Early electric cars were pricey, but there are now loads of sensibly priced options on sale.
A £40,000 budget brings a huge choice of battery-powered cars. Many brand-new EVs are available for less than that, or you could shop nearly new EVs to see a selection of more luxurious models with lower prices. Don't forget, any new EV sold from now on costing less than £40,000 avoids the expensive vehicle supplement.
We've chosen 10 of our favourite EVs on offer for less than £40,000. Check Motorpoint's selection of nearly new and used electric cars to see how much you could save.
Kia EV3
The Kia EV6 and EV9 have both earned stellar reviews but the newest EV3 might be the best yet. This is the brand's entry into the hotly contested compact SUV segment, but the EV3's clever e-GMP platform means masses of cabin space, a big boot, a long range and swift acceleration. Your £40,000 budget means you can pick the bigger 81.4kWh battery for 375 miles on a full charge and, if you fancy, upgrade to a GT-Line model, which gets bigger alloy wheels, a sporty body kit and faux leather upholstery.
Browse used Kia electric cars or read our Kia EV3 review
Skoda Elroq
The Skoda Elroq sits below the larger Enyaq in the brand's lineup, and is a direct rival for the Kia EV3 above. Your £40,000 budget would stretch to the bigger car but only its entry-level trim and battery option. Pick the Elroq and you can upgrade to the more powerful motor for a hot-hatch like 6.6-second 0-62mph time, plus the bigger 77kWh battery for a 360-mile claimed range. There's not much penalty for picking the smaller car either, with loads of passenger space across the two rows and a boot that's still large enough for most families' daily duties.
Search used Skoda electric cars or read our Skoda Elroq review
Smart #5
At more than 4.7 metres long, the Smart #5 is nothing like the teeny city cars this brand made its name with. On the plus side, its newfound bulk means you can actually carry passengers and cargo now. In fact, the #5 has an abundance of interior space thanks to its EV platform, meaning lots of room for rear occupants to stretch out and a cavernous 630-litre boot. You also get a vast triple-screen infotainment setup that takes up the entire dashboard surface, while build and material quality feels very sturdy.
Check out used Smart cars for sale
Tesla Model 3
At the time of writing, the recently updated Tesla Model 3 can be ordered new in the UK for a smidge under £40,000. That figure only buys you the rear-wheel-drive model with the smaller battery, but this supposedly 'entry-level' setup will still beat most hot hatches in a drag race and claims a range of 318 miles. It might not be as new as some other picks on this list, but the ultra-minimalist cabin still looks fresh today and there's a huge amount of passenger and cargo space within its fairly compact footprint.
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Cupra Born
It'd be easy to dismiss the Cupra Born as merely a rebadged Volkswagen ID.3, but you get a punchier electric motor and unique cabin styling to help the Born feel like a more desirable proposition. Your £40,000 budget buys a high-spec V3 model which comes with luxuries like an augmented-reality heads-up display, 20-inch alloy wheels, and heated front seats with built-in massage function. Acceleration is peppy from the 231hp motor with range standing at 259 miles, or 342 miles if you can stretch to just shy of £42,000.
Browse used Cupra Born cars or read our Cupra Born review
Alpine A290
Reviewers are already getting giddy about the Renault 5 E-Tech hatchback, with its charming retro styling, competitive price and slick, modern interior. Your £40,000 budget unlocks something much more exciting however, in the form of the Alpine A290 hot hatch. This takes the 5 E-Tech as a base and swaps in either a 180hp or 220hp electric motor for zippy performance, as well as a host of other go-faster parts. The '70s-inspired looks are enhanced for the Alpine version with dinky running lights mimicking a pair of rally-spec fog lights.
Shop used Renault electric cars for sale
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Entry-level Hyundai Ioniq 5 cars are available just below the £40,000 mark, although shopping nearly new examples means you can pick a bigger battery or better spec. This oddball part-hatchback-part-SUV's '80s-inspired styling hides a truly enormous cabin with luxury-car-levels of rear passenger space. Hyundai's latest cabin design looks great with crisp graphics on the infotainment system, funky dashboard styling and even an on-board white-noise generator to help rear-seat passengers drift off to sleep.
View used Hyundai Ioniq 5 cars or read our Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
Renault Scenic E-Tech
In the ol' days, a Renault Scenic was a practical people carrier. Not anymore, however, as the French brand has revived the nameplate as an oh-so-popular family SUV. It's a mighty fine SUV too, with a pleasantly soft ride, light controls, and a stylish, well-made interior. Cabin space is plentiful, so tall passengers will have no trouble getting comfortable, and there's a big boot for the bulkiest of hobbies. Range stands at 381 miles, and there's a treasure trove of tech including a Google-based infotainment system.
Take a look at used Renault electric cars or read our Renault Scenic E-Tech review
Vauxhall Grandland
The latest Vauxhall Grandland is the much-needed replacement for its ageing predecessor. It's offered either with a mild-hybrid petrol engine or as a fully electric model. Keen pricing and a generous equipment list means most trim levels come under our £40,000 budget, so you can upgrade to a sporty GS or range-topping Ultimate model without overspending. Vauxhall has yet to release the big-battery version, but even the 73kWh pack that's currently available returns an impressive 323-mile claimed range.
Find used Vauxhall Grandland cars or read our Vauxhall Grandland review
Ford Explorer
Clues like the blue Ford oval, the square-jawed looks and the pioneer-influenced nameplate might leave you thinking the Ford Explorer is as 'murican as apple pie. Peel back the bodywork, however, and you'll find that this electric family SUV is actually a Volkswagen ID.4 in disguise, following the brands' agreement to work together on European models. Whatever its origins, the Explorer is spacious, practical and fairly easy to use, with entry-level models just sliding in under our £40,000 budget.
Shop used Ford Explorer cars or read our Ford Explorer review
Find a great-value electric car
Buying a nearly new or used electric car from Motorpoint means avoiding much of the car's initial depreciation. If you have a slightly more generous budget to work with, check out our picks for the best electric luxury cars.
Don't forget, EVs costing less than £37,000 are eligible for the government EV grant.
