Cheapest electric cars: the UK's 10 most affordable EVs ranked

Version Expression | List price £12,240 (includes guaranteed £3750 manufacturer grant) | Best Price £12,240 | PCP £150| APR 3.9%

Following in the footsteps of the Dacia Sandero small car and Dacia Duster SUV, the Dacia Spring is the cheapest electric car on sale. The sole power option available (at the time of writing) is the Electric 70, which comes with 70bhp to make for a 0-62mph time of 12.3sec. That's slightly quicker than the Leapmotor T03, but almost two seconds slower than the Citroen e-C3. Its official range of about 139 miles – squeezed out of a 24.3kWh (usable capacity) battery – is, however, quite low. In due course, a 99bhp version will be offered for even sprightlier performance. 

The Spring isn’t exactly an engaging car to drive, with vague steering and body lean making B-road drives 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.

Its interior isn't quite as plush as the T03, but it 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 sizeable, at least. 

In entry-level Expression form, the Spring gets cruise control, air conditioning and rear parking sensors, with the range-topping Extreme adding a 10.0in touchscreen and electric rear windows.

As for pricing, Dacia offers a £3750 manufacturer's discount, applicable across the Spring range. And despite its already low list price, various dealers are offering further discounts on new Dacia Springs; with a bit of searching, you could even land one for as low as £11,000. 

Read our full Dacia Spring review

Version T03 | List price £14,495 (includes guaranteed £1500 manufacturer grant) | Best Price £14,495 | PCP £169| APR 0%

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 thin tend to feel floaty. The light steering doesn’t help to build confidence when taking fast corners, either. Even so, the Leapmotor T03's interior feels surprisingly cosy and well-built. More surprising is the impressive amount of rear space on offer, although there's no rear middle seat 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. 

While Leapmotor is running a £1500 ‘Leap Grant’ manufacturer discount on the T03, a number of dealers are advertising even larger discounts. As a result, it’s possible to buy a T03 for just under £14,000 if you know where to look.

Read our full Leapmotor T03 review

Version Urban Range Plus | List price £18,495 (includes guaranteed £1500 government grant) | Best price £18,495 | PCP £189| APR 0%

What's especially surprising about the Citroën ë-C3 is that for its cheap-as-chips price tag, it doesn't feel especially cheap. Its electric range of just 130 miles from a 29.8kWh (usable) battery is disappointing, however. 

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. We think this version of the ë-C3 offers the best value for money, particularly if you take advantage of dealer discounts. Look in the right place, and you can find one for around £18,000.

Read our full Citroën ë-C3 review

Version 30kWh Active | List price £18,675 | Best Price £17,295 | PCP £216| APR 0%

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) battery for an official range of 137 miles – less than the cheaper Spring and T03. Fortunately, the more expensive models can cover between 190 and 200 miles.

The Dolphin Surf is also available with two power options, with the top-spec cars capable of accelerating to 62mph in about nine seconds – quicker than the Citroën ë-C3 or Renault 5. Even so, the Dolphin Surf isn’t the most dynamic 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 Renault 5.

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

What's more, a number of BYD dealers are promoting brand new Dolphin Surf Actives for around £15,000, with our favourite model in the range – the 43.2kWh Boost – available from less than £17,000 in some cases.

Read our full BYD Dolphin Surf review

Version Standard Range 01 | List price £20,005 (includes guaranteed £3750 manufacturer grant) | Best price £17,999 | PCP £233| APR 3.9%

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 42kWh (usable capacity) battery for a 203-mile official range – more than a Citroën ë-C3 Urban 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 115bhp 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 Renault 5, 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. We prefer the slightly better equipped Inster 02, which some dealers are promoting for less than £19,000.

Read our full Hyundai Inster review

Version 21.3kWh Icon | List price £20,995 | Best price £18,995 | PCP £226| APR 0%

What the Fiat 500e lacks in stature, it more than makes up for in retro charm. In its cheapest form, the 500e's tiny 21.3kWh (usable capacity) battery only provides 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 manage up to 193 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 enjoyable to drive. It also has really 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 most basic form, the 500e is reasonably well-equipped, featuring 16in alloy wheels, air conditioning and keyless entry. With dealer discounts, you can drive away in a new Fiat 500e for less than £19,000. Even so, we’d recommend splashing out on the bigger battery version, which you can get for as little as £24,000.

Read our full Fiat 500e review

Version 44kWh Pop | List price £20,995 | Best price £20,995 | PCP £227| APR 1.9%

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) 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 quite spongy. The ride isn’t quite as polished as that of the Renault 5, either.

Nevertheless, the Grande Panda offers a bright and modern interior that gets 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 Pop comes as standard with a 10.25in touchscreen, manual air conditioning and 16in white steel wheels. Opt for the La Prima, though, and you also get a wireless phone charger, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and 17in alloy wheels.

While the Fiat Grande Panda only recently went on sale in the UK, some dealers are already promoting entry-level models for less than £20,000 and the better equipped La Prima for less than £23,000.

Read our full Fiat Grande Panda Electric review

Version 40kWh Engage | List price £21,495 (includes guaranteed £1500 government grant) | Best price £21,495 | PCP £282| APR 5.25%

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 that car, 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) 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 Renault 5, there’s very little noise until you reach motorway speeds. However, the Micra has paddles behind the steering wheel to adjust regenerative braking levels, which the Renault 5 does not.

The Micra’s interior is near-identical to that of the Renault too, 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 has 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 Engage gets air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry and a heat pump as standard. We reckon this is plenty good enough, especially considering you can have one for around £21,000. 

Read our full Nissan Micra review

Version 40kWh Evolution | List price £21,495 (includes guaranteed £1500 government grant) | Best price £21,495 | PCP £298| APR 7.9%

There’s a reason we named the Renault 5 (R5) 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 R5 Evolution comes with a 10.1in touchscreen, air conditioning, keyless entry and a heat pump as standard. Despite being a popular choice among private EV buyers, it’s possible to buy a new R5 for less than £20,000. Our favourite version, the Comfort Range 52kWh Techno, is also being advertised for as little as £24,000.

Read our full Renault 5 review

Version 44kWh PLUS | List price £21,595 (includes guaranteed £1500 government grant) | Best price £20,493 | PCP £259| APR 5.9%

You don’t need a big budget to get behind the wheel of an electric SUV, as the quirky 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 113bhp 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, meanwhile, contributes to a little less enjoyment on B-roads. Other than some wind noise at speed, the ë-C3 Aircross is fairly hushed on the move. 

The ë-C3 Aircross’ interior isn’t exactly luxurious 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. With a bit of searching, you can buy an ë-C3 Aircross for less than £20,000, with some dealers offering the range-topping Max from as little as £22,000.

Read our full Citroën ë-C3 Aircross review