The cheapest electric car in the UK ; Complete Guide

Are you switching to an electric car? Do you want to know why electric vehicles are trending? Or find out which is the cheapest electric car in the UK. Read the below article to clear up all your questions.

 What is  An electric car?

  Electric cars run on electricity instead of diesel. Electric motors power them, and batteries hold and provide the power needed to drive. Electric vehicles release zero emissions, making them sustainable. They use electricity from an external power source, such as a home charger with a car or public charging station.

The cheapest electric car in the UK  

Electric vehicles have become trendy in the UK because of environmental benefits and rapid technological advancements.  If we say the cheapest option is an electric car, the most affordable option currently available is the BYD Dolphin, priced at around £26,195. This full-sized electric hatchback is worth every penny. If people want to switch to electrics or want a practical and budget-friendly choice, then this is the best option.

Electric cars in the UK release zero emissions, which helps to control air pollution and saves the money spent on petrol or diesel. 

If you want to switch to electric cars and want to know the cheapest electric cars in UK below are the options :

1. Citroën Ami 

This is not a car, basically a quadricycle. The primary goal is to provide cost-effective and practical transport for congested urban areas. However, the Citroën Ami’s 8bhp engine, 28mph top speed, and 45-mile range make it a better option for long drives. This will cost you around £7695. 

Additionally, car Sixe is small and has a smaller turning radius, which makes it easy to drive around the city. The car includes a roof, usually not found in motorcycles, to keep you sheltered and dry.

2. Dacia Spring

This is the most affordable electric car in the range, costing around  £14,995. It was initially sold in mainland Europe. However, this car has been updated with a fresh look and an excellent interior with better quality and features. Spring has a 26.8kWh battery and 984 weight. Additionally, this car can travel about 137 miles on one charge.

3. Citroen e-C3

The e-C3 is the latest model of Stellantis, the company leading the list and popularly known for providing better services, both practically and in style. This car will cost around £21,990, has a 199-mile range, and charges quickly in just 26 minutes, thanks to its 100kW charging capability. Additionally, it comes with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, safety measures, comfortable seats, and hydraulic bump-stops for a smooth ride.

Market reports indicate that a less expensive model, priced at £17,250, will launch in Europe in 2025. However, Citroen has not yet verified the news whether it will be offered in the UK.

4 Fiat 500e

This car is from the Fiat brand, which is popularly known for making city cars. The latest model will cost around £24,995. Its compact size and turning radius also make it suitable for urban environments.

 According to customer reviews, this electric car can also be on highways. However, its 118-mile range is not a good option for long drives. To avoid this, you can opt for a 24kWh battery or a 42kWh upgrade, which costs around £3000 extra and delivers a range of 199 miles with a 118bhp electric motor. All cars of this brand feature mobile device connectivity and a 10.25-inch screen.

5 BYD Dolphin

This cheapest electric car is trendy in the UK. Earlier, the first model cost around £37,695 and had simple features. However, the new Dolphin, priced at  £26,195, is a smaller and budget-friendly option, and it’s better because it’s the cheapest full-sized electric hatchback on the market. Additionally, it comes with a conventional suspension setup with trailing arms and a 94bhp engine that lacks performance.

6 Vauxhall Corsa Electric

The Corsa, priced at £26,895, includes a 50kWh battery that delivers an estimated range of 221 miles per charge. Additionally, It features a front-mounted electric motor with 134bhp and 191 lb-ft of torque, providing strong performance.

This budget-friendly car in the UK offers wireless phone integration, 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch digital screen, and Bluetooth connectivity.

7 MG 4

This is the cheapest electric car in the UK. It’s fun to drive because of its rear-wheel-drive setup and smooth suspension. This model has a 218-mile range, better than other expensive options. It will cost you £26,995. However, you can go with  MG 4 XPower if you want something extra solid, priced at £36,495. Its dual motors give an impressive 429bhp, making it as fast as many supercars in terms of acceleration.

8. Mazda MX-30 –

Priced at £27,995, the Mazda MX-30 is known for its new innovative approach to electric cars. Unlike other brand cars with longer ranges, Mazda offers a more modest 124 miles on a full charge, which they believe is sufficient for day-to-day purposes.

Additionally, the MX-30 R-EV offers a range-extender version. It features a smaller battery with a 53-mile electric range, and the rotary engine works as a generator. It also has a total range of over 400 miles, which allows for quick refuelling on long drives and increases practicality.

9 Nissan Leaf

This was one of the first mainstream electric cars, and it remains a prominent option today as the cheapest car in the UK. It is priced at £28,495. This model has a 39kWh battery, giving you a range of 168 miles per charge, less than other brand car prices.

Additionally, The Leaf uses the less common Chademo charging connector, so you should purchase a Type 2 adapter for ease of use.

10 . Mini Cooper Electric

For £30,000, it comes with a 36.6kWh battery that gives a solid range of 190 miles on a full charge.

  You can get the base Mini Cooper E, which has qualities of  Mini’s classic style and Precise steering with an electric motor. If you like more extra range, you can go with Cooper SE, which has a larger 49.2kWh battery, giving a range of 249 miles, priced at £34,500.

Conclusion 

Among ten options, the BYD Dolphin, priced at £26,195, is the most favoured cheapest electric car in the UK. This model comes in a budget that fits almost every person wanting to switch to an electric car with good range and efficiency. As the electric vehicle market is expanding and is expected to boom in future, options like the Dolphin are considered to increase the accessibility and appeal of electric cars, making it a practical and budget-friendly choice for more drivers.

Faq 

Q: Why are EVs so expensive in the UK? 

 Ans: Making EV batteries needs different raw materials, such as iron, copper, nickel, aluminium, manganese, lithium, and graphite. Since these materials are natural resources, electric vehicles are expensive compared to petrol or diesel cars.

Q Do EVs pay road tax in the UK?

Ans, from 1 April 2025, electric vehicle drivers will be bound to pay vehicle tax like petrol and diesel vehicles. This rule will affect both new and existing vehicles.

Q: Will EVs get cheaper?

Yes, EVs can get cheaper because production costs will decrease over time. Batteries are expensive, which increases the price. It is believed that the cost will normalise over time as competition increases and demand stabilises, making them even cheaper. 

Q Is EV cheaper than petrol?

Ans: The Consumer Reports study 2020 proves EV drivers spend about 60% less on fuel yearly than those with gas-powered cars.

Q: Which country is using more EVs?

 Ans: Norway is the world leader in electric vehicle use, with over 13% of all cars on the road being electric. 

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