Electric cars are becoming more popular across Europe, but the price remains one of the biggest barriers for many first-time buyers. While premium models often exceed €40,000, a new wave of affordable electric vehicles from China is making EV ownership far more accessible. For those looking to enter the world of electric mobility without breaking the bank, compact city cars from Chinese brands present an ideal solution. In this article, we explore three of the most affordable options now available in Europe: the Leapmotor T03, the BYD Dolphin Surf, and the Dongfeng Nammi Box. These models combine decent range, low running costs, and essential tech at a price that rivals even the smallest combustion-engine vehicles.
To give you a quick comparison, here’s how they stack up on price and range:
| Model | Starting price in Europe | WLTP range |
| Leapmotor T03 | €11,424 | 265 km |
| BYD Dolphin Surf | €15,760 | 220-322 km |
| Dongfeng Nammi Box | €16,000 | 310 km |
Leapmotor T03
The Leapmotor T03 is a compact A-segment electric hatchback designed specifically for urban commuting. With a price starting at around €11,424 in Europe, it stands out as one of the most affordable EVs on the market today.
The vehicle features a 37.3 kWh LFP battery that delivers a WLTP range of approximately 265 kilometers, which is more than sufficient for most city drivers. Powered by a 70 kW electric motor, the T03 reaches a top speed of 120 km/h and supports DC fast charging up to 48 kW. Inside, the Leapmotor T03 offers impressive equipment for its price, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster, and even a panoramic roof in some trims. Safety features such as Level 2 driver assistance systems and a surround-view camera system add to its appeal.
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Production has recently started at Stellantis’s factory in Poland, ensuring tariff-free delivery and local support for European buyers.
BYD Dolphin Surf
The BYD Dolphin Surf, essentially a rebadged version of the Seagull for Europe, is a stylish and practical city EV with a slightly larger footprint than the T03.
Priced from €15,760, the Dolphin Surf comes with two battery options. The base version includes a 30 kWh battery offering around 220 kilometers of WLTP range, while the larger 43.2 kWh variant extends that figure to up to 322 kilometers. The car features a front-mounted electric motor with power outputs ranging between 65 kW and 115 kW, making it agile in city traffic and stable on the highway. The cabin is equipped with BYD’s signature rotating 10.1-inch touchscreen, a minimalist dashboard, vegan-friendly interior materials, and full ADAS functionality. It also includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing the car to power external devices.
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The Dolphin Surf is an excellent choice for drivers who want an affordable electric car with more style, tech, and flexibility than entry-level models usually provide.
Dongfeng Nammi Box
The Dongfeng Nammi Box is a fresh entrant in the European EV market and targets drivers looking for something larger than a microcar but still within the budget-friendly segment. With a starting price that ranges from around €16,000 in Norway to €23,500 in Switzerland, the Nammi Box brings a lot of value.
The car comes with a 42.3 kWh LFP battery that delivers a real-world range of approximately 310 kilometers under WLTP standards. Its electric motor generates 70 kW of power, which is adequate for daily driving needs. Measuring just over 4 meters in length and offering a 326-liter boot expandable to 945 liters, the Nammi Box is surprisingly spacious for its class. The vehicle is well-equipped with a large infotainment screen, wireless phone charging, and modern safety features.
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Its affordability, interior room, and relatively long range make it a compelling option for urban families or budget-conscious commuters.
Top 3 Cheapest Chinese EVs in Europe: Summary and Comparison
In a European EV market still dominated by high prices, these three Chinese electric cars offer something genuinely refreshing: accessibility. The Leapmotor T03 provides the best value for money in terms of price versus equipment, making it ideal for tech-savvy city drivers. The BYD Dolphin Surf is a versatile all-rounder with modern design and extended range options, while the Dongfeng Nammi Box adds more space and practicality, particularly for families on a budget.
| Model | Battery Size | Starting price in Europe | WLTP range |
| Leapmotor T03 | 37.3 kWh | €11,424 | 265 km |
| BYD Dolphin Surf | 30/43.2 kWh | €15,760 | 220-322 km |
| Dongfeng Nammi Box | 42.3 kWh | €16,000 | 310 km |
These EVs show that going electric no longer requires a luxury budget. Whether you’re looking for your first electric car or simply want to reduce your costs and emissions, any of these three models would be a smart and sustainable choice.
