What are the best affordable electric cars?
Switching to electric motoring doesn't have to be expensive - take a look at our favourite affordable models
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Best affordable electric cars
Buying an electric car is an investment, but it doesn’t have to be a pricey one.
There are plenty of used electric cars on the market that come in at affordable price points.
As we move towards the 2035 ban on the sale of brand-new fuel-powered cars, more and more motorists are opting for an electric vehicle (EV).
There are plenty of luxury EVs on the market, but there are also some value-for-money options that won’t break the bank.
We’ve picked some of the best cheap electric cars that you might want to consider if you’re making the switch to an EV.
What are the best-priced electric cars?
Electric cars are typically more expensive than your average fuel-powered runabout, but you’ll cut costs on fuel by relying on electric charging.
Finding a used electric car is another way to cut costs – you might find a cracker of an EV that would be outside of your budget when purchased brand-new.
Don’t worry about battery degradation and health, either. Electric car batteries are expected to last up to 20 years and come with lengthy warranties.
The cost of running and charging an electric car will depend on your usage and how you plan on charging up. The average electricity tariff is usually about 30p/kWh.
Currently, EV owners pay zero road tax on their vehicles, so you can save money here as well.
Nissan Leaf – an affordable electric car
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The Nissan Leaf has secured a reputation as one of the UK’s best-selling electric cars, and the announcement that it’s being phased out came as a shock to many.
It’s been on the scene a while, but the timeless styling has always kept the Leaf feeling fresh and current.
The Tekna trim is the top-spec offering and gets features like a 360-degree parking camera and heated seats.
If you want to keep costs low, the entry-level Shiro still includes an eight-inch touchscreen unit that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as black 17-inch alloy wheels.
As well as all that tech, your Leaf will be able to cover up to 168 miles on a full charge, making it perfect for the daily commute or school run.
You can expect it to cost around £17 to fully charge your Nissan Leaf, depending on your electricity tariff.
You’ll still be able to find a used Nissan Leaf on the market, with prices starting at around £12,450 for a 2019 Acenta model on our site. Prices will vary depending on the exact model you choose.
MG 4 – an electric car that won’t break the bank
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A used MG 4 won't disappoint in any area, and certainly not when it comes to price. It’s one of the best-value EVs on the market but shows off like a car at a premium price point.
Sharp styling and a sleek cabin give the MG 4 a premium feel, with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a seven-inch digital driver’s display, plus rear parking sensors and other handy driving aids.
It’s a really comfortable drive that easily handles the motorway as well as those bumpy country roads.
You can choose between Standard Range, Long Range and Extended Range models, with the latter capable of 0-62mph in just 6.5 seconds.
The Standard Range model offers 218 miles of range on a full charge and the Extended Range model tops that with 323 miles, so you’ll have no trouble going the distance. A full charge using a home charger will usually cost around £14.
A used 2023 MG 4 on our site will usually cost around £25,995, but this will depend on our current stock.
Renault Zoe – an electric car on a budget
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For a small electric car at an affordable price, a used Renault Zoe is an impressive option. It’s got a bit of seniority on the market as it’s been around since 2012, but it keeps up with the latest EV offerings through its timeless appeal.
You can expect around 238 miles of range from your Zoe, depending on driving conditions. It’s a model well-suited to city driving but can easily handle a motorway jaunt, and comes as standard with blind-spot warning and slow speed pedestrian warning.
Charging your Zoe from flat to full using a home charger will usually cost around £14, but this is only an estimate.
You’ll also get a 338-litre boot at the rear, despite the car’s small stature. This can be extended to 1,225 litres if you fold the rear seats, making it capable of lugging larger loads when needed.
A used Renault Zoe will set you back around £15,950 for a 2022 GT Line+ model on our site, but other options come in at a lower price point.
Peugeot e-208 – a good value electric vehicle
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The Peugeot 208 is a much-loved supermini, so it makes sense that a used Peugeot e-208 electric car is a spot-on choice for an affordable EV.
This one is impressive for its 225-mile range and ability to charge to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes using a 100kw charger. Did we mention that all models come as standard with 100kw fast charging capabilities?
It’s cheap to charge as well, with an estimated cost of around £13 to charge from flat to full using a home charger.
You’ll have no issues driving it either – it's comfortable, handles well, and is nippy. There are three acceleration modes to choose from as well: Normal; Eco; and Sport.
On the inside, the e-208 replicates its exterior with a sharp look and modern appeal. It’s spacious and comfortable, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard in all models.
You can find a used Peugeot e-208 on our site for prices around £16,00 for a 2022 model. These costs will vary depending on our stock and the exact model you choose.