As battery technology improves and economies of scale kick in with increased EV production, the cheapest electric cars are increasingly wide ranging. Prices are also getting ever closer to their budget internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. With the 2035 ban, possibly moving forward to 2030, on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars getting closer, we can expect even more affordable options over the next few years.
Here are our picks of the best cheap electric cars:
Dacia Spring
The Dacia Spring has already been on sale in mainland Europe for a number of years, but the budget EV is heading to the UK. Order books are already open, with deliveries set to begin in October.
At a starting price of just £14,995, it is the best value conventional EV on this list. This entry level model grants you a 45 horsepower electric motor setup, which is good for a top speed of 78mph. Combine that with a range of around 142 miles, and this cheap city car is just as capable on longer journeys, too.
Starting Price | £14,995 |
Quoted Range | 142 miles |
0-60mph Time | 19.1 seconds |
Top Speed | 78mph |
Power | 45bhp |
Citroen e-C3
Another newcomer to the list is the Citroen e-C3, one of the cheapest EVs so far from the wider Stellantis conglomerate. Starting at £21,990 in ‘Plus’ trim level, you can benefit from a range of 199 miles, and standard equipment such as wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
The e-C3 also recently won the Car of the Year award from Auto Express.
Starting Price | £21,990 |
Quoted Range | 199 miles |
0-60mph Time | 11.5 seconds |
Top Speed | 84mph |
Power | 111bhp |
Citroen Ami
Citroen’s standout Ami is the cheapest EV on four wheels you can buy new in the UK right now, starting at £7,695. With its ultra-compact form and top speed of 28mph, it’s ideal for driving through urban areas, but for carrying passengers or venturing outside the city you’ll want to look elsewhere. It’s technically classed as a quadricycle, which means you don’t need a full drivers license. It can be driven on a moped license, allowing 16 year olds to get behind the wheel too.
Starting Price | £7,695 |
Quoted Range | 46 miles |
Top Speed | 28mph |
Power | 8bhp |
BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin is another attractive offer, starting at £30,195 – a significant chunk cheaper than its primary rival, the Volkswagen ID.3, which starts at £35,700. No matter which trim level you go for, you’ll get a range of around 265 miles, vegan leather seats, and a front-to-back panoramic sunroof. A heat pump comes standard, too, helping to preserve range and improve efficiency in low temperatures.
Starting Price | £30,195 |
Quoted Range | 265 miles |
0-60mph Time | 7 seconds |
Top Speed | 99mph |
Power | 201bhp |
Volvo EX30
Whilst not as cheap as the other cars on this list, Volvo’s recent price drop on the EX30 means the compact electric SUV now starts at £32,850, for the Single Motor version, which offers tremendous value for what is a premium car.
In this spec, the EX30 still offers a range of 209 miles, along with 272 horsepower. This still comes loaded with tech, including adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, automatic LED headlights, and a Google-based 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Starting Price | £32,850 |
Quoted Range | 209 miles |
0-60mph Time | 5.7 seconds |
Top Speed | 112mph |
Power | 272bhp |