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Last updated April 5, 2024 by Darren Cassey

Best affordable and budget electric cars and deals of 2024

Electric cars are becoming more and more popular, but there's still a way to go before they become affordable options for many people. That's where some of the cheapest electric cars on sale can help you.

Inexpensive electric cars, in the early days, often suffered with tiny battery packs giving poor ranges, slow charging, and ugly styling making them frankly undesirable. That's still the case for some models, but there are many affordable electric cars on the market today which offer everything the best electric cars can, in a cheaper package. The best cheap EVs have space for a family and their clobber, enough range to last the average driver a week between charges and are fantastic to drive. You'll find 15 of them below.

Note, however, that this isn't a list of the very cheapest EVs, but the best cheap electric cars on sale today, as tested by Carwow's expert car reviewers. They are also the EVs that offer the best value. Further down the page you can see the absolute cheapest models, if purchase price is truly your only consideration.

Volvo EX30

1. Volvo EX30

9/10
Volvo EX30 review
Battery range up to 295 miles

What's good

  • Really comfortable
  • Great assistance tech
  • Good value for money

What’s not so good

  • Small boot
  • Tight rear seats
  • All cabin controls run through the touchscreen
It's unusual to see a Volvo of all things on a 'cheap' list, but the EX30 is the exception to the rest of the brand's range of premium SUVs. Though it's still undercut by offerings from MG, the EX30 offers frankly astounding value for its size, range and performance - it's so good that it was our overall Carwow Car of the Year for 2024. A starting price of less than £30,000 gets you a range of more than 250 miles, with performance that won't leave you wishing you'd spent more. Or, for a price still less than some base-model EVs, you can get a version with two motors that has supercar-rivalling acceleration. A lengthy test drive should be undertaken to make sure you get on with the all-touchscreen interior, but if you do the EX30 is a fantastic, affordable electric car.

What's good

  • Really comfortable
  • Great assistance tech
  • Good value for money

What’s not so good

  • Small boot
  • Tight rear seats
  • All cabin controls run through the touchscreen
MG MG4 EV

2. MG4 EV

9/10
MG MG4 EV review
Battery range up to 329 miles

What's good

  • Impressive value for money
  • Looks fantastic
  • Genuine fun to drive

What’s not so good

  • Fiddly infotainment system
  • Poor rear visibility
  • Lets in a fair bit of road noise
The MG4 is one of the least expensive EVs on sale now. Just because it’s a bargain, though, it doesn’t mean that it lacks quality: it was our Carwow Car of the Year in 2023. Sharp exterior design and a decent-quality cabin are good early indications, then you start to notice – and be impressed by – all the equipment that’s fitted as standard. The infotainment system isn’t the best, and you’ll have to turn the volume up to drown out some road noise at high speeds, but a range of up to 323 miles cements its place as one of the best value EV on the market.

What's good

  • Impressive value for money
  • Looks fantastic
  • Genuine fun to drive

What’s not so good

  • Fiddly infotainment system
  • Poor rear visibility
  • Lets in a fair bit of road noise
BYD Dolphin

3. BYD Dolphin

8/10
BYD Dolphin review
Battery range up to 265 miles

What's good

  • Excellent levels of standard equipment
  • Good space for four adult passengers
  • Very competitively priced

What’s not so good

  • Interior quality is a bit mixed
  • Bigger battery only available on higher trim levels
  • Thick pillars don’t help visibility
You may not have heard of BYD before, but it's a big company with big aspirations for Europe. Already in its native China it sells more cars than Tesla, and it's hoping a three-strong range of EVs can repeat that in the UK.
The Dolphin is BYD's budget option, taking the form of a fully electric hatchback. The entry-level variant is one of the cheapest EVs on sale in the UK, but has a small battery and a low-performance motor. Opt for the Comfort model, however, and you'll get good performance and up to 265 miles of range.

What's good

  • Excellent levels of standard equipment
  • Good space for four adult passengers
  • Very competitively priced

What’s not so good

  • Interior quality is a bit mixed
  • Bigger battery only available on higher trim levels
  • Thick pillars don’t help visibility
Peugeot e-208

4. Peugeot e-208

8/10
Peugeot e-208 review
Battery range up to 254 miles

What's good

  • Very efficient
  • Reasonably fast charging
  • Great interior

What’s not so good

  • Expensive for a small EV
  • Rear space is a bit tight
  • Modest performance
Further proof that you don't need to forgo style to get behind the wheel of a cheap electric car, the Peugeot e-208 is a brilliant small family car that looks great on the outside and has a cool, upmarket interior too. It's also pretty comfortable to drive, which helps make school runs and commuting less stressful. The range is respectable rather than impressive, so it's best-suited to people who do most of their driving around town, but that's one of only a few complaints.

What's good

  • Very efficient
  • Reasonably fast charging
  • Great interior

What’s not so good

  • Expensive for a small EV
  • Rear space is a bit tight
  • Modest performance

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Peugeot E-2008

5. Peugeot e-2008

7/10
Peugeot E-2008 review
Battery range up to 250 miles

What's good

  • Looks fantastic
  • Cool, high quality interior
  • Comfortable to drive

What’s not so good

  • Unintuitive infotainment
  • Limited rear seat space
  • Alternatives have more range
Just like the Peugeot e-208, the slightly larger e-2008 looks great inside and out, and it's good to drive too. The pair are pretty much identical under the skin, but where the e-2008 wins out is that it's a bit bigger and therefore more spacious. Not by much, but enough. The only reason the e-208 wins out in this list is because it's more affordable, but if you need the space it's not a huge leap to the e-2008.

What's good

  • Looks fantastic
  • Cool, high quality interior
  • Comfortable to drive

What’s not so good

  • Unintuitive infotainment
  • Limited rear seat space
  • Alternatives have more range
Nissan Leaf

6. Nissan Leaf

6/10
Nissan Leaf review
Battery range up to 239 miles

What's good

  • E+ models have a good range
  • Plenty of clever safety kit
  • Good boot space

What’s not so good

  • Sluggish infotainment system
  • Interior feels a bit cheap in places
  • Alternatives are roomier in the back
The Nissan Leaf is now something of a veteran of the EV market, but there are good reasons why it continues to be one of the best-selling cars of its type. The exterior design has been refreshed, so it continues to look smartly contemporary, and there’s a variety of trims with different equipment levels to suit different budgets. Now in its twilight years, Nissan has reduced the Leaf's model lineup to a single small battery capable of 168 miles on a charge. The likes of the MG4 and EX30 have better ranges across their variants, but the Leaf’s ace up the sleeve is its equipment, including the excellent ProPilot safety kit that comes as standard, and a bigger boot.

What's good

  • E+ models have a good range
  • Plenty of clever safety kit
  • Good boot space

What’s not so good

  • Sluggish infotainment system
  • Interior feels a bit cheap in places
  • Alternatives are roomier in the back
Hyundai Kona Electric

7. Hyundai Kona Electric

8/10
Hyundai Kona Electric review
Battery range up to 319 miles

What's good

  • Impressive range
  • Really spacious
  • Great to drive around town

What’s not so good

  • Not much fun on a twisty road
  • Assistance bings and bongs are annoying
  • Some cheap materials inside
As prices for the Kona Electric start north of £30K, it’s not the cheapest car on this list, but it is one of the most impressive. It does pretty much everything that an EV should and its all-round abilities go a long way to justifying that price tag. For a start, it has a potential range of 300 miles and it’s also a recipient of Hyundai’s recent engineering progress, making it fun to drive (better than a combustion-engined Kona, in fact). In the cabin, the Kona Electric also feels more premium than non-electric variants and the only real fault is the distinctly average 332-litre boot capacity.

What's good

  • Impressive range
  • Really spacious
  • Great to drive around town

What’s not so good

  • Not much fun on a twisty road
  • Assistance bings and bongs are annoying
  • Some cheap materials inside
Smart #1

8. Smart #1

8/10
Smart #1 review
Battery range up to 273 miles

What's good

  • Looks cool
  • Spacious interior
  • Excellent infotainment

What’s not so good

  • Small boot and ‘froot’
  • Not much fun on a twisty road
  • Juddery reversing camera
The Smart #1 is a brilliant value electric car, because it's incredibly spacious inside, so it feels like you're getting much more for your money. Sure, its small boot does put a dent in its practicality, but few alternatives at this price have such a roomy cabin. You also get an excellent infotainment system and a decent range of up to 273 miles, and there's a high-power Brabus version if you want to spend a bit more.

What's good

  • Looks cool
  • Spacious interior
  • Excellent infotainment

What’s not so good

  • Small boot and ‘froot’
  • Not much fun on a twisty road
  • Juddery reversing camera
Fiat 500e

9. Fiat 500 Electric

7/10
Fiat 500e review
Battery range up to 195 miles

What's good

  • Head-turning looks
  • Nippy performance in town
  • Cool and practical cabin up front...

What’s not so good

  • ...but the rear seats are cramped
  • Uncomfortable over bumps
  • The boot is small and not practical
Think city car and chances are that you’re seeing a Fiat 500 in your mind’s eye. Now there’s an electric version that makes the Cinquecento an even better car for young – and young-at-heart – urbanites. It retains the cute retro styling that we associate with the 500, but with a cool, ultra-modern upgrade: a convertible version is even cooler, especially for spring and summer motoring. The desirable design continues inside, with good-quality materials adding to its appeal. It’s also nippy around town, thanks to its electric powertrain, but a range of 199 miles means it's not one for long distance drivers.

What's good

  • Head-turning looks
  • Nippy performance in town
  • Cool and practical cabin up front...

What’s not so good

  • ...but the rear seats are cramped
  • Uncomfortable over bumps
  • The boot is small and not practical
Mazda MX-30

10. Mazda MX-30

7/10
Mazda MX-30 review
Battery range up to 124 miles

What's good

  • One of the most fun-to-drive EVs
  • Boot space is OK for this size of car
  • Some nice nods to sustainability inside

What’s not so good

  • Poor range figure
  • Rear access is a bit tricky
  • It's not the fastest accelerating EV
The Mazda MX-30 could fairly be described as quirky, with its SUV-coupe styling, rear-hinged back doors and a neat cabin that eschews leather for a vegan alternative (the gear selector also has a cork trim). It is one of the most engaging EVs to drive, especially on rural roads, but the 124-mile range is somewhat dire and it’s not the most practical of cars, with the rear doors making it awkward to get in the back seats.

What's good

  • One of the most fun-to-drive EVs
  • Boot space is OK for this size of car
  • Some nice nods to sustainability inside

What’s not so good

  • Poor range figure
  • Rear access is a bit tricky
  • It's not the fastest accelerating EV
Citroen e-C4

11. Citroen e-C4

7/10
Citroen e-C4 review
Battery range up to 260 miles

What's good

  • Distinctive looks
  • 100kW charging is standard
  • Same space inside as regular C4

What’s not so good

  • Modest real-world range
  • Not that affordable
  • Lots of body roll in the bends
We’re seeing something of a design revolution with EVs, as futuristic styling reflects the technological nature of the cars. This is certainly true of the Citroen e-C4’s unique looks, with its SUV-coupe shape and bold graphic details at the front. The cabin is a little more conventional, but just as stylish, with decent-quality materials. However, there’s not a great deal of innovative technology and the infotainment system isn’t the most intuitive to use. A 217-mile range is respectable, without being impressive, but standard 100kW charging means the battery can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes.

What's good

  • Distinctive looks
  • 100kW charging is standard
  • Same space inside as regular C4

What’s not so good

  • Modest real-world range
  • Not that affordable
  • Lots of body roll in the bends
MG ZS EV

12. MG ZS EV

7/10
MG ZS EV review
Battery range up to 273 miles

What's good

  • Light, accurate steering
  • Pretty practical
  • Improved infotainment

What’s not so good

  • Interior finish not great
  • Limited adjustment for driver's seat and wheel
  • Rear headroom poor
If you’re in the market for an inexpensive electric SUV, you might well be tempted by the MG ZS EV. It’s the most affordable all-electric SUV that you can currently buy in the UK and its low price isn’t all that it has going for it. A roomy cabin and decent levels of equipment add to the appeal, while a range of up to 273 miles is equally impressive for the price. The budget cost is reflected in an interior that isn’t exactly top quality, while the infotainment system is on the fiddly side. Those caveats aside, the MG ZS EV is definitely a value proposition.

What's good

  • Light, accurate steering
  • Pretty practical
  • Improved infotainment

What’s not so good

  • Interior finish not great
  • Limited adjustment for driver's seat and wheel
  • Rear headroom poor
GWM Ora Ora 03

13. ORA 03

6/10
GWM Ora Ora 03 review
Battery range up to 261 miles

What's good

  • Huge equipment list
  • High-quality, spacious cabin
  • Lots of driver assistance tech

What’s not so good

  • Small boot
  • Alternatives have more range
  • Disappointing to drive
One of the coming wave of Chinese EVs to be launched in the UK, '03' is the new, less brilliant name for the Funky Cat. It looks a little Beetle-like but is actually more of a compact SUV, making the cabin surprisingly spacious, as well as being filled with quality materials and lots of technology, from the infotainment system to the driver-assistance package. The range, at under 200 miles, is a little disappointing and road noise can intrude into the cabin at higher speeds, but there’s a lot to commend the 03 for.

What's good

  • Huge equipment list
  • High-quality, spacious cabin
  • Lots of driver assistance tech

What’s not so good

  • Small boot
  • Alternatives have more range
  • Disappointing to drive
Vauxhall Corsa Electric (2019-2023)

14. Vauxhall Corsa Electric

6/10
Vauxhall Corsa Electric (2019-2023) review
Battery range up to 222 miles

What's good

  • Up-to-222-mile range
  • Generous amount of kit
  • Smart design

What’s not so good

  • Similar Peugeot e-208 is more striking
  • Space in the back isn’t great
  • Interior could look more exciting
With so much platform sharing and badge engineering in the modern automotive scene, it’s no surprise to find two cars on this list with identical underpinnings. The Vauxhall Corsa Electric is essentially the Peugeot e-208 with a different body design, but the two cars diverge in a few other areas – not least of which is cost, with the Corsa being the more expensive model. Admittedly, you do get a little more kit in the Corsa, but the interior lacks the flair of its French cousin and rear space is limited. The upside is that the Corsa is one of the best EVs to drive at motorway speeds, feeling quieter and more comfortable.

What's good

  • Up-to-222-mile range
  • Generous amount of kit
  • Smart design

What’s not so good

  • Similar Peugeot e-208 is more striking
  • Space in the back isn’t great
  • Interior could look more exciting
Kia Soul EV

15. Kia Soul EV

6/10
Kia Soul EV review
Battery range up to 280 miles

What's good

  • Quirky styling will turn heads
  • Good visibility makes town driving relaxing
  • Decent rear space for two adults

What’s not so good

  • Boot space isn’t great
  • Interior is drab in places
  • Infernal beeping
In a sea of lookalike cars, the Kia Soul EV stands out from the crowd, thanks to its boxy shape, high bonnet line and narrow LED headlights. The boxiness of the styling means that interior space is impressive, but the appeal is a tad undermined by drab black plastic on most of the surfaces and a surprisingly small boot. Better is the Soul EV’s range of up to 280 miles from a single charge and its ability to cruise comfortably at high speed, but light steering means it’s not the most consistent performer on country roads.

What's good

  • Quirky styling will turn heads
  • Good visibility makes town driving relaxing
  • Decent rear space for two adults

What’s not so good

  • Boot space isn’t great
  • Interior is drab in places
  • Infernal beeping

5 cheapest electric cars on sale

If you really just want to spend the absolute minimum sum of money on an electric car, here are five of the absolute cheapest on sale right now.

1. Citroen Ami

The Ami is technically a quadricycle rather than a car, with a range of 47 miles and a top speed of 28mph. It's fantastic fun to drive around a city, though.

2. BYD Dolphin

This price is for the entry-level Dolphin, which has a lower range and limited performance compared to the version we recommend. It's still practical and funky, though.

3. MG4 EV

Also hitting the podium on our list above, the MG4 EV is fantastic to drive, offers everything from a basic entry-level car to a ballistically fast four-wheel drive model, and has a seven-year warranty.

4. Fiat 500 Electric

The base model of the 500 Electric only has an official range of 118 miles, but that could be plenty if you primarily drive around the city.

5. Nissan Leaf

The Leaf's quite an old car now but it's very spacious and well-equipped, so if you want the biggest car for the least money it could be a good option.

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Advice about electric cars

Best value electric cars FAQs

Electric cars can offer real value for money, even if they’re not necessarily cheap to buy. If you want to know more, our FAQs should help you decide if now is the time to switch...

EVs are often more expensive than petrol or diesel cars, because of the costs of developing the technology for the battery packs, motors and all the other features of an electric vehicle. Manufacturers are doing their best to achieve price parity, though, and until then you should be able to offset the higher initial purchase price of an EV with lower running costs. For example, charging an electric car at home is cheaper than refuelling a petrol or diesel car. And, if you’re a company car user, an EV is extremely tax efficient, too.

The smallest EV on sale is the Citroen Ami, but it's very compromised and can't really replace a proper car. The smallest real EV we'd recommend is the Fiat 500 Electric, which is good-looking, fun to drive and surprisingly practical for a city car.

EVs are relatively new and in high demand, which means that used prices are strong and there are no really cheap examples to be found. You can pick up an early example of the Renault Zoe or Nissan Leaf, but they still aren’t as cheap as combustion-engined cars of a similar age.

If you want a newer model, all Kia and MG cars come with a seven-year transferable warranty, so they have a lot of appeal on the used market.

The answer to this question starts with two letters: MG. The MG4 is our top pick, with its generous space, smart styling and excellent battery range. However, if you want an SUV, the MG ZS EV is the cheapest you can buy and if estates are your thing, the MG5 offers fantastic value.

Leasing a car is a great way to get into a brand new EV at an affordable monthly cost, with the added bonus that a warranty and tax are included in the fee. It tends to be more affordable than other finance methods and after the lease expires, you just hand the keys back (and, if you want, take a lease out for another new car).

There are lots of cars that can be leased for a relatively inexpensive monthly fee, but it’s worth bearing in mind that your monthly payment is usually dictated by the initial payment and length of contract. Check out the latest electric car leasing deals on Carwow.

As car companies ramp up production to meet the increasing demand for electric cars, economies of scale will start to cover research and development costs and prices will fall.

We’re starting to see this already, with the MG4 and other Chinese EVs showing that a practical and well-made car can be bought for not a huge amount of money. And as more smaller electric cars come on to the market, this will start to lower the cost of entry further.

The UK government did offer a plug-in car grant, which discounted zero-emission vehicles to encourage uptake, but it was axed in 2022. Certain vehicles – including some vans, taxis and motorcycles – can still qualify for a grant, but EVs are no longer eligible for any money off.

However, there are still some financial incentives to go electric, such as zero-rated vehicle excise duty and a 2% company car benefit-in-kind tax rate, until the 2024/2025 tax year (it will increase to 3% until 2027/2028). Installing a chargepoint can also be eligible for a £350 grant if you own or rent a flat, or for companies installing workplace chargers.

What we’re seeing so far is that EVs don’t depreciate in the same way that petrol and diesel cars do, with the current trend being for them to hold their value much better. A number of factors affect used prices, with one of the key reasons being the high demand for EVs, with long waiting lists for new cars pushing some buyers to the used market. The price premium over equivalent new petrol and diesel models is also resulting in many buyers turning to cheaper used EVs, although it's still early days in the used EV market.