Top 10 cheapest electric cars

Cost-effective EVs are rare but growing in number. Here are the 10 cheapest on sale in the UK today

As we accelerate towards the 2030 ban on new, pure-petrol and -diesel cars, the focus on EVs becomes sharper than ever.

For the past decade, the main criticism of these battery-powered cars has been their range, with very few offering the sort of stamina that would make them a true replacement for a combustion-engined counterpart.

However, as the charging infrastructure has improved and customer expectations have shifted, the big EV talking point is now affordability. There are plenty of models to choose from, but the cost of the components and the rapid evolution of technology means that many of these are on the expensive side.

For instance, the Vauxhall Corsa has long been a blue-collar hero, thanks to its low cost, competent dynamics and decent practicality, but the cheapest electric version costs a whopping £32,445. That’s £12,820 more than an entry-level petrol Corsa.

Vauxhall isn’t the only culprit, though, as many manufacturers have spied an opportunity to target well-heeled early adopters who are happy to pay a premium (and a large slice of profit to the carmaker) to have the latest all-singing, all-dancing digitally dense EV on their drive. Yet if EVs are to become commonplace, there need to be some options that aren’t going to break the bank.

Happily, while these more cost-effective EVs are rare, they're growing in number – with one brand in particular keen to give customers the electric experience for less. So here’s our rundown on the 10 most affordable EVs currently on sale in the UK.

*Cheapest electric cars on sale in the UK*

*10. Mazda MX-30 (£31,250)*

Where Western manufacturers, zig, Mazda zags. The Japanese firm famed for the rotary engine now makes a point of its first-ever electric car having a relatively short 124-mile range – enough for the average commute, in its estimation.

The quirkiness continues inside the MX-30, where it feels surprisingly upmarket for a car priced at the lower end of the EV spectrum. 

A new variant with petrol-powered rotary range extender is soon to hit UK shores, bringing a shorter 53-mile range, but also the ability to quickly fill up with petrol and make good progress on longer journeys.

*9. MG 5 (£30,995)*

Under Chinese ownership, MG has quickly established itself as a key player in the electric car market by virtue of affordability. The MG 5 isn’t a one-trick pony, though, as it’s also the only electric estate car on sale (for now). Pay £30,995 for an entry-level SE Long Range model and you get a practical, well-equipped EV officially capable of driving 250 miles between charges.

*8. MG ZS EV (£30,495)*

If you’re in the market for a trendy electric crossover that won’t break the bank, the ZS EV is the car for you. The entry-level SE model gets a 198-mile range, limiting its appeal against more expensive versions with a bigger battery, but you still get lots of technology for the money.

*7. Renault Zoe (£29,995)*

The Zoe’s been around for more than a decade now, but don’t mistake that to mean it’s past its glory days. Despite being one of the cheapest EVs available, it delivers a competitive 239-mile official range in entry Techno R135 specification, as well as decent performance and surprising agility.

It is worth noting, however, that the Zoe is one of a handful of cars to have received a zero-star safety score by Euro NCAP. Crash testers criticised its new seat-mounted side airbags that protect just the occupant's thorax, rather than the head and thorax as it did previously. *6. Nissan Leaf (£28,495)*

The original Nissan Leaf was a trailblazer for mainstream electric cars. Although the second-generation car isn’t quite as revolutionary, it does have an important role to play as one of the UK’s cheapest full-size EVs. 

The entry-level Shiro car features a 39kWh battery that officially yields 168 miles of range –  shorter than similarly-priced rivals, and a product of the Leaf’s age. Another age-related oddity is the Leaf’s use of the now-uncommon Chademo charging connector; you’ll probably want to buy a Type 2 adapter if you choose the Japanese hatchback.

*5. Fiat 500 (£28,195)*

If any manufacturer has the city car formula nailed, it’s Fiat. The latest version of the iconic 500 oozes desirability inside and out; and its combination of a tight turning circle and diminutive sizing make it a cinch to drive around town.

Even better, it doesn’t feel terribly out of depth once you hit the open road, although the entry-level car’s 118-mile range does significantly limit the 500’s usefulness.

*4. MG 4 (£26,995)*

The value champion for the better part of the past year has now been undercut by its compatriot, the BYD Dolphin, but the MG 4 is still well worth considering. It’s genuinely good fun to drive thanks to its rear-wheel-drive set-up and compliant suspension. Moreover, the 218-mile official range of the entry-level SE car puts it on a par with more costly alternatives.

If you’re looking for an EV with a bit more punch, why not consider the XPower model? It’s significantly more expensive at £36,495, but its dual motors output a whopping 429bhp, allowing it to out-accelerate many supercars.

*3. BYD Dolphin (£25,490)*

You might not have heard of BYD, but it’s making a splash upon its UK market entry. Its first model, the Atto 3, might not have impressed at £37,695, but the follow-up – the smaller Dolphin – might just be an easier pill to swallow, as the cheapest full-size electric hatchback currently available.

You do have to accept some concessions when buying an entry-level Active car, though: its suspension set-up uses unsophisticated trailing arms, and its 94bhp motor feels notably short of oomph. It’s yet to be seen whether those are acceptable compromises for the majority of UK buyers – watch this space.

*2. Smart EQ Fortwo (£22,225) *

Yes, the Smart EQ Fortwo is still on sale. The recently launched Geely-engineered Smart #1 has been grabbing all the headlines, but the brand’s tiny two-seater is still available for those who want a small city car with a few creature comforts.

There’s no denying it still looks funky, but its 81-mile range and 81bhp motor limit it to the most brief of out-of-town adventures. 

*1. Citroën Ami (£7695)*

The cheapest car on this list technically isn’t a car, but a quadricycle. Designed to be cheap, effective transport for packed cities, the Ami’s 8bhp motor, 28bhp top speed and 45-mile range mean it's hopelessly out of its depth on the open road.

That said, its tight turning circle and dinky dimensions make it a doddle to drive around town, and the presence of a roof – something you don’t get on a motorcycle – keeps you warm and dry when the heavens open