Best Cheap Pure Electric Cars: The Complete Guide to Affordable EVs 2022

It is now a well established fact, in that, pure electric cars are cheaper to drive and own on a life cycle cost basis, compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel cars!

Affordable Electric Cars

We have certainly come a long way since the days of the introduction of the Nissan Leaf electric car, in December 2010. Much has changed in the automotive landscape in the U.K. and globally, in a way that it is impossible to recognise the old order!

For a start, it is now clear that the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel (internal combustion engine) vehicles will be banned in the UK from 2030, as the government aims to replace polluting vehicles with zero-tailpipe emission electric cars. We at e-zoomed expect the ban date to be pushed further forward as the development and manufacture of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to gather pace. Moreover, it is not only legislation that is driving the migration to pure electric cars, but a widespread and fast growing consumer sentiment to make consumption choices that are better for the environment and society.

SMMT new car registrations UK — **SMMT New Car Registrations December 2021 (credit: SMMT)**

Electric cars certainly fit this change in consumer narrative, hence the reason EVs are now popular with individuals and families of all budgets and needs. In fact, in 2021, the UK witnessed an astounding 76.3% increase in the sale of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric cars. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also performed impressively, with a 70.6% increase in 2021 compared to 2020. A total of 190,727 BEVs were registered in 2021 and 114,554 PHEVs. EVs commanded a total market share close to 20% in 2021. In comparison, the sale of petrol cars dropped by 15.7%, while diesel sales dropped by more than 48%. The writing is clearly on the wall: the future is electric!

But that is not the only good news. Historically, electric cars have been expensive in terms of retail prices, with very few truly affordable pure electric cars available for consumers on restricted family budgets. However, over the past decade as the EV industry has matured, retail prices have become lower, and the availability of cheaper electric cars has improved significantly.

In fact, a number of electric cars are now as well priced (on a retail price basis) as the petrol or diesel equivalent. A decade ago this would have been impossible! We at e-zoomed expect this positive momentum of cheaper electric cars to continue unabated for the foreseeable future for all body types, to include: electric SUVs, electric hatchbacks, electric saloon, electric estates, electric vans and more!

Of course, to mirror the continued improvement in the prices of electric cars, the UK government has adjusted its plug-in car grant incentive accordingly i.e. a reduction in the incentive. The incentive is still available, albeit, for a fewer number of affordable EVs, for a maximum of £1,500. We at e-zoomed do not expect the incentive to be available beyond 2022, so do take advantage while the incentives are available. Quite a few of the affordable electric cars mentioned in our top 5 list qualify for the electric car grant!

ashvin suri e-zoomed founder — **You Can Recharge A Pure Electric SUV Between £5 – £10 (Ashvin Suri, Founder e-zoomed)**

It is not only the reduction in retail prices for electric cars fuelling the significant uptake in the adoption of green cars in the UK, but also the realisation by consumers that electric cars are cheaper to drive and maintain compared to petrol and diesel cars. EVs lead to significant savings by individuals and families alike, while still creating a positive impact for the environment and improving air quality. In fact, you can recharge a pure electric car at the convenience of your own home, for as little as £5. No more visits to petrol stations, and certainly no need to spend up to £100 on filling a full tank of fuel! An electric car costs between 3p and 5p per mile to drive!

Best Cheap Electric Cars 2022: Top 5

In concluding our list on the top 5 affordable pure electric cars, of course, price has been an important consideration, however, we have also assessed a number of other parameters to include:

Electric car range (WLTP).
Practicality for families (seats, boot space etc).
Charging capability, to include the EV battery size and the onboard charger .
Build quality and technical specifications.
Ease to drive and park (in particular, in congested towns and cities).
Driving performance.

The list below is not in any particular order, as we do believe families or individuals have different requirements, based on budgets, needs and aspirations. However, most families and individuals will find one of the pure electric cars on the list below perfect for their circumstances.

Pure Electric Car	Price
Volkswagen e-up! Hatchback	From £24,085
Vauxhall Corsa-e Hatchback	From £27,305
Renault Zoe E-Tech Hatchback	From £27,595
MG5 Estate	From £27,945
Peugeot e-208 Hatchback	From £29,760

All these electric vehicles (EVs) can be leased via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!

Electric Cars: The Basics

For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: