As we approach the 2030 prohibition on new pure-petrol and diesel vehicles, the attention on EVs grows more intense than ever.
For the past decade, the biggest complaint leveled at these battery-powered vehicles has been their range, with few providing the kind of endurance that would make them a real alternative for a combustion-engined equivalent.
Cheapest electric cars on sale in the UK
10. Mazda MX-30 (£31,250)
Where Western manufacturers zig, Mazda zags. The Japanese firm famed for the rotary engine now makes a point of its first-ever electric car having a relatively short 124-mile range – enough for the average commute, in its estimation.
The quirkiness continues inside the MX-30, where it feels surprisingly upmarket for a car priced at the lower end of the EV spectrum.
A new variant with petrol rotary range extender is soon to hit the UK. Its battery is good for 53 miles on a single change but the range can be swelled to more than 400 miles by using the rotary engine as a generator, with the added benefit of being able to quickly fill up with petrol and make good progress on longer journeys.
9. MG 5 (£30,995)
Under Chinese ownership, MG has quickly established itself as a key player in the electric car market by virtue of affordability. The MG 5 isn’t a one-trick pony, though, as it’s also the only electric estate car on sale (for now). Pay £30,995 for an entry-level SE Long Range model and you get a practical, well-equipped EV officially capable of driving 250 miles between charges.
8. MG ZS EV (£30,495)
If you’re in the market for a trendy electric crossover that won’t break the bank, the ZS EV is the car for you. The entry-level SE model gets a 198-mile range, limiting its appeal against more expensive versions with a bigger battery, but you still get lots of technology for the money.
7. Renault Zoe (£29,995)
The Zoe’s been around for more than a decade now, but don’t take that to mean it’s past its glory days. Despite being one of the cheapest EVs available, it delivers a competitive 239-mile official range in entry Techno R135 specification, as well as decent performance and surprising agility.
It is worth noting, however, that the Zoe is one of a handful of cars to have received a zero-star safety score by Euro NCAP. Crash testers criticised its new seat-mounted side airbags that protect just the occupant's thorax, rather than the head and thorax as it did previously. 6. Nissan Leaf (£28,495)
The original Nissan Leaf was a trailblazer for mainstream electric cars. Although the second-generation car isn’t quite as revolutionary, it does have an important role to play as one of the UK’s cheapest full-size EVs.
The entry-level Shiro car features a 39kWh battery that officially yields 168 miles of range – shorter than similarly priced rivals and a product of the Leaf’s age. Another age-related oddity is the Leaf’s use of the now uncommon Chademo charging connector; you’ll probably want to buy a Type 2 adapter if you choose the Japanese hatchback.
5. Fiat 500 (£28,195)
If any manufacturer has the city car formula nailed, it’s Fiat. The latest version of the iconic 500 oozes desirability inside and out and its combination of a tight turning circle and diminutive sizing make it a cinch to drive around town.
Even better, it doesn’t feel terribly out of depth once you hit the open road, although the entry-level car’s 118-mile range does significantly limit the 500’s usefulness.