10 cheapest electric cars, from highest to lowest. Subscribe to Electric Vehicle News Bitesize Podcast for FREE to hear more!
Low-cost electric vehicles are rare, but growing. Here are 10 of the cheapest in the UK today.
As we move towards a ban on new internal combustion engines by 2030, the focus on electric vehicles is stronger than ever.
A major criticism of these battery-powered vehicles over the past decade has been their range, with few vehicles offering the stamina to truly replace durable petrol or diesel vehicles.
However, with charging infrastructure improving and customer expectations changing, the hot topic about EVs right now is affordability. There are many electric models to choose from, but component costs and rapid advances in technology mean many of them are on the expensive side.
Ford, for example, has long been a working-class hero thanks to its ability to deliver cars that are easy to drive, well equipped and practical (just look at the Fiesta or Focus for proof), but the cheapest version of its only electric car in the range, the Mustang Mach-E tops out at a staggering £50,830.
The Blue Oval isn’t the only culprit, however, as many manufacturers see an opportunity to attract wealthy early adopters who are happy to pay a premium (and most of the automaker’s profits) to get the latest in all of their products – to have the latest all-singing, all-dancing digitally dense Electric Vehicle on their drive. But if EVs are to become commonplace, there must be some option that doesn’t break the bank.
Fortunately, while these low-cost EVs are rare, their numbers are growing, and one brand in particular is keen to offer customers an electric experience at a lower price. So here’s our roundup of the 10 cheapest electric cars for sale in the UK right now.
Mazda MX-30 £31,250.
Mazda has earned its reputation for being different, and the MX-30 is no exception. While many brands tout the ever-increasing range of their models, the Japanese company is highlighting the shockingly short 124-mile range of its first electric car.
Bosses claim that figure is sufficient for most daily needs, while the car’s smaller 35.5 kWh means a lighter curb weight, which improves efficiency and improves driving dynamics.
Admittedly, the MX-30 weighs more than 1600kg (the Peugeot e-2008 is less burly), but it does drive well, with balanced handling, light and precise steering and a confident ride.
Other highlights include quirky styling with a rear-hinged rear doors and an attractive interior, though it’s not as roomy as rivals.
MG 5 SW Electric Vehicle £30,995.
You don’t necessarily expect a lot of oomph in a range of affordable cars, and it’s fair to say the MG 5 SW Electric Vehicle doesn’t do anything to change that opinion.
A recent facelift has sharpened the electric wagon’s look, but it’s still a dull-looking piece of equipment that’s surprisingly outdated for less than five years old. 5 points for the space it offers in its boxy body (578-litre boot, which increases to 1367 liters with the rear seats folded), and the 61kWh battery’s WLTP-approved range of 250 miles.
The 5 can be fast-charged at up to 150kW, while the vehicle load capacity allows you to use the car’s lithium-ion traction battery to power electronics such as scooters and laptops.
Don’t expect a thrilling driving experience, but the 5 is smooth, lively, roomy and, like all MGs, backed by a seven-year warranty.
MG ZS Electric Vehicle £30,495.
The second MG to make the list is the 4 Series offering a lot of value for money. Entering the competitive compact crossover segment, the ZS Electric Vehicle does look good, and what its interior makes up for in terms of space and the quality of its rich materials in standard equipment.
Even better, the ZS Electric Vehicle got a larger 51kWh battery in its recent mid-life nip-and-tuck, giving it a claimed range of 198 miles. Spend £32,995 on the Long Range with 71kWh, and the range between charges increases to 273 miles. Impressively, both versions feature 100kW fast charging, meaning an 80% charge takes just 36 minutes.
The 128hp engine (oddly, the pricier Long Range has 113hp) delivers smooth and responsive performance, but the chassis suffers from apathetic handling and bumps.
Renault Zoe £29,995.
It has lost its place as the best-selling Electric Vehicle in Europe, but the Zoe still has plenty of options for those looking to buy an Electric Vehicle on a budget. Starting at £29,995, it’s not as cheap as it used to be, but various updates keep it fairly fresh, while the standard 52kWh battery gives it an official range of 239 miles, which is very practical.
It has lost its place as the best-selling Electric Vehicle in Europe, but the Zoe still has plenty of options for those looking to buy an Electric Vehicle on a budget. Starting at £29,995, it’s not as cheap as it used to be, but various updates keep it fairly fresh, while the standard 52kWh battery gives it an official range of 239 miles, which is very practical.
Despite its full age (less than 10 years old), this French car still looks chic inside and out, comes with everything you need and just the right amount of space for a young family. You sit fairly high behind the steering wheel (because the battery is under the floor), the ride is firm at low speeds but the handling is precise, and the 135PS engine provides decent push.
Note, however, that a Boost Charge model with 50kW CCS fast charging will cost £31,195. The standard version is limited to 22 kW, which means fast charging takes 3 hours.
Mini Electric £29,000.
If you’re not traveling far and like high-voltage thrills, the Mini Electric might be for you.
Aside from the flashy yellow detailing, it has the same cheeky retro appeal as the standard Mini hatchback, while under the hood it packs a powerful 181hp electric motor (the same power as a petrol Cooper S). It also comes with a rather small 32.6kWh battery that provides a promised range of 145 miles, although 100 miles is more accurate in the rear world.
On the positive side, the compact British EV’s unmistakably High-Jinx handling is barely affected by the switch to battery power, as the combination of sharp steering and wheel attitude at each turn provides equally resourceful handling and surprising adjustability.
Nissan Leaf £28,995.
The Leaf was the car that started the affordable Electric Vehicle family car movement, but it admittedly feels a bit out of place.
It’s now in its second generation, but the underlying architecture and technology of this latest car can be traced back to the original model that first appeared some 15 years ago. The Leaf is easy to drive and roomy, though, and starts at £28,995, about the same price as a traditional ICE alternative.
Note, however, that for that price, you’re getting the smaller 39 kWh battery, which only offers a claimed 168 miles. Also, the maximum charging power of 50kW means you need an hour to restore 80% of the charge, and the Chademo plug is not compatible with most chargers, which now use the EU standard CCS system.
Fiat 500 £28,195.
Like the Mini Electric, the Fiat 500 is a design icon that has successfully reinvented itself for the Electric Vehicle age. You see, while the retro-styled lines resemble its ICE cousin, this all-electric Italian machine is fundamentally unique.
The exterior design has been successfully updated, while the 500’s interior exudes premium appeal – although rear space is still at a premium. But the real hit was its driving experience, where its snappy handling and eager acceleration from its 94hp engine made it a treat in town and a terrific pleasure on the faster roads.
At £28,195 it’s not cheap, and its 24kWh battery only has a range of 118 miles. Even better is the 116hp version with a 42kWh battery and a claimed range of 199 miles, but that version starts at £31,195.
MG 4 Electric Vehicle £26,995.
Could the MG 4 Electric Vehicle be the best family car deal this year? That doesn’t just apply to EVs, but any mains-powered family five-door hatchback.
Not only is the entry-level SE cheaper than most (small) cars on this list, but at £26,995, it’s only a few pounds more than the base Focus with its 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
Plus, the 4 doesn’t look or feel like a bargain, with unique wedge styling and a roomy interior that’s neatly designed and outfitted save for some cheap plastic. What’s more, the positive impression is reinforced during the drive where you’ll find its 168hp engine’s deft handling, decent ride and agile performance.
The standard 51kWh battery has a claimed range of 218 miles, but you can stretch that to the £29,495 long-range model with a 64kWh battery, and that figure jumps to 281 miles.
Smart EQ Fortwo £22,225.
Yes, the Smart EQ Fortwo is still on sale. The recently launched Geely-designed Smart #1 grabs all the headlines, but the brand’s small two-seater is still suitable for those who want a small city car that’s more comfortable than the stripped-down Ami. At £22,225 (or £24,645 if you want the cloth convertible), the Fortwo is the cheapest ‘real car’ electric car you can buy right now.
Admittedly, it still looks unconventional, while its 81 miles of range and nimble 81hp engine make it suitable for (short) out-of-town trips, and its 17.2kWh battery can be recharged in just 40 minutes.
Inside there’s decent space for two (or four if you pay £70 more for the five-door Forfour), plus air conditioning, heated seats, a touchscreen infotainment system and a reversing camera.
Citroën Ami £7696.
We’re cheating a bit here, as the angular Ami is technically more of a four-wheeler than a car. Still, it has four wheels, doors, a windshield, a pair of seats, a heater, and a steering wheel, so it qualifies for the purposes of this list.
Sure, it’s pretty basic, and some observers might draw an unfriendly resemblance between its styling and Portaloo, but it’s transportation.
The tiny 8-horsepower engine, 28-mph top speed, a little over 45 miles of claimed range and washboard ride mean it’s downright underwhelming on the open road, but the urban jungle is another story.
The tight turning circle and tiny size make driving and parking a breeze, and unlike a scooter, you’ll be warm and dry when the weather turns bad.
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