Cheap e-cars 2025: All models under 30,000 euros

The most important things at a glance

• You can already buy four cheap e-cars under 30,000 euros today.
• At least eight more models will be launched in 2025, including VW's ID.2.
• Leasing e-cars can offer you advantages over direct purchases.
• Used e-cars are currently available at a low price – very advantageous for buyers.

If you want to drive an e-car, you very often have to dig very deep into your pockets. In the winter of 2024, there are just four models at German car dealerships that cost less than 30,000 euros. But the good news is that in 2025, this situation will change massively for the better, as manufacturers have announced eight more, comparatively inexpensive e-cars. Then there will be at least a dozen electric cars under 30,000 euros on the German market.

We'll show you which cheap e-cars you can buy today and which models will be launched next year. In our large overview, you can find out everything you need to know, from ranges and battery capacities (in kWh) to the sizes of the vehicles and their trunk volume. Data marked with an asterisk (*) is provisional and data.

The question remains: buy or lease? We'll answer that too, and provide you with information on leasing options. If a cheap used e-car is an option for you, we will also help you find your way around - and tell you what you should consider when buying a used car.

The cheapest electric cars on the market right now

Dacia Spring: No one is cheaper

The home of Renault's budget brand Dacia is actually Romania, but the Spring is built entirely in China with Chinese partners. This is one reason why it can be offered as a basic model from as little as 16,900 euros. For this price, you shouldn't expect a large battery, a long range or fast charging.

However, the small Dacia is suitably equipped for the city as an inexpensive electric car. However, if you want to use the Dacia Spring at an HPC charging station, you have to order the fast charging port separately when you buy it (as of 11/2024). It costs 600 euros extra and then allows charging with 30 kW, but is only available for the 48 kW version.

The most important data:

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 3.70 × 1.58 × 1.52 m
• Drive: 33 kW (44 hp), optional 48 kW (65 hp)
• Battery capacity: 26.8 kWh
• Range: 225 km according to WLTP (228 km)
• Trunk: 308–1,004 liters
• Market launch: April 2024 (facelift version)
• RRP from 16,900 euros

Citroën ë-C3: It costs less than 25,000 euros

Citroën shows what's possible: a low-cost e-car, manufactured in Europe, more precisely in Slovakia. The ë-C3 is not a rolling waiver – with its range of 326 kilometres (according to the WLTP test cycle) and a length that is only a hand's breadth behind that of a current VW Polo, it presents itself as a small car suitable for everyday use, which, with a top speed of 132 km/h, does not need to shy away from occasional long-distance excursions.

The cockpit of the ë-C3 proves that Citroën cannot do magic in the development of low-cost e-cars. The subcompact electric car does without an expensive display. The most important driving information is shown on a small head-up display, and a smartphone must be connected to the inexpensive electric car for infotainment.

The most important data:

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 4.02 × 1.76 × 1.57 m
• Drive: 83 kW (113 hp)
• Battery capacity: 44 kWh
• Range: 326 km according to WLTP
• Trunk: 310 liters
• Market launch: January 2024
• RRP from 23,300 euros

Fiat 500e: A lot of style at an affordable price

Visually, the electric Fiat 500 is cut from the face of its cousin with a combustion engine. Technically, however, the two are not related, because the electric Fiat stands on its own, newly developed platform. The bustling handling of the 500 has been retained when switching from combustion engine to electric car, as has the limited space in the rear.

But they are not really surprising at only 3.63 meters in length. The pretty-looking and high-quality interior, on the other hand, is very much a positive surprise in this price range. The Fiat 500e is available with a large fabric roof (surcharge 3,000 euros, as of 11/2024), which almost makes it a convertible. In the 155-hp Abarth variant, it almost becomes a ball lightning with wheels, but then also costs just under 38,000 euros.

The most important data:

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 3.63 × 1.68 × 1.53 m
• Drive: 70 kW (95 hp), optionally 87 kW (118 hp) or 114 kW (155 hp)
• Battery capacity: 21.3 kWh, optional 37.3 kWh or 37.8 kWh
• Range: 190 km according to WLTP (321 km, 265 km)
• Trunk: 185–550 liters
• Market launch: November 2020
• RRP from 24,990 euros (offer price in November 2024)

Citroën ë-C3 Aircross: If it should be a small e-SUV

The Air in the name ë-C3 Aircross hints at it – this model has more air. The larger of Citroën's two small, low-cost electric cars has a 13-centimetre longer wheelbase than the normal ë-C3. That's why it offers more space in row two. Because the total length increases by 38 centimeters, the trunk also grows. Nothing changes in terms of technology: motor power and battery capacity are identical to those of the smaller model.

However, the curb weight and air resistance are greater. This is reflected in the range, which is 23 kilometers less than the standard ë-C3. Cheap electric cars with a longer range are not possible with the current technology. After all, Citroën has announced a ë-C3 Aircross with a longer range for 2025. Then a radius of 400 kilometers should be possible, but probably not for 30,000 euros.

The most important data:

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 4.40 × 1.80 × 1.66 m
• Drive: 83 kW (113 hp)
• Battery capacity: 44 kWh
• Range: 303 km according to WLTP
• Trunk: 460–1,600 liters
• Market launch: June 2024
• RRP from 26,490 euros

Market launches in 2025: New e-car highlights

BYD Seagull: The attacker from China

Cheap e-cars from China will flood the European market and fundamentally change it. That's how you read it again and again. However, the Chinese e-cars that are available in Germany were not particularly cheap. The BYD Seagull is set to change that from mid-2025. When it comes to Germany, it will cost less than 18,000 euros.

In Central and South America, BYD already offers the small car intended for Europe, but under the name Dolphin Mini. The city runabout with four doors and the almost 40 kWh battery is said to have an operating radius of up to 360 kilometres under ideal conditions (WLTP cycle). Despite its price range, it thus offers a long range suitable for everyday use.

The most important data:

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 3.78 × 1.71 × 1.58 m
• Drive: 55 kW (74 hp)
• Battery capacity: 38.9 kWh*
• Range: 360 km according to WLTP
• Trunk: 230–930 liters
• Market launch: Q2 2025
• Price expected to be under 18,000 euros

Leapmotor T03: Competition for the Dacia Spring

Stellantis, the parent company of Citroën, Fiat and Peugeot, has founded a joint venture with the Chinese manufacturer Leapmotor. As the first project of this partnership, the Leapmotor T03 will roll into dealerships in spring 2025. But not from China, but from the Polish plant in Tichy, where Fiat models are also produced.

Despite the European production location, the list price is very low. It is expected to start at 18,900 euros, and the T03 can be ordered as early as the end of 2024. The equipment with standard navigation system, automatic climate control, glass roof and a variety of assistance systems is - measured against the low list price - downright princely. Even the space for four adults is okay, but the trunk is only a small room. But does that really bother a city runabout?

The most important data:

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 3.62 × 1.57 × 1.65 m
• Drive: 70 kW (95 hp)
• Battery: 37.3 kWh
• Range: 265 km according to WLTP
• Trunk: from 210 liters
• Market launch: Q1 2025
• Official RRP starts at 18,900 euros

Dongfeng Box: Cut out of the face of the Smart #1

A Smart #1 is not available for less than 34,990 euros (list price). The Dongfeng Box, like the Smart built in China, will cost about 23,000 euros when it comes to Germany at the beginning of 2025. In the design of this affordable electric car, there are great similarities with the #1, especially at the front. At 4.27 meters, the Smart is slightly longer and more spacious.

With its technical equipment, such as the 70 kW motor and the 40 kWh battery, the box is aimed at the Dacia Spring and the Citroën ë-C3. This makes it clear that the Dongfeng was designed as a city car, although a range of around 300 kilometers does not force it to the charging station too often on cross-country trips.

The most important data:

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 4.02 × 1.81 × 1.57 m
• Drive: 70 kW (95 hp)
• Battery: 42.3 kWh
• Range: 310 km according to WLTP
• Trunk: 326–945 liters
• Market launch: Q1 2025
• Price expected from 23,000 euros

Hyundai Inster: Best seller, which is not called Casper in our country

What are the Koreans from Hyundai actually doing when it comes to cheap e-cars? Yes, they grab their tiny car, called Casper, which is part of the popular model range in Korea and India, and use it as the basis for the city runabout, which is presented by name as Inster in our latitudes. And the price-performance package that Hyundai has put together with the Inster could be a success, says automotive journalist Elias Holdenried:

Despite its very compact dimensions and a small amount of space for the battery, the Inster promises a range of 370 kilometres – a lot in this segment! In Korea, the Casper has been on the market for two years and is a permanent fixture in the top ten of the most registered electric cars. Many clever details, such as the sliding rear seat, the numerous storage compartments or the large screens on the dashboard, apparently speak for it in addition to the low price.

The most important data:

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 3.82 × 1.61 × 1.57 m
• Drive: 71 kW (97 hp), optional 85 kW (115 hp)
• Battery: 42 kWh, optional 49 kWh
• Range: 370 km according to WLTP
• Trunk: 288–1,051 liters
• Market launch: Q1 2025*
• RRP from 23,900 euros

Fiat Grande Panda: The great box goes electric

As a child of the large Stellantis Group, the Fiat Grande Panda is based on familiar technology. Under its traditionally boxy body is the same drive that we already know from the Citroën ë-C3 and Citroën ë-C3 Aircross. No wonder that the radius of action is similar. Up to 320 kilometers are said to be possible with one battery charge.

Although a list price of less than 25,000 euros is expected, the Grande Panda will not be built cheaply in China, but in Serbia. In addition to the electric Grande Panda, versions with combustion engines and hybrids are also produced there. Fiat has high hopes for the low-cost Grande Panda electric car and wants to use it to regain lost market share in Europe.

The most important data:

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 3.99 × 1.76 × 1.57 m
• Drive: 83 kW (113 hp)*
• Battery: 44 kWh*
• Range: 320 km* according to WLTP
• Trunk: from 361 liters
• Market launch: Q2 2025*
• RRP from 24,990 euros

Škoda Epiq: Successor to the VW e-Up

VW once had an attractive and inexpensive e-car in its range: the e-Up. Unfortunately, there was not much money to be made with him. For example, the segment of affordable e-cars in the VW Group remained unoccupied for far too long after the death of the e-Up. "Simply Clever" subsidiary Škoda wants to change that in spring 2025. Then comes the Epiq, which is to be available from 25,000 euros.

Technically, the small SUV will be up to date, according to people close to Škoda. A range of 400 kilometres is on the table, as is the possibility of bidirectional charging. The Epiq prepares the field for the affordable e-Volkswagen ID.2, which will probably appear at least six months after the Epiq.

The most important data:

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 4.10 × 1.80 × 1.50 m*
• Drive: from 118 kW (160 hp)*
• Battery: 56 kWh*
• Range: approx. 400 km*
• Trunk: from 490 liters
• Market launch: Q1 2025*
• Price expected from 25,000 euros

VW ID.2: It could also be called E-Polo

It took a long time for VW to decide to build a small and inexpensive electric car – as a serious successor to the VW Up. However, the wait is not quite over, as the ID.2 will not be launched until the end of 2025, certainly not for less than 25,000 euros. In terms of price, it will not be able to keep up with the cheap Chinese e-cars.

Fans of dynamic locomotion will be pleased to note that the ID.2 starts with decent power, which guarantees brisk progress even on the motorway. The ID.2 is in good hands there, as its range is said to be over 400 kilometres under favourable conditions. This VW will certainly not be a renunciation vehicle and thus ties in with the virtues of the Polo.

The most important data:

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 4.05 × 1.81 × 1.53 m
• Drive: 166 kW (226 hp)
• Battery: 56 kWh*
• Range: up to 450 km*
• Luggage compartment: from 440–1,330 litres
• Market launch: Q4 2025*
• Price expected from 25,000 euros

Opel Frontera Electric: Currently the cheapest German electric car

We have to talk about another brand from the large Stellantis Group – because Opel will also launch a low-cost electric car in 2025. The SUV, called Frontera Electric, is built on the same Stellantis platform as the Citroën ë-C3 Aircross and the Fiat Grande Panda. Visually, the siblings have nothing in common, but the essential chunks of technology (motor and battery) are identical.

Because the Frontera appears somewhat stockier than the Grande Panda, it is slightly limited in terms of operating radius, but convinces with its large trunk suitable for a first car and enough space for four tall adults. The Frontera can already be ordered, it is also available as a hybrid with a gasoline engine. However, it will not be delivered until the beginning of 2025.

The most important data:

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 4.39 × 1.80 × 1.64 m
• Drive: 83 kW (119 hp)
• Battery: 44 kWh
• Range: 305 km according to WLTP
• Luggage compartment: from 460–1,600 litres
• Market launch: Q1 2025
• RRP from 28,990 euros

Cheap electric cars with a long range

To be honest, you shouldn't expect miracles in this segment. A small car remains a small car, even if it is electrically driven, and thus the range is always limited. By comparison, a VW Polo does not drive as far as a VW Touareg (tank capacity 76 liters) with one tank of fuel (40 liters).

The most expensive component, even in a cheap e-car, is the battery, and it takes up a lot of space. The inexpensive electric cars therefore have relatively small batteries with a capacity of 21 to 56 kWh on board. At the other end of the scale (also at the price: 108,000 euros, as of 11/2024) are models such as the Tesla Model S Plaid with its 100 kWh electricity storage.

Among the budget electric cars, the sister models Škoda Epiq and VW ID.2 have the largest batteries and thus probably the widest range with a range of more than 400 kilometres.

Leasing options for low-cost electric cars

Why leasing can be cheaper than buying

If you want to benefit from the latest technology on a regular basis and change your vehicle more often, leasing is an attractive option. When concluding the contract, you determine how long you want to use the inexpensive e-car – usually 24 or 36 months, although longer terms are also possible. With the help of the leasing factor, you can compare different offers. After the end of the contract, you simply return the car without having to worry about reselling. We explain in detail how leasing works in detail here.

Especially for e-cars, leasing is often the better choice. Technology is developing rapidly and batteries are becoming increasingly powerful. As a result, the resale value of used electric cars decreases much faster than that of combustion engines. However, if you have taken out a mileage lease, you as a lessee do not have to worry about this, as the residual value risk lies entirely with the lessor.

An additional advantage: Currently – as of November 2024 – many of the usual down payments or advance payments are eliminated or are only minimal. This protects your equity and makes leasing particularly attractive, especially in this day and age.

How much does a cheap e-car cost to lease?

While the list prices of the cheap electric cars are easy to find out on the manufacturers' websites, most carmakers make quite a secret of the leasing costs. You have to click far through the configurators or ask the local dealer for an offer. Transparent is different.

In addition, offers can often be found on the Internet that do not necessarily fit your own requirements for a car. The Citroën ë-C3 may serve as an example here. On the manufacturer's website, it is offered (as of 12/2024) with a monthly leasing price of 295.68 euros. The annual mileage is then limited to 10,000 kilometers, and the duration of the lease is set at an unusually long 48 months. If you want to get rid of the electric C3 after 36 months and assume an annual mileage of 15,000 kilometers, leasing the cheap e-car will become more expensive to 358.51 euros per month.

If you want to cover more distance, you have to pay more. That's why you have to keep an eye on your budget when leasing and know exactly how long you want to drive the car and how many kilometers you will drive it. Because if you set the kilometers too low when you sign the contract, you will pay a lot more when you return the car for every additional kilometer that goes beyond the minor, tolerated deviation in the contract. Between four and six euro cents are due per kilometre.

Conclusion: Which cheap electric car is right for you?

If you have to mount child seats in the rear and fasten your offspring there, you should definitely choose a four-door car. It is also obvious that a family car needs a usable trunk. The cheap electric cars Citroën ë-C3 Aircross, Škoda Epiq or Opel Frontera are certainly a good choice here.

If you have to keep a close eye on the money, but want to be electric, you will have to look in the direction of the Dacia Spring, BYD Seagull, Dongfeng Box or Leapmotor T03. The question remains whether it should not also be a used e-car.

What to look for when buying a used electric car?

Lease returns from Fiat (500e), Kia (e-Soul), Mini (Cooper SE), Opel (Corsa Electric), Peugeot (e-208), Renault (Twingo Electric or Zoe) and VW (e-Up) can be attractively priced alternatives to new cars.

And don't worry that the battery will cause problems. Its "health" – experts call it State of Health (SoH) – can now be determined using various test methods. With the appropriate search filter, the mobile.de website will show you the vehicles that are offered with a battery certificate.

During general inspections, used electric cars often attract attention with rusted rear brakes and worn chassis parts. Therefore, pay attention to rumbling or rattling noises during the test drive. The drive technology, on the other hand, almost never causes trouble.

However, a used car is only recommended if you do not want to sell the car after a short time. Because the sale of used e-cars is currently a real challenge. On the other hand, good for your room for negotiation if you are looking for your own cheap electric car.