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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By Ben Welham
Last updated: 4 August 2025
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.
What is the best-value electric car?
MG4
Nissan LEAF
MINI Electric
Fiat 500e
Renault Zoe
GWM ORA 03
Peugeot e-208
MG5 EV
Hyundai Kona Electric
Kia Soul EV
MG4
The MG4 is one of the best options on the market for an affordable electric hatchback.
The entry-level SE model does around 217 miles on a full charge, while the Trophy Extended Range option offers up to 329 miles in mixed driving conditions.
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.
Nissan LEAF
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 top-spec 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.
MINI Electric
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 250 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.
Fiat 500e
The Fiat 500e 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 fast EV charging points to get a great boost.
Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe is a covert electric car that offers an impressive mile range of up to 245 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
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, reminding us of the old BMW MINI Cooper.
It’s not the cheapest model on the list to buy, but it will make savings on running costs, with a claimed mile range of 193 miles per full charge from the 45.4kWh battery.
Peugeot e-208
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 268 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.
MG5 EV
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 249 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.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric 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.
Running costs are low too, thanks to an impressive maximum range of 319 miles that can add 100 miles of range in just 15 minutes using a rapid 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.
Craig Hale, our motoring writer, said: "The Hyundai Kona Electric is a well-rounded electric crossover with an impressive list of standard equipment, safety kit and tech.
"It’s no slouch, but it’s also an economical model that can get more than 300 miles of range from a full battery, which should be enough for most use cases."
Kia Soul EV
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.
Discover used electric cars for sale
If you're ready to dive into used electric car ownership, we're here to help you every step of the way.
With a wide range of electric cars on offer and plenty of EV guides, we strive to make the buying journey as faff-free as possible.