13 Electric Cars That Are Suspiciously Easy on the Wallet

The market has come a long way since the Nissan Leaf, the first mass-produced, affordable electric car. It’s natural to have some skepticism over the increasing affordability of electric vehicles (EVs), but it’s just as important to consider what’s behind this trend. We’ve seen impressive advances in EV battery technology in the higher energy densities and more efficient manufacturing processes.

Other factors like government subsidies, tax breaks, and increasing collaborations between manufacturers help cut production costs and ultimately reduce prices for consumers. It does not mean zero reasons for suspicions and no need to ensure “Cheap Price” is not the result of compromised quality or safety standards.

If, for example, a model is affordable because lower-quality batteries were used, the likely result is a shorter lifespan and/or lower efficiency in charging and discharging cycles. We scoured the world beyond North America to identify some of the cheapest EVs right now.

2024 BYD Dolphin – Approx. $13,700 (99,800 Yuan)

German designer Wolfgang Egger has gained even more fame since assuming the role of Global Director of BYD Design in 2017 and due to the runaway success of his works, including the BYD Dolphin electric supermini. Measuring 160 inches long, 70 inches wide, and 62 inches tall, the Dolphin is slightly larger than Hyundai’s i20 supermini hatchback.

The base model features a 70 kW motor delivering 133 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels and a 30.7 kWh battery with up to 187 miles of range. The top model uses a 130 kW front motor generating 214 lb-ft of torque and a 44.9 kWh battery with 249 miles maximum range. BYD could offer a mid-trim model with around 217 miles of range. It can charge from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes.

2024 Citroen e-C3 – Approx. $27,900 (£21,990 est.)

The French-made Citroen e-C3 is an eye-catching electric city car thanks to the brand’s signature split headlamp design, contrast accents, and unique front and rear fascias. Citroen has been a Stellantis NV subsidiary since 2021, and the new e-C3 benefits from higher-grade steel construction to meet higher standards.

This charming and affordable supermini promises good value for money with its 44kWh battery and miles per kWh rating of 4.52. The battery is good for 199 miles as per the WLTP cycle.

2024 Next-gen Dacia Spring – Approx. $21,600 (£17,000)

The Next-gen Dacia Spring prioritizes practicality and efficiency, especially considering the over 1,000-worth of interior storage cubicles and the clever YouClip system. The Romanian brand is far from a newcomer to producing budget-friendly EVs, and the new Spring should continue the tradition. It flaunts a refreshed design with styling cues borrowed from the Duster SUV, such as the new grille design and Y-shaped LED DRLs.

It looks funkier but retains the original dimensions — 147 inches long, 70 inches wide, and 60 inches tall. Weighing under 2,170 lbs, the new Spring is light and efficient. The interior looks premium, featuring digital displays, white/copper accents, and physical buttons. Its 26.8 kWh battery pack is good for over 137 miles, according to the WLTP.

2025 Nissan Micra EV – Under $32,000 (Under £25,000 est.)

The Micra nameplate is known for its miniature size, affordability, and excellent fuel economy. The upcoming Micra EV is expected to continue that tradition. Riding on Nissan’s new AmpR Small Platform, the Micra EV will benefit from advanced technology and styling heavily influenced by the new Ariya SUV and Leaf.

We expect a 52kWh battery with up to 249 miles of range, along with a smaller 40kWh battery offering a range of around 186 miles. Details about the car’s specifications and pricing are still emerging, but we’re confident in the electric Micra’s market position as one of the most affordable EVs.

2025 VW ID.2 hatchback – Approx. $27,000 (Under €25,000)

Like the Micra, the Volkswagen ID.2 is an upcoming electric hatchback expected to hit the market in 2025. Though a ‘latecomer’ in Volkswagen’s famous family of EVs, the ID.2 will bring an attractive balance of affordability, range, and performance to the table. You’re looking at a possibly game-changing EV with a mass-market appeal, cheaper than the current ID.3, and riding on the company’s MEB Entry platform.

Volkswagen’s Modular electric drive matrix–E is specifically designed to deliver under-€20,000 EVs using cost-effective production methods and advanced technology without sacrificing quality. Slated to start under €25,000, the ID.2 will field, among other cool features, a 10.9-inch instrument screen and a 12.9-inch highly configurable infotainment display. It will rely on 58 kWh and 38 kWh battery packs with 280 miles and 200 miles, respectively, as per the WLTP test cycle

2026 VW ID.2 X SUV – Under $32,500 approx. (Under €30,000)

Here’s another electric Volkswagen coming even further ahead — the 2026 VW ID.2 X SUV. As the SUV version of the ID.2, we expect a similarly competitive price range. Though still far off in the future, the ID.2 X is a highly anticipated electric SUV with a target price of under €30,000 ($32,500).

It will share the MEB platform with the ID.2 supermini, effectively setting it apart from the ID.4 and ID.5 and probably making it VW’s smallest electric SUV. We expect a fresh take on the urban commuter for individuals and small families. We hear a range of up to 280 miles on a single charge, which should be

2025 Cupra UrbanRebel/Cupra Raval – Approx. $32,000 (£25,000 est.)

You really should pay more attention if you’re hearing about the Cupra Urban Rebel for the first time today. It is a product of Spanish automaker SEAT offered under its “Cupra” subsidiary. SEAT has been fully owned by Volkswagen since 1990. It unveiled the Cupra Urban Rebel prototype at the International Motor Show Germany in 2021.

In May last year, Cupra confirmed the production model as the Cupra Raval, designed, developed, and produced in Martorell, Barcelona, Spain. The Urban Raval flaunts a futuristic, racing-inspired design and a performance-oriented powertrain.

The prototype showcased a 166kW electric motor, claimed to send the hatchback to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Positioned below the Cupra Born, the Raval is estimated to start at around £25,000.

2025 Renault 5 E-Tech Electric – Approx. $27,000 (€25,000 est.)

The new Renault 5 is a classic from the 1970s reborn as an EV with a retro-futuristic design and nostalgic styling cues revealed in the front headlights, rear lights, and sculpted mudguards. It captures the spirit of the original while embracing modern tech and connectivity features.

In the UK, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric offers two battery options with 123 hp / 150 hp and 186 / 249 miles. It has an estimated starting price of around €25,000 and should hit the market in early 2025, following the 2024 reveal at the Geneva Motor Show.

2024 Fiat Panda Electric – Approximately $21,000 (Under €20,000 est.)

Like the Nissan Micra, the Fiat Panda is a highly popular small hatchback whose absence from North America is regrettable, the departure from the UK painful, and reinvention as an EV highly anticipated. The Panda City Cross version impressed with its protective cladding, high ground clearance, and offroad prowess.

Fiat models officially sold in America are the 500, 500X, and 124 Spider. Similarly, the new Panda, available in ICE and electric powertrains, proves that less is more. It is set to debut in July 2024 to coincide with the marque’s 125^th anniversary.

2025 MG Cyberster – Approx. $69,800 (£54,995–£59,995)

It reminds you of the Miata, doesn’t it? It’s not as cheap as the smaller EVs on this list, but the retro-inspired MG Cyberster captures the imagination with its unique styling. It’s an electric convertible sports car with high-performance capabilities. Its dual-motor setup delivers a combined output of 536 horsepower and 535 lb-ft of torque, setting it leagues apart from others we’ve reviewed so far.

However, for an electric sports car with the chops to cover 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, the Cyberster might be considered “suspiciously cheap” at approximately $69,800 to $76,200. It uses a 77-kWh battery pack with a range of 360 miles, as per the China light-duty vehicle test cycle (CLTC).

2027 Volkswagen ID.1 – Approx. $21,600 (Under €20,000)

And we circle back to Volkswagen: The ID.1 supermini, introduced as an entry-level model to rival Citroen’s e-C3 and keep the spirit of the now-discontinued VW Up alive. Volkswagen hopes this car will attract city people who are in the market for a compact EV with its friendly price tag.

During a press conference in March 2024, Volkswagen COO Thomas Schäfer confirmed that the ID.1 will hit the market in 2027 with a price tag below €20,000 ($21,600). It will ride on Volkswagen’s smaller platform and share the ID family’s design language. The car is expected to deliver 248 miles on a full charge.

2024 Skoda Enyaq iV – Approx. $39,500 (£31,085)

The “iV” in its name is short for “innovative Vehicle” and is part of Skoda’s branding terminology for its electric and hybrid models. While the ‘iV’ designation signifies the model is either all-electric or PHEV, the Enyaq iV is an all-electric SUV offered as an entry-level model in the Czech automotive brand’s EV lineup.

Skoda has been a Volkswagen subsidiary since 1991. For a family-sized car with such impressive electric range, the Enyaq iV sounds ‘suspiciously cheap’ at a price range of £31,085 to £35,950 in the UK.

There are different trims, including the 62kWh 60 Nav with up to 256 miles of range and the 82kWh Enyaq iV 80 delivering 333 miles. The Enyaq iV Sportline 80x is a 4WD model with a combined 265 horsepower.

2024 Renault Megane E-Tech Electric – Approx. $44,480 (£34,995)

The Megane E-Tech Electric hatchback is part of Renault’s ambitious electrification strategy, combining style, technology, and efficiency to attract people in the market for an affordable electric hatchback. It represents Renault’s commitment to over 90% recyclable components and an energy-efficient manufacturing process.

The 2024 Renault Megane E-Tech uses a 60 kWh battery with a range of 280 miles, backed by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. It supports fast charging with a speed of up to 130 kW. Priced between £34,995 and £38,995 in the UK, the Megane E-Tech represents a compelling model in the EU’s EV market.