By Ben Welham
Last updated: 6 January 2025
Finding the cheapest electric car with the longest range 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 the people 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.
What are the cheapest electric cars with the longest range?
MG4
Volvo EX30
BYD Dolphin
Peugeot e-208
Nissan LEAF
Ora 03
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
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Cheapest electric cars with the longest range in the UK
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MG4
New price: From £26,995
Used price: £17,000-£24,000
Electric range: 323 miles
Battery size: 77kWh
Charge time: 10-80% in 35min
The MG4 is one of the more affordable electric cars on sale today, yet 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.
Read our MG4 review
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Volvo EX30
New price: From £32,850
Used price: £27,000-£31,000
Electric range: 295 miles
Battery size: 64kWh
Charge time: 10-80% in 28min
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.
Read our Volvo EX30 review
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BYD Dolphin
New price: From £26,195
Used price: £21,000-£30,000
Electric range: 265 miles
Battery size: 60.4kWh
Charge time: 10-80% in 40min
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.
Read our BYD Dolphin review
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Peugeot e-208
New price: From £29,950
Used price: £13,000-£25,000
Electric range: 248 miles
Battery size: 51kWh
Charge time: 10-80% in 30min
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.
Read our Peugeot e-208 review
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Nissan LEAF
New price: From £30,790
Used price: £10,000-£20,000
Electric range: 239 miles
Battery size: 59kWh
Charge time: 10-80% in 45min
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.
Read our Nissan LEAF review
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GWM Ora 03
New price: From £31,995
Used price: £13,000-£20,000
Electric range: 260 miles
Battery size: 63kWh
Charge time: 10-80% in 50min
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.
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Vauxhall Corsa Electric
New price: From £26,895
Used price: £12,000-£20,000
Electric range: 246 miles
Battery size: 51kWh
Charge time: 10-80% in 30min
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.
Read our Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
*Note that prices are correct as of December 2024 but may change over time.
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, is the more efficient it’ll be, so clear out your boot of you don’t need
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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.
Want to try one out? Simply head to a cinch Store to take a closer look.
Ready to hit the open road?
Let’s find your next car
