What is the best-value electric car?
One benefit of owning an electric car is the money-saving aspect of ditching fuel. Here are some of the all-round best-value electric cars
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Electric vehicles (EVs) will soon be the norm on UK roads, as the ban on new fuel-powered models is on its way from 2035.
Electric cars were once a luxury and a techy’s playground for those who had the budget, but now they’re becoming more affordable on the everyday market.
You can even find brilliant electric cars on the used market, saving you money on the initial purchasing cost.
Choosing an all-round good-value electric car will help you save money on running costs, maintenance, charging and the initial purchasing price.
See our top picks for a great value EV.
MG4
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The MG4 is one of the best options on the market for an affordable electric hatchback.
The entry-level SE model can reach up to 218 miles on a full charge, while the Trophy Long Range option offers up to 270 miles.
You’ll get a speedy boost when you do need to charge up, as the MG4 can go from 10-80% charge in just 35 minutes using a 150kW rapid charger.
The design of the car is a real selling point – it's sleek and modern without looking too much like a spaceship, making it ideal for everyday life.
The lack of greasy engine components in the EV’s ‘engine’ also means there are fewer parts to repair and maintain.
It’ll cost you from £26,995 to buy one brand-new, with discounts to be found on the used market.
Nissan Leaf
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The Nissan Leaf is a real classic of an electric car, being one of the first mainstream options to make electric motoring attainable.
It’s a sleek model that doesn’t look out of place or too quirky next to traditionally-powered cars, with a comfortable and spacious interior.
The 59kWh Nissan Leaf model offers up to 239 miles on a full charge, but this will depend on your style of driving.
You’ll find the Leaf sitting in insurance groups 21–23, so it’s a lower-cost model to insure.
Pair this with the road tax exemptions currently available on EVs, and you’ll be getting some impressive value for money.
Mini Electric
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Another iconic electric model that won’t break the bank is the Mini Electric. Not only is it a real looker with the coveted Mini feel, but it’s also fun to drive and feels great on the roads.
You can expect up to 145 miles on one full charge, making it perfect for most motorists who drive casually.
Regenerative braking can help boost the mile range, but many will find this more than enough for regular use.
Our prices for a used Mini Electric start around £18,400 and can be purchased with Personal Contract Purchase or Hire Purchase car finance.
Fiat 500e
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The Fiat 500 Electric is a fresh take on every British girl’s dream first car, making it even more economical while keeping the cute styling.
The 500e has a slightly more menacing look than the fuel-powered model, with a sleek interior that’s more spacious than you’d think.
The largest battery option in the 500e lineup is the 42kWh option that offers up to 199 miles on a full charge.
This will be more than enough for most motorists, and you can even make use of free EV charging points to get a great value boost.
Prices for a used Fiat 500e on our site start at prices around £17,950, and usually sit in insurance groups 16–18, making it a cheap option to insure.
Renault Zoe
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The Renault Zoe is a covert electric car that offers an impressive mile range of up to 238 miles on one full charge.
You can boost your Zoe with an at-home wall box charger, getting a 0-100% charge in just over nine hours.
This is ideal for plugging in overnight and waking up to a full battery, and you can make savings by finding an electricity tariff that supports EVs.
The Renault Zoe overall is a really impressive car to live with, offering modern styling and a comfortable interior.
This model usually falls into insurance groups 14-22 depending on the exact specification, so it will be a cheaper car to insure.
GWM Ora 03
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The GWM Ora 03 (previously named the Funky Cat) is a lesser-known EV that only arrived in the UK in early 2023, meaning you’ll be ahead of the curve if you buy one now.
The Ora 03 is a visually gorgeous car, featuring plenty of curves and a bubbly figure.
It’s not the cheapest model on the list to buy and can cost around £31,995 brand-new, but it will make savings on running costs, with a claimed mile range of 193 miles per full charge from the 45.4kWh battery.
If you want to make savings by buying a used GWM Ora 03, you might need to give it a few more months.
Since it’s such a new model, used options will be harder to come by.
Peugeot e-208
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The Peugeot e-208 is another all-electric version of a well-loved car, taking the original 208 firmly into the future.
The e-208 can offer an electric driving range of up to 224 miles and can be boosted up via a variety of charging methods – including rapid charging points.
As for running costs, the e-208 will usually supply enough charge for the average daily driver.
You’ll also get to dodge ULEZ charges for the time being and make savings on road tax.
Brand-new models go for around £20,340 depending on the model you pick, but you can grab a used Peugeot e-208 for closer to £18,000 on our site.
MG5
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The MG5 EV is a great option if you’re in the market for an electric car that’s spacious and ideal for families.
It’s a simple model that’s sleek and feels modern while also being enjoyable to drive.
All UK models are available with the Long Range 61kWh battery that offers up to 235 miles of range in the highest spec option.
You can perk your MG5 EV up with a few different types of charging, including a steady boost in just over nine hours from a 7kW charger.
You can get a used MG5 model starting at prices around £19,950 on our website, with insurance costs remaining low when based on where it sits in insurance groups 27-32.
Hyundai Kona Electric
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The Hyundai Kona is a recognisable EV that takes on a bold look and stands out from the crowd.
The 364-litre boot is ideal for families, and it’s an easy and comfortable car to drive.
On top of that, you can get a great deal on a used Kona for prices starting around £20,000 on our site.
Running costs are low too, thanks to an impressive maximum range of 300 miles in the 64kWh model that can be boosted to 80% in just 75 minutes from a 50kW fast charger.
When charging at home, you can ‘fill up’ overnight and get a full charge in just over nine hours from a 7.2kW charger.
Did you know that you can use a solar panel setup to charge your EV? This could be an ideal way to get even more value from your Kona.
Kia Soul EV
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The Kia Soul EV has been a real trendsetter on the market, setting the bar high for electric SUVs.
Soul models are spacious and plush, with an eye-catching design that many will fall for.
On the road, expect up to 280 miles on a full charge, with a 64kWh battery.
Recharging a battery of this size can take just over 10 hours from a 7kW home wall box charger, so is ideal for plugging in and leaving overnight.
Being an EV, drivers of the Kia Soul can dodge vehicle excise duty and ULEZ charges for now thanks to the ca