Download Bonnet

Scan the QR code to download the app

The 9 Cheapest Electric Cars You Can Buy Today

Published on
May 18, 2023

Key Points:

  • If you’re looking for an affordable electric car, you’ll have quite a few options to consider. These cars differ in their comfort and luxury, performance, efficiency and so on, meaning there’s an affordable electric car to suit every taste.
  • The top nine affordable EVs, as collected on this list, are all under £50,000, with some starting at a much lower £20,000. 
  • One way to keep the costs of owning an EV down is to use the Bonnet app. Bonnet offers access to thousands of charging services in the UK and Europe, with hefty discounts on PAYG rates when you sign up for one of its paid plans.

Are you looking to get an affordably-priced electric car? Finding a budget-friendly EV doesn’t mean you’ll have to make a compromise on quality. Here are nine cheap electric cars that offer great value for money:

1. Chevy Bolt

The Chevrolet Bolt is a hatchback sedan known for being the cheapest electric car on the market today. Chevrolet will soon discontinue the production of the Bolt, but while it remains in production, it’s one of the best options to consider when shopping for cheap electric cars.

The Bolt comes in two trims: the LT and the Premier, with the LT version starting at a very modest £20,000. Despite its affordability, however, the Bolt is still a competent vehicle. As standard, you can expect up to 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque with a relatively large 66 kWh battery.

At its top speed of 92 mph, the Bolt is not the fastest EV, but it’s quite suitable for city driving and will be sufficient for longer trips. And while the Bolt isn’t built to win races, its 66 kWh battery provides an estimated range of 259 miles on a single charge, which is very impressive for its price.

The Bolt comes with a CCS-standard charging inlet, which means it can be charged using a Level 1, Level 2 or DC rapid charger.

Chevy Bolt Specs
Battery Size65 kWh
Engine200hp
Top Speed146 km/h
Range417 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

2. Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the cheapest electric cars on the market; that said, it doesn’t sacrifice its style for affordability. The Kona is an elegant, trendy EV that starts at a highly competitive £25,725.

The Hyundai Kona Electric comes in three trims: SE, SEL and Limited. The entry-level SE comes with a few fancy features, like its 7-inch touchscreen and forward collision warning, with even more fancy features, such as blind-spot monitoring and wireless device charging available in the mid-range SEL trim. 

The Limited trim provides even more luxury features like leather seats and a sunroof.

Performance-wise, the Kona Electric produces up to 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, which allow for rapid acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 104 mph.  

The Kona Electric has a 64 kWh battery pack, which provides an estimated range of 258 miles on a single charge. For charging, you’ll be able to leverage Level 1, Level 2 and DC rapid charging, given the Kona’s CCS-standard charging inlet.

The Hyundai Kona Electric Specs
Battery Size64 kWh
Engine201hp
Top Speed167 km/h
Range415 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

3. Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is an affordable electric car with a sleek design and impressive range. At a starting price of £28,995, the Leaf is a great option for anyone looking for a fancy-looking EV without breaking the bank. 

The Nissan Leaf 2023 is offered in two trims: the standard S trim and the SV Plus. The Leaf S is powered by a 110 kW electric motor, which produces 147 horsepower, allowing the Leaf to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just under 7 seconds.

The S trim comes with a 40 kWh battery, which is somewhat small for an all-electric car, and provides an estimated range of 149 miles. The SV Plus, on the other hand, comes with a 62 kWh battery that provides an estimated range of 226 miles.

Like the Chevy Bolt, the Nissan Leaf has a relatively low top speed of 98 mph, but this will be more than enough in nearly all cases. 

You can charge the Leaf using a standard 120-volt household outlet. The Leaf comes with separate Type 2 and CHAdeMO charging inlets that allow for the full range of charging options.

The Nissan Leaf Specs
Battery Size40 kWh
Engine147 hp
Top Speed157 km/h
Range341 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

4. Mazda MX-30

The Mazda MX-30 is a sleek and visually appealing electric car. But it’s not the most powerful, nor does it have a very impressive range. If you’re shopping for affordable EVs, however, the MX-30’s starting price of £31,250 makes it a good option to consider. 

The Mazda MX-30 comes in two trims: the Standard and the Premium. The Standard comes with features like a 7-inch touchscreen and automatic climate control. The Premium trim adds a few more luxury features, such as a Bose sound system and sunroof.

The Mazda MX-30 can generate up to 143 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, which is decent for its price point. It has a relatively low top speed of 87 mph, along with a comparatively small 35.5 kWh battery pack, which gives it an estimated range of 100 miles on a single charge.

The Mazda MX-30 comes with a CCS charging inlet that allows for standard Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging options. 

Mazda MX-30 Specs
Battery Size35.5 kWh
Engine143hp
Top Speed140 km/h
Range160 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

5. Mini Cooper SE

The Mini Cooper SE starts at £32,550, making it one of the cheapest electric vehicles you can buy today. With a unique style and impressive driving range, the Mini Cooper is an excellent option for getting about the city. 

At the moment, the Mini Cooper SE is only available in its Signature trim, which comes with standard features like heated front seats, a 6.5-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera. 

The Mini Cooper SE delivers decent performance with up to 181hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Its top speed of 93 mph is unremarkable, but it does accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 7 seconds. 

In terms of performance, the one notable drawback of the Mini Cooper SE, compared to other cars in a similar price range, is its rather small 32.6 kWh battery. You can expect a real-world driving range of about 110 miles on a single charge, which is enough for daily commuting but not much else.

For charging, the Mini Cooper SE comes with a CCS connector, so you can charge it using Level 1, Level 2 and DC rapid charging.

Mini Cooper SE Specs
Battery Size32.6 kWh
Engine181hp
Top Speed149 km/h
Range183 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

6. KIA Niro EV

If you're looking for a reasonably-priced electric car that delivers on both style and performance, you should consider the KIA Niro EV. At a starting price of £36,545, the KIA Niro isn’t the cheapest, but it’s still one of the more affordable electric cars, and it offers great value for money. 

The Niro EV is available in two trims: the EX and the EX Premium. The EX comes with features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera as standard, with the EX Premium adding a few more luxury features like leather seats and a sunroof.

The KIA Niro EV is powered by an electric motor that delivers a decent 201 horsepower, 291 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 104 mph.

The KIA Niro EV has a 64 kWh battery pack, which gives it an estimated range of 239 miles, which is impressive when compared to similarly-priced EVs. 

The Niro EV comes with a CCS standard charging inlet. Charging at home on a Level 1 charger will fully charge your battery in 24 hours, a Level 2 charger requires 9.5 hours and DC rapid charging will take about 54 minutes.

KIA Niro EV Specs
Battery Size64 kWh
Engine201hp
Top Speed167 km/h
Range384 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

7. Volkswagen ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 is an affordably priced SUV that offers a mix of comfort and performance at very competitive pricing. 

With a starting price of £38,845, the ID.4 comes in eight trim configurations to choose from:

  • Standard trim
  • Pro
  • S
  • AWD Pro
  • Pro S
  • Pro S Plus
  • AWD Pro S
  • AWD Pro S Plus. 

These trims mainly differ in style and finishing, but you’ll be able to choose your preferred powertrain combination regardless of the trim you choose.

As standard, the ID.4 comes with a 62 kWh battery that powers its single-engine, rear-wheel powertrain and offers 208 miles of range. For improved performance, you can opt for an all-wheel drive setup that would deliver a much-improved 295hp. 

Volkswagen ID.4 Specs
Battery Size62 kWh
Engine201 - 295hp
Top Speed160 km/h
Range208 miles
Drive TypeRear drive

8. Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is a sleek crossover with a luxurious feel and impressive performance for its price of £43,445.

The car has a top speed of 185 km/h and a battery capacity of 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh. The North American version is slightly different, with 58 KWh or 77.4 kWh battery capacity options and a 350 kW onboard DC charger that allows for truly rapid charging. 

The Ioniq 5 comes in two drivetrain combinations that include both rear and all-wheel options and starts at £43,445.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Key Specs
Battery size58 - 72.6 kWh
Engine168-320hp
Top speed165 km/h
Range315 miles
Drive TypeRear/All-wheel drive

9. Toyota bZ4X

The bZ4X is Toyota’s first-ever electric vehicle. With a starting price of £46,110, it comes in at an affordable price point, even though it is the most expensive EV on this list.

The interior of the bZ4X features the pragmatic yet comfortable mix of features that Toyota is known for, with smart voice assistance, adaptive cruise control, advanced parking assistance and so on.

The bZ4X comes in XLE and Limited trims, which are the only two available at the moment. Both trims come as front-wheel drive, but the all-wheel drive powertrain is available as an option for both.

Somewhat surprisingly, the all-wheel drive version of the bZ4X offers 214hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, making it only marginally more powerful than the single-motor version.

Toyota bZ4X Specs
Battery Size71.4 kWh
Engine201 - 214hp
Top Speed160 km/h
Range318 miles
Drive TypeFront-wheel/All-wheel drive

Charging Your EV Affordably

If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to learn how to charge your EV at the most affordable rates. As EVs become more popular and more widely used, you’ll have more options for charging. Here are some of the ways to do this affordably:

1. Charge Overnight at Home

With any EV, charging at home on a Level 1 charger will be the first and most convenient option. That said, it won’t be the most efficient way to charge, given how slow Level 1 charging generally is. Depending on your battery size and the capacity of your EV’s onboard charger, charging on a domestic energy supply can take between 24 and 48 hours in most cases. The good news is that some energy providers offer discounted tariffs for overnight charging. 

A better alternative would be installing a home charging station that would output a much higher voltage than regular domestic energy. This current will be limited by the capacity of the charging station itself, as well as the capacity of your EV’s charging cable. 

2. Charging at Public Destinations

Another option for keeping your EV on the road is to use public charging stations, many of which offer free or low-cost charging. Some grocery stores, shopping centres and hotels also provide EV charging facilities.

3. Commercial Charging Services

Commercial charging services are by far the fastest and most reliable way to charge any EV. Rapid chargers generally use a DC energy supply to charge EVs, usually within 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the EV’s battery.  

When you’re out and about, you might have some challenges with finding commercial rapid charging services close to you. The Bonnet app provides the perfect way to beat this challenge – by connecting you with thousands of commercial charging services across the UK and Europe. 

What’s more, when you sign up for one of Bonnet’s two paid plans, you can access significant discounts on PAYG prices advertised by individual charging services:

Light Boost: Bonnet’s Light Boost plan costs £2 monthly and provides access to a 10% discount on advertised PAYG rates.

Turbo Boost: The Turbo Boost plan costs £8 monthly, with up to 15% discounts on advertised PAYG rates. 

Getting Started with the Cheapest Electric Cars

We’ve shared our list of the top nine most affordable electric cars you can buy today. The cheapest car on this list is the Chevy Bolt, which is a functional, pragmatic vehicle with an impressive range. 

There are other options to consider depending on your specific interests. Whichever one you choose, just remember that Bonnet not only provides you with access to thousands of charging services, but it also allows you to use them at significantly discounted rates.

FAQs

Does Toyota have a fully electric car?

The Toyota bZ4X is Toyota’s first all-electric car. The bZ4X is available at a starting price of £46,110. Toyota has promised that more electric car models will be created in the future. 

Which is the lowest budget electric car?

The Chevrolet Bolt is the most budget-friendly electric car, with a starting price of just £20,000.

How much is a battery for an electric car?

On average, a battery pack for an electric car will cost around £5,000. Some EV batteries could cost a lot more.

May 18, 2023

Are you looking to get an affordably-priced electric car? Finding a budget-friendly EV doesn’t mean you’ll have to make a compromise on quality. Here are nine cheap electric cars that offer great value for money:

1. Chevy Bolt

The Chevrolet Bolt is a hatchback sedan known for being the cheapest electric car on the market today. Chevrolet will soon discontinue the production of the Bolt, but while it remains in production, it’s one of the best options to consider when shopping for cheap electric cars.

The Bolt comes in two trims: the LT and the Premier, with the LT version starting at a very modest £20,000. Despite its affordability, however, the Bolt is still a competent vehicle. As standard, you can expect up to 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque with a relatively large 66 kWh battery.

At its top speed of 92 mph, the Bolt is not the fastest EV, but it’s quite suitable for city driving and will be sufficient for longer trips. And while the Bolt isn’t built to win races, its 66 kWh battery provides an estimated range of 259 miles on a single charge, which is very impressive for its price.

The Bolt comes with a CCS-standard charging inlet, which means it can be charged using a Level 1, Level 2 or DC rapid charger.

Chevy Bolt Specs
Battery Size65 kWh
Engine200hp
Top Speed146 km/h
Range417 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

2. Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the cheapest electric cars on the market; that said, it doesn’t sacrifice its style for affordability. The Kona is an elegant, trendy EV that starts at a highly competitive £25,725.

The Hyundai Kona Electric comes in three trims: SE, SEL and Limited. The entry-level SE comes with a few fancy features, like its 7-inch touchscreen and forward collision warning, with even more fancy features, such as blind-spot monitoring and wireless device charging available in the mid-range SEL trim. 

The Limited trim provides even more luxury features like leather seats and a sunroof.

Performance-wise, the Kona Electric produces up to 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, which allow for rapid acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 104 mph.  

The Kona Electric has a 64 kWh battery pack, which provides an estimated range of 258 miles on a single charge. For charging, you’ll be able to leverage Level 1, Level 2 and DC rapid charging, given the Kona’s CCS-standard charging inlet.

The Hyundai Kona Electric Specs
Battery Size64 kWh
Engine201hp
Top Speed167 km/h
Range415 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

3. Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is an affordable electric car with a sleek design and impressive range. At a starting price of £28,995, the Leaf is a great option for anyone looking for a fancy-looking EV without breaking the bank. 

The Nissan Leaf 2023 is offered in two trims: the standard S trim and the SV Plus. The Leaf S is powered by a 110 kW electric motor, which produces 147 horsepower, allowing the Leaf to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just under 7 seconds.

The S trim comes with a 40 kWh battery, which is somewhat small for an all-electric car, and provides an estimated range of 149 miles. The SV Plus, on the other hand, comes with a 62 kWh battery that provides an estimated range of 226 miles.

Like the Chevy Bolt, the Nissan Leaf has a relatively low top speed of 98 mph, but this will be more than enough in nearly all cases. 

You can charge the Leaf using a standard 120-volt household outlet. The Leaf comes with separate Type 2 and CHAdeMO charging inlets that allow for the full range of charging options.

The Nissan Leaf Specs
Battery Size40 kWh
Engine147 hp
Top Speed157 km/h
Range341 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

4. Mazda MX-30

The Mazda MX-30 is a sleek and visually appealing electric car. But it’s not the most powerful, nor does it have a very impressive range. If you’re shopping for affordable EVs, however, the MX-30’s starting price of £31,250 makes it a good option to consider. 

The Mazda MX-30 comes in two trims: the Standard and the Premium. The Standard comes with features like a 7-inch touchscreen and automatic climate control. The Premium trim adds a few more luxury features, such as a Bose sound system and sunroof.

The Mazda MX-30 can generate up to 143 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, which is decent for its price point. It has a relatively low top speed of 87 mph, along with a comparatively small 35.5 kWh battery pack, which gives it an estimated range of 100 miles on a single charge.

The Mazda MX-30 comes with a CCS charging inlet that allows for standard Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging options. 

Mazda MX-30 Specs
Battery Size35.5 kWh
Engine143hp
Top Speed140 km/h
Range160 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

5. Mini Cooper SE

The Mini Cooper SE starts at £32,550, making it one of the cheapest electric vehicles you can buy today. With a unique style and impressive driving range, the Mini Cooper is an excellent option for getting about the city. 

At the moment, the Mini Cooper SE is only available in its Signature trim, which comes with standard features like heated front seats, a 6.5-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera. 

The Mini Cooper SE delivers decent performance with up to 181hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Its top speed of 93 mph is unremarkable, but it does accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 7 seconds. 

In terms of performance, the one notable drawback of the Mini Cooper SE, compared to other cars in a similar price range, is its rather small 32.6 kWh battery. You can expect a real-world driving range of about 110 miles on a single charge, which is enough for daily commuting but not much else.

For charging, the Mini Cooper SE comes with a CCS connector, so you can charge it using Level 1, Level 2 and DC rapid charging.

Mini Cooper SE Specs
Battery Size32.6 kWh
Engine181hp
Top Speed149 km/h
Range183 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

6. KIA Niro EV

If you're looking for a reasonably-priced electric car that delivers on both style and performance, you should consider the KIA Niro EV. At a starting price of £36,545, the KIA Niro isn’t the cheapest, but it’s still one of the more affordable electric cars, and it offers great value for money. 

The Niro EV is available in two trims: the EX and the EX Premium. The EX comes with features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera as standard, with the EX Premium adding a few more luxury features like leather seats and a sunroof.

The KIA Niro EV is powered by an electric motor that delivers a decent 201 horsepower, 291 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 104 mph.

The KIA Niro EV has a 64 kWh battery pack, which gives it an estimated range of 239 miles, which is impressive when compared to similarly-priced EVs. 

The Niro EV comes with a CCS standard charging inlet. Charging at home on a Level 1 charger will fully charge your battery in 24 hours, a Level 2 charger requires 9.5 hours and DC rapid charging will take about 54 minutes.

KIA Niro EV Specs
Battery Size64 kWh
Engine201hp
Top Speed167 km/h
Range384 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

7. Volkswagen ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 is an affordably priced SUV that offers a mix of comfort and performance at very competitive pricing. 

With a starting price of £38,845, the ID.4 comes in eight trim configurations to choose from:

  • Standard trim
  • Pro
  • S
  • AWD Pro
  • Pro S
  • Pro S Plus
  • AWD Pro S
  • AWD Pro S Plus. 

These trims mainly differ in style and finishing, but you’ll be able to choose your preferred powertrain combination regardless of the trim you choose.

As standard, the ID.4 comes with a 62 kWh battery that powers its single-engine, rear-wheel powertrain and offers 208 miles of range. For improved performance, you can opt for an all-wheel drive setup that would deliver a much-improved 295hp. 

Volkswagen ID.4 Specs
Battery Size62 kWh
Engine201 - 295hp
Top Speed160 km/h
Range208 miles
Drive TypeRear drive

8. Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is a sleek crossover with a luxurious feel and impressive performance for its price of £43,445.

The car has a top speed of 185 km/h and a battery capacity of 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh. The North American version is slightly different, with 58 KWh or 77.4 kWh battery capacity options and a 350 kW onboard DC charger that allows for truly rapid charging. 

The Ioniq 5 comes in two drivetrain combinations that include both rear and all-wheel options and starts at £43,445.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Key Specs
Battery size58 - 72.6 kWh
Engine168-320hp
Top speed165 km/h
Range315 miles
Drive TypeRear/All-wheel drive

9. Toyota bZ4X

The bZ4X is Toyota’s first-ever electric vehicle. With a starting price of £46,110, it comes in at an affordable price point, even though it is the most expensive EV on this list.

The interior of the bZ4X features the pragmatic yet comfortable mix of features that Toyota is known for, with smart voice assistance, adaptive cruise control, advanced parking assistance and so on.

The bZ4X comes in XLE and Limited trims, which are the only two available at the moment. Both trims come as front-wheel drive, but the all-wheel drive powertrain is available as an option for both.

Somewhat surprisingly, the all-wheel drive version of the bZ4X offers 214hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, making it only marginally more powerful than the single-motor version.

Toyota bZ4X Specs
Battery Size71.4 kWh
Engine201 - 214hp
Top Speed160 km/h
Range318 miles
Drive TypeFront-wheel/All-wheel drive

Charging Your EV Affordably

If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to learn how to charge your EV at the most affordable rates. As EVs become more popular and more widely used, you’ll have more options for charging. Here are some of the ways to do this affordably:

1. Charge Overnight at Home

With any EV, charging at home on a Level 1 charger will be the first and most convenient option. That said, it won’t be the most efficient way to charge, given how slow Level 1 charging generally is. Depending on your battery size and the capacity of your EV’s onboard charger, charging on a domestic energy supply can take between 24 and 48 hours in most cases. The good news is that some energy providers offer discounted tariffs for overnight charging. 

A better alternative would be installing a home charging station that would output a much higher voltage than regular domestic energy. This current will be limited by the capacity of the charging station itself, as well as the capacity of your EV’s charging cable. 

2. Charging at Public Destinations

Another option for keeping your EV on the road is to use public charging stations, many of which offer free or low-cost charging. Some grocery stores, shopping centres and hotels also provide EV charging facilities.

3. Commercial Charging Services

Commercial charging services are by far the fastest and most reliable way to charge any EV. Rapid chargers generally use a DC energy supply to charge EVs, usually within 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the EV’s battery.  

When you’re out and about, you might have some challenges with finding commercial rapid charging services close to you. The Bonnet app provides the perfect way to beat this challenge – by connecting you with thousands of commercial charging services across the UK and Europe. 

What’s more, when you sign up for one of Bonnet’s two paid plans, you can access significant discounts on PAYG prices advertised by individual charging services:

Light Boost: Bonnet’s Light Boost plan costs £2 monthly and provides access to a 10% discount on advertised PAYG rates.

Turbo Boost: The Turbo Boost plan costs £8 monthly, with up to 15% discounts on advertised PAYG rates. 

Getting Started with the Cheapest Electric Cars

We’ve shared our list of the top nine most affordable electric cars you can buy today. The cheapest car on this list is the Chevy Bolt, which is a functional, pragmatic vehicle with an impressive range. 

There are other options to consider depending on your specific interests. Whichever one you choose, just remember that Bonnet not only provides you with access to thousands of charging services, but it also allows you to use them at significantly discounted rates.

Key Points:

  • If you’re looking for an affordable electric car, you’ll have quite a few options to consider. These cars differ in their comfort and luxury, performance, efficiency and so on, meaning there’s an affordable electric car to suit every taste.
  • The top nine affordable EVs, as collected on this list, are all under £50,000, with some starting at a much lower £20,000. 
  • One way to keep the costs of owning an EV down is to use the Bonnet app. Bonnet offers access to thousands of charging services in the UK and Europe, with hefty discounts on PAYG rates when you sign up for one of its paid plans.

Are you looking to get an affordably-priced electric car? Finding a budget-friendly EV doesn’t mean you’ll have to make a compromise on quality. Here are nine cheap electric cars that offer great value for money:

1. Chevy Bolt

The Chevrolet Bolt is a hatchback sedan known for being the cheapest electric car on the market today. Chevrolet will soon discontinue the production of the Bolt, but while it remains in production, it’s one of the best options to consider when shopping for cheap electric cars.

The Bolt comes in two trims: the LT and the Premier, with the LT version starting at a very modest £20,000. Despite its affordability, however, the Bolt is still a competent vehicle. As standard, you can expect up to 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque with a relatively large 66 kWh battery.

At its top speed of 92 mph, the Bolt is not the fastest EV, but it’s quite suitable for city driving and will be sufficient for longer trips. And while the Bolt isn’t built to win races, its 66 kWh battery provides an estimated range of 259 miles on a single charge, which is very impressive for its price.

The Bolt comes with a CCS-standard charging inlet, which means it can be charged using a Level 1, Level 2 or DC rapid charger.

Chevy Bolt Specs
Battery Size65 kWh
Engine200hp
Top Speed146 km/h
Range417 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

2. Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the cheapest electric cars on the market; that said, it doesn’t sacrifice its style for affordability. The Kona is an elegant, trendy EV that starts at a highly competitive £25,725.

The Hyundai Kona Electric comes in three trims: SE, SEL and Limited. The entry-level SE comes with a few fancy features, like its 7-inch touchscreen and forward collision warning, with even more fancy features, such as blind-spot monitoring and wireless device charging available in the mid-range SEL trim. 

The Limited trim provides even more luxury features like leather seats and a sunroof.

Performance-wise, the Kona Electric produces up to 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, which allow for rapid acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 104 mph.  

The Kona Electric has a 64 kWh battery pack, which provides an estimated range of 258 miles on a single charge. For charging, you’ll be able to leverage Level 1, Level 2 and DC rapid charging, given the Kona’s CCS-standard charging inlet.

The Hyundai Kona Electric Specs
Battery Size64 kWh
Engine201hp
Top Speed167 km/h
Range415 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

3. Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is an affordable electric car with a sleek design and impressive range. At a starting price of £28,995, the Leaf is a great option for anyone looking for a fancy-looking EV without breaking the bank. 

The Nissan Leaf 2023 is offered in two trims: the standard S trim and the SV Plus. The Leaf S is powered by a 110 kW electric motor, which produces 147 horsepower, allowing the Leaf to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just under 7 seconds.

The S trim comes with a 40 kWh battery, which is somewhat small for an all-electric car, and provides an estimated range of 149 miles. The SV Plus, on the other hand, comes with a 62 kWh battery that provides an estimated range of 226 miles.

Like the Chevy Bolt, the Nissan Leaf has a relatively low top speed of 98 mph, but this will be more than enough in nearly all cases. 

You can charge the Leaf using a standard 120-volt household outlet. The Leaf comes with separate Type 2 and CHAdeMO charging inlets that allow for the full range of charging options.

The Nissan Leaf Specs
Battery Size40 kWh
Engine147 hp
Top Speed157 km/h
Range341 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

4. Mazda MX-30

The Mazda MX-30 is a sleek and visually appealing electric car. But it’s not the most powerful, nor does it have a very impressive range. If you’re shopping for affordable EVs, however, the MX-30’s starting price of £31,250 makes it a good option to consider. 

The Mazda MX-30 comes in two trims: the Standard and the Premium. The Standard comes with features like a 7-inch touchscreen and automatic climate control. The Premium trim adds a few more luxury features, such as a Bose sound system and sunroof.

The Mazda MX-30 can generate up to 143 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, which is decent for its price point. It has a relatively low top speed of 87 mph, along with a comparatively small 35.5 kWh battery pack, which gives it an estimated range of 100 miles on a single charge.

The Mazda MX-30 comes with a CCS charging inlet that allows for standard Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging options. 

Mazda MX-30 Specs
Battery Size35.5 kWh
Engine143hp
Top Speed140 km/h
Range160 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

5. Mini Cooper SE

The Mini Cooper SE starts at £32,550, making it one of the cheapest electric vehicles you can buy today. With a unique style and impressive driving range, the Mini Cooper is an excellent option for getting about the city. 

At the moment, the Mini Cooper SE is only available in its Signature trim, which comes with standard features like heated front seats, a 6.5-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera. 

The Mini Cooper SE delivers decent performance with up to 181hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Its top speed of 93 mph is unremarkable, but it does accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 7 seconds. 

In terms of performance, the one notable drawback of the Mini Cooper SE, compared to other cars in a similar price range, is its rather small 32.6 kWh battery. You can expect a real-world driving range of about 110 miles on a single charge, which is enough for daily commuting but not much else.

For charging, the Mini Cooper SE comes with a CCS connector, so you can charge it using Level 1, Level 2 and DC rapid charging.

Mini Cooper SE Specs
Battery Size32.6 kWh
Engine181hp
Top Speed149 km/h
Range183 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

6. KIA Niro EV

If you're looking for a reasonably-priced electric car that delivers on both style and performance, you should consider the KIA Niro EV. At a starting price of £36,545, the KIA Niro isn’t the cheapest, but it’s still one of the more affordable electric cars, and it offers great value for money. 

The Niro EV is available in two trims: the EX and the EX Premium. The EX comes with features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera as standard, with the EX Premium adding a few more luxury features like leather seats and a sunroof.

The KIA Niro EV is powered by an electric motor that delivers a decent 201 horsepower, 291 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 104 mph.

The KIA Niro EV has a 64 kWh battery pack, which gives it an estimated range of 239 miles, which is impressive when compared to similarly-priced EVs. 

The Niro EV comes with a CCS standard charging inlet. Charging at home on a Level 1 charger will fully charge your battery in 24 hours, a Level 2 charger requires 9.5 hours and DC rapid charging will take about 54 minutes.

KIA Niro EV Specs
Battery Size64 kWh
Engine201hp
Top Speed167 km/h
Range384 km
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive

7. Volkswagen ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 is an affordably priced SUV that offers a mix of comfort and performance at very competitive pricing. 

With a starting price of £38,845, the ID.4 comes in eight trim configurations to choose from:

  • Standard trim
  • Pro
  • S
  • AWD Pro
  • Pro S
  • Pro S Plus
  • AWD Pro S
  • AWD Pro S Plus. 

These trims mainly differ in style and finishing, but you’ll be able to choose your preferred powertrain combination regardless of the trim you choose.

As standard, the ID.4 comes with a 62 kWh battery that powers its single-engine, rear-wheel powertrain and offers 208 miles of range. For improved performance, you can opt for an all-wheel drive setup that would deliver a much-improved 295hp. 

Volkswagen ID.4 Specs
Battery Size62 kWh
Engine201 - 295hp
Top Speed160 km/h
Range208 miles
Drive TypeRear drive

8. Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is a sleek crossover with a luxurious feel and impressive performance for its price of £43,445.

The car has a top speed of 185 km/h and a battery capacity of 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh. The North American version is slightly different, with 58 KWh or 77.4 kWh battery capacity options and a 350 kW onboard DC charger that allows for truly rapid charging. 

The Ioniq 5 comes in two drivetrain combinations that include both rear and all-wheel options and starts at £43,445.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Key Specs
Battery size58 - 72.6 kWh
Engine168-320hp
Top speed165 km/h
Range315 miles
Drive TypeRear/All-wheel drive

9. Toyota bZ4X

The bZ4X is Toyota’s first-ever electric vehicle. With a starting price of £46,110, it comes in at an affordable price point, even though it is the most expensive EV on this list.

The interior of the bZ4X features the pragmatic yet comfortable mix of features that Toyota is known for, with smart voice assistance, adaptive cruise control, advanced parking assistance and so on.

The bZ4X comes in XLE and Limited trims, which are the only two available at the moment. Both trims come as front-wheel drive, but the all-wheel drive powertrain is available as an option for both.

Somewhat surprisingly, the all-wheel drive version of the bZ4X offers 214hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, making it only marginally more powerful than the single-motor version.

Toyota bZ4X Specs
Battery Size71.4 kWh
Engine201 - 214hp
Top Speed160 km/h
Range318 miles
Drive TypeFront-wheel/All-wheel drive

Charging Your EV Affordably

If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to learn how to charge your EV at the most affordable rates. As EVs become more popular and more widely used, you’ll have more options for charging. Here are some of the ways to do this affordably:

1. Charge Overnight at Home

With any EV, charging at home on a Level 1 charger will be the first and most convenient option. That said, it won’t be the most efficient way to charge, given how slow Level 1 charging generally is. Depending on your battery size and the capacity of your EV’s onboard charger, charging on a domestic energy supply can take between 24 and 48 hours in most cases. The good news is that some energy providers offer discounted tariffs for overnight charging. 

A better alternative would be installing a home charging station that would output a much higher voltage than regular domestic energy. This current will be limited by the capacity of the charging station itself, as well as the capacity of your EV’s charging cable. 

2. Charging at Public Destinations

Another option for keeping your EV on the road is to use public charging stations, many of which offer free or low-cost charging. Some grocery stores, shopping centres and hotels also provide EV charging facilities.

3. Commercial Charging Services

Commercial charging services are by far the fastest and most reliable way to charge any EV. Rapid chargers generally use a DC energy supply to charge EVs, usually within 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the EV’s battery.  

When you’re out and about, you might have some challenges with finding commercial rapid charging services close to you. The Bonnet app provides the perfect way to beat this challenge – by connecting you with thousands of commercial charging services across the UK and Europe. 

What’s more, when you sign up for one of Bonnet’s two paid plans, you can access significant discounts on PAYG prices advertised by individual charging services:

Light Boost: Bonnet’s Light Boost plan costs £2 monthly and provides access to a 10% discount on advertised PAYG rates.

Turbo Boost: The Turbo Boost plan costs £8 monthly, with up to 15% discounts on advertised PAYG rates. 

Getting Started with the Cheapest Electric Cars

We’ve shared our list of the top nine most affordable electric cars you can buy today. The cheapest car on this list is the Chevy Bolt, which is a functional, pragmatic vehicle with an impressive range. 

There are other options to consider depending on your specific interests. Whichever one you choose, just remember that Bonnet not only provides you with access to thousands of charging services, but it also allows you to use them at significantly discounted rates.

FAQs

Does Toyota have a fully electric car?

The Toyota bZ4X is Toyota’s first all-electric car. The bZ4X is available at a starting price of £46,110. Toyota has promised that more electric car models will be created in the future. 

Which is the lowest budget electric car?

The Chevrolet Bolt is the most budget-friendly electric car, with a starting price of just £20,000.

How much is a battery for an electric car?

On average, a battery pack for an electric car will cost around £5,000. Some EV batteries could cost a lot more.

Ready to boost
your charging game?

Let's do this!Let''s do this!