Dreaming Electric Cars on a Budget? Check Out These UK Options

15th Feb 2025

For loads of people thinking about switching from petrol to electric, price is the biggest thing on their mind. If that sounds like you, then this list of the most affordable electric cars in the UK is one you might want to check out.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have a bit of a reputation for being pricey. And yeah, sometimes that’s true. But things are changing. More brands are rolling out budget-friendly options, and, over time, the cost is dropping.

Now, you don’t have to spend a fortune to own an EV. Manufacturers like Dacia, Citroën, Renault, and MG are all throwing their hats in the ring with models that won’t drain your bank account.

A few years back, some electric cars dipped under the £30,000 mark, which—let’s be real—is still a fair bit of cash. These days, though, you can get your hands on one for under £25,000. Heck, some even slide in below £20,000.

The absolute cheapest electric 'car' you can buy right now in the UK? That’d be the Citroën Ami at £7,695. Although, calling it a car is a stretch—it’s more of a quadricycle. If you’re after a full-sized, proper car, the Dacia Spring takes the crown at £16,995.

But hold up! Don’t just grab the cheapest one and call it a day. EVs aren’t all made the same. The biggest downside in the past was their range. A lot of them just didn’t have the mileage to replace a traditional petrol or diesel car.

That said, charging stations are popping up everywhere, and battery tech is getting better. Now, even budget models can go far enough on a charge to be worth considering.

So, here’s the rundown of the cheapest EVs you can buy in the UK right now:

1. Citroën Ami

Price: £7,695
Best for: City drivers

This thing is not really a car—it’s a quadricycle. Built for city life, the Ami has an 8bhp motor, tops out at 28mph, and can go about 45 miles before needing a charge. On the highway? Forget it. But weaving through tight streets is a breeze. Plus, it’s got a roof, so no getting soaked when the rain kicks in.

2. Dacia Spring

Price: £16,995
Best for: Anyone who wants a real car, not a quadricycle

This one’s the cheapest proper EV in the UK. It’s almost the cheapest car in general, but the Dacia Sandero and Citroën C3 beat it by a hair. It’s had some updates inside and out, and with its 26.8kWh battery, it can go about 137 miles per charge. Not bad for the price.

3. Leapmotor T03

Price: £15,995
Best for: Cheap car, decent range

Leapmotor? Never heard of it? No surprise. It’s a Chinese brand, but here in the UK, it’s backed by Stellantis, meaning you can check one out in their dealerships. There’s only one motor choice (94bhp), but you get fun extras like a digital dashboard and a 10in touchscreen with sat-nav. No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, though.

4. Micro Microlino

Price: £17,990
Best for: Looking cool

It’s got bubble car vibes, right down to the front door swinging open. Inside? A bench seat for two. Speed? Not much, but it can hit 30mph in around five seconds. The base version has a 10.5kWh battery and a 110-mile range. Need less range? There’s a Lite version with 58 miles, which sneaks it into the quadricycle class.

5. Fiat Grande Panda

Price: £20,975
Best for: Practicality

Bigger than the classic Panda, the Grande Panda is mechanically similar to the Citroën ë-C3 but slightly cheaper. A 44kWh battery gives it a 199-mile range, and it can charge up to 100kW. Inside, you get a 10.25in touchscreen, cruise control, and rear parking sensors.

6. Citroën ë-C3

Price: £21,990
Best for: Comfort

Another Citroën on the list. This one packs a 199-mile range, fast charges from 20-80% in just 26 minutes, and comes with comfort seats and smartphone connectivity. Later, a cheaper version (£17,250) is set to launch in Europe, but it’s unclear if it’ll reach the UK.

7. Renault 5

Price: £22,995
Best for: Style & comfort

When Renault claimed it’d get the 5 priced under £23k, people had doubts. Can’t blame ‘em, right? Car companies say a lot of things. But—surprise, surprise—Renault actually pulled it off.

Now, at £22,995, the Renault 5 sits among the most affordable EVs in the UK. Not much pricier than a hybrid Clio, which goes for £1,600 less.

That base model comes with a 118bhp electric motor, plus a 40kWh battery—good for 190 miles. Want to go further? That’ll push you close to £30k, still undercutting the Mini Cooper E.

8. Vauxhall Corsa Electric

Price: £26,170
Best for: Dealer network support

The cheapest trim is called the #Yes (seriously). It’s got a 50kWh battery, a 221-mile range, and a 134bhp motor. Features include 16in alloy wheels, LED headlights, climate control, and wireless smartphone mirroring.

9. Fiat 500e

Price: £24,995
Best for: Classic city car lovers

The 500e keeps everything people love about the Fiat 500 but makes it electric. Tiny, nimble, and ideal for city life, it’s got a 118-mile range with the base 24kWh battery. Need more range? The 42kWh version gives you 199 miles but costs an extra £3000.

10. BYD Dolphin

Price: £26,195
Best for: Longest range on a budget

BYD might not be a household name yet, but it’s breaking into the UK car market. The Dolphin is the cheapest full-sized electric hatchback around. The base trim has a 94bhp motor and a simple suspension setup, so performance might not blow anyone away. Still, it's got a solid range for the price.

So, there you go—the most budget-friendly EVs in the UK right now. Some are better suited for city driving, others for longer trips, but all of them will save you from petrol station visits. If you want more details, check out our deep dive into the best cheap electric cars. Happy hunting!

Source and Images: AutoCar UK