Our top 10 cheap electric cars of 2024

There's no doubt that the future of the automotive industry is moving to electric. Although the ban of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK has been delayed until 2035, many drivers are still making the switch to electric now.

You may think that you need a big budget for an electric car, but the good news is that may not be the case! In this article, we've compiled a list of the 10 best cheap electric cars currently available on the market. We've considered factors such as price, vehicle size, styling, and practicality.

All EVs on this list are available for under £20,000, are ULEZ-compliant and are fantastic examples of the best cheap electric cars currently available.

Best cheap electric cars - our top picks

Dacia Spring

• Doors: Five
• Boot space: 308 litres
• Range: 137 miles*
• Prices can start around £14,995**

The Dacia Spring is a small electric car that made a big impact when it was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2024. Our favourite part about this EV is the price tag, starting at just £14,995**, making it the UK's cheapest four-seat electric car by a margin of thousands of pounds. It's already proving popular across the industry, winning the 'Value Car of the Year Award' at the News UK Motor Awards 2023. It's a great option if you're interested in cheap new electric cars.

Dacia's first fully electric car comes with a choice of a 45hp or a 65hp/48kW motor. Its lightweight design means it's the only fully electric car in Europe that is under one tonne, making it the perfect model for city driving with all those tight and narrow corners and small parking spaces. Using its 7kW charger, the compact 26.8kWh battery can be charged from 20% - 100% on a suitable domestic outlet in less than 11 hours, or in just four hours on a 7kW wall box.

It may look snug on the outside, but inside, the Dacia Spring is spacious. The model offers the best storage volume in its class and betters the segment standard. There's 304 litres of boot space and up to 1,004 litres with the rear seats folded down. There's also around 31 litres of storage space throughout the cabin in the form of multiple storage compartments.

Our automotive expert Duncan Vincent recently reviewed the Dacia Spring, also commenting on how spacious the Spring is for a small city car.

For a small car looking from the outside in, you'd be surprised just how much room you have in the actual driving compartment. The headroom is brilliant, [I'm] 6 foot 2, give or take a few inches, and that's very good for me. Comfortable wheel, comfortable seat and decent for my feet as well.

Despite its small price tag, the model is also packed with safety tech. Featured is an advanced emergency braking system with vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcycle detection. For added driver convenience, you'll find traffic sign recognition with speed alert, rear park assist, lane change alert, lane keep assist and a driver attention warning system. Dacia has also included a clever 'My Safety' button for quicker access to safety settings.

You've also got a choice of trims on the Dacia Spring: Expression Electric 45, Expression Electric 65 or Extreme 65. Expression Electric 45 is the entry-level trim, while Extreme 65 is the flagship variant. We are really excited about this model, it's one of the best cheap small electric cars that we have in stock at the moment.

smart forfour

• Doors: Five
• Boot space: 185 litres
• Range: 79 miles*
• Prices can start around £9,289**

smart's little fortwo is iconic among drivers, but let's be real, having just two seats isn't very practical. Thankfully, smart introduced the five-door forfour in 2015. It's still small and 'smart' looking, but it's more likely to rival other city cars like the Hyundai i10 or Volkswagen up! when it comes to sales. At just 3.5 metres in length, it's the perfect example of 'compact luxury'.

The model was built in partnership with Renault and shares many similarities to the Renault Twingo, including its platform. Yet, the exterior design of the forfour is as unique and distinctive as its smaller fortwo counterpart.

Inside the model, there are lots of exciting tech features. Heated seats and steering wheel feature as standard, offering exceptional value for money for an electric car! You also have a touchscreen infotainment system for all your in-car entertainment needs.

The forfour has a 60kW engine powered by a 17kWh battery which generates around 82bhp. With a range of just shy of 80 miles*, it's perfect for those who make short journeys on a daily or weekly basis. Picture all those tight city parking spots that a smart forfour could fit into with ease!

The fact you can buy a used smart forfour for less than £10,000 from Arnold Clark makes it one of the cheapest electric cars for sale at the moment.

Fiat 500e

• Doors: Three
• Boot space: 182 litres
• Range: 199 miles*
• Prices can start around £15,998**

The Fiat 500e had to feature on our list of cheap used electric cars because of how affordable, adored and acclaimed this model is. Since its launch in 2020, the model has gone on to receive 43 awards internationally, most recently earning the 'Urban Green Car of the Year' award from Green Car Journal.

The Fiat 500 has been a popular choice for city drivers thanks to its compact dimensions and kerb appeal. The all-electric version is slightly bigger but similar in terms of exterior design. With the 500e, you get an overhanging rear spoiler which adds to the all-round athletic aesthetic.

With regards to model practicality, some would say luggage space in the 500e is a little tight. You get 182 litres of boot space with all four seats in use. Fold the rear bench down and there are 500 litres on offer.

Inside, electric buttons replace actual handles on the doors and there are no physical dials in the driver's binnacle. Instead, you get a digital display on all trim levels as well as a trio of drive modes: 'Normal', 'Range', and 'Sherpa'.

Each setting selects different modes of power-saving to make the most out of the 500e's electric range. In terms of the battery and performance, an 87kW engine is powered by a 42kWh battery, with an output of 118bhp. Like other versions of the Fiat 500, the all-electric model has light steering, making it very enjoyable for city driving.

The Fiat 500e might be the brand's first all-electric car, but it's as stylish and iconic as the original. The selling point for us is the 500e's class-leading WLTP range of 199 miles*. It may be a small city car, but four well-designed seats and a spacious cockpit make the 500e perfectly suited for young couples or urban adventurers. It's another one of our favourite cheap electric cars for sale.

MG ZS

• Doors: Five
• Boot space: 470 litres
• Range: 198 miles*
• Prices can start around £19,995**

Since MG was taken over by the Chinese SAIC conglomerate in 2007, they've offered good value cars that have been well-equipped, practical and sophisticated. This has resonated with car buyers across the UK and Europe, so much so, that MG has recently out-sold brands such as MINI, Škoda and Land Rover.

MG's brand ethos is all about making sustainable driving accessible to everyone, and that's exactly what they have done with the MG ZS. This affordable subcompact crossover SUV is another fantastic example of cheap electric cars in the UK just now. A brand-new MG ZS can be yours for under £20,000.

The entry-level variant in the MG ZS line-up has a 51kWh battery, which will go for up to 198 miles*. The battery powers a 130kW engine which is capable of 176bhp. When purchased from new, the battery also comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty of seven years.

This family-sized EV is one of the most affordable on our list in terms of size and space. It also ticks many boxes in other areas for us, including tech and features. The state-of-the-art MG iSMART connectivity set-up and infotainment system offers connection via a smartphone app, through which car climate, security and charging functions are controlled remotely.

With 470 litres of boot space with all five seats in use and 1,100 litres with the rear bench folded, this EV is the perfect travel companion for busy families. Whether it's the daily commute, the school run or your next adventure, the whole family will be travelling in style and sophistication when you opt for an MG ZS.

Vauxhall Mokka Electric

• Doors: Five
• Boot space: 310 litres
• Range: 209 miles*
• Prices can start around £16,498**

Small SUVs are one of the most popular car types in the UK right now. That's why we felt compelled to include one of our all-time favourites: the great value and vibrant Vauxhall Mokka. IntelliLux lights and a distinctive vizor grille help this model stand out from the crowd.

The standard Mokka Electric gets a 50kWh battery matched to a 136PS powertrain, offering a range of up to 209 miles*. The alternative is the Long Range version, featuring the latest Stellantis 54kWh battery and a more efficient (and quieter) 156PS motor that produces 260Nm of torque and extends the range figure to 252 miles*. Both variants include the usual single-speed auto transmission you get with EVs.

Inside, you have plenty of space with lots of handy cubbies and storage space throughout the cabin. You also have a space under the floor to keep charging cables, so they don't take up boot space.

Speaking of the boot, there is 310 litres on offer in the boot itself, which, although is slightly less than what is offered in a petrol or diesel Mokka due to the electric batteries, is more than enough space for the weekly shop or a couple of suitcases. If you fold down the rear bench, you can enjoy 1,060 litres; that's enough room for your golf bag and clubs!

There is also plenty of tech to keep you busy, all managed through the pure panel infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen - there's even the option to schedule charging. Comfort is enhanced with heated seats, heated steering wheel and personalised climate control. Packed with features and technology, a used Vauxhall Mokka electric is the perfect example of a cheap used electric cars.

BMW i3

• Doors: Five
• Boot space: 260 litres
• Range: 188 miles*
• Prices can start around £15,995**

Coming in at number six on our list of the top 10 cheap electric cars is the BMW i3. Launched in 2013, the BMW i3 has been a major success in the UK and is known as a pioneer within the electric vehicle market. Introduced when the EV market was still largely untapped, production of this iconic model ceased in 2022, the end of an era for many. Don't worry though, we still have plenty of used BMW i3s in stock for you to choose from.

It's on our list because the i3 sold an impressive 250,000 units between 2013 and 2022, making it the 'the world's most successful electric vehicle in the premium compact segment.'

Get in the driving seat and you'll find that the i3 produces a hearty 168bhp, which takes you from 0 - 62mph in just 7.3 seconds. With a 42.2kWh battery, you'll get around 188 miles* of driving range, which is pretty competitive compared to some of its rivals. You can also opt for the i3 Range Extender variant for longer journeys.

As you'd expect from a BMW, you get plenty of tech and features inside. Look out for different packages on the i3, as different packs offer different features. The range of packs available include the Pro pack, the Unique Forever pack, the Tech pack and more.

No matter which version you choose, you can rest assured you're in for a smooth, satisfying and sustainable drive on every journey in the BMW i3, and this luxury city car could be yours for just under £16,000.

Hyundai KONA

• Doors: Five
• Boot space: 466 litres
• Range: 232 miles*
• Prices can start around £17,798**

When Hyundai first launched the Kona into the UK market in 2018, it became an instant hit. First released as a multi-powertrain small SUV, an electric version soon followed. Now a second-generation Kona has been developed with much of the attention focused on the EV version. In fact, in Europe, 40% of Kona sales are electric.

If you're looking for a cheap electric car, then there's the entry-level 48kWh battery and 154bhp motor. This iteration of the Kona delivers up to 234 miles* and can be yours for under £20,000! For those who are looking for more power and longer range, you can opt for the 65kWh battery which is capable of up to 301 miles* and 215bhp output. Another handy addition is that the model is fitted with a heat pump, so the range shouldn't plummet in the winter.

In terms of storage space, there are loads of handy compartments and cubbies dotted throughout the cabin for personal items and space in the boot has been upgraded to a very generous 466 litres.

Boot space expands to 1,300 litres with the seats folded down. That's plenty of space for suitcases, golf clubs and the weekly shop altogether! Additionally, under the front bonnet, there's a small storage compartment for storing charging cables.

All variations of the model get large and lavish alloy wheels with rims at least 18 inches in size. You can also look forward to an abundance of tech, in-car entertainment and driver convenience features. The all-electric Kona is another great example of cheap second-hand electric cars available in the UK that can be yours for under £20,000.

Peugeot E-208

• Doors: Five
• Boot space: 311 litres
• Range: 175 miles*
• Prices can start around £15,498**

If you're looking for cheap small electric cars, then the Peugeot E-208 might be the one for you. At first glance, the E-208 catches your eye thanks to a sporty chequered front grille and lion badge, both change colour in the light, adding to the model's already abundant kerb appeal.

A 50kWh battery powers an 100kW engine, which is capable of 136bhp and will take you from 0 - 62mph in 8.1 seconds. Different driving modes also allow you to tailor your driving experience and outputs, helping you to maximise your driving range.

Sport mode increases power delivery, giving you full bhp and torque. Switching to Normal mode decreases bhp and torque by 27bhp and 30lb ft of torque. Opt for Eco mode and you can really optimise battery range as bhp and torque reduces even more, making it ideal for inner city driving.

Charging the Peugeot E-208 is straightforward. You can charge up to 80% in 30 minutes using rapid public charging or get a full charge from a home charging point in eight hours. You can also use the touchscreen to programme a charge or check your battery status.

It's worth noting that the rear passenger space is slightly less than in the petrol or diesel variations of the model because the battery pack is nestled beneath the back seat. However, this does mean that there's no impact on boot space, keeping it the same between the electric and ICE versions of the 208 at 311 litres.

Inside the E-208, there are plenty of cool features, including Peugeot's 'i-Cockpit' design, which sees you viewing the instrument screen over the top of the wheel rim rather than conventionally through the wheel spokes. The E-208 offers exceptional value for money and is the perfect example of an affordable electric car.

Renault ZOE

• Doors: Five
• Boot space: 338 litres
• Range: 238 miles*
• Prices can start around £13,998**

It's hard to believe the first version of the Renault ZOE was originally launched in 2012. The model has been on UK roads for more than a decade and has become a firm favourite with drivers making the switch to electric.

The ZOE was recently crowned What Car? 'Best Used Electric Small Car' for the third consecutive year. Judges commented: 'For sheer value, the Renault ZOE is in a class of its own. It's an electric pioneer that has stood the test of time.' We at Arnold Clark definitely agree.

The ZOE is still one of the cheapest electric cars of 2024. The model was designed for city driving, which makes it the perfect travel companion for urban adventurers. The ZOE is efficient, economical and environmentally friendly.

The model was introduced initially with a 22kWh battery, which could only take you 93 miles* on a full charge. However, more recently, a newer and more powerful 100kW R135 motor was added. This motor delivers strong acceleration and boosts the WLTP to 238 miles*.

In the back, there's more than enough room for kids or two adults to sit comfortably. There is a 338-litre boot offered which extends to 1,225 litres if you fold down the one-piece rear bench. As standard, you get Renault's R-Link multimedia system with a 9.3-inch centre screen which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone-mirroring. For those interested in cheap electric cars, this is one of the best value-for-money models you can find.

MINI Cooper S

• Doors: Five
• Boot space: 210 litres
• Range: 140 miles*
• Prices can start around £14,498**

Last, but by no means least, on our list of the best cheap electric cars is the all-electric MINI Cooper S. What do we know about MINI Cooper cars? They are stylish, sophisticated and extremely satisfying to drive. So, it's no surprise that the electric MINI Cooper S is no different.

The MINI Electric S is based on the same body as the three-door hatch version. With a battery capacity of 32.6kWh which powers a 135kW motor, you get a WLTP driving range of 140 - 145 miles*, handy for those driving in and around the city. It's also nippy for getting around, reaching 37mph in just under four seconds.

Step inside and there's a 6.5-inch infotainment screen with its outer rim lighting up in various eye-catching and vibrant colours depending on your choice of drive mode. The infotainment system can be controlled by voice, by touching the screen or by using the lower iDrive-style controller between the seats.

Whatever your preference, you'll be navigating around a circular menu with navigation, phone and audio options on the right, 'MINI Connected' media options on the top left and a further 'MY MINI' section on the bottom left, where you'll find 'Driving Information' drive data, 'Technology In Action' e-data and where you can plan charging times.

The MINI Cooper is a staple of British roads, its iconic design is instantly recognisable, something which hasn't changed in the all-electric model. The best part of this is that you can purchase a used electric MINI Cooper for less than £20,000 today!