Switching to an EV doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. With the arrival of the cheapest electric cars in the UK, the scenario has completely changed. You can now own a decent, long-range yet cheapest electric car in the UK.
Here’s a list of the 10 best affordable EVs for 2025. Whether you need a small city car or an SUV, you’ll find your pick!
Price: £7,695
Top Range: 46 miles
Citroën Ami is tiny, quirky, and more of a quadricycle than a traditional car. However, it is the cheapest electric car on the market today. Perfect for city commuting and short trips, it offers an affordable way to go electric without breaking the bank.
Driving Ami feels more like using a high-tech scooter with a roof. It has a top speed of just 28 mph and a range of 46 miles, which means it is strictly for short urban trips. But the best part is that you don’t even need a full driving licence to get behind the wheel.
At just £7,695, nothing else comes close. Yes, it’s a basic electric car with no air conditioning or high-tech features, but it is the only option in this price range.
On the bright side, its running costs are incredibly low. Charging the Ami costs just a few pounds, and maintenance is negligible. So, Citroen Ami offers you the cheapest and simplest way to join the EV revolution.
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Price: £14,995
Top Range: 140 miles
Next up, we have Dacia Spring which is a proper electric car. It is the most affordable five-door EV in the UK, offering practicality, efficiency, and value. Unlike Citroën Ami, this is not a quadricycle, so you get more space, proper doors, and a higher top speed.
Although Spring is built for city driving, it’s surprisingly capable on longer trips too. It has a 140-mile range, which is enough for daily commutes. The interior is simple but functional, with a touchscreen and smartphone connectivity.
Sure, it’s not the quickest car, and the cabin feels basic, but if you need an affordable, practical, and efficient electric car, Dacia Spring is an unbeatable choice.
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Price: £15,995
Top Range: 170 miles
Leapmotor T03 is a newcomer to the UK market. This latest Chinese EV is a compact, tech-packed city car that offers great value for money. So, if you want something modern, efficient, and affordable, T03 is worth a look.
Leapmotor T03 has an impressive 170-mile range which is better than the Dacia Spring. With this impressive range and quick charging time, you’d spend little time offroad.
If we talk about its interior, it feels more premium than you’d expect for the price. It comes with a large touchscreen, digital driver’s display, and a sleek design.
If you compare the technology and range, then T03 is cheaper than most European rivals. The only question is reliability since Leapmotor is still new to the UK. So, the long-term ownership is a bit of an unknown.
But if you’re willing to take a chance on a new brand, T03 has the potential to be a game-changer in the affordable EV market.
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Price: £20,975
Top Range: 170 miles
Fiat Grande Panda is another option if you are looking for a small, stylish car. It is compact, efficient, and packed, giving you a perfect city drive experience.
With its blended retro design, Fiat gives a boxy and rugged look but remains small and easy to manoeuvre. Its interior is simple yet more premium than some cheaper rivals. Overall, it is an extremely comfortable car a decent infotainment system.
With an estimated 200-mile range, Grande Panda can take on longer trips. It’s pricier than the Dacia Spring, but you’re paying for better design, comfort, and practicality.
So, if you want an affordable EV with character and solid everyday usability, Grande Panda won’t disappoint.
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Price: £21,035
Top Range: 199 miles
Citroen s-C3 is another great option for you in the affordable EV segment. It is an electric hatchback that’s affordable but doesn’t feel cheap. C3 provides comfort, practicality, and a decent range.
One of its biggest strengths lie in its smooth and comfortable city drives. The interior is simple but well-designed, with a good amount of space for passengers and luggage. You won’t get this high-end luxury in the given price.
Citroen e-C3 can travel 199 miles on a single charge which makes it more versatile for daily use. Therefore, if you want an affordable EV that still feels like a proper car, e-C3 is a smart buy.
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Price: £22,240
Top Range: 250 miles
Nobody does affordable cars better than Renault. This time Renault is back with 5e, a fully electric car with an affordable price tag. It’s stylish, compact, and fun to drive. If you love retro looks with modern tech, this one’s for you. Renault has taken the classic charm of the old R5 and packed it with everything you need in a city-friendly EV.
Also, you should keep in mind that with this price Renault 5e has an impressive range of 250 miles. That is way more than some cheaper rivals, meaning you won’t have to charge as often. Also, it supports fast charging. You can go from 20% to 80% in around 30 minutes.
Renault 5e has a modern but playful interior, with a digital display, touchscreen, and comfy seats. It’s small, but there’s enough space for everyday use.
This would be our top pick among the cheapest electric cars. However, Renault is improving and becoming a more reliable car in the UK.
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Price: £22, 330
Top Range: 200 miles
If you are looking for an affordable electric SUV, then you should consider Vauxhall Frontera. It’s spacious, practical, and packed with modern tech. Vauxhall Frontera is considerably bigger than small city cars.
Unlike compact EVs, Frontera gives you room for passengers and luggage, making it a solid choice for families. Its range is 200 miles which is decent for daily commuting and short weekend trips. Also, it has fast charging options that will get you back on the road in no time.
Vauxhall Frontera is cheaper than most electric SUVs such as Hyundai Kona or Peugeot e-2008. At the price tag of £22,330, you cannot find another electric SUV on the UK market.
With Frontera, you get a practical, no-nonsense EV with a trusted brand name.
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Price: £22,715
Top Range: 220 miles
Number 8 on our list is Hyundai Inster. It is a compact electric city car with a futuristic design and plenty of tech. It is a small, stylish, and efficient electric vehicle, and built for urban driving.
If we talk about its top range, it is up to 220 miles on a single charge. That’s better than many small EVs in this price range. Similarly, the fast charging option makes things even more easier. You can charge Inster up to 80% in less than 30 minutes and keep your car running on those longer trips.
Additionally, Hyundai Inter has a modern and premium interior. It comes with a digital dashboard, a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and clever storage spaces. Even though it’s compact, Hyundai has made sure it’s practical and comfortable.
Inster stands out with quality, features, and Hyundai’s solid reputation. So, if you want a well-equipped, efficient, and stylish small EV, Inster can be a decent choice.
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Price: £26,140
Top Range: 265 miles
The second last car on our list is the Chinese-built BYD Dolphin. If you have not heard about BYD until now you’re not aware of the EV revolution that’s in full swing in China. With BYD at the forefront of this EV revolution, the company is producing some of the best value electric cars in the world.
BYD Dolphin is no different. It is a stylish and well-equipped EV that comes with a decent price tag. But then you take a look at its features and you realise the value for money it provides.
With a range of up to 265 miles, Dolphin beats almost all its rival. This long range also means fewer stops to charge. And when you do need to stop, fast charging gets you from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. This is perfect for longer trips or busy schedules.
Inside, Dolphin offers a modern, spacious interior packed with tech. You get a big touchscreen, a digital driver display, and plenty of comfort features. It’s roomy enough for families but still compact enough to handle city driving with ease.
The features and range of BYD Dolphin is somewhat comparable to Tesla Model 3. However, when it comes to pricing there’s huge discrepancy. Where Dolphin costs £26,140, Tesla Model 3 comes at around £40,00.
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Price: £27,995
Top Range: 124 miles
Last but not the least is Mazda MX-30. It is an electric SUV with a stylish design and a premium feel. If you care about quality, comfort, and unique looks, this might be the EV for you. It stands out from the crowd with sleek coupe-like styling and cool ‘freestyle’ rear-hinged doors.
However, the range is its biggest drawback. With only 124 miles per charge, it’s much lower than rivals. This makes it better suited for city driving rather than long road trips.
Other than that, MX-30 feels upmarket and well-built, with eco-friendly materials and a minimalist design. Though, it’s comfortable, the rear space is a bit tight, especially with those unique doors.
The drive itself is smooth and enjoyable, as you’d expect from Mazda, but it’s not the most powerful or the fastest electric car in the UK.
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In this guide, we have listed 10 cheapest electric cars in the UK for you. Now the choice is yours to pick the best one as per your budget, needs, and preferences. This list has something for everyone’s needs and tastes.
But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a car. Think about your budget, driving needs, and must-have features before making a decision. No matter which EV you choose, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, more efficient way to drive.
For more tips on buying and selling cars, check out our blog.
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