By Ben Welham
Last updated: 11 August 2025
Finding a cheap long-range electric car is every buyer's dream, is it not?
Well, it’s bound to be right up there for those who have, or want to, switch to the smooth, silent drive of electric vehicles (EVs).
And, if you are one of those looking for the best and cheapest electric car that can cover a good distance on one charge, we’ve got you covered.
In no particular order, here are the cheapest electric cars with long range.
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What is the best cheap long-range electric car?
MG4
Volvo EX30
BYD Dolphin
Peugeot e-208
Nissan LEAF
GWM ORA 03
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
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MG4
The MG4 is one of the more affordable electric cars on sale today, yet it promises a great range, fast charging, and a well-judged cabin packed full of tech such as Apple CarPlay and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen.
MG’s most efficient version of the ‘4’ is the Trophy Extended Range, which can get up to 452 miles of range if you’re only in slow-moving traffic, but it will set you back a bit more.
Electric range: 329 miles
Battery size: 77kWh
Charge time: 10-80% in 35min
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Volvo EX30
The EX30 is the smallest and cheapest electric car Volvo makes and still offers a strong range of 295 miles (250 miles is standard for smaller EVs).
Plus, you still get the Swedish brand’s long-standing reputation for safety and reliability.
The longest-range version is the Volvo EX30 Plus with a single motor because it’s lighter and therefore more efficient. Conveniently, this is also one of the cheapest.
Craig Hale, our motoring writer, said: "The Volvo EX30 takes all that’s good about minimalist electric cars and adds a layer of conventional car on top – you get the benefits of an efficient electric powertrain with many familiar features."
Electric range: 295 miles
Battery size: 64kWh
Charge time: 10-80% in 26min
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BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin is the brand’s first stab at a hatchback for the UK, offering great styling, strong battery technology and lots of interior tech trickled down from the flagship Seal model.
BYD’s most frugal version is the Dolphin Design, which not only looks the best, but gets a 265-mile range too.
Electric range: 265 miles
Battery size: 60.4kWh
Charge time: 30-80% in 29min
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Peugeot e-208
One of the best small electric cars you can buy is the Peugeot e-208. Not only is it compact and nimble, but it’s also a great electric car with rapid charging capabilities decent range.
And it’s a stylish, well-made little hatchback that comes in stunning yellow paint if you want to stand out.
For maximum range, the Peugeot e-208 GT with the larger 51kWh battery is the one to have.
Electric range: 268 miles
Battery size: 51kWh
Charge time: 20-80% in 27min
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Nissan LEAF
It may not have the most range or the fastest charging speeds, but the Nissan LEAF is a well-established electric car that’s been a staple on our roads since 2010.
That makes it one of the first mainstream EVs to really take off.
If you want the most range, you’ll need to opt for the Nissan LEAF+, which has the bigger battery and therefore more range.
Electric range: 239 miles
Battery size: 59kWh
Charge time: 20-80% in 31min
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GWM ORA 03
Like the Dolphin, the GWM Ora 03 (previously called the Funky Cat) is another new Chinese-made EV making a splash in the affordable hatchback sector.
And it promises solid range and decently quick charging alongside its unique, retrofuturistic styling.
Opting for the Ora 03 Pro+ will give you the most range and interior features.
Electric range: 260 miles
Battery size: 63kWh
Charge time: 15-80% in 40min
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Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Closely related to the e-208, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric is another great affordable option for a small electric car. It falls just short of the magic 250-mile range, but thanks to its rapid charging capabilities, you can get back on the road again in no time.
The one to go for is the Vauxhall Corsa Electric GS for that top-spec range, while getting a great cabin. Have more budget? Go for the Ultimate trim instead.
Electric range: 246 miles
Battery size: 51kWh
Charge time: 10-80% in 30min
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How to get the most out of your driving range
There are a few different things you can do to maximise your car’s range.
These include:
Driving smoothly – no harsh accelerating or braking
Use regenerative braking – let the car stop by using the motors to get more range back into the battery
Check your tyres – make sure they’re inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level
Keep charge between 20-80% – this is the optimal level of charge for your battery, so try not to let it go higher or lower than this range
Check your air-con – AC and heating can eat into your electric range, so don’t be too temperature-happy
Go on a diet (not you, your car) – the lighter your car, the more efficient it’ll be, so clear out your boot if you can
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Find affordable used electric cars for sale
Looking for your next affordable used electric car? Why not check out some of our cinch cars for sale to find your next dream car?
With a wide range of cars on offer, there’s something for everyone, every size family and every budget.
Read more about electric cars:
Cheapest long-range electric cars FAQs
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