How to get Cheap Electric Cars in the UK

Explore the best cheap electric cars in the UK! Our guide highlights the top budget-friendly EVs.

Renault Zoe 

The Renault Zoe Electric is being discontinued from next year and may not be available to order. It is a compact and efficient electric vehicle, offering an economical entry into the world of electric cars for cheap in the UK.

It features a small 25.9 kWh usable battery, providing a reliable power source for city commutes and short trips. The Zoe Q210 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 13.5 seconds. With a modest top speed of 84 mph and suitable for urban and suburban driving conditions. The vehicle supports rapid charging at 110 miles per hour, enabling quick recharges. 

Priced from £14,495, or £309 per month, the Renault Zoe Q210 is among the most affordable electric vehicles available in the UK. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. For prices, buyers should consult local Renault dealerships or visit Renault’s official UK website. 

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin 44.9 kWh Active offers a blend of affordability, practicality, and eco-friendliness, making it a noteworthy contender in the UK’s electric car market.

With a 44.9 kWh usable battery, the Dolphin ensures a sizable energy reserve for longer drives. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (equivalent to 100 km/h) in 10.0 seconds. It has a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h).

Offering a range of up to 158 miles (255 km) on a full charge and an efficiency of 283 Wh/mi (176 Wh/km). It stands out for its balance of range and energy usage. The Dolphin charges at a rate of 161 miles per hour (260 km/h).

Listed at £26,000, the Dolphin is an affordable option. However, the best available UK price starts even lower, from £25,490, as noted by Auto Express and Motoring Research.

Fiat 500e

The Fiat 500e Hatchback 24 kWh, with its blend of compact design and electric efficiency. Equipped with a 21.3 kWh usable battery, the Fiat 500e is designed for efficient city driving. The term ‘usable’ highlights the actual energy capacity available for driving.

It goes from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.0 seconds, showcasing a zippy performance that’s ideal for city driving. The Fiat 500e reaches a maximum speed of 84 mph (135 km/h), suitable for urban environments and moderate-speed roadways.

It can travel up to 84 miles (135 km) on a full charge, catering well to daily commutes and short trips. With an energy consumption of 254 Wh/mi (158 Wh/km), the car is designed to maximize its range from the available battery capacity.

Charging at a rate of 143 miles per hour (230 km/h) means it is ideal for quick top-ups. The starting on-the-road price for the Fiat 500e is £28,195, which can rise to around £34,195 depending on the model chosen. Specific versions are priced as follows Fiat 500 Red from £29,435, Icon from £29,435 and La Prima from £31,435

A notable offer includes the Fiat e-Grant, which offers a £3,000 saving on the retail price of a Fiat 500e, applicable until the end of December.

MG MG4 Electric

The MG MG4 Electric with a 51 kWh battery emerges as a strong contender in the affordable electric vehicle market in the UK. 

It comes with a 50.8 kWh usable battery, providing a reliable energy source for extended journeys. The car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.7 seconds, offering brisk and responsive performance and a modest top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h).

The vehicle offers a range of up to 186 miles (300 km) on a full charge, catering to both urban and longer-distance travel. With an energy consumption of 272 Wh/mi. At a fast charging rate of 242 miles per hour (390 km/h), the MG4 ensures quick recharging times.

The MG4 EV with a 51 kWh battery is priced at £26,995 on the MGs website. Brindley Group indicate that the starting price for the all-new MG4 EV is £25,995, highlighting its affordability.

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf, known for pioneering the electric vehicle (EV) sector, continues to offer an appealing blend of performance, efficiency and affordability.

It comes equipped with a 39 kWh usable battery, it goes from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.9 seconds. Brisk acceleration, suitable for urban and highway driving. With a maximum speed of 89 mph (144 km/h), the Leaf is well-suited for various driving conditions.

The car offers a practical range of up to 146 miles (235 km), ideal for city driving and occasional longer trips. It boasts an energy consumption of 267 Wh/mi (166 Wh/km), reflecting its effective use of power. The Leaf’s fast charging rate of 143 miles per hour (230 km/h) ensures quick battery top-ups. This enhances its convenience for longer drives.

They state an RRP range of £28,495 to £31,995 for the Nissan Leaf, but with Carwow, average savings of £3,909 are possible, bringing cash prices to as low as £24,401. Monthly payments start at just £253. AutoTrader UK’s On-the-Road Prices range from £28,495 to around £36,445.

Mini Cooper E

The Mini Cooper E, with its electric powertrain, brings a classic icon into the modern era of electric vehicles. Offering a blend of style, performance and sustainability.

It features a 37 kWh usable battery, which denotes the actual amount of energy that can be effectively used for driving the vehicle. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.3 seconds, combining Mini’s signature agility with electric efficiency.  The top speed is 99 mph (160 km/h).

The car offers a range of up to 146 miles (235 km), ideal for urban driving and occasional longer journeys. With an energy consumption of 253 Wh/mi (157 Wh/km). The fast charging capability of 224 miles per hour (360 km/h) means quick battery replenishment, enhancing its appeal for active lifestyles.

The starting price is £30,000, as confirmed by the official Mini UK website. The Cooper Electric SE high-performance variant starts at £34,500. Mini Cooper with a 54.2kWh Battery and a 215bhp electric motor, starts at £37,945. Monthly lease payments can start from as low as £244, with platforms like Leasing.com offering various plans.

MG ZS EV

The MG ZS EV Standard Range is making its mark in the UK’s electric vehicle sector, offering a harmonious blend of style, performance, and value.

Featuring a 49 kWh usable battery, this model stands out for its efficient energy usage. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.6 seconds, demonstrating a balance of power and agility and reaches a top speed of 108 mph. It offers a range of up to 165 miles (265 km), apt for daily driving and moderate-distance trips. The car has an energy consumption of 297 Wh/mi (185 Wh/km), with a fast charging rate of 155 miles per hour (250 km/h).

Pricing Variations by Trim with the Standard Range SE Trim base model starting at £30,495. The price for the high-end Trophy Long Range trim is £35,495. It’s worth noting that car-buying services like Carwow may offer the MG ZS EV at even lower prices. Starting from £23,875 if paying cash, with reported average savings of around £7,170.

Vauxhall Corsa Electric

The Vauxhall Corsa Electric, with its 50 kWh offering, is a noteworthy addition to the electric vehicle (EV) market. It comes with a 46.3 kWh usable battery, providing a generous energy reserve for everyday driving and longer trips. ‘Usable’ indicates the amount of energy available for actual driving use.

It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.7 seconds, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. With a maximum speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). It’s well-suited for both city driving and highway travel.

The vehicle offers a practical range of up to 183 miles (295 km), catering well to various driving needs. It boasts an energy consumption of 253 Wh/mi (157 Wh/km), reflecting its effective and economical use of power.

The impressive fast charging rate of 292 miles per hour (470 km/h) significantly reduces charging times, enhancing convenience for drivers.

Autocar lists two variants of the 51kWh electric version. £32,445 for the 134bhp option and £38,585 for the 154bhp model. Auto Express details the pricing for different trims £32,445 for the Design.

Fiat 600e

The Fiat 600e, with its unique blend of retro charm and modern electric technology, marks a new chapter in Fiat’s lineup. Offering a fresh take on electric crossover vehicles.

The vehicle is equipped with a 50.8 kWh usable battery, providing a solid base for both city commuting and longer drives. The term ‘usable’ reflects the actual amount of energy available for driving.

It can go from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.0 seconds, delivering a balance of responsiveness and smoothness. The top speed is 93 mph (150 km/h), making it suitable for a variety of driving scenarios.

The car offers a range of up to 190 miles (305 km), fitting well with daily usage and occasional long trips. With an energy consumption of 269 Wh/mi (167 Wh/km), it demonstrates effective use of its electric power. An impressive fast charging rate of 304 miles per hour (490 km/h). This ensures minimal waiting times for recharging, a significant advantage for those on the move.

The starting price for the new 2023 Fiat 600e in the UK is £32,995. Different editions are available, such as the 600e Red Edition starting at £32,995, and the higher-end 600e La Prima priced at £36,995.

Explanatory Notes

Fast Charging 260 km/h and Fast Charging 390 km/h are ways of expressing the charging speeds of an electric vehicle (EV). This is in terms of how much range is added per hour when you charge your electric car. 

This means that for every hour the car is charged using a fast charger, it gains 260 kilometres of driving range.

To compare the two, a car that charges at 390 km/h is charging faster than one that charges at 260 km/h. The difference is 130 km of range per hour (390 km 260 km). This can be significant depending on your driving needs and habits. This is particularly important for EV drivers who rely on public fast-charging stations. It can significantly reduce waiting times during longer journeys.

You can see more explanatory notes on our Glossary Page here. Click our link to the best cheap electric cars and new cheap electric cars here.