What are the cheapest electric cars of 2025?

Below, we analyse how this segment has evolved, what models are available in Spain, which are the cheapest in 2025, what factors you should consider before buying one, and how electric mobility has grown.

How the affordable electric vehicle market has evolved in 2025

The arrival of Asian manufacturers BYD and Leapmotor in Spain has intensified competition, forcing European brands to offer more economical models. Another aspect that has contributed to price adaptation, making them more affordable, is the fall in battery costs and local production. Furthermore, the Plan MOVES III scheme has also been key in regulating access to these vehicles.

Brands are launching new, more economical models to attract customers with different profiles. And although not all cars are dropping in price, improvements in battery technology, more efficient production, and economies of scale are allowing some to offer more range, better equipment, or a lower cost per kilometre.

But limitations still exist, as many of the reasonably priced models still start at €20,000, €30,000 or more. In Spain, for example, finding a new electric vehicle for under €20,000 remains a difficult search.

Incentives, subsidies, and grants offer a slight ray of hope in the equation. Some brands offer discounts to capture attention, while factors like the 'CERO' (zero emissions) label from the DGT (Spain's national traffic authority) become more relevant for a car to be considered cheap.

Ranking of the most affordable models in Spain

Considering the base prices and applicable grants, we have created an indicative list or ranking of the most affordable electric car models available in Spain this year. The figures may vary according to brand promotions, the autonomous community (region) where they are sold, and the grants applied, among other aspects:

*Prices may vary due to discounts, grants, promotions, etc.

This ranking shows that, although cheap options do exist, the starting prices are highly variable. Therefore, an electric car could be considered cheap if its cost falls within the wide range of €18,000 to €30,000. The segment and range are deciding factors in the cost.

Which model suits your usage?

Choosing the ideal electric vehicle model that suits your needs will depend on various details related to how you specifically plan to use it:

• Daily urban and suburban use: Cars like the Dacia Spring, Leapmotor T03, or Citroën ë-C3 can meet your city needs at a lower cost, thanks to their compact size, low consumption, and sufficient range for short journeys (200-300 km).
• Occasional intercity journeys: The BYD Dolphin Surf and Hyundai Inster models offer more range and better equipment. And if you occasionally take longer trips, a vehicle with more range, better equipment, and more comfort, like the Renault 5 E-Tech or the MG4, is advisable, although its price will be higher.

Before buying, we recommend defining your user profile and adjusting your budget. This will help you find the model that gives you what you need, without paying extra for features you don't.

What grants and factors influence the real price in 2025

The final price of a cheap electric car can vary due to factors like state and regional incentives. Among these is the Plan MOVES III scheme, which will remain active until December, offering up to €7,000 in aid if you trade in your old car. Furthermore, there is a 15% income tax (IRPF) deduction for the purchase of new electric vehicles.

Specific grants from an autonomous community (region), municipality, or brand can significantly lower the final price, as can brand discounts and promotions, such as preferential financing or stock discounts.

In Spain, electric models can also benefit from the DGT's 'CERO' (zero emissions) environmental label, which provides advantages in driving, parking, and local taxes, indirectly reducing the car's real cost.

The price of energy for charging the vehicle also has an impact. If you sign up for an electricity tariff that suits your needs, or if you can recharge at home or in your work car park, you can greatly reduce your monthly electricity bill.

Key factors to consider before buying a cheap electric car

Real-world range

You must check if the electric car truly covers your daily travel demands. Ideally, you should ask yourself the following questions before buying: How many kilometres do you travel per day and per week? How many long journeys do you make per month? What is the battery's official range? And what will the real-world range be for each use case, taking into account climate, type of journey, speed, load, etc.?

Available charging options

Ensure you will have access to a home or public charging point, or a garage or parking space with the option to install a home charger. If you don't have these facilities, you will need to invest in additional infrastructure to charge it, among other services.

Total cost of ownership and maintenance

Although electric cars typically require less mechanical maintenance, it is essential to review the battery's warranty conditions, depreciation policies, and the cost of insurance, among other important points.

Equipment and safety

Some budget models sacrifice size, space, equipment, and comfort, as well as technology. The lower price sometimes means sacrifices in the interior finish, included equipment, boot size, etc. We therefore recommend checking if the car meets your space and comfort needs.

Review these factors carefully, as the electric vehicle option you consider 'cheap' could turn into a much higher and less functional expense for your daily life... and for your wallet.

Can you find new electric cars for under €20,000 in Spain?

Yes, although most models below this threshold require grants and discounts to be applied. Without them, only quadricycles like the Citroën AMI or Mobilize Duo fall below €10,000. With the Plan MOVES III scheme, models like the Dacia Spring, Leapmotor T03, and BYD Dolphin Surf can be purchased for prices between €10,000 and €12,000.

These low prices usually correspond to models with various limitations, such as a low-capacity battery, basic interior design and equipment, or a shorter range. In short, they could be considered basic versions.

If the models are slightly better equipped or have more range, the prices will exceed €20,000. It should be noted that 'under €20,000' is a strictly financial criterion, but for many users, it may be necessary to assess whether the range obtained for that price is sufficient.

Is the range of cheap electric cars sufficient for daily use?

Whether the range is sufficient or not will depend on the user's daily profile. Most budget models offer between 200 and 300 km of range, which is enough if your travel is urban and suburban (commuting to work, city driving, supermarket runs, etc.). Generally, budget models tend to have smaller batteries, which translates to a shorter range than more expensive mid-range or high-end electric vehicles.

If you frequently make trips of more than 200 or 300 km without recharging, or travel on motorways at high speed or in demanding conditions (cold weather, frequent hills), then the range of the cheapest models may be insufficient or just on the limit.

Electric mobility is no longer just for a select few, but it requires prior analysis and planning before making the transition. If you follow this process, you can make a great investment, saving on fuel and maintenance, as well as gaining access to mobility advantages within the community, and, furthermore, reducing your environmental impact.