Top 10 best EVs for under £35,000 in 2025

No one can deny that new electric cars can be quite expensive; while the cheapest electric car, the Dacia Spring, starts from just under £15,000, the next cheapest model costs almost £7,000 more. The good news, however, is that with EVs becoming more mainstream, the prices are slowly becoming more affordable – and this list of the best EVs under £35,000 proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy cutting-edge technology and practical design. 

This price range hits a sweet spot, offering a diverse range of vehicles, from compact city cars to family-friendly SUVs, that cater effectively to people’s everyday needs. To identify the standout models, extensive testing has been conducted on every electric car – from range and charging speeds to practicality and the overall driving experience. Only the top-performing cars make the list, delivering value where it counts. These EVs are not just affordable, but also designed to handle daily commutes and longer trips with ease, while offering modern tech and thoughtful features.

The best EVs under £35,000 prove that switching to electric driving doesn’t have to be a compromise. Whether you’re looking for versatility, style or advanced technology, these models are an excellent place to start without overstretching your budget.

Best EVs for under £35,000 on sale now

The best electric cars you can buy for under £35,000 have been chosen by our team of expert road testers. If you’re after a pocket-size car with electric power, then check out our page on the best small electric cars.

1. Citroen e-C3

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• Prices from £21,990
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 199 miles

The Citroen e-C3 is a practical choice for those looking for an affordable, no-nonsense EV. With a 44kWh battery, the e-C3 has a maximum range of up to 199 miles, which is plenty for most people’s daily lives, and a full charge takes around six hours with a 7.4kW wall box. So, even if you use all your range in one day, just plugging the car in overnight will give you a full battery by the morning.

The Citroen hits 0-62mph in 11 seconds and has just 111bhp, so it’s by no means a performance car. But its comfort-focused suspension does a great job of smoothing out rough roads to make it a relaxing drive. It also comfortably fits four adults, and the 310-litre boot provides plenty of luggage space. 

Read our full review of the Citroen e-C3 to find out more.

2. BYD Dolphin

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• Prices from £26,195
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 265 miles

The BYD Dolphin is a fantastic entry point into the world of electric motoring because not only is it one of the cheapest EVs you can buy – entry-level Active models go on sale soon starting from just over £26,000 – but it also boasts a very luxurious interior that’s superbly equipped on all models with leather upholstery, a heat pump and a rotating (yes, we mean it!) central touchscreen. Light steering and soft suspension make it ideal for driving around town, plus with a five-year warranty, it should be painless to own, too.

Read our full review of the BYD Dolphin to find out more

3. Renault 5

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• Prices from £22,995
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 249 miles

The Renault 5 is an electric car that offers exceptional value, starting from just £22,995. The car produces 148bhp, allowing it to sprint from 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds, offering plenty of get-up-and-go for both city streets and open roads. Despite its compact size, the Renault is nimble enough on twisty roads while still offering plenty of comfort for longer journeys.

The 52kWh battery – the larger of the two options – provides up to 249 miles of range, making it perfect for daily commutes and longer trips. The 326-litre boot is practical for everyday use, whether it's groceries or luggage. Inside, the Google-based tech provides a straightforward, modern interface that’s easy to use while driving.

Read our full review of the Renault 5 to find out more.

4. MG4

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• Prices from £26,995
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 323 miles

It may have been out for a couple of years now, but the MG4 is still as impressive as ever. With a footprint the size of a Ford Focus and a starting price (below £27k) that undercuts all but a handful of other EVs, the MG4 packs a minimum of 218 miles of range, a practical cabin, and a more entertaining and engaging drive than many of its rivals. Because of the MG’s low entry price, even the 280-mile Long Range model comes in under £30k, while the new 323-mile Extended Range and 423bhp XPower versions only just break our budget. A slightly cheap-feeling cabin is pretty much the only black mark on its otherwise clean score sheet.

Read our full review of the MG4 EV to find out more.

5. Hyundai Kona Electric

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• Prices from £34,995
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 319 miles

By the skin of a crisp five-pound note, the brand-new Hyundai Kona Electric sneaks into our list. At £34,995, it’s one of the more expensive cars here, but with the latest Kona Electric, Hyundai has made big strides over its likeable predecessor. The bold styling may not be to everyone’s tastes, but we’re sure many will love the Hyundai’s ergonomic and modern interior. With a 43kWh battery pack, the cheapest models will do more than 230 miles on a charge, but spend a little more and Hyundai’s electric SUV can do more than 300 miles before needing to be plugged in.

Read our full review of the Hyundai Kona Electric to find out more.

6. Dacia Spring

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• Prices from £14,995
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 140 miles

When searching for the best EVs under £35,000, it would be remiss not to mention the cheapest electric car on sale: the Dacia Spring. It might not cover a million miles or rival the Starship Enterprise for tech, but it delivers incredible value for money. Starting at just £14,995, it offers a quoted range of up to 140 miles - more than enough for most people’s day-to-day errands - and then charges overnight in around five hours on a typical 7kW AC charger. Even the base model comes well equipped, with a seven-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus parking sensors included as standard.

Read our full review of the Dacia Spring to find out more.

7. Renault Megane

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• Prices from £33,995
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 285 miles

A recent price cut prior to the arrival of the larger Renault Scenic SUV means the electric Renault Megane now sneaks in at a smidge under the £34,000 mark. The French maker’s reimagined family hatchback now gets of-the-moment crossover styling as well as a fantastic Google-based infotainment system that’s packed full of features and light years ahead of the units fitted to most rivals. With the car offering a range of up to 285 miles, longer journeys are more than possible – and thanks to it having plenty of power, sharp steering and a tight chassis, those trips will also be surprisingly enjoyable.

Read our full review of the Renault Megane to find out more.

8. Volvo EX30

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• Prices from £32,850
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 296 miles

Starting from just over £30,000, the Volvo EX30 is perhaps the poshest-feeling EV you can buy within our £35k budget. Even base versions of the car get a typically Scandinavian minimalist interior, plus a big portrait touchscreen, while top models get a range of 296 miles or enough power to scorch a Porsche Taycan in a drag race. The Volvo may be rather cramped and some may not like the lack of a dedicated instrument cluster, but if neither is a major concern for you, the quick and comfortable EX30 is one of the most desirable small electric SUVs out there.

Read our full review of the Volvo EX30 to find out more.

9. Alfa Romeo Junior

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• Prices from £33,895
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 255 miles

The Alfa Romeo Junior adds a touch of Italian flair to our list of the best EVs under £35,000. Priced from £33,895, the entry-level Junior Elettrica produces 154bhp, accelerates from 0-62mph in nine seconds, and offers a quoted range of up to 255 miles.

The Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica has been carefully engineered, offering sharp steering and well tuned brakes for a genuinely engaging drive. Practicality isn’t overlooked either, with a 400-litre boot and a spacious interior that’s perfect for families. The car also comes with plenty of useful tech, such as LED headlights and an easy-to-use 10.25-inch touchscreen that sits on the dashboard.

Read our full review of the Alfa Romeo Junior to find out more.

10. Citroen e-Berlingo

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• Prices from £27,955
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 213 miles

“How much space can you get in an EV for under £35,000?” we hear you ask. Well, the Citroen e-Berlingo answers that question with its huge 775-litre boot. Opt for the seven-seat XL model and this increases to 1,050 litres with five seats in place, or 209 litres if you leave the third row up, which is about the same as in many electric superminis. Most SUVs are more stylish than the van-based e-Berlingo, but it offers a very comfortable ride nonetheless and, thanks to a recent facelift, gets a look inspired by the new Citroen e-C3 supermini. It can now achieve up to 213 miles on a charge as well. Ooh la la, indeed!

Read our full review of the Citroen e-Berlingo to find out more.

Top 10 best EVs for under £35,000

1. Citroen e-C3
2. BYD Dolphin
3. Renault 5
4. MG4
5. Hyundai Kona Electric
6. Dacia Spring
7. Renault Megane
8. Volvo EX30
9. Alfa Romeo Junior
10. Citroen e-Berlingo

How we choose the best EVs under £35,000

Electric vehicles are constantly developing, and with each evolution, these cars become ever more affordable; many more options are hitting the market every year at prices that won’t make you wince. Currently, the £35,000 price point is a sweet spot for those looking for an affordable electric car that still delivers plenty of appeal.

When a new electric car is released, we waste no time getting behind the wheel of it, putting it through a rigorous testing process to see how it performs. We’re especially focused on real-world battery range in all sorts of weather and driving conditions, charging speeds, practicality, and running costs.

Naturally, price plays a big part in the decision, so we make sure each EV on this list gives you solid value for money while still offering a decent driving experience and features. Once we’ve put each car through its paces, our road testers give their final verdict, making sure the best EVs under £35,000 truly earn their spot here.