Best EVs for under £30k
While electric vehicles can be more expensive than fuel-powered models, there are models that will fit within a £30k budget
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Electric vehicles (EVs) are fast becoming the norm on UK roads, with the 2035 ban on brand-new fuel-powered car sales meaning we’ll all have to make the switch at some point.
Finding an EV within a budget doesn’t have to be hard, as there are plenty of impressive models that come in below the £30,000 price marker or sit just a tiny bit above – especially if you choose a used EV.
You might also want to look into the best ways to charge your electric car, especially if you don’t have a driveway or will need to charge your EV away from home.
Take a look at our top picks for electric cars for less than 30k.
MG 4 SE Long Range
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The MG 4 SE Long Range model is an all-electric hatchback that’ll be well-suited to motorists used to a classic Ford Fiesta- or Seat Ibiza-style model.
The SE Long Range model will get up to 281 miles of estimated range on one full charge and gets the Active Grille System feature that regulates airflow into the front section of the car to optimise your battery range.
There’s also tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a choice of fresh colourways that includes the eye-catching Volcano Orange.
A brand-new MG 4 SE Long Range model will cost £29,495 on the MG website.
A used 2022 MG 4 model on our site will cost around £24,990, but this will depend on the model you choose and the deals available at the time.
Vauxhall Corsa-e
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The Vauxhall Corsa-e is an electric take on the iconic model that’s been a sight on UK roads for years.
It still has the classic shape and styling of the Vauxhall Corsa we know and love, but it’s freshened up and feels a cleaner and quieter drive.
You’ll get up to 222 miles of range in the Corsa-e from a single charge, so it’ll get most people through a week of casual drives.
With a home wall box charger, you can get a quick boost to a full charge in just seven and a half hours – ideal for plugging in while you’re sleeping.
A brand-new electric Corsa starts at around £13,000 for a used 2020 model on our site, but 2022 models can be closer to £25,000.
You’ll have to push the budget slightly for a brand-new Corsa-e – they'll cost upwards of £33,930 on the Vauxhall website.
Fiat 500e
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The electric Fiat 500e is the ideal car for commuting in the city. It’s got the quirky and glamorous styling that we’ve come to expect from Fiat 500 models over the years, and a surprisingly roomy interior for such a compact car.
You’ll be able to cover up to 199 miles on one full charge thanks to its 42kWh battery, and features like automatic emergency braking, attention assist, and lane departure warning make this an easy drive.
The Fiat 500e Icon model is a top-spec trim that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is also available as a convertible Cabriolet model.
A brand-new Fiat 500e Icon model will set you back £30,175 – slightly over your £30k budget if you want one straight from Fiat itself.
Choosing a used model will help you shave off some of that cost, and there are plenty of impressive options on the market.
Citroen AMI
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The Citroen AMI is a quirky little vehicle that will definitely stand out on the road.
Only offering space for one person, the AMI is ideal for nipping around cities and is technically a ‘quadricycle’ rather than a true electric car.
As the AMI can only reach a top speed of 28mph, you’ll have to stay off motorways in this one.
It will give you a really comfortable and smooth sprint around a city centre, however, and you can travel up to 46 miles on a full charge.
A brand-new AMI from the Citroen website will cost upwards of £7,695 depending on the spec you choose.
There are some flashy styling packs on offer and the option of a ‘My AMI Cargo’ model that offers extra storage space throughout.
Smart EQ ForFour
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The Smart EQ ForFour is a compact four-seater with an eye-catching design that’s available in fun colourways that add to the glamorous feel of the car.
You’ll get a battery guarantee of eight years, so you can have faith that this model is made to last.
It’ll cover up to 81 miles on a full charge – ideal for casual commuting and city driving.
The Smart Media System Connect allows the ForFour to integrate your smartphone with an eight-inch multi-touch display, and it’s a sleek car that’s easy to use and live with.
The cost of a brand-new Smart EQ ForFour is around £22,295 depending on the model you choose.
You can get a used model on our site for prices closer to £11,450 for a 2018, but this will depend on the exact car you pick and the deals available at the time.
MG ZS EV SE
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The MG ZS EV is a fully-electric SUV that’s ideal for busy families. It’s a practical choice with a 470-litre boot and a spacious cabin, offering an electric alternative to models like the Peugeot 2008.
You’ll be able to cover up to 273 miles on a single full charge, and rapid charging means that you can get an extra quick boost while on the go – ideal for road trips.
There are impressive features inside the model, too. Touches like wireless mobile charging and a 10.1-inch touchscreen unit make for a slick driving experience.
You can buy a used MG ZS model on our site for prices starting at around £23,850 for a 2022 model.
These costs will change depending on the models currently in stock.
MG 4 EV
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We touched on the MG4 EV SE Long Range earlier on, but it’s worth mentioning the rest of the brilliant trims in the range.
Even the entry-level SE model is a great pick – you'll be able to cover up to 218 miles on a full charge and can still take your pick of the flashy colourways.
There’s also the Trophy Long Range model that comes in at £32,495 (so slightly over budget) but gets a boosted mile range that extends to 270 miles on a full charge.
The standard SE also offers tech like a 10.25-inch colour touchscreen, MG Pilot and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – all for the brand-new cost of £26,995 on the MG site.
Nissan Leaf Acenta
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The Nissan Leaf is one of the original electric cars on the market and is the perfect option for a family EV.
It’s a simplistically-designed car but still looks appealing in your driveway and is an all-round enjoyable drive.
You’ll get up to 168 miles of slick electric range in the Acenta model using WLTP figures, and the drive is made even smoother with the addition of tech like lane departure warning, intelligent cruise control, and emergency braking with pedestrian recognition.
A brand-new Leaf Acenta model will set you back £28,995 on the Nissan site, while our used Leaf models start at prices closer to £7,950 for a 2017 (depending on what we have in stock).
Peugeot e-208
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The Peugeot e-208 model is an attractive EV option for anyone on the market for a real everyday cruiser.
It’s the spin-off of the original Peugeot 208 model and offers lower running costs by ditching fuel.
With a range of up to 224 miles on a single charge, the e-208 is ideal for a week of commutes and school runs.
It’s also really enjoyable to drive and feels nippy thanks to its 132hp and well-suited suspension.
A used Peugeot e-208 model can cost upwards of £18,495 for a 2021 model. Prices on the Peugeot site for a brand-new model are slightly pricier – £31,345 for a brand-new active Premium+ model.
Mini Electric Level 2
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A Mini Electric Level 2 is a fresh spin on something classic and well-loved, bringing all the favourite Mini features while ditching fuel.
The Level 2 option offers features like the LED rear lights with that classic Union Jack design, Radio Mini Visual Boost with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, and ambient lighting to set the mood.
You’ll also get up to 145 miles per charge, but this can differ depending on how you drive the car.
Brand-new, a Level 2 Mini Electric will cost around £32,550, but used models on our site can start at prices closer to £21,390 for a 2020 model.