Long-range EVs used to be pricey as their big batteries made up a sizeable chunk of their purchase price.
With plenty of long-range electric cars now entering the used market, prices are much more manageable than when they were brand-new. As our EV depreciation explainer shows, battery-powered cars tend to suffer steep first-year depreciation, before the rate slows to more closely match fuel-powered cars from year two onwards.
Here are our 10 favourite cheap long-range electric cars. Many of these can be purchased as great-value nearly new or used cars from Motorpoint. All prices accurate at time of writing.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is arguably the gold standard for an affordable long-range EV. Spend a little over £15,000 and you'll get a fairly early long-range dual-motor car with a claimed range of 348 miles. Push this budget closer to £18,000 and you'll be able to pick a long-range car from 2021 onwards, when range was boosted to 389 miles. Whichever version you select, you'll benefit from the Model 3's dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, which launches the car at the horizon with the violence of a full-blown supercar. Facelifted 'Highland' Model 3s are hovering above the £30,000 mark, with long-range versions covering more than 400 miles to a charge.
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Kia EV3
The Kia EV3 is one of the newer cars on this list, so prices aren't as low as rivals that've been on sale longer. Despite this, long-range versions are now available used for less than £30,000 and cover a claimed 375 miles on a full charge – a very impressive figure for the class. It's not just a big battery either – the EV3 gets the brand's latest futuristic styling language and comes decked out in standard kit. Plus, its ground-up EV design means there's loads of room despite its modest 4.3-metre length. For more of a budget-friendly option, check out used examples of the Kia Niro EV, or the earlier Kia e-Niro, which can both manage nearly 300 miles for many thousands of pounds less.
Take a look at used Kia electric cars or read our Kia EV3 review
MG4
The MG4 is a VW Golf-sized family hatch that makes a strong case for best-in-class honours. It sits on an EV-specific platform, which means more passenger space than pretty much all equivalent fuel-powered rivals, and a boot that'll stand up to the weekly shop. Our favourite version is probably the medium-sized 64kWh Long Range model with a respectable 270-mile range, but motorway trekkers might prefer the 77kWh Extended Range version which adds another 50 miles to the total; nearly new models are currently around £20,000. It's fun to drive too, with agile handling, well-judged suspension and plenty of instant electric shove for the motorway slip road.
Browse used MG4 cars or read our MG4 review
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Around £25,000 will buy you a two-year-old Hyundai Ioniq 6. This is a dramatic-looking coupe-saloon with aerodynamic styling and a claimed range of more than 330 miles from its 77kWh battery pack. There's acres of rear legroom in the cabin, though very tall adults might find their heads brush the roofline. All cars include phone connectivity, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, climate control and heated seats; Ultimate versions get luxuries like leather upholstery, a Bose stereo, ventilated front seats and self-parking. If you can spare around 20 miles of total range, you can upgrade to a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive car with rapid acceleration.
Search used Hyundai Ioniq 6 cars or read our Hyundai Ioniq 6 review
Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya is a little bigger and more luxurious than the popular Qashqai, which means it's a very comfortable place to while away the miles. You'll pay a little under £25,000 for a three-year-old version with the larger 87kWh battery pack. All those electrons are enough to carry the Ariya more than 320 miles, which will be easy to cover thanks to the car's cushioned ride quality and hushed refinement. As you'd hope, there's plenty of off-the-line power available from the electric motor, and you'll be making swift progress all the way up to fast motorway speeds. Neat details like touch-sensitive buttons built into wood trim helps the cabin stand out.
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Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E isn't exactly the newest design on this list, having been on sale since 2020. There's no faulting the massive 91kWh battery pack, however, which returns an excellent claimed range of 379 miles. We found examples from 2022 for a little over £20,000, or you can drop below that barrier if you can live with the 70kWh version and its 273-mile range. What surprises about the Mach-E is how sporty it is, with weighty steering, solid body control and plenty of power under your right foot. Practicality isn't quite on a par with the Tesla Model Y, but the Mustang Mach-E is more fun to drive and still big enough for family-car duties.
Check out used Ford Mustang Mach-E cars for sale
Volkswagen ID.3
The Volkswagen ID.3 makes excellent sense as a nearly new car. You get VW build quality and lots of practicality courtesy of the ID.3's EV platform, but without the slightly inflated prices of brand-new models. We found ID.3s from 2021 equipped with the larger 77kWh battery pack available for less than £18,000. These versions can cover nearly 340 miles on a full charge, making them great for motorway regulars. The nearly buttonless cabin takes a little getting used to, but once you've connected to the standard-fit Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and set up some infotainment shortcuts, it gets much easier to handle.
View used Volkswagen ID.3 cars for sale or read our Volkswagen ID.3 review
Hyundai Kona
This is the previous-generation Hyundai Kona on sale until late 2023. It may not be the newest kid on the block, but you can find nearly new examples for around £15,000. With a claimed 301-mile range from its 64kWh battery pack, this is one of the most affordable ways to travel a long distance on electric power. It's not the most practical or stylish option in the class, but few can offer that kind of mileage at this price point, nor the Hyundai's comprehensive standard kit. A little under £25,000 will buy you the new Kona with a 65kWh battery pack, however range falls to 282 miles as the new car is noticeably larger than the old model.
See used Hyundai Kona cars or read our Hyundai Kona review
Tesla Model S
The newer Model 3 might be an obvious choice here, but drivers after big range for little money should check out the Tesla Model S. This luxury saloon was positioned above the Model 3 with a higher asking price but, since it's been on sale in the UK for longer, older examples represent great value for money. We found pre-facelift 85 models with a 305-mile range comfortably under £15,000, while facelifted 75 versions claim 304 miles or similar money. Less than £20,000 picks up a facelift 100 model with nearly 400 miles of range, while a little under £30,000 buys a P100 model with the Ludicrous performance upgrade, making it faster than a Lamborghini.
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WILD CARD – Fisker Ocean
Fisker Oceans cost around £20,000 at just one year old, and return an enormous 440 miles from their 113kWh battery packs. These are spacious, premium SUVs designed to compete with BMWs and Audis. So what's the catch? Well Fisker sadly went bankrupt in 2024 having built around 10,000 cars. As a result, there's no official service or parts support, meaning Ocean drivers are stuck relying on support from owners' clubs and any EV specialists willing to work on these orphaned cars. So if you actually do know what you're talking about and are willing to take on a challenge, a second-hand Ocean offers a lot of miles for the price.
Find the perfect long-range EV
Shop a wide selection of nearly new and used electric cars at Motorpoint. For more options, see the best electric cars under £40,000.
