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What is the cheapest electric car?

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 blog post, 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

Nissan Leaf Tekna 2023

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

 

2022 Fiat 500e "Red"

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

2023 MG4

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

2023 BYD Dolphin

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. 

2020 Citroën Ami

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

IAA 2011: Volkswagen e-Up Concept

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:

The cheapest electric cars in the UK 2024 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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Tethered charger

This type of electric charger has it's own cable to charge your car.

Socketed charger

This type of electric charger requires a seperate cable to charge your car.

Spread over a 60 month period.

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Underground cable

We lay SWA cable laid at 600mm deep, with a protective cable warning tape laid 150mm above the cable. These are laid on a sand or sifted sand soil bed then backfilled.

Overhead cable

We position overhead cables at a minimum height of 3.5m and are run along a catenary wire. The cable run should not be accessible to vehicles.

Standard Installation
Our instant price is fixed if it falls within our standard installation package plus any additions that you have selected (extra cabling for example). This package covers the majority of homes in the UK. Before we undertake your installation we will carry out a digital survey to check that nothing has been missed. After reviewing the survey results some additional work may be required in order to complete your installation safely and to the required standards. If this is the case, we will contact you well before the installation date and advise the cost of any required work. You can then continue with your installation, or alternatively we will refund you in full if you do not want to proceed.

Included in our standard installation is :
• Fitting of a single phase charge point to a brick or plaster wall or other suitable permanent structure
• Up to 10 metres of cable, run and neatly clipped to the wall between the electricity supply meter / distribution board and the charge point.
• Routing of the cable through a drilled hole in a wall up to 500mm (20 inches) thick if this is needed.
• The fitting and testing of electrical connections and protections required for the charge point.
• An additional three way consumer unit, if required
• Installation of a Type A RCBO in an RCBO enclosure
• Up to 3 metres of plastic trunking to conceal interior wiring.
• An O-pen earth protection device if the charge point requires it. (This is NOT an earth rod)
• Up to 4 hours of labour from your installer to complete the work.
• Electrical testing of the whole installation.
• Handover and setup of the charge point and any app that may be needed.

Not included in our standard installation (additional work) :
• Where the installation requires additional cabling over and above the amount you have told us about.
• Upgrade/replacement of the main incoming supply fuse where the local DNO (eg Northern Powergrid) would need to attend site.
• If the charge point is to be mounted on a post/pedestal rather than an existing wall and where you have not selected a post as an extra cost option in your order.
• Installation of a charge point to a three phase supply.
• Where gas and water mains bonding (earthing) is not in place at your property. If this is not in place, additional work would be required before installation of the charge point.
• Any groundwork that has not been selected during the order process.

A Surge Protection Device is not included in our standard installation. 

What else you need to know :
• On the day of installation, please ensure that the area around your consumer unit (fuse box), incoming electricity supply meter and proposed charge point location (including where the cable is expected to be run) is clear and free of obstructions.
• We will need your WiFi password as part of the installation process in order to connect your charge point to the internet. Please have this available for the installer. Details will not be kept.
• The charge point must be on your own designated off road parking.
• The charger will be fixed in line with current guidelines at a height where it cannot be hit by a vehicle.
• Our installers are not able to enter loft spaces; lift floorboards or flooring; take apart any furniture of work above a height of 2m. If you anticipate that any of this may be required, then please contact us and we can discuss in more detail and provide you with a quotation.
• Should there be extreme weather conditions our installers may not be able to continue with you installation if it is not safe to do so (for example flooding). They will always do their best to complete the work where they can.

If you have any questions then please contact our customer service team who will be happy to help. Please also read our terms and conditions.