pages list the recommended retail prices for every make and model of car sold today – and it’s updated automatically, so you can browse different EVs and see how much they cost.
Will EVs hold on to their value?
All the signs are that you shouldn’t worry too much about the residual value of electric cars. We’ve driven 100,000-mile-old Teslas, and they still work just fine – in fact, the batteries are likely to outlast the cars themselves. Even the cheapest EVs typically have an eight-year warranty on the battery packs, so we recommend you can buy in confidence.
Which cheap electric cars should I avoid?
We’d steer clear of electric quadricycles like the Renault Twizy, which is really a glorified e-bike. It’s fine if you want an urban runaround but is pretty impractical and a little bit daunting on the open road…
Where can I read more about the cheapest electric car choices?
Check out the guide by our sister website Carmagazine.co.uk for further advice.
