While researching EV offers and prices for this article, I felt uneasy reading how EVs priced around €40,000 are being called “affordable.” Just a few years ago, that label applied to cars that were half as expensive, and €40k was considered the entry point into the premium segment. Nowadays, unfortunately, the reality is that you really have to dig to find a decent family car for that amount.
Luckily, a wave of newer brands, mostly from China, is stepping in with options that combine modern EV technology, generous equipment, and practicality for everyday family life, all without the price tag of legacy automakers. Therefore, the focus of this article is on Chinese EVs as a real alternative to established brands. We explore ten family-oriented electric vehicles available in Europe and the UK that provide real value under €40,000. These cars prove that being budget-conscious doesn’t mean sacrificing space, technology, or style.
Before we dive into the details of each EV, here’s a quick overview to help you see which models offer the battery size, range, and storage that suit your family needs. For more specs, including warranties and Euro NCAP ratings, check out each vehicle’s dedicated section below.
| Model | Battery (kWh) | WLTP Range (km / miles) | Boot / Frunk (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Atto 2 | 49.5 | 360 / 224 | 380 / – |
| BYD Atto 3 | 49.9 | 345 / 214 | 310 / – |
| Changan Deepal S05 | 68.8 | 485 / 302 | 492 / 159 |
| Leapmotor B10 | 66.5 | 440 / 273 | 420 / – |
| Leapmotor C10 | 69.9 | 424 / 264 | 435 / – |
| MG S5 | 61.1 | 402 / 250 | 448 / – |
| MG4 | 51 | 350 / 218 | 363 / – |
| Lynk & Co 02 | 66 | 435 / 270 | 410 / 15 |
| Zeekr X | 49 | 330 / 205 | 362 / – |
| Chery Omoda E5 | 61 | 430 / 267 | 380 / 19 |
Table of Contents
- BYD Atto 2
- BYD Atto 3
- Changan Deepal S05
- Leapmotor B10
- Leapmotor C10
- MG S5
- MG4
- Lynk & Co 02
- Zeekr X
- Chery Omoda E5
- FAQ
BYD Atto 2
The BYD Atto 2 is a compact electric SUV that brings city-friendly dimensions together with practical features suitable for families. In Europe, 2025 sees the Atto 2 offered with a 45.1 kWh (50 kWh in the UK) usable Blade battery (nominal 51.1 kWh), delivering a WLTP-rated range of around 312 km (400 km/267 mi in the UK). This makes it ideal for school runs, commuting, and weekend trips.
Families will appreciate the boot, which offers 400 litres of space with the seats up and expands to 1,340 litres when the rear seats are folded. While it does not include a front trunk, the spacious rear boot easily accommodates strollers, sports gear, or luggage for a short holiday. European buyers also benefit from BYD’s 8-year or 250,000 km battery warranty.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery | 45.1 kWh, 50 kWh (UK) |
| WLTP combined range | ~ 312 km / 400 km (267 mi UK) |
| Boot capacity (seats up / folded) | 400 L / 1,340 L |
| Frunk (front trunk) size | — |
| Warranty (battery) | 8 years / 250,000 km (155,000 mi) |
| Euro NCAP | No data |
BYD Atto 3
Stepping up in size and features, the BYD Atto 3 is a mid-size electric SUV designed for families who need extra space without breaking the budget. In Europe, it comes with a 60.5 kWh Blade battery (nominal 62 kWh), which gives a WLTP-rated range of up to 420 km (approximately 261 miles). In the UK, however, the base model is offered with a slightly smaller 49.9 kWh battery, delivering a range of up to 345 km (about 214 miles), which still covers daily family trips and weekend excursions.
Inside, the Atto 3 provides a 440 litre boot with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,338 litres with the seats folded. While it lacks a front trunk, its rear storage is ample for family needs. As with other BYD models, the European and UK variants benefit from an 8-year or 250,000 km battery warranty.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery | 60.5 kW (Europe), 49.9 kWh (UK base) |
| WLTP combined range | up to 420 km (261 miles) Europe, up to 345 km (214 miles) UK base |
| Boot capacity (seats up / folded) | 440 L / 1,338 L |
| Frunk (front trunk) size | – |
| Warranty (battery) | 8 years / 250,000 km (155,000 mi) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars |
Changan Deepal S05
The Changan Deepal S05 is a recently launched Chinese compact SUV with a coupe-style design that adds flair while remaining family-friendly. It comes equipped with a 68.8 kWh battery delivering a WLTP range of approximately 485 km (301 miles), offering a great combination of efficiency and usability for everyday family routines and longer trips.
The boot provides 492 litres of space. Additionally, the Deepal S05 includes a 159‑litre front trunk, which adds flexible storage options for smaller items or daily essentials. Changan supports the vehicle with a battery warranty of 8 years or 200,000 km, giving families confidence in the long-term reliability of this modern Chinese EV.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery (usable / nominal) | 68.8 kWh |
| WLTP combined range | ~ 485 km (301 miles) |
| Boot capacity | 492 L |
| Frunk (front trunk) size | 159 L |
| Warranty (battery) | 8 years / 200,000 km (124,000 mi) |
| Euro NCAP | No data |
Leapmotor B10
The Leapmotor B10 is a compact SUV that blends affordability with practicality, which in my opinion makes it the best-buy SUV EV available right now in Europe. The 56.2 kWh LFP battery option delivers up to 361 km (224 miles) WLTP, while the larger 67.1 kWh battery pushes range up to 434 km (270 miles) — a competitive figure for its class and price.
Boot space measures 430 litres, giving families plenty of room for luggage or sports equipment. The B10 does not feature a front trunk, but the rear storage is ample for most family needs. Leapmotor backs its vehicles with a battery warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km which, combined with its low entry price and generous spec list, reinforces its value-packed proposition.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery | 56.2 kWh (LFP) |
| WLTP combined range | ~ 361 km (224 miles) |
| Boot capacity | 430 L |
| Frunk (front trunk) size | — |
| Warranty (battery) | 8 years / 160,000 km (100,000 mi) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars |
Leapmotor C10
The Leapmotor C10 is one of the strongest value-oriented family EVs under €40,000, offering the space and comfort of a mid-size SUV at a price that undercuts most legacy rivals. It uses a 69.9 kWh battery and delivers up to 424 km of WLTP range (around 264 miles), which places it among the more capable long-distance options in this price bracket.
Inside, the C10 provides a practical 435-litre boot or up to 1,410 litres with the seats folded, although it lacks a frunk. The rear-wheel-drive motor produces 160 kW and 320 Nm, offering smooth and efficient performance for everyday family use. Leapmotor backs the model with an 8-year or 160,000 km battery warranty, making it a competitive alternative to established brands.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 69.9 kWh |
| WLTP range | up to 424 km (≈ 264 miles) |
| Boot size | 435 L (1,410 L folded) |
| Frunk | none |
| Warranty | 8 years / 160,000 km (100,000 mi) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars |
MG S5
The MG S5 joins the newer-brand family-EV lineup with a flexible offer: you can pick a smaller 49 kWh battery for urban driving, or go for the larger 64 kWh pack for longer journeys and more flexibility. With the 49 kWh battery the car can reach up to 340 km WLTP, but with the larger, 64 kWh pack that number goes up to 480 km (300 mi), which makes it one of the longest-range mid-size EVs in its price class.
On the practicality side, the S5 offers a boot of 453 litres with the rear seats up, which expands to about 1,441 litres with the seats folded. Battery warranty terms for the S5 (7 years or 150,000 km) follow modern EV standards, giving buyers reassurance for long-term ownership and aligning with the values we look for in this list of budget-friendly EVs.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery options | 49 kWh |
| WLTP range | 340 km |
| Boot capacity (seats up / folded) | 453 L / 1,441 L |
| Frunk (front trunk) size | – |
| Warranty (battery) | 7 years / 150,000 km (93,000 mi) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars |
MG4
The MG4 is a compact hatchback that offers one of the best value‑for‑money packages among affordable electric cars in Europe. It comes with a 51 kWh battery that gives around a 350 km WLTP range, while the larger 64 kWh battery stretches the range to about 350 km WLTP. Its compact external dimensions make it easy to maneuver in urban or tight‑parking environments, yet it still offers a practical 363 litre boot with seats up, expanding to 1,177 litres when the rear seats are folded.
While larger battery packs are offered for longer range, this base trim represents a solid entry‑level EV option for families or budget‑conscious buyers who prioritize value, practicality and low entry cost. MG backs the battery with a 7‑year warranty.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 51 kWh |
| WLTP range | 350 km (218 miles) |
| Boot capacity (seats up / folded) | 363 L / 1,177 L |
| Frunk | – |
| Warranty (battery) | 7 years / 150,000 km (93,000 mi) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars |
Lynk & Co 02
The Lynk & Co 02 is a stylish compact SUV offering both practicality and modern design for small families. It comes with a 66 kWh battery, providing up to 435 km WLTP ( 270 miles), making it suitable for longer journeys as well as daily commutes. Inside, the boot offers 410 litres with the seats up and 1,349 litres when folded, complemented by a 15‑litre front trunk for additional storage.
The EV is backed by an 8-year or 160,000 km battery warranty, giving buyers confidence for long-term ownership. Comfortable seating, efficient performance, and modern technology make the Lynk & Co 02 a versatile and value-packed option for families seeking a capable and stylish electric SUV under €40,000.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 66 kWh |
| WLTP range | 435 km ( 270 miles) |
| Boot capacity (seats up / folded) | 410 L / 1,349 L |
| Frunk | 15 L |
| Warranty (battery) | 8 years / 160,000 km (100,000 mi) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars |
Zeekr X
The Zeekr X is a compact SUV that brings modern design, premium materials and practical space to families on a budget. It comes with a 49 kWh battery, providing a WLTP range of 330 km ( 205 miles), which is suitable for daily commuting and short trips. The boot offers 362 litres with the seats up and expands to 1,310 litres when folded, while the 40‑litre front trunk provides extra storage for smaller items. Higher trims with larger batteries and extended range are available, but their price exceeds €40,000.
The Zeekr X was crowned the safest EV in Europe for 2024 according to Euro NCAP. With an 8-year or 200,000 km battery warranty, efficient performance, and a comfortable, tech-rich interior, it remains an appealing choice for families looking for a highly secure electric SUV.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 49 kWh |
| WLTP range | 330 km (205 miles) |
| Boot capacity | 362 L |
| Frunk | – |
| Warranty (battery) | 8 years / 200,000 km (124,000 mi) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 Stars |
Chery Omoda E5
The Chery Omoda E5 is another compact SUV because apparently, the market just can’t get enough of them. features a 61 kWh battery providing up to 430 km WLTP ( 267 miles). The boot offers 380 litres with seats up and 1,079 litres folded, complemented by a 19‑litre front trunk.
Chery supports the battery with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty, and with generous equipment and a family-friendly interior, the Omoda E5 is another solid option in the segment.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 61 kWh |
| WLTP range | 430 km (267 miles) |
| Boot capacity (seats up / folded) | 380 L / 1,079 L |
| Frunk | 19 L |
| Warranty (battery) | 8 years / 160,000 km (100,000 mi) |
| Euro NCAP | No data |
FAQ
Q: Are Chinese EVs reliable compared to legacy brands?
A: Many Chinese EVs, especially models from BYD, Leapmotor, Changan, MG, Zeekr, Lynk & Co, and Chery, offer strong reliability backed by long battery warranties (usually 8 years). These brands invest heavily in modern EV technology and safety, making them a credible alternative to traditional automakers.
Q: Do these EVs have enough range for family use?
A: Yes. Most of the models listed offer WLTP ranges between 330 km and 485 km (≈205–302 miles), which is sufficient for daily commuting, school runs, and weekend trips without frequent charging.
Q: Are these EVs practical for families?
A: Absolutely. All of the vehicles featured offer spacious interiors, boot capacities from 310 L to 492 L, and some even have front trunks for extra storage. Many also allow seats to fold for expanded cargo space, making them suitable for groceries, strollers, or luggage.
Q: How do these EVs compare in safety?
A: Almost every model in this article, like the BYD Atto 3, Leapmotor B10, Lynk & Co 02, and Zeekr X, have achieved high Euro NCAP ratings (up to 5 stars). Even models without public ratings are designed with modern safety features such as multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and advanced driver assistance systems.
Q: Can I charge these EVs at home and on the road?
A: Yes. All these EVs support home charging via standard AC chargers. They also come with DC fast-charging capabilities, enabling a quick top-up on longer journeys, making them practical for both urban and intercity driving.
Featured Image Credit: Zeekr
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