Are you looking for your first electric car or your next EV because your current plug-in car needs replacing? Then you have undoubtedly already discovered that there is a large range of different models on the market, especially when you look at second-hand models in addition to new electric cars. What is actually the best affordable electric car and what should you pay attention to when comparing cars?
'Best' is a very relative term, especially when it comes to cars
We're not just going to list the best affordable electric cars, simply because that wouldn't be fair to you. Almost all lists that have to do with 'best' are as subjective as they can be. Especially when it comes to cars. For example, the Microlino is on quite a few top lists of best electric cars, as is the Buddy. That's fine, but these are compact two-seaters without any trunk space, without legroom and with a very limited top speed, partly because you simply don't want to drive on the A1 in them. Do these models really fall under the best affordable electric cars if you're looking for a family car, or if you have to go somewhere as a businessman? Of course not.
Does this mean that we will not be posting a list of affordable, good electric cars here? That is not how we work. Of course, you will get a list below, but it is good to realize that your own preferences determine the ranking. It is also possible that your specific requirements ensure that your best affordable electric car is not on our list.
Value for money versus the cheapest models on the market
A final point to make here is that ‘best’ and ‘affordable’ are an important combination, with both components playing an equal role. The cheapest electric cars are often simply not the best models, because they have been cut back. With electric cars, this means that there will be features and functions missing from the car, and that you will have a limited battery pack, which is the last thing you want to cut back on.
That's why we've taken a critical look at the price-quality ratio, so that we can put together a list of models that are not only affordable, but also really reliable and that you'll even want to be seen in.
The best affordable electric cars of the moment
So what are the best affordable plug-in cars at the time of writing (early 2024)? From numerous lists and comparative research, we've decided that the following models deserve the title:
- Fiat 500-e, but only for city use and not suitable as a family car.
- Renault Twingo e-Tech, suitable as a compact family car with children on the back seat. However, a limited range (less than 200 kilometers WLTP).
- Peugeot e-208, available in trendy colours, with many features and relatively spacious. The range is more than 400 kilometres, which is a big advantage.
- Volvo EX30, more expensive than previous models but with a range of almost 500 kilometers and a very user-friendly car.
- Renault Megane e-Tech, an EV that misses on many lists, but is a strong player on the list of best affordable electric cars.
- Hyundai Kona Electric: a lot of car with almost 500 kilometers WLTP and high entry, which makes the car very suitable for older car enthusiasts.
How do you choose the electric car that suits you best?
A list is nice, but it doesn't tell you which electric car suits you best (that's why we've provided the models with a short description). It's especially important that you first look at what you need exactly. An electric car to drive to work yourself is a very different car than a family car with a plug or an electric car that also has to be able to tow a caravan during the holidays.
Therefore, look at how much space you need, the range you need and the maximum charging capacity. Especially now that there are fast chargers that have a charging capacity of more than 300 kW, it is wise to choose a car that can handle a high charging capacity.
Arrange the charging infrastructure at home directly
Are you looking for the best affordable electric car with a view to the budget and do you currently not have an electric car? Then also take into account the costs of installing the charging infrastructure at home if you want to be able to charge at home (this is the cheapest way of charging).
To charge your electric car at home, you need a charging station (separate charging station or wall box), and a charging cable that goes between the charging point and the car so that the battery of your EV can be charged. With us you will find a wide range of affordable charging stations, including all the information you need to make a good choice. However, it is important to choose a charging station that suits your needs now and in the future. If you don't do this, you may save a few hundred euros now, but at the same time you ensure that in a few years you will have to spend at least € 1000 again to have a completely new, more powerful charging station installed.
What does the market for good affordable electric cars look like at the moment?
The market for affordable plug-in cars is looking better than ever, something that was predicted everywhere a few years ago. Many major car manufacturers have been busy developing entry-level models, without skimping on the battery pack or the comfort for the driver and passengers. This has resulted in many affordable models on the market, with enormous competition. This is to your advantage, because the major brands such as Volvo, Volkswagen, Kia, Peugeot and Renault are constantly busy making suitable models for even less money in order to be able to sell models.
This trend is expected to continue throughout 2024, especially as interest in electric driving continues to grow steadily, but many people cite the relatively high purchase price as a reason to postpone the purchase (for a while). A sentiment that car manufacturers like to play on by putting cheap models on the market, which means that nowadays you can count on a very versatile range of models when you are looking for the best affordable electric car.
