Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom and this year make up more than 20 percent of new vehicle registrations. Among them, SUVs stand out thanks to their practicality, spaciousness, and modern technology. While some EVs come with premium prices and luxury features, many drivers are looking for an affordable vehicle that offers a decent range, practicality, and reliable technology without breaking the budget.
I’ve put together a list of the seven most affordable EV SUVs currently available in the UK. I’m including well-known brands like Vauxhall, MG, and Volvo, as well as some of the newer Chinese entrants like Jaecoo, Leapmotor, and BYD. My goal is to give you a clear overview of which models offer the best balance of price, range, and everyday usability, without getting lost in a maze of options and numbers.
Table of Contents
- The Cheapest EV SUVs in the UK Right Now
- Practicality and Safety
- Battery and Range
- Battery Warranty Matters
- Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Cheapest EV SUVs in the UK Right Now
When shopping for an EV SUV, there are plenty of factors to consider: range, performance, features, and, of course, reliability. But for most people, price usually comes first. So here I’ve lined up the SUVs by price, starting with the most affordable.
| Model | Price (OTR / from) |
|---|---|
| Vauxhall Frontera | £27,495 |
| Jaecoo E5 | £27,505 |
| MG S5 | £28,745 |
| Leapmotor B10 | £29,995 |
| BYD Atto 2 | £30,850 |
| Volvo EX30 | £31,560 |
| Geely EX5 | £31,990 |
Practicality and Safety
I also looked at how roomy these cars are (including boot space and frunk, if they have one) and how they perform in safety tests. Below is a comparison of practical storage capacity and official crash-test results, giving you a better idea of what life with each SUV is really like.
| Model | Boot space / seats folded | Frunk | Euro NCAP rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaecoo E5 | 480 L / 1,180 L | Yes, no precise data | No data |
| Geely EX5 | 461 L / 1,877 L | No | 5 stars |
| Vauxhall Frontera Electric | 460 L / 1,600 L | No | No data |
| MG S5 EV | 453 L / 1,441 L | No | 5 stars |
| Leapmotor B10 | 430 L / 1,700 L | 25 L | 5 stars |
| BYD Atto 2 | 400 L / 1,340 L | No | No data |
| Volvo EX30 | 318 L / 904 | 19 L | 5 stars |
Battery and Range
Okay, let’s talk range. I’ve put together a clear overview of the battery capacity and estimated WLTP range for each SUV. This gives you a quick look at which models can cover the longest distances on a single charge.
Some models come with multiple battery pack options, but keep in mind that the price in the first table refers to the cheapest variant. If you want a larger battery, you’ll have to pay extra.
| Model | Battery | WLTP Range / Real-world Range |
|---|---|---|
| Leapmotor B10 | 67.1 kWh | 270 / 220 miles |
| Geely EX5 | 60.2 kWh | 267 / 205 miles |
| Jaecoo E5 | 61.1 kWh | 248 / 200 miles |
| BYD Atto 2 | 51.1 kWh | 214 / 150 miles |
| MG S5 EV | 49 kWh | 211 / 170 miles |
| Volvo EX30 | 51 kWh | 209 / 170 miles |
| Vauxhall Frontera | 44 kWh | 190 / 145 miles |
Battery Warranty Matters
Aside from price and range, the battery warranty is extremely important. Thanks to competition and improved manufacturing processes, most manufacturers now offer 8-year battery warranties with around 100,000 miles of coverage (with a few exceptions), which gives you some solid peace of mind.
| Model | Vehicle warranty | Battery warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Geely EX5 | 6+2 years / 125,000 miles | 8 years / 125,000 miles |
| BYD Atto 2 | 6 years / 93,000 miles | 8 years / 125,000 miles |
| Jaecoo E5 | 7 years / 100,000 miles | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Leapmotor B10 | 4 years / 60,000 miles | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Volvo EX30 | 3 years / 60,000 miles | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Vauxhall Frontera Electric | 3 years / 60,000 miles | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| MG S5 EV | 7 years / 93,000 miles | 7 years / 93,000 miles |
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?
Affordable electric SUVs have never been more competitive, and the good news is that you don’t need a premium budget to get a genuinely capable, safe, and efficient EV. Whether you’re after range, practicality, low running costs, or the latest tech, there’s now a model on this list that can fit your needs.
And of course, before buying, think carefully about your driving habits. Do you regularly take long trips, or mostly stick to short daily routes? Is boot space important for family use? Also, pay close attention to warranty coverage — especially the battery! — since it’s still the most valuable and expensive component of any EV.
To wrap things up, here’s a table showing price (starting from the cheapest EV), boot space, and range. I hope this helps at least some of you decide on the optimal car to buy.
| Model | Price (OTR / from) | Boot space (litres) | WLTP Range (miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vauxhall Frontera | £27,495 | 460 L | 190 |
| Jaecoo E5 | £27,505 | 480 L | 248 |
| MG S5 EV | £28,745 | 453 L | 211 |
| Leapmotor B10 | £29,995 | 430 L | 270 |
| BYD Atto 2 | £30,850 | 400 L | 214 |
| Volvo EX30 | £31,560 | 318 L | 209 |
| Geely EX5 | £31,990 | 461 L | 267 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are affordable electric SUVs reliable?
Yes. Modern EVs benefit from improved manufacturing processes and battery technology, meaning that even budget-friendly models are generally very reliable. Always check the battery and vehicle warranty to ensure peace of mind.
2. How far can I drive on a single charge?
Range varies by model and battery size. On our list, the Leapmotor B10 and Geely EX5 offer the longest WLTP ranges, over 260 miles, while smaller batteries or cheaper trims may offer 190–220 miles. Real-world range depends on driving style, terrain, and climate.
3. Do these SUVs have enough boot space for family use?
Most of the SUVs we listed offer practical storage. Boot space ranges from around 318 L in the Volvo EX30 to over 460 L in the Vauxhall Frontera and Geely EX5. Some models also feature flexible seating to expand cargo capacity.
4. How long is the battery warranty?
Battery warranties generally last 8 years or around 100,000 miles, though some models like the BYD Atto 2 offer coverage up to 125,000 km. Vehicle warranties vary, so check the manufacturer’s details before purchasing.
5. Are these SUVs safe?
Many of the models, like the Leapmotor B10, MG S5 EV, and Geely EX5, have achieved 5-star ratings from Euro NCAP. Safety is improving across the board, but check each model’s crash-test results if this is a priority.
6. Can I charge these EVs at home?
Yes. All EV SUVs on our list can be charged at home with a standard or dedicated home charger. Charging speed varies by model and charger type, so it’s worth checking the specs if fast home charging is important.
7. Which SUV offers the best balance of price, range, and practicality?
It depends on your priorities. For maximum range, the Leapmotor B10 and Geely EX5 are excellent. For value and warranty, MG S5 EV is a strong choice, while Volvo EX30 is ideal if safety and brand reputation are your focus.
Featured Image Credit: Volvo
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