Petrol and diesel prices are rising to some of the highest levels we’ve seen in a while. So, you’d be forgiven for thinking that now would be a great time to step into an electric vehicle (EV). If you can charge at home, the cost and convenience of running one is appealing over emptying your bank account at the fuel pumps.
Let’s face it, though; one of the biggest issues with EVs right now is the sheer expense. Because battery packs are expensive to produce, this is factored into the cost of the vehicle once it goes on sale. Some of the top contenders of EVs start from at least £50,000, which simply isn’t viable for many people.
However, the car market has been blessed with many more affordable, small EVs that compete close to or even directly with their petrol or diesel counterparts on price. To add to the appeal, many of these small, affordable EVs are fantastically stylish.
This is thanks to the recent trend of car manufacturers going retro. This has been encapsulated by Renault in particular, which caused a stir with its 4 and 5 E-Tech models. What this means is that if you’re thinking about a cheap electric car, there’s a good chance you’ll land one that sports a charming sense of character and pizazz.
This is on top of other benefits such as zero tailpipe emissions, which keeps city centres clean. A quiet and serene driving experience and, if you can charge at home, low running costs as well.
It’s worth bearing in mind that with small electric cars, they tend to fall into higher insurance groups than their combustion-powered counterparts, with many being in groups 20-25. If you’re considering such a thing, you can compare quotes here to find out how much it would cost to insure.
With prices starting from around £15,000 and stretching all the way into the mid-20s, calling these cars ‘cheap’ may be considered a stretch. But compared to the rest of the new EV market, our top picks below represent pretty excellent overall value.
Renault 5 E-Tech – from £21,495 (incl UK Electric Car Grant)
Our list kicks off with the darling of the small electric car scene at the moment. The Renault 5 is a modern take on the 1970s original, but don’t think it’s just a pretty face. Because it’s one of the most polished EVs to drive out there.
With agile handling, refined ride comfort and an interior that’s exudes style and character, the 5 is an affordable EV that oozes desirability. With a real-world range of around 190 miles, it should be good enough for most commutes as well.
Fiat Grande Panda Electric – from £20,995
Italy’s newcomer to the affordable EV market comes in the form of the iconic Fiat Panda. This new version is styled to look like the boxy original penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro. It blends clever and minimalistic design with retro style, and this is teamed with a competitive starting price of just £21,000.
It’s more practical than the Fiat 500 with five doors and a more spacious boot. But it retains the crucial element of being small enough to be easily driven around urban areas. Its claimed WLTP range is a hair under 200 miles, so you should expect around 150-160 in the real world.
Hyundai Inster – from £20,005 (incl Hyundai Electric Car Grant) 
The Korean brands have caused a bit of a disruption in the electric vehicle market over the last few years. Hyundai in particular has challenged European rivals with its Ioniq 5 and 6 models, which offer quirky alternatives to the likes of Ford and Volkswagen. The pint-sized Inster is no different and offers a striking look in the affordable EV segment.
Higher trim levels offer a promised driving range of up to 230 miles (that’s the official WLTP figure), which places the Inster among the best in its segment. What’s more, its clever packaging and good-quality cabin make it a seriously appealing piece of kit. You only get four seats rather than five, which could be a slight inconvenience. But the overall package is very convincing.
Renault 4 E-Tech – from £23,445 (incl UK Electric Car Grant) 
As well as the 5, Renault has also revamped another name from its back catalogue. The 4 E-Tech is designed to be more practical and family-orientated than the 5, but it still boasts an alluring retro design along with useful practicality – including a very low loading lip for the boot.
Rear leg room isn’t as good as we’d like, but the polished driving experience and overall package make the 4 E-Tech a compelling option in the world of affordable EVs. It’s also a solid option if you’re looking for something with more practicality than a small electric city car.
Mini Cooper Electric – from £26,905 
The EV variant of the ever-so-popular three-door Mini has been on sale for a little while now, and it’s lately been challenged by rivals which are outlined in this list. However, it still remains one of the best-driving affordable EVs on sale – and nothing offers charm quite like a Mini.
It oozes a premium feel, unlike the others – which is appealing if you’re after something with a bit of style. With sharp acceleration, agile handling, and a driving range of up to 186 miles (WLTP) in the basic model, the Mini Cooper Electric remains competitive in the field of increasing challengers. You can get up to 250 miles (WLTP) in the Cooper SE and John Cooper Works Electric, but these command a price premium over the standard Cooper E – which already starts from a hair under £27,000.
Citroen e-C3 – from £18,495 (incl UK Electric Car Grant) 
If it’s space and value you’re looking for, consider the Citroen e-C3. It sits on the same platform with the Fiat Grande Panda, but starts from over £2,000 cheaper and still offers a competitive driving range and experience compared to rivals. With an official range of 199 miles, the e-C3 is ideal for urban trips with the capability for slightly longer ones, too.
The e-C3 stands out because it’s of the most sorted small EVs for comfort. Citroen has gone to great lengths to ensure it can cope well on bumpy roads and, with the pot-holed nature of UK tarmac, that makes it a great option.
Leapmotor T03 – from £14,405 (incl Leap-Grant discount) 
If it’s purely value for money that you’re after, the Leapmotor T03 is in a class of one. Yet despite its budget price tag, it’s not short on features. You get adaptive cruise control and a digital dashboard – features that would usually be worn by larger, more expensive vehicles.
It’s even pretty nippy. Its 94bhp of power means it’ll zip around urban areas with no stress whatsoever, and 165 miles of official driving range means it’s not completely compromised on out-of-city driving, either. It’s not the most refined thing in the world, and there are areas where you’ll notice the cost-cutting. But if you’re looking for a cheap EV full-stop, this is a solid pick.
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