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If you’re looking for a cheap electric car the good news is that you have lots of great options. Here’s our guide to the top 10 affordable electric cars.
Updated: 3 January 2024
Electric cars are more affordable than ever, as more come onto the used-car market at prices that may be much lower than you expect.
In fact, electric cars can be comparatively cheap compared with some used petrol or diesel cars and whether you’re looking for a zero-emissions runabout or a practical family car there’s a good variety to choose from.
Here are our top 10 affordable electric cars.
Introduced in 2011, the Nissan Leaf was one of the first mainstream electric cars. An all-new version followed in 2018, which had more battery range, new tech and an even more practical interior. Whichever version you choose, the Leaf is an impressively affordable option if you want an electric family car.
Both versions are very comfortable, with a smooth ride and lots of legroom and headroom for you and your family. You’ll find it relaxing to drive and it gives you zippy acceleration.
Depending on the model, early Leafs have a maximum battery range of between 124 and 155 miles, according to official figures. Post-2018 Leafs have a maximum range of between 168 and 239 miles.
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The Renault Zoe has been on sale since 2013, which means there are lots of used examples to choose from. Its popularity is well-deserved – it’s very practical for such a small car and the battery range is very good for its size.
The Zoe is compact and easy to park yet it feels solid and assured on the motorway and the interior has enough space for four adults. It has a surprisingly large boot, too.
How much battery range you’ll get depends on the model. Zoes sold between 2013 to 2016 have a 22kW or 40kW battery and promise up to 149 miles. Later models promise up to 250 miles, which is much more than you get from many other small electric cars.
If you’re considering the Renault Zoe or Nissan Leaf as your next car, check out our guide that compares the two.
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is one of the most affordable options if you’re looking for a family-friendly electric car. Its battery range is up to 174 miles and there’s a decent-size boot and lots of space in the back seats. All versions are well-equipped and the driving experience is relaxing, with a smooth ride and a low level of noise inside the car.
Hyundai’s five-year warranty means you may find a used example that’s still covered by it. The Ioniq Electric also has an excellent safety rating, earning the full five stars when it was tested by Euro NCAP.
The MG ZS EV is a compact electric SUV that costs considerably less than most of its rivals. It’s far from basic though, giving you lots of equipment as standard – even the lowest trim level has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included, and you’ll get electric seats and imitation leather upholstery on the more expensive models.
It has a large boot and lots of space in the back, while a full battery charge can last for as much as 163 miles in a pre-2022 car and up to 273 miles from the larger battery in later models.
The Kia e-Niro – the electric version of the Kia Niro – is a brilliant choice for a family car. Not only is it impressively affordable, it also has a seven-year warranty from new.
An all-new Kia Niro was introduced in 2022 and the electric version is called the Niro EV, but it’s the earlier e-Niro that we’ve focused on here. Introduced in 2018, the e-Niro has a choice of two batteries – 39kWh or 64kWh – giving you 180 miles or 282 miles per full charge. All models are well-equipped and have lots of space in the back and in the boot, and they are quiet and comfortable to drive.
The Vauxhall Corsa has long been one of the UK’s favourite small hatchbacks, and the all-electric Vauxhall Corsa-e is a great addition to the range. It’s packed with equipment, with a choice of trim levels and decent space in the back and in the boot.
It strikes a great balance between comfort and agility in the way it drives, and the Corsa-e’s electric motor gives you lots of zip when you put your foot down. Its 50kWh battery promises up to 222 miles with a full charge, which is good for a car of this size and price.
It might have a retro look but the Fiat 500 Electric is bang-up-to-date, well-equipped and has a good battery range. Despite looking similar to the petrol or diesel-powered Fiat 500 that has been on sale since 2007, the 500 Electric– which was introduced in 2020 – is a totally different car that offers a better drive and a bit more interior space. It’s still tiny, but you can fit four adults at a push.
With a battery range of up to 199 miles it’ll easily cope with urban driving duties and you can choose between a regular small hatchback or a convertible model with a retractable roof.
The Kia Soul EV is another impressive electric car from Kia. The latest Soul EV was introduced in 2020, with a range of 280 miles. It’s a great choice, but if you want to keep costs down then the earlier model, sold new between 2015 and 2020, is well worth checking out.
It has smart looks, a spacious interior and an official battery range of up to 132 miles. It also comes with lots of features included as standard, including climate control, sat nav and a reversing camera.
The MG5 is one of the few pure-electric estate cars on sale and it’s a great option if you want space and practicality without having to buy an SUV. Introduced in 2020, it has a large, well-shaped boot that will swallow up the bits and bobs that come with family life without a fuss.
Older versions will give you up to 213 miles from a fully charged battery, while the latest will give you up to 250 miles (but will cost more to buy). Because the MG5 has a seven-year warranty from new, any used MG5 you buy will still be covered.
Although it’s one of the first mainstream electric cars introduced to the UK, the BMW i3 still looks sharp and modern and it remains a great choice for zero-emission driving. Small and distinctive, it’s great for city life and there are lots of used examples to choose from.
Cars made before 2016 have an 81-mile battery range, which is likely to be enough if you mainly drive around town. After 2018, the battery range increased to a maximum of 190 miles (depending on model), so it might be worth paying more for a longer-range version if you regularly need to drive long distances.
You’ll find lots of used cars for sale at Cazoo, all available to buy through our trusted dealers.
Cazoo makes selling a car just as easy – just enter a few details for an instant online valuation. If you accept the offer our partners will get in touch to arrange payment and collection of your car at a time that suits you.
