Top 10 Cheapest Electric Cars in the UK
By DavidSwitching to an electric car doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. In fact, electric cars are currently better and cheaper than ever before.
Thanks to regulatory pressure and a shift in attitudes from manufacturers, the electrification of the car industry is well underway. But, unlike before, there are now a range of affordable electric cars that offer sustainable motoring to the masses.
In this guide, car leasing experts Nationwide Vehicle Contracts explore the best and cheapest electric cars currently available in the UK, including compact cars, SUVs, and hatchbacks.
10 of the cheapest electric cars you can lease in the UK
1. ORA 03
The ORA 03 is an electric city car that you're going to be hearing a lot more about in the next few years. Formerly known as the Funky Cat, it's an affordable EV that comes with a superb interior and up to 260 miles of range on a single charge.
Considering it's low price, the O3 stands out with its interior. It comes with a pair of 10.25-inch displays on the dashboard, voice assistant, and facial recognition technology.
You can also choose from a 48kWh or 63kWh battery, the latter of which returns up to 260 miles of range.
Pros: Loads of tech
Cons: Interior space a bit tight
2. Peugeot e-208
The Peugeot e-208 is a small electric hatchback that's taken the industry by storm since its introduction. Perfect for drivers sticking to a budget, it comes with a brilliant interior and up to 224 miles of range.
We'll start with the e-208's exterior. One word: wow. It perfectly blends modern features with a sporty styling, resulting in that simply stunning front end.
Inside, you'll get a driver-oriented interior with a ten-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It's powered by a 100kW motor paired with a 50kWh battery that returns up to 224 miles of range.
Pros: Looks amazing
Cons: Infotainment system can be slow
3. Nissan LEAF
Nissan have been pioneers in the electric car market, and with the Nissan LEAF they regularly find themselves at the right end of the affordability scale. With a 0-60 of 7.9 seconds, the LEAF offers family practicality with a formidable performance. It gives you an impressive range of 242 miles for city driving, making it a highly affordable and effortlessly stylish urban option.
Pros: Great performance.
Cons: None, really.
4. Volkswagen ID.3
The Volkswagen ID.3 is VW's first car from the ID electric range. The five-door hatchback ticks all the right boxes, just like a Golf, with an impressive range of up 217 miles and a comfortable interior cabin. Passenger space is great too, along with the boot size, which offers 385 litres of boot space with the rear seats raised, which is more than a match for the latest Golf’s 381 litres.
Pros: Wide choice of specifications
Cons: Rivals offer a more entertaining drive
5. MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV stakes a claim as not just a very good affordable electric car, but one of the best electric SUVs on the market. It offers a choice of two batteries, excellent safety features including MG pilot, and a digitised cockpit with iSmart connectivity.
With a 275 mile range and rapid charging of 100kW, it is also one of the most practical EVs on the market.
Pros: Competitive prices
Cons: Interior quality not best-in-class
6. Fiat 500 Electric Hatchback
When it comes to urban driving, the Fiat 500 revolutionised the market. With the Fiat 500 Electric Hatchback, they continue this trend while being effortlessly cool. Capable of a fast charge in just two and a half hours, it’s got the same great driving experience as the original with all the added tech you’d expect from an electric car. It’s fun, all charged up.
Pros: Great all-rounder.
Cons: None.
7. Vauxhall Corsa-e
The Vauxhall Corsa-e is the UK's best-selling electric supermini. It stands out from the crowd thanks to its excellent value for money, good equipment levels and refined interior. It is also easy to drive, making it a popular choice with young and older drivers alike.
Pros: Up to 209-mile range
Cons: Not as exciting to drive as some rivals
8. Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai's highly-rated Kona Electric compact crossover offers great range, responsive performance and attractive styling. Its electric driving range of up to 300 miles gives more expensive rivals a run for their money, while its five-year warranty, generous standard specification and advanced technology make it a popular choice with growing families.
Pros: Up to 300 mile range
Cons: Some rivals are more spacious
9. BYD Dolphin
Another Chinese EV to watch out for is the BYD Dolphin. With its compact design, practical interior, and competitive pricing, it's perfect for urban families looking for a versatile lease car.
Once you get past its pretty unique name, it's a very tidy car. On the dashboard you get a 12-inch infotainment system that offers access to navigation, media, and various vehicle settings.
For its powertrain, you get a 204hp electric motor that's paired with either a 44.9kWh or a 60.4kWh battery, the latter of which returns up to 265 miles of range.
Pros: Spacious interior
Cons: Modest performance
10. Vauxhall Astra-e
The Vauxhall Astra-e is a stylish and efficient car that's perfect for families looking to stick to a budget. For it's affordable price point, it comes with a swift acceleration, a driver-oriented cabin, and up to 256 miles of range.
The Astra has always been a car with a bit of a kick, and the Astra-e is no different. You'll go from 0 to 60mph in just nine seconds and top out at 105mph.
Pros: Great to drive
Cons: Cabin not as good as rivals
Although the low price might have you wanting to get an electric car lease deal through as quickly as possible, ensure you take a step back and consider the factors below:
- Battery range - Think about your driving habits. Electric cars range can vary depending on their battery size, so ensure you've done thorough research to conclude if that certain car fits your lifestyle.
- Charging times - Also research the charging speeds of an affordable electric car. Like electric range, charging times can vary depending on the model. You'll also need to consider the charging infrastructure available to you and whether you have access to your own wall box.
“Leasing an affordable electric car not only saves you money initially, but also long term, due to lower running and maintenance costs. ”
Not only can you save money on an affordable electric car, you can also save a fortune on road tax. Road tax is based on your car’s emissions, and as electric cars produce zero CO2, you don’t have to pay a penny to drive them (currently).
However, from 1st April 2025, drivers of affordable electric vehicles will need to pay for VED-road tax. In the first year, you'll pay the lowers rate of vehicle tax, but from the second tax payment onwards, you'll pay the standard rate of £190 (subject to change for 2025).
Leasing an affordable electric car is a great choice for those on a budget who want a sustainable motor. Whether you're looking for the most affordable electric car for your daily commute or the best electric compact car for city driving, there's plenty of choice out there.
Ensure that you conduct your own research, and thoroughly analyse your driving needs regarding an electric car. Think about your daily mileage, charging infrastructure, and whether you need a big or small car.
If you’ve decided to make the switch to green driving, we’ve got a huge range of electric and hybrid cars ready and in stock for quick delivery. Not only are they great for the environment, they also offer a great driving experience, with incredible acceleration, hill start support and a stall-free drive guaranteed.
Don’t just take our word for it. Lease an electric car today and enjoy the future of driving for yourself.
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