What is the cheapest electric car in the UK?

Electric cars are gaining momentum as the go-to choice for those keen on reducing their carbon footprint and saving on fuel costs. And with technology making leaps, electric vehicles are now more affordable than ever.

But, what are the cheapest electric cars in the UK?

In this article, we explore the most budget-friendly electric cars available in 2024 so you can make an informed decision in the quickly evolving EV market.

Identifying the cheapest electric car 

Several considerations are key in the search for the cheapest electric vehicles in the UK. The initial cost is a prominent factor. But speed, range, and overall value significantly affect a car’s appeal. In our research, we aim to spotlight electric cars that are ideally affordable and practical.  

For consistency and accuracy, we’ve gathered all details on pricing, battery range, and other crucial information from EV-Database.org. The data is accurate as of February 2024. However, it’s important to note that pricing figures could change over time.

What are the cheapest electric cars in the UK?

6. Citroen e-C3 

The Citroen e-C3 is an affordable new electric SUV. Launching in July 2024, the e-C3 will be one of the cheapest electric cars in the UK, costing around £21,000. 

• Real Range: Up to 165 miles
• Usable Battery: 44 kWh
• Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 11 seconds
• Top Speed: 84 mph

5. Nissan Leaf 

• Price: Starts at around £28,000
• Real Range: Up to 145 miles
• Useable Battery: 39 kWh
• Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 7.9 seconds
• Top Speed: 89 mph

4. Fiat 500e 

• Price: Starts at around £28,000
• Real Range: Up to 85 miles
• Useable Battery:3 kWh
• Acceleration: 0 to 62 mph in 9 seconds
• Top Speed: 84 mph

3. MG 4 EV 

• Price: Starts at around £26,000
• Real Range: Up to 185 miles
• Useable Battery:8 kWh
• Acceleration: 0 to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds
• Top Speed: 99 mph

2. BYD Dolphin 44.9 kWh Active 

• Price: Starts at around £26,000
• Real Range: Up to 160 miles
• Useable Battery:9 kWh
• Acceleration: 0 to 62 mph in 10 seconds
• Top Speed: 93 mph

What is the cheapest electric car in the UK?

The Citroen Ami is the cheapest electric car on sale in the UK, with the price starting at around £8,000 to date.  

The Citroen Ami vehicle isn’t just economical; it’s a forward-thinking city car. The Ami is classified as a quadricycle. But its small stature and 46-mile range make it an ideal choice for people living in urban areas. Ami owners can manoeuvre narrow streets effortlessly while reducing their environmental impact. 

Coming Soon – Dacia Spring

Although it is not yet on UK roads, pre-orders have opened for the new Dacia Spring, with a price tag of only £14,995. This ultra-affordable city car is around £10,000 cheaper than other budget EVs on our list, such as the BYD Dolphin and MG 4 EV. It is designed for low-cost, eco-friendly travel in cities and suburbs. It aims to make electric mobility accessible to more people.

Price: Starts at around £14,995

Real Range: Up to 100 miles

Useable Battery: 25 kWh

Acceleration: 0 to 62 mph in 19.1 seconds

Top Speed: 78 mph

Best electric cars under 30k 

This section highlights brand-new vehicles like the MG4 EV Long Range and the Renault Zoe ZE50 R135. They offer exceptional value for those aiming to stay below the £30,000 mark.  

MG4 EV Long Range 

• Price: Starts around £29,000
• Real Range: Up to 225 miles
• Useable Battery:7 kWh
• Acceleration: 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds
• Top Speed: 99 mph

Fiat 500e 

• Price: Starts around £28,000
• Specifications: As previously stated

Renault Zoe ZE50 R135 

• Price: Starts around £29,000
• Real Range: Up to 190 miles
• Useable Battery: 52 kWh
• Acceleration: 0 to 62 mph in 9.5 seconds
• Top Speed: 87 mph

Best electric cars under 20k  

Currently, you cannot buy a brand-new electric vehicle for under 20k. But, those individuals mindful of their spending have many options in the pre-owned market. Models like the BMW i3 and Volkswagen e-Up! extend the advantages of electric driving without the steep price tag of newer models. Here are a few of our favourites: 

BMW i3 

• Price: Starts around £7,000
• Real Range: Up to 100 miles
• Useable Battery:2 kWh usable
• Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds
• Top Speed: 93 mph

Smart ForFour 

• Price: Starts around £7,000
• Real Range: Up to 55 miles
• Useable Battery:7 kWh usable
• Acceleration: 0 to 62 mph in 12.7 seconds
• Top Speed: 81 mph

Volkswagen E-UP! 

• Price: Starts around £7,000
• Real Range: Up to 125 miles
• Useable Battery:0 kWh usable
• Acceleration: 0 to 62 mph in 12.4 seconds
• Top Speed: 81 mph

What is the cheapest electric car to lease UK?

Leasing an electric vehicle is a cost-effective way to experience electric mobility. It offers lower monthly payments and the option to switch cars easily. The Nissan Leaf and MG4 EV Standard Range are electric vehicles with great leasing deals.

• Nissan Leaf: Lease agreements start from approximately £200 per month – specifications are listed above.
• MG4 EV Standard Range: Lease agreements start from approximately £250 per month – Specifications are listed above.

What is the cheapest long range electric car?

For those who value distance per charge, the MG4 EV Long Range, BYD DOLPHIN 60.4 kWh, and MG5 EV Long Range offer impressive range capabilities at affordable prices.

MG4 EV Long Range:

• Price: Starts around £29,000
• Real Range: Up to 225 miles
• Useable Battery: 7 kWh
• Acceleration: 0 – 62 mph in 7.9 sec
• Top Speed: 99 mph

BYD DOLPHIN 60.4 kWh:

• Price: Starts around £30,000
• Real Range: Up to 210 miles
• Useable Battery: 5 kWh
• Acceleration: 0 – 62 mph in 7 seconds
• Top Speed: 99 mph

MG5 EV Long Range:

• Price: Starts around £30,000
• Real Range: Up to 205 miles
• Useable Battery: 4 kWh
• Acceleration: 0 – 62 mph in 7.7 sec
• Top Speed: 115 mph

What is the cheapest electric hybrid car in the UK? 

Hybrid vehicles act as an interim solution for many transitioning towards electric mobility. The Renault Clio E-Tech and the New Toyota Yaris are affordable hybrids. They maintain performance and efficiency while providing a good driving experience for those transitioning to electric driving. 

Starting at £18,000, the Renault Clio E-Tech delivers a 550-mile range with a 145-hp hybrid powertrain and a top speed of around 111mph.  

The New Toyota Yaris Icon, priced at £22,000, offers a 450-mile range. It is designed for driving in the city and combines a sleek design with advanced connectivity and robust safety features. This makes it efficient and convenient for urban lifestyles. 

Conclusion

The electric vehicle landscape in 2024 provides diverse options for those mindful of their budget. Whether seeking a new or used EV, many choices are available to meet various needs and preferences. As technologies advance and prices decrease, EV ownership is increasingly accessible.

If you want to learn more ways to afford an electric car, please read our blog.

Summary:

Currently, the cheapest electric cars in the UK are:

1. Citroen Ami
2. BYD Dolphin 44.9 kWh Active
3. MG 4 EV
4. Fiat 500e
5. Nissan Leaf
6. Citroen e-C3

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