Electric cars were once the preserve of the wealthy as a second car, but now it’s possible to drive away in a brand new EV for as little as £12,000.
It wasn’t too long ago when the most important thing an electric car buyer needed was a large bag of cash. But recently, the cost of new electric cars has fallen considerably, and the price difference between EVs and their petrol-powered counterparts has shrunk.
Of course, many cars with a list price of less than £37,000 also qualify for the Government’s electric car grant, which can reduce the cost by as much as £3,750. However, in a bid to meet the Government’s strict ZEV mandate, which is set to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 (it won’t happen), many dealers are also offering further discounts. And of course, the Chinese EV invasion has driven prices down considerably, but beware of depreciation on these models, as they are untried and untested. Leasing would seem the sensible route; then you have no worries about the depreciation.
1. DACIA SPRING
List Price: £11,990. PCP: £206. Range: 139 miles
Strengths
• Cheaper than other electric cars
• Range is enough for commuting
• Respectable performance around
Weaknesses
• Terrible safety rating
• Cramped interior
• Poor to drive
2. LEAPMOTOR T03
List Price: £12,995. PCP: £198. Range: 165 miles
Strengths
• Well priced
• Lots of standard kit
• Comfortable ride
Weaknesses
• Range suited to city drivers
• Not particularly fast
• Driving position could be better for taller drivers
3. FIAT 500e
List Price: £17,245. PCP: £279. Range: 202 miles
Strengths
• Fun and easy to drive around town
• Small battery version is reasonably priced
• Cheery interior
Weaknesses
• Tiny rear seats
• Noisy at motorway speeds
• Rivals can go further on a charge
4. CITROËN e-C3
List Price: £18,495. PCP: £269. Range: 130 miles
Strengths
• Roomier inside than many rivals
• Plus version is keenly priced
• Relatively quiet on the motorway
Weaknesses
• Disappointing efficiency
• So-so performance
• No Euro NCAP rating
5. BYD DOLPHIN SURF
List Price: £18,675. PCP: £373. Range 137 miles
Strengths
• One of the cheapest EVs on sale
• Well-equipped from entry
• Bigger-battery versions have a respectable range
Weaknesses
• Heavily predicted depreciation
• Feeble range of entry-level Active version
• Front space is slightly limited for taller drivers
6.HONDA SUPER-N
List Price: £18,995. PCP: £282. Range: 128 miles
Strengths
• Easy to park, with great visibility
• Low price, yet generously equipped
• Ultra-flexible Magic rear seats
Weaknesses
• Limited sub-130-mile official range
• Tiny boot
• No Euro NCAP safety rating
7. FIAT GRAND PANDA ELECTRIC
List Price: £20,995. PCP: £285. Range: 199 miles
Strengths
• Very competitively priced
• Funky, colourful interior
• Good interior and boot space
Weaknesses
• Renault 5 is better to drive
• Hyundai Inster has more versatile seating
• No Euro NCAP safety rating yet
8. NISSAN MICRA
List Price: £21,495. PCP: £293. Range: 198 miles
Strengths
• Good to drive
• Smart and user-friendly interior
• Competitively priced
Weaknesses
• A bit tight in the back
• No cupholders
• Minimal discounts
9. RENAULT 5
List Price: £21,495. PCP: £343. Range 193 miles
Strengths
• Grown-up driving manners
• Great infotainment system
• Aggressive pricing – particularly after grants
Weaknesses
• Rear legroom is tight
• MG4 Urban has a much bigger boot
• Cheapest trim misses out on Google infotainment functions
10. HYUNDAI INSTER
List Price: £22,995. PCP: £224. Range 203 miles
Strengths
• Small size makes it perfect for the city
• Can offer surprising practicality
• Good value for money
Weaknesses
• Only practical in the pricier 02 trim
• Renault 5 is much better to drive
• Rudimentary interior feel
