What is the Best Value Electric Car Available in the UK? (2024)

Everyone wants to get the best value for money when they buy a new car and an electric car is no different. That’s why it's so important to shop around and compare deals. There are plenty of good options out there - you just need to know what to look for.

 

In this article, you’ll find out what the best value-for-money electric cars offer as well as the models currently available in the UK we recommend.

 

What Represents Great Value For Money in an Electric Car?

We suggest that you always consider the following when you’re looking to buy an electric car:

 

Price - The average price of an electric car is currently over £45,000. We have only considered models where the standard price is under £45,000.

 

Standard Features - The more luxury features included as standard, the better. We have only considered models with a minimum of 5 luxury features as standard.

 

Battery Warranty - Electric car batteries are still a reasonably new technology. This means that many manufacturers offer an 8 year or 100,000 mile warranty as standard for peace of mind. A long battery warranty is a must-have to consider a car great value for money.

 

Range - As of 2024, the average range of an electric car was 260 miles. We have only considered models that are close to or exceed this average range figure.

 

Ratings - We have also considered WhatCar? star ratings to back up our decisions.

 

The following five models have met all these criteria and have a 3* WhatCar? rating or higher.

 

What are the Best Value Electric Cars You Can Buy in the UK?

We believe that the top 5 value electric cars currently available in the UK are the:

 

• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Hyundai Kona Electric
• Kia Soul EV
• Nissan Leaf
• DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

If you don't like any of these options, we also recommend the Vauxhall Corsa-e, Kia E-Niro or Peugeot e-208 as great value electric cars.

While you will get great value for money on any of these cars, we believe that the Kona Electric is the best-value electric car you can currently buy in 2024.

 

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Ioniq 5 is a very good electric car, especially as it offers such great value for money. It is set up for cruising with a comfortable, quiet ride and plenty of interior space to suit all your needs. However, the handling could be firmer and the range is not spectacular, especially when compared to some of its closest rivals.

Read the full WhatCar? review of the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

 

WhatCar? Rating = 4*

Price = £43,445

Range (Max) = 315 miles

Warranty = 5 years, no mileage limit

Features =12 - Dual Zone Climate Control, Reverse Parking Distance Warning, Rear View Monitor with Dynamic Parking Guidance, Cruise Control, 12.3-inch touchscreen with Sat Nav, Bluetooth with Voice Recognition, Driver’s Supervision Instrument Cluster (12.3-inch), Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Forward Collision Avoidance, Highway Drive Assist Level 1, Lane Follow Assist, Lane Keep Assist

 

Hyundai Kona Electric

The Kona Electric has a very strong ‘real-world’ range figure, so it’s designed to go further between charges. On top of that, it accelerates well and boasts a strong level of standard features. However, its poor ride quality and functional rather than luxurious interior cause it to come unstuck against its rivals.

Read the full WhatCar? review of the Hyundai Kona Electric.

 

WhatCar? Rating = 4*

Price = £37,750

Range (Max) = 300 miles

Warranty = 5 years, no mileage limit

Features = 11 - Climate Control, Cruise Control, Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Parking Camera, 10.25-inch navigation screen, Bluetooth & voice recognition, 10.25-inch driver supervision instrument cluster, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Lane Keep Assist

 

Kia Soul EV

The Soul boasts an impressive range and a high specification as standard. However, you may find the ride a little firm and it is quite compact, so boot space is a little on the small side. On top of that, the battery warranty doesn't last as long as many of its rivals.

Read the full WhatCar? review of the Kia Soul EV.

 

WhatCar? Rating = 4*

Price = £39,075

Range (Max) = 280 miles

Warranty = 7-year or 100,000 miles

Features = 11 - Heated front seats, Heated steering wheel, Adaptive Smart Cruise Control, Automatic air conditioning, 7-inch OLED colour display cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen satnav, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto with voice control, Reversing Camera, Rear Parking Sensors, UVO Connect, Speed Limiter

 

Nissan Leaf

The Leaf has always been an excellent electric car and the latest version is no different. It’s pretty good to drive, well-equipped and easy to live with (mainly thanks to its big boot). However, it feels cramped in the back, the driving position is slightly flawed and it is falling behind other models in its class.

Read the full WhatCar? review of the Nissan Leaf.

 

WhatCar? Rating = 3*

Price = £28,495

Range (Max) = 239 miles

Warranty = 8-year or 100,000 miles

Features = 10 - Chassis Control, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind spot intervention, 8-inch colour display with touch screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Automatic Climate Control, Cruise Control, Rear View Camera

 

DS3 Crossback E-Tense

The DS3 E-Tense has an eye-catching interior, with an impressively quiet motor. Drivers watching their eco-footprint will be pleased to know it comes from just across the water in France, so helping the environment starts before you even step into the car. It can fast charge in an impressive 30 minutes, however, it isn't the most spacious - if you have tall passengers in the back, they may feel slightly cramped.

Read the full WhatCar? review of the DS3 Crossback E-Tense.

 

WhatCar? Rating = 3*

Price = £34,515

Range (Max) = 250 miles

Warranty = 8-year or up to 160,000 km

Features = 11 - Sunvisors with LED vanity mirrors, 7.0inch touchscreen entertainment system, Cruise control with speed limiter, eCall emergency call system, Mirror screen with Apple car play/Android Auto, Power assisted steering, DAB Digital radio, Anti-theft alarm with anti-lift detection, Heated door mirrors, Programmable heater with temperature regulator

 

Read More

Is an Electric Car Right For Me?

If you haven’t yet considered whether an electric car will suit your needs, read this article now. We’ll help you understand when an EV is and isn’t a good option based on your driving habits.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Car? (Vs an ICE)

There’s no point buying an electric car that boasts great value if you don’t maximise your savings on day-to-day costs. In this article, you’ll find out more about electric car running costs and how switching from a petrol or diesel car can really benefit you.

 

How Can I Afford an Electric Car?

Even though these electric cars offer great value for money, they’re not exactly cheap. However, buying outright is not the only way to achieve EV ownership. In this article, you’ll discover what options are available to help you afford an electric car, even if you can’t buy one outright.