Updated! Britain's Cheapest electric cars in 2025: affordable EVs rated – now with discounted prices

FAQ: cheapest electric car buying guide

• How long until electric cars are as cheap as petrol cars?

  Electric cars are getting cheaper, especially as more affordable models like the Dacia Spring, Leapmotor T03 and Citroen e-C3 arrive. But in general, EVs still cost a bit more than petrol cars to buy new, mainly because batteries are expensive to make. Experts think that by around 2027 to 2030, electric cars could cost the same or even less than petrol cars, though. As battery prices drop and more models go on sale, competition should bring prices down, and we're already seeing that thanks to competition from China.

• 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. All Parkers reviews also contain full pricing details of all models within a range, and also link through to leasing deals specific to those cars.

• Which cheap electric cars should I avoid?

  Right now the Dacia Spring. It might look tempting on price alone, but you do get what you pay for. In the Parkers review, the Dacia Spring is described as 'shockingly poor' – with criticisms of its safety, slow performance, poor ride quality, and outdated tech. It lacks features that are now standard on many small cars, and it only scored one star in Euro NCAP safety testing, which raises big concerns.
  
  We'd avoid the Citroen Ami, too, which we've excluded from this list, as it's not really a car at all, but a quadricycle. Yes, it looks cool, but it's also nigh on unusable outside of a city centre, and is limited to just 28mph.

• What’s the cheapest electric car I can buy new in the UK?

  Right now, the cheapest new EV you can buy in the UK is the Leapmotor T03. It has a starting price of £14,495. It’s a small, simple car, ideal for short trips or city driving but, unlike the Dacia Spring, it's more solid to drive and it's been assembled with greater care. It's also exceptionally well equipped, coming as standard with climate control and a panoramic sunroof. It's an honest little car at an affordable price. What's not to like?

• Are cheap electric cars actually any good?

  Yes, many are! Modern affordable electric cars are often well-equipped, safe, and quiet to drive. Models like the MG4 EV and BYD Dolphin are decent family cars in their own right, while the Renault 5 E-Tech is a cracking drive if you don't need space for four large adults. However, you do sometimes give up a bit of range or interior space compared with mid-range EVs. So it depends on what you need. If you mostly drive around town, a cheaper EV could suit you just fine.

• How much does it cost to run a cheap electric car?

  Electric cars are usually cheaper to run than petrol cars, especially if you have your own wallbox. Charging at home can cost around 7-15p per kWh overnight, while petrol costs a lot more in terms of miles per pound. You’ll also save money on things like car tax/Vehicle Excise Duty, servicing, and some city driving charges. Just make sure you know where you’ll charge it before buying.

• Is it better to buy or lease a cheap electric car?

  PCH Leasing is popular for EVs because it gives you a fixed monthly cost and the chance to upgrade in a few years as technology improves. It’s also useful if you’re worried about resale values or battery wear. Buying outright might be cheaper in the long run, especially if you keep the car for several years. It depends on your budget, how long you plan to keep the car, and how much you drive.

• Do cheap electric cars have good range?

  Some do, but not all. The cheapest EVs, like the Dacia Spring or Fiat 500e, have a range between 120 and 180 miles, which is fine for short trips but not ideal for long journeys. Step up to cars like the MG4 EV or BYD Dolphin, and you can get more than 250 miles of range for less than £30,000. Even entry-level versions should be around 200 miles. Always check Parkers reviews for the real-world driving range before you buy, as official figures can be optimistic.

• Are there any hidden costs with electric cars?

  Not many, but there are a few things to watch for. Charging cables might not be included with every model, and installing a home charger costs around £800-£1,000 depending on where you can put the charger and how sophisticated your home wiring is. On the other hand some carmakers actually include charge points, so you could get lucky.
  
  Insurance can also be higher for some EVs, especially new models. Also, public charging is normally far pricier than home charging, especially rapid chargers on motorways. It’s worth checking before you buy.

• What should I check before buying a cheap electric car?

  Check the range, charging speed, battery warranty, and whether it suits your driving habits. Make sure you have a good charging plan – either at home, work or nearby public chargers. Also check what safety kit and tech features you’re getting, especially on the cheapest models. Some may not have things like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, so it’s worth comparing trim levels.