Electric cars come in all shapes and sizes, and the focus on battery-powered models is sharper than ever. For many drivers, though, one thing is also under consideration: price.
Many drivers consider electric cars to be expensive. For instance, the Vauxhall Corsa has long been a blue-collar hero, thanks to its low cost, competent dynamics and decent practicality, but the cheapest electric version costs a substantial £32,445. That’s £12,820 more than an entry-level petrol Corsa.
Vauxhall isn’t alone in this, because many manufacturers have spied an opportunity to target well-heeled early adopters who are willing to pay a premium (and a large slice of profit to the car maker) to have the latest all-singing, all-dancing digitally dense EV on their drive.
Yet if EVs are to become commonplace, there need to be some options that aren’t going to break the bank.
And that's starting to happen. Car brands are now introducing more affordable options on a far more frequent basis.
Brands including Dacia, Citroën, Mazda and MG are all leaving their mark, having launched sub-£30,000 electric cars in the past couple of years – and prices are improving further, with new options coming in at under £25,000 and even under £20,000.
But it’s important to do your research. The main criticism of battery-powered cars has previously been their range, with very few offering the sort of stamina that would make them a true replacement for a combustion-engined counterpart.
That said, the charging infrastructure is constantly improving and customer expectations have shifted. And there are now plenty of lower-priced models to choose from.
The cheapest electric cars
Price: £8495
The cheapest car on this list technically isn’t a car, but a quadricycle. Designed to be cheap, effective transport for packed cities, the Citroën Ami’s 8bhp motor, 28mph top speed and 45-mile range mean it's hopelessly out of its depth on the open road.
That said, its tight turning circle and dinky dimensions make it a doddle to drive around town, and the presence of a roof – something you don’t get on a motorcycle – keeps you warm and dry when the heavens open.
Read our Citroën Ami review
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All cheap EVs are awful. There is no reason for buying one.
Have you looked at the Citroen Berlingo and space tourer? I think Vauxhall and VW also make something you'd like
"Cost-effective EVs are rare"? No, cheap EVs are rare, and that's what this article is about. EVs by Kia, Hyundai, VW, Ford, even Jaguar and Tesla, are all cost-effective because of the low running costs.