The €30,000 mark has become the unofficial “affordable” line in Europe’s EV market. More and more manufacturers are offering fully electric cars that hit this sweet spot—enough range, decent features, and daily practicality without breaking the bank. In this article, we round up the EVs you can actually buy today for under €30,000 in their base trims, from European brands to Chinese newcomers. We’ll break down battery size, WLTP range, motor power, and other specs, plus the compromises you’ll likely encounter.
But a word of caution: don’t be fooled by the headline price. Many brand configurators make the numbers look tempting (often starting below €25,000) but a closer look usually shows that’s for petrol engines. Step into the electric version, and the price can quickly leap well above €30,000. Some configurators even sneak in optional extras that aren’t included in the listed price, meaning you could end up paying more than you bargained for.
Table of Contents
- Renault 5
- Renault 4
- Hyundai Inster
- BYD Dolphin Surf
- Dacia Spring
- Opel/Vauxhall Frontera
- Leapmotor B10
- Leapmotor T03
- Fiat Grande Panda
- Fiat 500e
- Citroën ë-C3
- Citroën ë-C3 Aircross
- Dongfeng Nammi Box
- GWM Ora 03
- Nissan Micra
- How the Cheapest EVs Stack Up
- EVs Hovering Around the €30,000 Mark
Renault 5
The Renault 5 is a modern twist on a true icon. Prices start around €25,000 for the base trim, making it one of the most accessible electric cars on the market. It comes with 40 kWh battery that delivers around 312 km WLTP range. The motor is rated at 122 hp (90 kW), enough for zippy city driving and comfortable daily use. Inside, the cabin mixes retro charm with modern tech, featuring a clean dashboard and playful design touches. What’s missing in this base trim are high DC fast charging rates and some premium comfort features. In my opinion, this is the most desirable EV under the €30,000 mark.
Renault 4
The Renault 4 E-Tech is a compact crossover with a nostalgic vibe, inspired by the original Renault 4 produced from 1961 to 1994. The base trim comes with a 40 kWh battery delivering a WLTP range of about 308 km, powered by a 90 kW (122 hp) motor ideal for city streets and everyday driving. With an 8 cm longer wheelbase than the Renault 5, it’s more practical and spacious, while its driving feel is smooth and well-balanced, giving a surprisingly premium impression for its price.
Hyundai Inster
The most affordable electric offering from Hyundai in many European markets is the Hyundai Inster, which is priced from €23,900 in Germany to €27,500 (£23,505) in the UK. This version includes a 42 kWh battery and offers about 327 km WLTP range. Power output is modest (95 hp or 71 kW), making it suitable for city and suburban driving rather than high-speed or long commutes.
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BYD Dolphin Surf
The BYD Dolphin Surf stands out as one of the most affordable electric vehicles available in Europe. In its base trim, it is equipped with a 30 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a WLTP range of up to 222 km. The car comes with an 11 kW AC onboard charger, meaning you’ll get decent charging speeds at home or work. Powering the Dolphin Surf is a 88 hp (65 kW) electric motor, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 11 seconds.
Dacia Spring
The Dacia Spring base model is among the cheapest new EVs in much of Europe, with prices starting around €17,000. It comes with a 27 kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of roughly 225–230 km, and modest motor power, enough for city streets but far from sporty. Inside, equipment and comfort are minimal, and features are very basic, making the driving experience rather spartan. Still, for urban commuting, nothing beats its unmatched affordability.
Opel/Vauxhall Frontera
Of Opel’s electric models, only the Frontera fits comfortably under the €30,000 mark in most European markets. The Frontera packs a 44 kWh LFP battery good for about 300 km of range and a 113 hp motor, making it a practical, affordable EV for everyday use. The Corsa just misses the cutoff (it starts at €29,990 in Germany but climbs above €30,000 elsewhere) so it’s no longer the budget-friendly option it once was.
Leapmotor B10
The Leapmotor B10 is a compact electric SUV that packs impressive value for under €30,000 across Europe. It comes with a 56.2 kWh LFP battery, providing a WLTP range of up to 361 km, and is powered by a 132 kW (178 hp) rear-mounted motor. Designed more for comfort than sportiness, the B10 still offers a compelling mix of range and tech for an affordable electric SUV. Leapmotor also offers the T03, a smaller city EV in the same sub-€30,000 category, expanding their lineup of budget-friendly electric options.
Leapmotor T03
The Leapmotor T03 is one of Europe’s most affordable electric vehicles. In Germany, it starts at €18,900, while in the Netherlands it’s priced at €19,950, and in the UK, it begins at £14,495. This compact city car features a 37.3 kWh battery and delivers a combined WLTP range of up to 265 km, making it ideal for urban commuting. Its 70 kW (95 hp) electric motor provides sufficient power for city driving.
Fiat Grande Panda
Fiat offers two interesting electric options for budget-conscious (read: looking for a second car or just don’t have money for a bigger car) drivers in Europe. The Grande Panda EV starts at around €25,000 and comes with a 44 kWh battery, giving a WLTP range of roughly 320 km. Its 83 kW (113 hp) motor provides adequate power for city driving, and the cabin is practical though modestly equipped.
Fiat 500e
The Fiat 500e kicks off for the same amount of €25,000. It features a 37.3 kWh usable battery with a range of around 270 km and an 87 kW (118 hp) motor, offering a zippy, fun-to-drive experience in tight urban streets. The 500e is stylish and compact, while the Grande Panda leans more toward practical space and everyday usability. Both are designed with city life in mind, making them strong contenders for anyone seeking an affordable electric car under €30,000.
Citroën ë-C3
The Citroën ë-C3 is a smart, budget-friendly entry into electric driving. Starting at around €20,000, it packs a 44 kWh battery for a real-world range of about 320 km, powered by an 83 kW (113 hp) motor—plenty for city streets and daily commutes. Compact, efficient, and easy to drive, the ë-C3 keeps things simple without breaking the bank.
Citroën ë-C3 Aircross
The ë-C3 Aircross kicks off at around €25,000 in Europe, making it one of the few fully electric SUVs under €30,000. Interestingly, it’s cheaper in the UK and Germany than in its home market—France.
You get a 44 kWh LFP battery powering an 83 kW (113 hp) motor, yielding a WLTP range of just over 300 km. Its length stretches to about 4.39 m, providing a 460-litre boot (expanding to 1,600 litres with seats down). Equipment is modest at the base level, meaning you won’t get the top tech and luxury finishes, but you will get a full EV under €30,000 with SUV space.
Dongfeng Nammi Box
The Dongfeng Nammi Box offers serious value in the affordable-EV segment, with prices starting from under €20,000 (depending on market) and well under the €30,000 mark in many European countries.
It is powered by a 70 kW (95 hp) motor and a 42.3 kWh LFP battery, giving it a WLTP range of about 310 km. With a top speed of 140 km/h and a roomy 326-litre boot (expanding to 946 litres with the rear seats folded) in a compact 4.02 m overall length, this car is built for practicality and value. While its driving feel may not rival premium models, and equipment in the base trim is kept simple to hit the low price point, the Nammi Box stands out as one of the smart low-cost EV options.
GWM Ora 03
The GWM Ora 03 is a stylish, budget-friendly EV that doesn’t skimp on features. Starting well below €30,000 across Europe (except in Sweden, where it’s insanely expensive), it packs a 48 kWh battery delivering a WLTP range of 310 km. Powered by a 126 kW (171 hp) motor, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds. Even the base model comes well-equipped with wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera system, and LED headlights.
Nissan Micra
The new Nissan Micra EV starts at around €25,000 in Europe, offering a 40 kWh battery in its base trim and a WLTP range of up to 317 km. Powered by a front-mounted motor delivering 90 kW (120 hp), it provides agile handling for city streets and daily driving. The Micra shares a lot with the Renault 5, since Nissan was involved in its development, inheriting many of the same strengths and weaknesses. Overall, it’s a well-balanced, fun-to-drive EV and serious contender for buyers looking for an affordable and reliable car.
How the Cheapest EVs Stack Up
Here’s a quick glance at the EVs mentioned. I’ve lined up their battery sizes, WLTP ranges, and motor power so you can easily see which ones offer the best bang for your buck.
| EV Model | Battery (kWh) | WLTP Range (km) | Motor Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renault 5 | 40 | 312 | 90 kW (122 hp) |
| Renault 4 E-Tech | 40 | 308 | 90 kW (122 hp) |
| Hyundai Inster | 42 | 327 | 71 kW (95 hp) |
| BYD Dolphin Surf | 30 | 222 | 65 kW (88 hp) |
| Dacia Spring | 27 | 230 | 33 kW (45 hp) |
| Opel/Vauxhall Frontera | 44 | 300 | 83 kW (113 hp) |
| Leapmotor B10 | 56.2 | 361 | 132 kW (178 hp) |
| Leapmotor T03 | 37.3 | 265 | 70 kW (95 hp) |
| Fiat Grande Panda | 44 | 320 | 83 kW (113 hp) |
| Fiat 500e | 37.3 | 270 | 87 kW (118 hp) |
| Citroën ë-C3 | 44 | 320 | 83 kW (113 hp) |
| Citroën ë-C3 Aircross | 44 | 300 | 83 kW (113 hp) |
| Dongfeng Nammi Box | 42.3 | 310 | 70 kW (95 hp) |
| GWM Ora 03 | 48 | 310 | 126 kW (171 hp) |
| Nissan Micra EV | 40 | 317 | 90 kW (120 hp) |
EVs Hovering Around the €30,000 Mark
There are also several EVs that hover around the €30,000 price tag or sit just above it, so they didn’t make it onto this list. Models like the Mini Cooper, MG4, BYD Atto 2, BYD Dolphin, Ford Puma, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, and Cupra Born fall into this slightly higher segment. Additionally, the Firefly EV has just entered the European market and is currently only available in the Netherlands and Norway, so it remains to be seen how its pricing will unfold across the rest of Europe.
Featured Image Credit: Renault
