The 10 Best and Most Affordable Electric Cars in the UK

With the COVID-19 pandemic spurring on the introduction of more renewable energy, electric cars are a desirable and appealing investment for car buyers. Now they can do more mileage than ever before, are cheaper to run and are getting easier and more accessible to charge on-the-go with more petrol stations offering EV (Electrical Vehicle) charging ports. So, what’s not to love right? Wrong. Many electrical cars like Tesla, although beautiful and well made, have a rather hefty price tag attached to them. This makes it difficult for the average green consumer to want to purchase an EV. However, it’s 2020! A new age of EVs is emerging, which are more cost-effective but still run beautifully. Here are the top 10 most affordable cars in the UK, electric of course.

1. Mini Electric

Let’s start with the classic Mini. Mini is relatively new to the electric car market, but they’re here to stay! The handling has a lot of grip and the performance is stronger than many other cars that are on the list. It’s agile and has high endurance. Let’s also not forget, it pretty good looking too! It claims to do 144 miles, but this is more likely 100-120 depending on the way you drive. This is the perfect nip-around car for a town and city life. The boot is small and the back seats are hard to access, but if you have no children to ferry around, this is a great car for you! You can’t slam Mini for its small boot and car, it is called “mini” after all. These start from £24,900, not a bad price for a Mini, but even more affordable on salary sacrifice!

The Mini starts from around £360/month on the scheme. 

2. BMW i3

The BMW i3, similar to the Mini Electric, is designed for urban use. It is not suitable for bumpy countryside lanes. The car is light with zero revs, and the performance is strong with a 99mph top speed. As well, it’s got a real funky design; it’s almost like marmite, you love it or you hate it. Either way, you can’t deny its quirks! Prices range from about £35,000 and the newer models have around 150 miles range. It’s pretty pricey considering the rest of the list, but we sometimes get special offers on this car making it stonking value on salary sacrifice.

The BMW i3 costs around £360/month on the scheme.

3. Kia e-Niro

This car is a great family car that isn’t too large. It’s priced around £35,000 but has a large battery (64kWh) which will enable 260 miles on a single charge. A few years ago, you would expect that battery in a top-of-the-range Tesla. This is a roomier alternative than normal EVs. It lacks accelerative potential, but is a useable vehicle that is an all-round pleasure!

This Kia Niro starts from £390/month on the scheme.

4. Volkswagen ID 3

This hatchback is the size of a VW Golf. It excels in manoeuvrability and low-speed response. It’s sophisticated with a generous 58kWh battery costing £30,000. The 77kWh version which can manage 300 miles costs closer to £35,000. If VW Golfs are your thing, this is the car for you!

5. Peugeot e-208

This hatchback is coming to the market this year and unlike cheaper-made EVs, this EV has a materially rich interior and stylish bodywork, giving it a premium feel. Practically, it is better than a Mini Electric and the performance is strong. The car travels with ease and grace, with the steering being strong and direct. You would get about 170 miles out of it which is commendable for a four-door family car. Prices start from around £25,000, including the grant.

The Peugeot e-208 starts from £380/month on the scheme.

6. Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh

This electric car has a 300-mile range with an under £30,000 price tag. With its good size and large battery, the Hyundai Kona Electric packs with it a strong accelerative performance. Its downside is that it’s not overly suitable to be a family hatchback, although it does have low friction on the tyres.

The Kona Electric starts from £460/month on the scheme.

7. Nissan Leaf

From around £29,000, the Nissan Leaf set the trend for affordable EVs almost a decade ago. Now it has a 25% battery boost with a range of around 168 miles in a single charge with its 64kWh battery. It performs well and is a well-rounded car to drive. A good little run-around car for a small family. If you take a Leaf out on out salary sacrifice scheme, you’ll be spending a TINY fraction of that a month!

The Nissan Leaf starts from £300/month on the scheme.

8. Kia Soul EV

The Kia Soul EV, despite not appearing too sporty, rides quite well. It promises a 280-mile range with its 64kWh battery. It costs £33,795, not much less than the Kia e-Niro. This EV is ideal for those who do not need too much room for an affordable price.

The Kia Soul starts from £470/month on the scheme.

9. Renault Zoe

With a 52kWh battery and up to 245 miles of driving, this EV offers a strong value for money with a lower price tag of around £25,000. It is an easy car to drive – very quiet and nippy. However, some of the controls can feel heavy. Nonetheless, a great car for a good price. If you take one through salary sacrifice, it’s one of the most affordable cars on this list!

The Renault Zoe starts from £320/month on the scheme.

10. Honda E

The Honda E starts at about £30,000. It packs just a 35.5kWh battery with a range of 137 miles. Driving it feels easy and effortless with medium-paced steering but a tight turning circle. A good city car due to it having fewer miles and less space than the Mini Electric.

Thought we missed one very special car? Think again! Take a look at the Skoda Citigo E!

Now you’ve seen the most affordable cars in the UK today, why not think about taking one of them home? While you’re here, take a look at our blog on how you can drive more efficiently!