The 8 Best Budget EVs: Affordable Electric Cars for UK Drivers in 2026

The electric vehicle revolution has finally reached the mass market. For years, going electric meant spending £40,000 or more on a premium model, putting zero-emissions driving out of reach for many UK drivers. That's changed dramatically over the past two years.

A new wave of genuinely affordable electric cars is now available in the UK, with prices starting from as little as £12,240. These budget EVs don't just compete on price – many offer impressive ranges exceeding 200 miles, rapid charging capabilities, and equipment levels that would have seemed impossible at these price points just a few years ago.

Better still, if you're accessing an electric car through salary sacrifice with loveelectric, you could save between 30-60% on your monthly lease costs compared to traditional car finance. That means a budget EV becomes even more affordable, with all-inclusive packages covering insurance, maintenance, servicing, and tyre replacement.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the eight best budget electric cars currently available in the UK, ranked by price from lowest to highest. We'll also reveal why the most affordable EVs of all might actually be used models from loveelectric's reloved marketplace.

1. Dacia Spring – From £15,990

Official Range: Up to 140 miles (WLTP)
Battery: 24.3kWh
Power: 70hp or 100hp
RRP: £15,990 with Dacia's £3,750 Electric Car Grant
Salary sacrifice cost per month: Get a quote.

The Dacia Spring is a great accessible electric car.

Dacia has built its reputation on offering no-frills motoring at rock-bottom prices, and the Spring continues that tradition. The recently updated model brings significant improvements, including more powerful motor options (70hp or 100hp, replacing the previous 45hp and 65hp units), a new 24.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, and faster DC charging at up to 40kW.

The Spring's compact dimensions (just 3.7 metres long) make it ideally suited to urban driving, where its 140-mile range is perfectly adequate for daily commutes and local errands.

What you get: Even the entry-level Expression trim includes air conditioning, rear parking sensors, LED daytime running lights, and a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (on higher trims). Dacia also offers a seven-year warranty if you service the car at an official dealer.

The catch: Performance is leisurely – 0-62mph takes 12.3 seconds in the 70hp version – and the ride can feel quite wallowy on UK roads. Real-world range is closer to 100 miles in mixed driving.

Best for: City dwellers with off-street parking, second-car buyers, or anyone prioritising the absolute lowest purchase price.

2. Leapmotor T03 – From £14,495

Official Range: Up to 165 miles (WLTP)
Battery: 37.3kWh
Power: 95hp
RRP: £15,995 (£14,495 with £1,500 LEAP-GRANT)
Salary sacrifice cost per month: Get a quote.

The Leapmotor T03 might be unfamiliar to many UK drivers, but this Chinese-built city car deserves serious consideration. It recently won the "Best Value Car" award at the 2026 Parkers New Car Awards, and it's easy to see why.

What sets the T03 apart from the cheaper Dacia Spring is its significantly better equipment levels and 25-mile range advantage. You get a 10-inch infotainment system with built-in sat-nav, an eight-inch digital driver display, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and even a panoramic sunroof – features you'd typically find on cars costing twice as much.

The T03 is backed by Stellantis, the automotive giant behind Peugeot, Citroën, and Vauxhall, which means access to an established UK dealer network for servicing and parts. What Car?'s testing achieved 4.0 miles per kWh on a mixed 103-mile route, translating to a realistic range of around 144 miles.

What you get: Just one trim level, but it's generously equipped with vegan leather seats, keyless entry and start, rear-view camera, climate control, and DC rapid charging at up to 48kW (30-80% in 36 minutes).

The catch: No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – a puzzling omission given the price. The tiny 13-inch wheels also limit grip in the bends. Build quality, whilst decent, doesn't quite match established manufacturers.

Best for: First-time EV buyers wanting comprehensive equipment at the lowest possible price, urban commuters with occasional longer journeys.

3. BYD Dolphin Surf – From £18,650

Official Range: 137-200 miles (WLTP)
Battery: 30kWh or 43.2kWh
Power: 88hp or 156hp
RRP: £18,650-£23,950
Salary sacrifice cost per month: Get a quote.

BYD's smallest offering in the UK, the Dolphin Surf, brings Chinese manufacturing scale to the budget EV segment. Known as the "Seagull" in its home market (where it's been a runaway success with 930,000 units sold globally), this compact hatchback offers three distinct variants.

The entry-level Active at £18,650 gets a 30kWh battery with 137 miles of range – adequate for city use but limiting for longer trips. Most buyers will gravitate toward the £21,950 Boost, which pairs the same 88hp motor with a much larger 43.2kWh battery for 200 miles of range. The top-spec Comfort (£23,950) adds a punchier 156hp motor, though range drops slightly to 189 miles.

What's impressive is the standard equipment. Even the cheapest Active includes adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance, keyless entry and start, satellite navigation, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, and vegan leather seats. The rotating 10.1-inch touchscreen is a talking point, though Top Gear's review found the infotainment system frustrating to use.

The Dolphin Surf achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating – better than the Renault 5 and Hyundai Inster, and significantly better than the Dacia Spring.

What you get: Comprehensive equipment across all trims, BYD's robust Blade Battery (LFP chemistry), five years of free servicing, eight-year/155,000-mile battery warranty, and Vehicle-to-Load capability for powering external devices.

The catch: Charging speeds are modest (65-85kW peak), making motorway trips less convenient than some rivals. The ride is quite firm, and Autocar's testing noted intrusive driver assistance systems that can't all be easily disabled.

Best for: Value-conscious buyers who want comprehensive equipment and don't need frequent rapid charging, families wanting a five-door hatchback with good safety credentials.

4. Citroën ë-C3 – From £21,990

Official Range: 199 miles (WLTP) or 249 miles (Extended Range)
Battery: 44kWh or 54kWh
Power: 113hp
RRP: £21,990 (£23,495 for Extended Range)
Salary sacrifice cost per month: Get a quote.

The Citroën ë-C3 was a Finalist for Car of the Year 2024 by Auto Express and won "Affordable Electric Car of the Year" at the same awards. It's easy to understand why – this is a properly convincing electric supermini that doesn't feel like a budget option.

Citroën's party trick is its "Advanced Comfort" suspension, which uses hydraulic cushions to deliver a remarkably plush ride quality. Autotrader's reviewers praised the ë-C3 for being genuinely comfortable and impressively refined for a small car, making it far more pleasant on longer journeys than its price suggests.

The standard 44kWh battery delivers 199 miles of range, but the newer Extended Range model (launched in August 2025) offers 249 miles from its 54kWh battery. Both charge at up to 100kW DC, meaning a 20-80% top-up in just 26-28 minutes – significantly faster than the Spring or T03.

What you get: 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reversing camera, digital driver display, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Citroën's signature comfortable seats. The ë-C3 seats five (unlike the four-seater Spring and T03) and offers best-in-class rear legroom.

The catch: Some interior plastics feel cheap, though the textured fabric on the dashboard adds character. The boot, at 310 litres, is adequate but not class-leading.

Best for: Drivers prioritising ride comfort and motorway capability, small families needing five proper seats, anyone doing regular longer journeys.

5. Renault 5 – From £22,995

Official Range: Up to 248 miles (WLTP)
Battery: 40kWh or 52kWh
Power: 120hp or 150hp
RRP: £22,995-£28,995
Salary sacrifice cost per month: Get a quote.

The Renault 5 E-Tech brings retro charm and modern technology together in one of the most talked-about EVs of recent times. This reimagining of Renault's iconic 1970s supermini won the prestigious 2025 Car of the Year award from a jury of 60 European journalists.

The base "Urban Range" model combines a 40kWh battery with a 120hp motor for 190 miles of WLTP range and costs £22,995. Step up to the "Comfort Range" (£26,995) and you get a 52kWh battery with 248 miles of range, plus 150hp for spirited performance (0-62mph in 7.4 seconds).

What makes the 5 special is its blend of style, technology, and driving dynamics. The interior features a 10-inch touchscreen and seven-inch digital display, both with a distinctive retro-modern design language. Google built-in services include Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice control, and access to apps via Google Play.

Carwow's reviewers praised the 5's fun-to-drive character, noting that it feels like a proper hot hatch despite its eco credentials. The ride is firmer than the ë-C3 but more engaging through corners.

What you get: Heat pump as standard (rare at this price), vehicle-to-load capability, comprehensive safety systems, wireless phone charging, and Renault's distinctive "Reno" fabric interior in various colour combinations.

The catch: Rear seat space is tighter than the ë-C3, and the boot (326 litres) is merely adequate. The base model's 80kW charging speed is slower than some rivals, though the Comfort Range charges at 100kW.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers who want something different, driving enthusiasts seeking EV fun, Google ecosystem users, anyone who remembers the original fondly.

6. Hyundai Inster – From £23,495

Official Range: 203-229 miles (WLTP)
Battery: 42kWh or 49kWh
Power: 97hp or 115hp
RRP: £23,495-£29,005
Salary sacrifice cost per month: Get a quote.

Hyundai's Inster might look like a toy car at first glance, but this compact electric SUV is crammed with ingenious design touches. At just 3.8 metres long, it's slightly smaller than the ë-C3, yet Hyundai has created a surprisingly versatile interior.

The party trick is the sliding and fully reclining rear seats (in 02 trim), which allow you to prioritise either legroom or boot space. The boot itself measures 238 litres with the seats in their rearmost position, expanding to 351 litres when they're slid forwards, and a cavernous 1,059 litres with them folded completely flat.

What Car? awarded the Inster its "Best Small Electric Car for the City" award, highlighting the excellent standard equipment and Hyundai's industry-leading five-year unlimited-mileage warranty (plus eight years/100,000 miles for the battery).

The Inster achieved a four-star Euro NCAP rating, matching the Renault 5, with particularly strong child occupant protection scores. Every model includes a heat pump and battery heating system as standard – crucial for maintaining range in UK winters.

What you get: Dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, electric tailgate, heated seats and steering wheel (on 02 trim), and Hyundai's comprehensive BlueLink connected car services.

The catch: It only seats four, not five, which limits family appeal. The driving experience is competent but not particularly engaging, and some buyers might find the styling too quirky.

Best for: Urban drivers who need versatility more than outright space, anyone prioritising warranty coverage, tech enthusiasts who want the latest features, buyers who appreciate clever packaging.

7. MG4 Urban – From £23,495

Official Range: 200 miles (WLTP)
Battery: 43kWh
Power: 110kW (150hp)
RRP: £23,495
Salary sacrifice cost per month: Get a quote.

The MG4 revolutionised the affordable EV segment when it launched in 2022, offering a genuinely good-to-drive electric hatchback at a competitive price. The brand-new MG4 Urban takes this formula even further, undercutting the original model by several thousand pounds.

This isn't just a cheaper version of the existing MG4 – it's built on an entirely new front-wheel-drive platform (the original was rear-wheel-drive), with a cell-to-body battery that's integrated directly into the chassis. This makes it nearly 150kg lighter than before and enables the lower price point.

The original MG4 won over 40 awards, and Top Gear's review praised it as "the only car in the class to recommend" when considering value for money. The new Urban model should maintain that reputation whilst opening EV ownership to even more buyers.

What you get: LED headlights, 10.25-inch touchscreen, seven-inch digital driver display, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and MG's seven-year/80,000-mile warranty. The platform is also prepared for future solid-state batteries.

The catch: We haven't driven the new Urban model yet, so can't comment on how the switch from rear- to front-wheel-drive affects the driving experience. The original MG4's seats weren't the most comfortable for long journeys.

Best for: Value hunters who want proper range and fast charging, brand-loyal buyers upgrading from the older MG ZS EV or MG5, anyone prioritising warranty length and after-sales support from MG's extensive UK dealer network.

8. Vauxhall Corsa Electric – From £27,505

Official Range: 221-266 miles (WLTP)
Battery: 50kWh or 51kWh
Power: 136hp or 156hp
RRP: £27,505-£34,445
Salary sacrifice cost per month: Get a quote.

The Vauxhall Corsa Electric brings the UK's best-selling supermini into the electric age. While it's the most expensive car on our list, it offers something the others can't match – the reassurance of a household-name brand and styling that won't raise any eyebrows.

Vauxhall enhanced the Corsa Electric in 2025, with the Long Range version now offering up to 266 miles of WLTP range – a 14-mile improvement thanks to improved battery cell chemistry. It also introduced Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing you to power external devices up to 3.6kW.

The Corsa Electric is eligible for the Government's £1,500 Electric Car Grant, and Vauxhall's "Electric All In" package simplifies the transition to electric mobility with bundled charging solutions.

Carwow's testing achieved an impressive 4.4 miles per kWh, suggesting real-world range should be close to official figures. The car charges from 20-80% in under 30 minutes at a 100kW rapid charger.

What you get: A comprehensive suite of safety systems, physical climate controls (thankfully), heated seats, 10-inch touchscreen, and all the practicality of the regular Corsa. The YES Edition trim (£28,900 for Long Range) adds exclusive colours and premium features.

The catch: Interior space is tighter than you might expect, with limited rear legroom and a relatively small 267-litre boot. Predicted resale values are concerning, with the Corsa Electric retaining just 31-35% of its value over three years.

Best for: Conservative buyers who want a familiar brand and conventional styling, company car drivers benefiting from low BIK tax, anyone who prioritises the Corsa's sharp looks over outright value.

The Most Affordable EVs Are Used EVs

While the new budget EVs highlighted above offer excellent value, there's an even more affordable way to go electric: buying used.

loveelectric's reloved marketplace offers carefully selected, quality-assured used electric vehicles through the same all-inclusive salary sacrifice scheme as new cars. You get exactly the same benefits – insurance, maintenance, servicing, tyre replacement – but at an even lower monthly cost.

Real-World Example: MG4 Trophy Long Range

Let's compare a new versus reloved MG4 to illustrate the potential savings:

New MG4 150kW Trophy Long Range 64kWh:

• £312 per month (after maximum deposit of £844 for first 3 months)
• 36-month contract, 8,000 miles per annum
• For someone earning £55,000 per year
• All-inclusive package (insurance, maintenance, servicing, tyres)

Reloved MG4 150kW Trophy Long Range 64kWh:

• £236 per month (after maximum deposit of £656 for first 3 months)
• 36-month contract, 8,000 miles per annum
• For someone earning £55,000 per year
• All-inclusive package (insurance, maintenance, servicing, tyres)

The saving: £76 per month, or £2,736 over the full 36-month contract period.

That's a 24% reduction in monthly costs for essentially the same car. The reloved MG4 will have some mileage on the clock, but it's been professionally inspected, comes with warranty coverage and delivers the same 251-mile range, rapid charging capabilities and driving experience as a brand-new model.

Electric vehicles are particularly well-suited to the used market because:

1. Fewer moving parts mean less mechanical wear compared to petrol/diesel cars
2. Battery degradation is minimal – most EVs retain 90%+ battery capacity after five years
3. Rapid depreciation on new EVs creates exceptional used value
4. Manufacturer warranties often transfer to subsequent owners (MG offers seven years/80,000 miles, Hyundai five years unlimited mileage)

Browse loveelectric's reloved marketplace to see what's currently available. With salary sacrifice savings of 30-60%, a used EV could be significantly cheaper than running an old petrol car.

How Salary Sacrifice Makes Budget EVs Even More Affordable

The budget EVs featured in this guide become even more attainable through salary sacrifice with loveelectric. Here's how it works:

You lease an electric car through your employer, with monthly payments deducted from your gross salary (before tax). This reduces your taxable income, resulting in savings on Income Tax and National Insurance contributions. Your employer also saves 15% on their Employer National Insurance.

Typical savings:

• Basic rate taxpayers (20%): Save 30-40% compared to traditional car finance
• Higher rate taxpayers (40%): Save 50-60% compared to traditional car finance
• Additional rate taxpayers (45%): Save up to 60% compared to traditional car finance

Electric cars benefit from extremely low Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rates. The BIK rate for electric vehicles is:

• 2025-26: 3%
• 2026-27: 4%
• 2027-28: 5%
• 2028-29: 7%
• 2029-30: 9%

Compare this to petrol and diesel company cars, which attract BIK rates of 25-37% depending on CO₂ emissions.

loveelectric's all-inclusive packages mean you're not just saving on the lease cost – you're also getting insurance, routine maintenance, servicing, tyre replacement, and breakdown cover included in your monthly payment. This eliminates unexpected repair bills and makes budgeting straightforward.

Better still, loveelectric offers a Zero Risk Guarantee from Day 1. If your circumstances change and you need to exit your contract early, you can do so without the punitive early termination fees typical of traditional car leases.

Explore the full range of budget EVs available on salary sacrifice or use the quote tool to calculate your personal savings based on your salary and tax bracket.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Budget EV

Range vs. Price Trade-Off

The cheapest EVs (Dacia Spring, Leapmotor T03) offer 140-165 miles of range, which is adequate for commuting but limiting for longer trips. Mid-range options like the ë-C3, Renault 5, and Hyundai Inster provide 200-250 miles – the sweet spot for most drivers.

According to the Department for Transport, the average UK car journey is just 8.4 miles. Even budget EVs easily handle typical daily driving needs.

Charging Speed Matters

Look beyond headline range figures. The Citroën ë-C3, Renault 5 (Comfort Range), and Vauxhall Corsa Electric all charge at 100kW+, meaning a coffee-break top-up gets you back on the road quickly. The Dacia Spring (40kW) and Leapmotor T03 (48kW) are better suited to overnight home charging.

Total Cost of Ownership

Purchase price is just one factor. Consider:

• Electricity costs: Charging at home on an EV-friendly tariff costs around 7p per kWh (overnight rates), versus 15p+ per kWh at public rapid chargers. That's approximately £2.80 to fully charge a 40kWh battery at home, providing 200 miles of range.
• Servicing: EVs require minimal maintenance (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements due to regenerative braking). Expect to save hundreds annually versus petrol/diesel equivalents.
• VED (road tax): Since April 2025, EVs pay £10 in year one, then £195 annually – the same as petrol/diesel cars. 
• Depreciation: EVs currently depreciate faster than petrol equivalents, which is excellent news for used buyers but less positive for new car purchasers.

Equipment Levels

Budget doesn't mean basic. Many of these EVs include features like adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, heated seats, and large touchscreens as standard. The Leapmotor T03 and BYD Dolphin Surf are particularly generous with equipment.

Warranty Coverage

Hyundai's five-year unlimited-mileage warranty and MG's seven-year/80,000-mile warranty provide significant peace of mind. All manufacturers offer at least eight years coverage on the battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are budget EVs safe?

Yes. The BYD Dolphin Surf achieved five stars in Euro NCAP crash testing, while the Hyundai Inster and Renault 5 earned four stars. Even the Dacia Spring's three-star rating is adequate for urban use, though lower than ideal. All models include comprehensive safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.

Can I charge a budget EV at home?

Absolutely. All these EVs can charge from a standard domestic socket, though it's slow (typically 24+ hours for a full charge). Installing a 7kW home wallbox reduces this to 4-8 hours depending on battery size. Many local councils offer grants toward installation costs.

If you don't have off-street parking, budget EVs with smaller batteries (like the Spring or T03) are less practical, as you'll rely on public charging infrastructure.

How much does it cost to charge a budget EV?

On a typical EV tariff with overnight rates of 7p per kWh:

• Dacia Spring (24.3kWh): £1.70 for a full charge (140 miles) = 1.2p per mile
• Citroën ë-C3 (44kWh): £3.08 for a full charge (199 miles) = 1.5p per mile
• MG4 Urban (43kWh): £3.01 for a full charge (200 miles) = 1.5p per mile

Compare this to a petrol car achieving 50mpg at current fuel prices (£1.45 per litre): approximately 13p per mile. EVs cost 10x less per mile to run when charged at home.

What about public charging costs?

Public rapid charging is more expensive, typically 45-85p per kWh depending on the network and charging speed. This makes the cost per mile comparable to an efficient petrol car, so budget EVs are most economical for drivers who can charge at home regularly.

loveelectric's Charge Card offers discounted rates of up to 60% on charging at over 900,000 charge points across the UK and Europe.

Do budget EVs qualify for salary sacrifice schemes?

Yes, all the EVs featured in this guide are available through salary sacrifice with loveelectric. The savings are identical whether you choose a £15,000 Dacia Spring or a £27,000 Vauxhall Corsa Electric – your monthly payment is deducted from gross salary before tax.

Can I get a used EV on salary sacrifice?

Absolutely. loveelectric's reloved marketplace offers quality-assured used EVs through the same salary sacrifice scheme as new cars, with identical all-inclusive packages covering insurance, maintenance, servicing, and tyres. This often represents the most cost-effective way to access electric mobility.

How long will the battery last?

Modern EV batteries are remarkably durable. Most manufacturers guarantee at least 70-80% capacity after eight years or 100,000 miles. Real-world data suggests degradation is typically much slower – many EVs retain 90%+ capacity after five years of daily use.

The Dacia Spring, BYD Dolphin Surf, and MG4 use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is particularly resilient and tolerates frequent charging to 100% without degradation concerns.

Are cheap Chinese EVs reliable?

Chinese manufacturers like BYD, MG, and Leapmotor have established strong reliability records in their home market (China is the world's largest EV market by far). BYD, in particular, is a global leader in battery technology.

These brands offer long warranties (MG: seven years, Leapmotor: four years, BYD: six years for the car, eight years for the battery) and are backed by extensive UK dealer networks through partnerships with Stellantis and other established automotive groups.

Which budget EV has the best real-world range?

The Citroën ë-C3 Extended Range (249 miles WLTP) and Vauxhall Corsa Electric Long Range (266 miles WLTP) offer the longest official ranges. However, the Renault 5 Comfort Range and MG4 Long Range also exceed 240 miles, making them strong contenders.

For budget-conscious buyers, the MG4 Urban's 200-mile range hits the sweet spot between affordability and practicality.

Should I buy new or used?

If you're accessing an EV through salary sacrifice with loveelectric, the decision depends on your priorities:

Choose new if:

• You want the latest technology and longest possible range
• Warranty coverage from day one is important to you
• You value that "new car" experience

Choose reloved if:

• Maximising value is your priority (expect to save 20-30% on monthly costs)
• You're comfortable with a car that has some mileage (typically 10,000-30,000 miles)
• You want to minimise your environmental footprint (manufacturing a new car has significant carbon costs)

Both options include identical all-inclusive packages and loveelectric's Zero Risk Guarantee.

The Bottom Line: Budget EVs Have Come of Age

The affordable electric car market has transformed dramatically over the past few years. For under £25,000, you can now buy a genuinely capable EV with 200+ miles of range, rapid charging, comprehensive equipment, and strong safety credentials.

Through salary sacrifice with loveelectric, these already-affordable EVs become even more attainable, with savings of 30-60% making monthly costs competitive with running an older petrol car – whilst eliminating fuel costs, minimising road tax, and expensive maintenance.

The reloved marketplace takes this value proposition even further, offering professionally inspected used EVs at monthly costs that make going electric accessible to virtually any UK driver.

Whether you choose the ultra-affordable Dacia Spring, the well-equipped Leapmotor T03, the stylish Renault 5, or a used MG4 from the reloved marketplace, you'll be joining the growing number of UK drivers benefiting from zero-emissions motoring without the premium price tag.

Ready to explore your options? Visit loveelectric's car search page to browse the full range of budget EVs available.

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