Cheapest electric cars: UK's most affordable EVs

Version Ami | List price £7705

The cheapest electric car you can buy isn’t actually an electric car at all. You see, the Citroën Ami is officially classified as an electric quadricycle, meaning – providing they have a licence – a 16-year-old can legally drive one. 

Being an electric quad also means the Ami doesn’t exactly have the same performance credentials as other EVs. With a top speed that’s limited to 28mph, it quickly feels out of its depth outside the city. Its official range of just 46 miles is also significantly lower than any other model on this list.

Nevertheless, if you simply want a vehicle for inner-city commuting, the Ami still offers good enough low-speed acceleration for darting in and out of traffic and a tiny turning circle. The Ami’s steering is surprisingly precise, but you’ll encounter a fair amount of body lean around tight bends at speed. 

Inside, the Ami offers a considerable amount of space for two, but luggage space is minimal. As you might expect, the entry-level Citroën Ami hardly has a lavish equipment list, but LED headlights, a heating and cooling fan and a USB charging socket are standard.

Read our full Citroën Ami review

Version Expression | List price £14,995

Following in the footsteps of the Dacia Sandero – the new cheapest petrol car in the UK – the Dacia Spring is the lowest-price electric car. Two power options are available, with the cheaper 44bhp model taking a very sluggish 19.1sec to reach 62mph. The 64bhp Spring is slightly punchier, but the Citroën ë-C3 and Leapmotor T03 are quicker off the mark. Its official range of about 140 miles is also quite low.

The Spring isn’t exactly an engaging car to drive, with vague steering and body lean making B-road blasts less enjoyable. Soft suspension also means it struggles to stay as composed as the T03 does around town, although the Spring is comfortable (albeit noisy) at motorway speeds.

Although not as plush as that of the T03, the Spring’s interior looks modern and has lots of storage compartments. Front passengers have a reasonable amount of room, but adults sitting in the back will be short of head and leg room. The 308-litre boot is sizable, though. 

In entry-level Essential form, the Spring gets cruise control, air conditioning and rear parking sensors, with our recommended Extreme trim adding a 10.0in touchscreen and electric rear windows.

Read our full Dacia Spring review

Version T03 | List price £15,995

While the name Leapmotor might not mean much to you, its stablemates will. That’s because this Chinese company is partially owned by Stellantis, which also owns brands such as Citroën, Fiat and Vauxhall. All T03s use a 95bhp motor for a 0-62mph sprint time of 12.7sec – quicker than a Dacia Spring, but the Hyundai Inster and Renault 5 are faster still. An official range of 165 miles makes the T03 better suited for the city than long motorway trips.

Despite its low price, the T03 has a relatively supple ride at low speeds. Pick up the pace, however, and things tend to feel floaty. The T03’s light steering doesn’t help to build confidence when taking fast corners, either. 

Even so, the Leapmotor T03’s interior feels surprisingly plush and well-built. Even more surprising is the amount of space on offer, with enough head and leg room for two adults to sit comfortably in the back. There’s no rear middle seat, though, and the 210-litre boot is smaller than the Spring and Citroën ë-C3.

Since there are no trim levels or optional extras, all T03s come with rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, a 10.0in touchscreen and a panoramic glass roof. 

Read our full Leapmotor T03 review

Version 30kWh Active | List price £18,650

The BYD Dolphin Surf bridges the price gap between the ultra-affordable EVs – such as the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03 – and more conventional electric hatchbacks – including the Hyundai Inster and Renault 5. Two batteries are available, with the entry-level Active featuring a 30kWh (usable capacity) battery for an official range of 137 miles – less than the cheaper Spring and T03. Fortunately, more expensive models can officially cover 200 miles.

The Dolphin Surf is also available with two power options, with more expensive models capable of accelerating to 62mph in about eight seconds – quicker than the Citroën ë-C3 or R5. Even so, the Dolphin Surf isn’t the most engaging electric hatchback around corners and the R5 is better at staying composed over potholes.

Despite the low price tag, the Dolphin Surf has a solid interior and a decent amount of room for front and rear passengers alike, even if there’s only enough room for four. There’s also more luggage space in the boot than an R5.

In entry-level Active form, the BYD Dolphin Surf comes as standard with a rotating 10.1in touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and vegan leather seats.

Read our full BYD Dolphin Surf review

Version 30kWh PLUS | List price £20,355

What's especially surprising about the Citroën ë-C3 is that for its cheap-as-chips price tag, it doesn't feel especially cheap. Indeed, with an official range of up to 199 miles coming from its 43.7kWh battery, the small Citroën can travel further on a charge than the Dacia Spring.

Thanks to Citroën’s ‘Advanced Comfort Suspension’ system, the ë-C3 has a particularly supple ride at high-speed, although it isn’t so composed on undulating country roads because that soft suspension also causes a fair amount of body lean around bends. Like the BYD Dolphin Surf and Renault 5, the ë-C3’s brake pedal can feel somewhat grabby. It’s quieter than most rivals on the motorway, though.

While the interior of the ë-C3 isn't what you'd call plush, with plenty of hard plastics on display, it is spacious and thoughtfully designed. Indeed, a couple of taller passengers should be fine on the rear bench, and you can fit more into its boot than you can in some other electric cars. 

The entry-level Citroën ë-C3 PLUS features a 10.0in touchscreen, manual air conditioning and rear parking sensors.

Read our full Citroën ë-C3 review

Version 44kWh RED | List price £21,035

The Fiat Grande Panda is proof that you don’t need bags of cash to get bags of retro style. That’s because the Grande Panda’s boxy styling was heavily inspired by the 80s original. Every electric version comes with a 111bhp electric motor for reasonable performance and a 43.8kWh (usable capacity) battery. With an official range of 199 miles, the Grande Panda can go as far as a Citroën ë-C3 or entry-level Renault 5 between charges. There’s also a Grande Panda Hybrid for those not ready to switch to EV just yet.

Despite being closely-related to the ë-C3, the Granda Panda has considerably firmer suspension, which helps to make it feel more agile around town. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the steering, which feels rather spongy. The ride isn’t quite as polished as that of the R5, either.

Nevertheless, the Grande Panda offers a bright and modern interior that offers a surprisingly high driving position and just enough space for five. The 361-litre boot is more than that of the ë-C3, and there’s plenty of storage cubbies dotted throughout the interior.

The entry-level Grande Panda Electric RED comes as standard with a 10.25in touchscreen, manual air conditioning and 16in white steel wheels. 

Read our full Fiat Grande Panda Electric review

Version 40kWh Engage | List price £22,995

Revived for the electric age, the new Nissan Micra shares a lot in common with our reigning What Car? Car of the Year, the Renault 5. Like the R5, two motor options are available. Cheaper Micras get 121bhp for a 0-62mph sprint time of 9.0sec, whereas the range-topping Micra Evolve’s 148bhp motor manages 62mph in 7.8sec – less time than a Citroën ë-C3 or Fiat 500e, but a Mini Cooper Electric is faster still. There are also two battery options, with the larger 52kWh (usable capacity) pack officially managing up to 260 miles.

With either option fitted, the Micra’s ride is supple enough to soak up bumps while remaining composed around corners. Like the R5, there’s very little noise until you reach motorway speeds. However, unlike the Renault, the Micra has paddles behind the steering wheel to adjust regenerative braking levels.

The Micra’s interior is near-identical to that of the R5, spare a few pieces of trim. As a result, it feels modern and plusher than that of the ë-C3 or 500e. There’s lots of space for front occupants, but the BYD Dolphin Surf and Citroën ë-C3  have more room in the back. The Micra’s 326-litre boot isn’t class leading, but is enough for four carry-on cases.

The entry-level Micra Engage gets air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry and a heat pump (which helps to maintain range in low temperatures) as standard, whereas the mid-spec Advance trim adds a Google-based infotainment system and adaptive cruise control.

Read our full Nissan Micra review

Version 40kWh Evolution | List price £22,995

There’s a reason we named the Renault 5 our 2025 Car of the Year. In spite of its small size and low price tag, the R5 feels very grown up. Compared to the BYD Dolphin Surf and Citroën ë-C3, the R5’s ride is soft enough to smooth out bumps while remaining composed around corners – even if the Mini Cooper Electric is slightly more agile. The R5’s brakes are also smoother than most.

Like the closely-related Nissan Micra, two power options are available, with cheaper R5s using a 121bhp motor for reasonable performance and more expensive versions getting 148bhp for a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.8sec. There are also two battery options, with the larger 52kWh (usable capacity) version officially able to cover 253 miles – more than the Hyundai Inster or Mini Cooper Electric. 

In spite of the retro design outside, the R5’s interior is modern and uses plenty of plush materials. There’s a decent amount of space in the front, but adults sitting in the back will be short on leg room. The 326-litre boot is larger than that of the Fiat 500e or Mini Cooper Electric, but the ë-C3 has even more space.

The entry-level Renault 5 Evolution comes with a 10.1in touchscreen, air conditioning, keyless entry and a heat pump (for better cold weather range) as standard.

Read our full Renault 5 review

Version 42kWh 01 | List price £22,995

Despite its diminutive dimensions, even by small electric car standards, the Hyundai Inster impresses. Two batteries are available, with the majority of versions using a 46kWh (usable capacity) battery for a 229-mile official range – more than a Citroën ë-C3 or Dacia Spring can manage, but a top-spec Nissan Micra or Renault 5 can go further. There’s also a choice in motor options, with the larger 113bhp unit accelerating the Inster to 62mph in 10.6sec.

The Inster’s small size makes it perfect for squeezing into tight spaces in the city, but even if you pick up the pace, it remains very capable. In spite of the bump-absorbing suspension, the Inster remains composed around tight bends, which – along with precise steering – makes it great fun on country lanes. 

While the Fiat Grande Panda has a more vibrant interior, the Inster feels solid and offers a considerable amount of space for four adults (unlike the Citroën ë-C3 and R5, there’s no third rear seat). All models but the entry-level 01 have sliding and reclining rear seats, allowing for more rear leg room or more boot space. At up to 351 litres, the Inster’s boot is bigger than the BYD Dolphin and ë-C3, but the MG4 has even more space.

The entry-level Inster 01 comes with a heat pump (for maximising range in cold weather), climate control and a 10.25in touchscreen as standard.

Read our full Hyundai Inster review

Version 44kWh PLUS | List price £23,095

You don’t need a big budget to get behind the wheel of an electric SUV, as the Citroën ë-C3 Aircross proves. There’s a choice between two battery sizes, the larger of which offers an official range of 248 miles – about the same as a Renault 4, although the more expensive Kia EV3 goes further. Nevertheless, all versions get a 111bhp motor that gives the ë-C3 Aircross a rather sluggish 0-62mph sprint time of about 13 seconds.

Like the smaller Citroën ë-C3 hatchback, the ë-C3 Aircross has very soft suspension that soaks up potholes well, although results in a fair amount of body lean around corners. Numb steering also helps to reduce enjoyment on B-roads. Other than some wind noise at speed, the ë-C3 Aircross is at least quiet on the move, though.

The ë-C3 Aircross’ interior isn’t exactly plush but is attractive nonetheless. It also offers a good amount of front and rear passenger space and an impressive 460-litre boot. The only downside is, unlike the petrol-powered Citroën C3 Aircross, there’s no seven-seat option.

In its cheapest form, the ë-C3 Aircross has 17in alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Read our full Citroën ë-C3 Aircross review

Version 44kWh Design | List price £23,995

Closely related to the Citroën ë-C3 Aircross, all Frontera Electrics get a 111bhp electric motor, which gives it a reasonable – if not class-leading – 0-62mph sprint time of about 13 seconds. There’s a choice batteries, though, with the larger 53.5kWh pack giving the Frontera Electric an official range of 253 miles – more than any Ford Puma Gen-E and about the same as a Renault 4.

The Frontera Electric is relatively comfortable by small electric SUV standards, but this creates some body lean around bends. Vague steering and a brake pedal that can feel grabby also make the Frontera Electric less enjoyable to drive than rivals. It does offer a smooth delivery of power, though.

Inside, the Frontera Electric has a conventional appearance, but some of the trim used feels tacky. Even so, there’s a raised driving position for a commanding view of the road and plenty of head and leg room for five. At 460 litres, the Frontera has a larger boot than the R4, but the Puma Gen-E has even more space.

The Frontera Design comes as standard with 16in steel wheels, automatic windscreen wipers, LED headlights and wireless phone charging. 

Read our full Vauxhall Frontera Electric review

Version 48kWh PURE | List price £25,005

Despite dropping the unusual Funky Cat name, the GWM Ora 03 still offers a lot of personality. Every 03 comes with a 167bhp motor, which offers enough power to reach 62mph in 8.2sec – quicker than the Citroën ë-C3 and entry-level Renault 5, but the Mini Cooper Electric is faster still. You can choose between two battery sizes, which help the 03 officially cover as much as 261 miles between charges.

Even so, the 03 isn’t the most enjoyable electric car to drive. It’s unusually easy to cause the front wheels to spin when pulling away when it’s cold or wet. What’s more, body lean and overly-light steering means tight bends aren’t particularly enjoyable, either. As a result, the 03 is best suited for city and town driving, but even then the firm suspension creates a less comfortable ride than the ë-C3 or R5.

The 03’s interior is available in a range of vibrant colour schemes and uses some premium materials, but most buttons have been replaced with a clunky infotainment system. At least you get plenty of interior space, with more rear leg room than the R5. The 228-litre boot is still small by class standards, though.

The entry-level GWM Ora 03 Pure is very well-equipped for the money, featuring adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera and wireless phone charging. You also get a five-year warranty, which is longer than average.

Read our full GWM Ora 03 review

Version 500e 24kWh | List price £25,035

What the Fiat 500e lacks in stature, it certainly makes up for in retro charm. In its cheapest form, the 500e is best suited for city driving, with its tiny 21.3kWh (usable capacity) battery only providing enough charge for an official range of 118 miles – less than the substantially cheaper Dacia Spring or Leapmotor T03. Fortunately, more expensive versions use a 37.3kWh pack that can officially manage 199 miles – about the same as a BYD Dolphin Surf or Citroën ë-C3.

The Fiat 500e offers enough power for motorway driving, but a rather choppy ride and a considerable amount of wind noise mean it's far better suited to city driving. There, the 500e’s tight turning circle and zippy low-speed acceleration make it very enjoyable to drive. It also has very light steering, which takes the strain out of three-point turns, but also reduces confidence around tight bends.

In contrast to the retro exterior, the 500e looks quite modern inside and feels well-built, if not as plush as a Peugeot e-208 or Renault 5. Front passengers will feel comfortable on long journeys, but adults sat in the back will quickly feel cramped. What’s more, the 185-litre boot is only enough for two carry-on suitcases.

In its cheapest form, the 500e is reasonably well-equipped, featuring 16in alloy wheels, air conditioning and keyless entry.

Read our full Fiat 500e review

Version E 40.7kWh Classic | List price £26,905

The Mini Cooper Electric proves that cheap EVs can also be great fun to drive. There’s a range of power options available, with the entry-level Cooper E reaching 62mph in a competitive 7.3sec. For even faster acceleration, there are also 215bhp and 255bhp motors, with the latter needing just 5.9sec to sprint from 0-62mph. Cheaper Cooper Electrics use a 36.6kWh (usable capacity) battery for a rather underwhelming 186-mile official range – less than a Fiat Grande Panda Electric or Renault 5 – but more expensive models can manage 250 miles.

While the Cooper Electric feels noticeably heavier than the petrol-powered Mini Cooper, it remains surprisingly agile and composed around corners. This is partially due to a particularly firm suspension setup that doesn’t soak up bumps as well as an R5, but limits body lean. What’s more, the Cooper Electric’s brakes feel a lot more consistent than rivals, including the Peugeot e-208.

The Mini Cooper Electric’s interior is distinctive and makes use of plush materials, including a knitted fabric-clad dashboard. Front occupants get plenty of room to stretch out, but tight leg room and no rear doors mean taller passengers will struggle in the back. The 210-litre boot is also smaller than the Citroën ë-C3 and Hyundai Inster.

As standard, the entry-level Mini Cooper Electric E Classic features a circular touchscreen, 16in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and automatic windscreen wipers.

Read our full Mini Cooper Electric review

Version 52kWh Evolution | List price £26,995

Much like the smaller Renault 5, the Renault 4 takes inspiration from the original R4 of the 1960s. However, while that was a rustic family hatchback, the new R4 is a stylish small SUV. Every R4 uses a 148bhp motor for a 0-62mph time of about eight seconds – slightly slower than the Ford Puma Gen-E or Kia EV3 but quicker than a Peugeot e-2008. A 52kWh (usable capacity) battery is enough for an official range of 250 miles.

While there’s some fidget at lower speeds, the R4 has a smoother ride than the BYD Atto 2 and Puma Gen-E. Nevertheless, there’s also very little body lean around corners, which alongside a good amount of grip and direct steering, help make the R4 an enjoyable car for B-road blasts.

Much like the R5, the Renault 4’s interior feels plush and well-built. There’s a good amount of leg room for front and rear passengers, although head room is slightly limited in the back. Narrow door openings also make it more difficult for rear passengers to get in and out. Fortunately, there’s little that’s limited about the 375-litre boot, which is larger than that of the Jeep Avenger Electric and Volvo EX30.

The cheapest Renault 4 Evolution comes with rear parking sensors, climate control, keyless entry and a heat pump to maintain range in cold weather.

Read our full Renault 4 review

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