A high list price has long been a factor putting many off making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), but that’s starting to change.
The prices of many EVs have fallen in recent years, despite considerable improvements in their efficiency and performance, before a UK ban on the sale of new internal combustion engined cars in 2035. The high-end, mega-range luxury EV models still command a hefty sum, but several entry-level EVs have fallen to within touching distance of cost parity with ICE options, especially on finance, and even lower in some cases. To help you sniff out the best deal, we’ve compiled a list of the best affordable EVs on sale today.
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. A long range and impressive warranty means it's still the affordable EV to beat.
To find out more, 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
Citroen e-C3
Comfy, spacious and useful value for money<br>
Priced from £21,990, you get a lot of car for your money, and it retains many of Citroen's core strengths. These include exceptional ride comfort (especially for a small car), plenty of interior space and also a funky design to help it stand out.
To find out more, read our full Citroen e-C3 review
Pros
- Very comfy
- Spacious rear seats
- Good value for money
Cons
- Vague steering
- Boot isn't a very useful shape
Great fun to drive and much-improved range
A cheaper Cooper E is available and still boasts a 182-mile range, and at a lower cost than the previous electric MINI. It's still enormous fun to drive and gets a premium interior filled with all of the latest technology.
To find out more, read our full MINI Cooper Electric review
Pros
- Great to drive
- Good range for its size
- Well-equipped
Cons
- Three-door only
- Small boot
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. The 500e was previously let down by a high price, but Fiat has recently slashed this to an attractive £21,995.
To find out more, read our full Fiat 500e review
Pros
- Wonderfully stylish
- Quick and fun to drive
- Long range for a small car
Cons
- Not that practical
- Entry model has a short range
Bargain EV is the cheapest electric car you can buy
Ideal around the city, it has a surprisingly pleasant interior and more room inside than you might expect given its size and price. Just be mindful that the price is low because savings have been made in other areas to help bring the cost down.
To find out more, read our full Dacia Spring review
Pros
- Outstanding value
- Very efficient and cheap to run
- Modern interior is easy to use
Cons
- Poor safety performance
- Roly-poly handling
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.
To find out more, 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.
To find out more, 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
Smart 1
Funky SUV represents great value
It's also great value for money, starting from £31,950 with a 193-mile range. Standard kit is generous and the Smart 1 is also decent to drive and has a spacious interior.
To find out more, read our full Smart 1 review
Pros
- Very generous equipment
- Good to drive
- Spacious interior space
Cons
- Small boot
- Irritating driver assistance tech
Upmarket(ish) electric hatch with a smooth drive
It's had a facelift inside and out too, while Peugeot has also dropped the starting price by several thousands to a more attractive £28,600, though it's still more expensive than many rivals.
To find out more, read our full Peugeot e-208 review
Pros
- High-quality cabin
- Plenty of torque
- Large boot
Cons
- Firm ride
- Awkward seating position
Big discounts make the Corsa Electric an attractive choice
The Corsa Electric is a very easy EV to live with because it looks and feels just like any other Corsa, with plenty of standard equipment and style on its side. A claimed range of up 246 miles is respectable for something of this size, too.
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
Pros
- Good to drive
- Easy to live with
- Big discounts available
Cons
- Warranty not as good as rivals
- Not the most exciting EV
Verdict
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
What is the cheapest electric car?
The cheapest full-size electric car you can buy is the new Dacia Spring, which is available for £14,995. That’s only around £1,000 more than the cheapest petrol car – the Dacia Sandero. After this, the Citroen e-C3 is available from £21,990, while the Fiat 500e is available for a fiver more.
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.
Which cheap electric cars should I avoid?
We’d steer clear of electric quadricycles like the Renault Twizy and Citroen Ami. They’re 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.
