Top 10 best EVs for under £35,000 in 2024
Got a budget of £35,000 to spend on a new electric car? We’ve selected the 10 best models on the market
No one can deny that new cars are expensive; the least expensive petrol model starts from around £14,000, whilst the cheapest electric cars start from well over £25,000. However, if you shop around it’s surprising what you can get with a tight budget and modest monthly payments.
That’s where our list of the 10 best EVs for under £35,000 comes in. While not exactly pocket change, competitive finance deals and low running costs make these cars more affordable than you think.
Below you’ll find everything from a practical people-mover to nimble electric hot hatchbacks aimed at driving enthusiasts, and plenty of sensible family choices too. In fact, many of these models made our list of the best electric cars you can buy, and even won big at the 2024 DrivingElectric Awards, too.
So without further ado, here are the best electric cars you can buy for under £35k…
1. BYD Dolphin
What better fit for our favourite EV under £35k than our Best Value Electric Car for 2024? The BYD Dolphin is a fantastic entry point into the world of electric motoring as not only is it the cheapest EV 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.
2. MG4
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 tag (under £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.
3. Hyundai Kona Electric
By the skin of a crisp five-pound note the brand-new Hyundai Kona Electric sneaks into our list. At £34,995 that makes it one of the more expensive cars here, but Hyundai has made big strides over its likeable predecessor with the latest Kona Electric. Its 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, however, 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.
4. Renault Megane
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 £35,000 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 lightyears ahead of the units fitted to most rivals. With a range of up to 280 miles, longer journeys are more than possible, plus plenty of power, sharp steering and a tight chassis means they’ll also be surprisingly enjoyable.
Read our full review of the Renault Megane to find out more.
5. Volvo EX30
Starting from just over £30,000, the Volvo EX30 is perhaps the poshest-feeling EV you can buy for within our £35k budget. Even base versions of the EX30 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. It 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 Volvo EX30 is one of the most desirable small electric SUVs out there.
Read our full review of the Volvo EX30 to find out more.
6. Jeep Avenger
It may only have a single, front-mounted electric motor which it shares with the Vauxhall Mokka Electric, but the small-yet-mighty Jeep Avenger is a more capable off-roader than you might expect. Jeep has installed several dedicated off-road driving modes, while the avenger actually boasts raised suspension compared to its Vauxhall sibling. Around town, the Avenger is effortless to drive and while we wish the regenerative braking system was a little stronger, most will be well-served by the Jeep’s 248-mile electric range. Oh, and one piece of advice: if you’re able to stretch past the £35k budget, we recommend splashing out around £1,700 extra on the mid-spec Altitude car as this comes with lots of extra useful kit.
Read our full review of the Jeep Avenger to find out more.
7. Citroen e-Berlingo
“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-seater 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 many electric superminis. Most SUVs offer more style then 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 198 miles on a charge as well. Ooh la la, indeed!
Read our full review of the Citroen e-Berlingo to find out more.
8. Abarth 500e
The Abarth 500e is perhaps the most driver-focused EV you can buy for under £35,000, although the much more powerful MG4 XPower only costs a smidge more. The 500e manages to put a smile on your face with lightning-fast steering and a tight chassis that allows you to attack a twisty B-road at full force. Of course, it is based on the Fiat 500e, so space is at a premium and it is rather expensive for an EV that can only do just over 150 miles on a charge, but few other models offer this level of fun – especially around town – for the price. We’ll leave you to judge the exhaust-inspired ‘Sound Generator’, though…
Read our full review of the Abarth 500e to find out more.
9. Citroen e-C4
We like the Citroen e-C4 here at DrivingElectric, however, it seems you love it even more as the family hatchback was lauded in our most recent Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. Based on the same underpinnings as the top-selling Vauxhall Corsa Electric, the Citroen e-C4 gets a much sleeker fastback silhouette and the brand’s signature Hydraulic Cushion suspension and Advanced Comfort seats for a magic carpet-like ride. Base models will do around 215 miles before needing to be plugged-in, but top-spec cars with the larger 61kWh (useable) battery pack will do over 250 miles. No matter how you go, though, you’ll be travelling in comfort, plus 100kW DC rapid charging allows for quick top ups when you run low.
Read our full review of the Citroen e-C4 to find out more.
10. Ora 03
Ora may have (finally) dropped the silly-sounding Funky Cat nameplate, but the newly-renamed Ora 03 still remains rather fun and quirky. Prices start at just under £32,000 with cheaper models on the way, and while a 193-mile range can’t square up to the MG4, the 03 has plenty of other highlights. It comes packed with kit, and liberal use of bright fabrics gives the cabin just as much character as the friendly exterior styling. We especially like the quilted leatherette on the doors, which continues into the spacious rear passenger compartment – it’s just a shame the boot isn’t as roomy.
Read our full review of the Ora 03 to find out more.
Top 10 best EVs for under £35,000
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