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Best Budget Electric Cars Under £35,000 in the UK (2025 Edition)
The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is no longer just coming – it's here. With new models rolling out from every major brand and more infrastructure springing up across the UK, there’s never been a better time to go electric. But let’s be honest: many EVs have carried a price tag that felt out of reach for most everyday drivers. Until now.
Welcome to the era of budget-friendly EVs. In 2025, more manufacturers are stepping up to offer practical, stylish, and efficient electric cars for under £35,000 – the kind of price point that puts them within reach of the average car buyer.
And why is this price range important? Well as we covered in our recent article, EV's now come under the new VED Road Tax rules that began this April. If the EV has a list price above £40,000 then you will be hit with an extra £495 luxury car tax on top of the new £195 annual rate. These sub £35,000 cars can save you a decent amount, therefore. 
Here are 10 of the best-value electric vehicles in the UK this year, all offering zero-emission driving without breaking the bank.
1. Citroën e-C3
- Starting price: £21,990
- Range: ~199 miles (WLTP)
- Why it stands out: Simple, roomy, and unpretentious. The e-C3 keeps things minimal without feeling cheap, and that sub-£22k price point makes it a front-runner for anyone wanting basic but reliable electric transport. Perfect for commuting or city life.
(Source: The Sun)
2. Dacia Spring
- Starting price: £14,995
- Range: ~140 miles
- Why it stands out: It’s the cheapest EV on the market. And while that short range might not suit motorway warriors, for city dwellers or second-car households, it’s ideal. Think: simple, affordable, no-frills EV driving.
(Source: Top Gear)
3. Kia EV3
- Starting price: ~£31,000
- Range: Up to 300 miles
- Why it stands out: A sharp-looking compact SUV with serious range and tech. The EV3 only enhances Kia's growing reputation with electric vehicles. With a solid build quality, great design, it is spacious and practical for modern families.
(Source: Carwow)
4. Renault 5 E-Tech
- Starting price: £23,000
- Range: ~255 miles
- Why it stands out: If you were a fan of 80's hatchbacks then you will love this. The iconic Renault 5 is back, and it’s electric. With more than a hint to the past, eye-catching looks plus a usable range and sensible pricing make this a top pick for those wanting personality and practicality.
(Source: Car Magazine)
5. Fiat Grande Panda
- Starting price: ~£22,000
- Range: ~199 miles
- Why it stands out: Clean design, compact size, and great value. Fiat knows how to make small city cars with charm, and the all-electric Panda stays true to that ethos. Ideal for navigating narrow streets and small parking bays.
(Source: The Sun IE)
6. Volvo EX30
- Starting price: £32,850
- Range: Up to 296 miles
- Why it stands out: It's rare to see the word “premium” in the same sentence as "budget EV", but the EX30 manages it. With Volvo's trademark safety tech and minimalist Scandi design, this is a seriously desirable package.
(Source: The Independent)
7. MG4 EV
- Starting price: ~£26,000
- Range: Up to 281 miles
- Why it stands out: Quietly becoming one of the UK’s most popular EVs, the MG4 offers a lot of car for the money. Sleek design, ample range, and decent tech – it punches above its price bracket.
(Source: Wikipedia)
8. Skoda Elroq
- Starting price: ~£31,500
- Range: Up to 360 miles
- Why it stands out: Possibly the longest range on this list, the Elroq is Skoda’s take on the compact electric SUV. As you'd expect, it's practical, robust and feels more expensive than it is.
(Source: Wikipedia)
9. Volkswagen ID.2all
- Expected price: ~£22,000
- Range: ~280 miles
- Why it stands out: VW wants to bring its EVs to the masses, and the ID.2all looks like the answer. Think Polo-sized practicality with Golf-like range. Reliable, refined, and likely to be very popular.
(Source: The Sun IE)
10. Hyundai Inster
- Expected price: ~£25,000
- Range: ~200 miles
- Why it stands out: A boxy, funky compact crossover that slots under the Kona Electric. The Inster is made for urban environments, with just enough range to venture further when needed. Practical, eye-catching, and affordable.
(Source: Electric Car Scheme)
Best Budget EV summary
| Model | Starting Price | Range (WLTP) | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citroën e-C3 | £21,990 | ~199 miles | Clean, minimal city car |
| Dacia Spring | £14,995 | ~140 miles | Cheapest EV in the UK |
| Kia EV3 | £31,000 | Up to 300 miles | Compact SUV, feature-rich |
| Renault 5 E-Tech | £23,000 | ~255 miles | Retro style with modern range |
| Fiat Grande Panda | £22,000 | ~199 miles | Compact and urban-friendly |
| Volvo EX30 | £32,850 | Up to 296 miles | Premium feel, great value |
| MG4 EV | £26,000 | Up to 281 miles | Popular choice, sleek design |
| Skoda Elroq | £31,500 | Up to 360 miles | Longest range here |
| Volkswagen ID.2all | £22,000 | ~280 miles | Polo-sized practicality |
| Hyundai Inster | £25,000 | ~200 miles | Urban crossover, funky styling |
Top Tip for getting the best EV deal
Although the list prices are impressive, it is worth seeing if you can still get a better deal. Carwow and Autotrader could provide you with further discounts on many of the cars on the list. These discounts will change, and you may need to be flexible, but you can still see some significant savings.
For example, at the time of writing (1st May 2025), we found the following examples on Autotrader:
Dacia Spring
- RRP: £14,995
- Discount Price: £13,283
- Saving: £1,712
MG MG4
- RRP: £26,995
- Discount Price: £21,221
- Saving: £5,774
Hyundai Inster
- RRP £25,665
- Discount Price: £21,999
- Saving: £3,656
The importance of GAP Insurance on EVs
Shameless plug time, but for a good reason. TotalLossGAP has been one of the leading, independent (you won't find us on comparison websites) GAP Insurance providers in the UK for nearly 15 years. With an average GAP Insurance claim payout of £7,216.26 in 2024, and more than 99% of claims paid out*, we would like to think we would like to think we know a thing or two about GAP protection for electric vehicles.
We have a dedicated page to your GAP Insurance options for Electric Vehicles, and explain why it may be even more important for an EV than a standard petrol or diesel car.
We have GAP Insurance options specifically for EVs, whether you are buying outright, through PCP, HP, a Bank Loan, or taking out a lease.
Total Loss GAP can also provide a range of additional protection products for tyres, alloy wheels, and vehicle bodywork and cover your motor insurance excess.
Final Thoughts
Electric cars are no longer a futuristic luxury – they’re becoming the practical choice. And as these 10 models prove, you don’t have to stretch beyond £35,000 to drive something new, capable, and battery-powered.
Whether you need a nimble city runaround or a small family car with long legs for weekend trips, there’s now a wide range of EVs that deliver on price, range, and style.
2025 might just be the tipping point where EVs stop being the alternative and start becoming the default.
*As of time of writing, May 2025