Electric cars (EVs) are often more expensive than equivalent petrol or diesel cars when you buy them new. But, on the secondhand market, EVs are much closer in cost to fuel-powered cars and, sometimes, are even cheaper.
You’re not limited to a few short-range hatchbacks, either. The choice is eye-opening – there are family hatches, small and medium SUVs, city cars and hot hatches, some of which offer a range of around 300 miles.
We've brought together new and used EVs under £30,000, with the used cars being particularly good value – and available instantly, no waiting required.
Best used electric cars under £30,000
Audi Q4
Audi's electric approach is to create new models alongside its more familiar engine-powered cars. So the Q4 sits alongside the Q3, although the Q4 is Audi's cheapest electric car. But you still get the Audi quality, with plush materials and superb entertainment tech. The Q4 looks expensive, with its intricate fared-in grille and ultra-modern LED headlights, and it delivers on the mundane family-friendly practicality too. Depending on trim level and the size of the battery, up to 332 miles of range is achievable – while the acceleration is pin-you-back fast as well.
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BMW iX1
A close rival to the Q4, BMW's iX1 takes a different approach – it's an electric version of an existing engine-powered car. While the iX1 gets close to cresting 300 miles between charges, it counters against the Audi by being better to drive. And more comfortable. You're getting a £50,000 car for under £30,000 by buying a car that's just a couple of years old, and the iX1 has all of BMW's latest infotainment tech that's used in even more expensive models.
Shop used BMW iX1 cars for sale or read our BMW iX1 review
Nissan Ariya
Nissan's first-ever electric SUV isn't just a Qashqai with a battery crammed in. There's clear air between the Qashqai and the Ariya in Nissan's eyes, with the electric one being a bit more expensive to buy new. But crucially, the Ariya looks expensive, with smooth surfacing, a confident face and an elegant sloping roofline. For this budget, you're most likely to find the standard-range 63kWh battery, which'll officially manage 250 miles to a charge. Expect around 220 miles in mixed driving, but long journeys aren't a problem because the Ariya's fast-charging capability means a 10-80% top-up takes half an hour. Inside, the Ariya is jaw-dropping, with lovely materials and Nissan's best tech.
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Tesla Model Y
Take even a short journey on the motorway, and you're almost guaranteed to be overtaken by numerous Tesla Model Ys. That's partly a commentary on the brand's unbeatable Supercharger network – which are some of the fastest and best-maintained chargers you'll find – and partly because the aero-shaped Model Y is ideal for long journeys. Even the basic version promises 283 miles (depending on how and where you drive), while the Long Range dual-motor version adds around 50 miles to the official figure. And yet, the Model Y has addictive acceleration that'll make you laugh out loud.
Shop used Tesla Model Y cars for sale or read our Tesla Model Y review
Peugeot e-3008
Looking like it's just escaped from a car designer's wildest dreams, the Peugeot e-3008 punches itself into your eyeballs and lodges into your brain like a song you can't forget. The interior is arguably even more theatrical, with a vast 21-inch curved screen appearing to gently hover above the dashboard. Add in top-end materials and family-size space, and the e-3008 is a thoroughly compelling proposition. Even the regular battery gives you a quoted range figure of 327 miles, while big-battery versions bump up to over 400 miles. In other words, London to Glasgow on one charge.
Shop used Peugeot e-3008 cars for sale or read our Peugeot 3008 review
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer might be a newcomer into the market, but it's from a brand you trust and uses tried-and-tested parts borrowed from VW. The Explorer looks cool on the outside, and super cool on the inside. A huge portrait touchscreen – the height of automotive trends right now – controls most of the car's features, but also slides back and forth to reveal a secret storage area. So no one can pinch your jelly babies when you're not looking. The 77kWh battery enables an official range of over 370 miles, so even on the motorway you should get 250 miles without needing to stop.
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BMW i4
The Tesla Model 3 isn't the only choice if you want a sleek, electric saloon for under £30,000. Our money would go on the BMW i4, which gives you Tesla-rivalling stats – such as a six-second 0-62mph time and a 300-mile range – and BMW interior quality. A bigger, more versatile boot and fun handling also give the i4 the upper hand over a Model 3, and you might like that it's not such an obvious choice as the ten-a-penny Tesla.
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Cupra Born
The Cupra Born is perhaps the sharpest-looking and sharpest-driving electric car, especially for under £30,000. You can think of it as a hot hatchback version of the VW ID.3, with the option of a slightly more powerful electric motor and hot copper-coloured trim inside and out. As the Cupra is on a platform made specifically for electric cars, the wheels can be pushed right out to the corners to maximise interior space. It might be a fairly similar size to a Golf on the outside, but it’s much more spacious inside.
Shop used Cupra Born cars for sale or read our Cupra Born review
Renault Megane E-Tech
As we write this, the Renault Megane E-Tech has started to slip under £30,000. The first-ever electric Megane boasts a slick next-generation interior with built-in Google Maps and other software from the tech giant, so it’s just as easy and as quick to use as a phone. Renault benchmarked the Volkswagen ID.3 in the Megane’s development and, in a number of areas, the Renault offers better stats. It has a bigger boot and a longer range than the best-selling ID.3, while having a slightly faster charging rate and a similarly spacious interior. To our eyes it’s even a little bit more stylish, too.
Shop used Renault Megane E-Tech cars for sale or read our Renault Megane E-Tech review
Mercedes EQC
The EQC might not be the newest car on this list, but it is one of the most premium. In particular, refinement is top-notch – you'll struggle to find anything better this side of a Rolls-Royce. Similarly, the acceleration is urgent and seemingly unending, so you get the feel of an overpowered luxury car when you put your foot down as well. You'll have already felt like you're in a luxury car as soon as you step in, with a noticeably plush cabin. For smooth, comfortable driving, the EQC is a top choice.
Shop used Mercedes EQC cars for sale or read our Mercedes EQC review
Best new electric cars under £30,000
- Fiat Grande Panda: from £20,975
- Renault 5: from £22,995
- Citroen e-C3 Aircross: from £23,095
- Hyundai Inster: from £23,505
- Vauxhall Frontera: from £23,995
- Renault 4: from £26,995
- Citroen e-C4: from £27,650
- Ford Puma Gen-E: from £29,995
Find your used electric car under £30k
Browse Motorpoint's huge range of electric cars under £30k to find the one for you. If you want to find out more about electric cars, read our guides to charging an EV at home, the cost of running an electric car and our handy EV glossary.
