Looking to go electric without breaking the bank? Believe it or not, you can find some seriously cool electric vehicles for under £20,000! But here's where it gets interesting: these cars aren't just about saving money—they're about redefining what affordable electric mobility can be. From the bare-bones to the surprisingly luxurious, here are five electric cars that prove you don’t need a fortune to go green. And this is the part most people miss: each of these vehicles has a unique twist that sets it apart from the crowd. Let’s dive in!
- Dacia Spring Starting at: £12,240 (with the Dacia Electric Car Grant) Power: Up to 64bhp Range: Up to 140 miles
The Dacia Spring is the ultimate in no-frills motoring, but in the best way possible. Its interior is so minimalistic it’s almost artistic—imagine a car where even the heater is optional (though thankfully, UK models come equipped). Despite its spartan design, it retains Dacia’s signature rugged charm. It’s the perfect car for those who want reliability without the bells and whistles. But here’s the controversial part: is stripping a car down to its essentials a step forward or a step back in automotive design?
Read our full review here: Dacia Spring Review
- BYD Dolphin Surf Starting at: £18,675 Power: Up to 89bhp Range: Up to 200 miles
The BYD Dolphin Surf is a game-changer in the affordable EV market. With its sleek design and a feature list that feels like something out of a sci-fi movie (think rotating center screen), it’s a head-turner. However, the ride can feel a bit rough around the edges. But is a flashy interior worth the trade-off for a less refined driving experience? Your passengers might be too distracted by the cool tech to notice the bumps.
Check out our review: BYD Dolphin Surf Review
- Citroen Ami Starting at: £7,695 Power: Up to 8bhp Range: Up to 47 miles
The Citroen Ami isn’t technically a car—it’s a quadricycle. Think of it as the lovechild of a bicycle and a car, but with a roof. It’s incredibly basic, with virtually no creature comforts, and acceleration is… well, let’s just say it’s not winning any races. But it does keep you dry, and in some European countries, you can drive it as soon as you’re old enough to reach the pedals. Is this the future of urban mobility, or just a quirky novelty?
Read more here: Citroen Ami Review
- Microlino Starting at: £16,990 Power: Up to 16bhp Range: Up to 141 miles
The Microlino is the Gucci loafer of microcars—stylish, compact, and surprisingly spacious (as long as you don’t mind a little knee-to-knee action). It’s pricey for its size, but it’s hard to deny the joy it brings. Is it worth the premium for a car that’s more about fun than function? Gucci’s CEO thinks so—he was one of the first to own one.
Find out why it’s so special: Microlino Review
- Silence S04 Starting at: £8,500 (plus battery lease) Power: Up to 19bhp Range: Up to 98 miles
The Silence S04 is perfect for city dwellers with charging challenges. Its removable batteries can be taken indoors and charged from your living room—no home charger required. But is this a practical solution or just a band-aid for bigger infrastructure issues? It’s a clever idea, but it might not be for everyone, especially if you live upstairs.
So, which of these electric vehicles would you choose? Are minimalistic designs the future, or do you prefer a bit more luxury? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!