Electrifying Savings: Affordable Small EVs Take Off - Five Budget-Friendly Electric Cars
Consultation conducted by the Commission on draft directive harmonizing motor vehicle labeling laws across Member States.
Hold onto your charge cables, folks! The price tag on electric cars is finally beginning to plummet. The new BYD Dolphin Surf is setting the trend with an unheard-of introductory offer of €19,990, and more budget-friendly options are joining the fray.
But let's face it, we've all been secretly hoping for this, but deep down, we never truly believed it. Well, prepare yourself, because those lofty electric car prices are starting to look more like reality. Even though small electric cars still cost about double their gas-guzzling counterparts, you'll often find a "2" instead of a "3" at the start of the price tag these days.
And guess what's next? The €20,000 mark is on the verge of being shattered by the likes of Volkswagen and Renault, promising seriously fantastic electric cars at a wallet-friendly price!
But for now, it's the Chinese who are pulling off this price-smashing trick, cranking out the first affordable electric cars and sticking them on the market. It wasn't long ago that these were just budget rides suitable only as second or third cars. But the BYD Dolphin Surf is shaking things up by introducing a fully-grown adult small EV for under €20,000. Let's delve into the five top small electric cars strutting their stuff under the €20,000 threshold.
BYD Dolphin Surf: Wavemaker of the Future
Is it the real deal, or just a pretty face? If BYD gets its way, the Dolphin Surf is destined to electrify the masses, becoming more than just a small car. The jury's still out on whether the registration numbers will back up this claim. But one thing is for sure: this small whip, measuring in at around 4 meters in length and 2.5 meters wheelbase, is well-built, well-equipped, and offers enough space for four adults and their luggage. The power under the hood is nothing to sneeze at either, with two engine choices delivering speeds up to 150 km/h and boasting ranges of over 500 kilometers on a single charge.
While the price might seem too good to be true, the fine print reveals some limitations. The €19,990 starting price lasts only for a few weeks, after which the cost goes up to €22,990. That puts the Dolphin Surf in line with the Citroen eC3, Opel Frontera, Fiat Grande Panda, and VW ID.2 (planned for next year), but it may snag the price-performance crown.
Volkswagen ID.1 (ID.Every1): The VW Return
When the ID.3 failed to reignite the passion of Gen Z, Volkswagen looked to the future and back to the past all at once. The ID.Every1, priced at a mere €20,000 upon its release in two years, is Volkswagen's answer to affordable EV mobility. It packs a solid four-seater of 3.8 meters, with ample space for four adults and 305 liters of luggage. The electric motor should deliver at least 250 kilometers of range on a single charge, according to the Lower Saxonians.
Renault Twingo: Nostalgia Meets Tech
With the retro R5 under its belt, Renault is taking another swing at the spotlight with the electric Twingo. Its design is a nod to the past, but the technology under its hood looks to the future. By cramming in a battery less than 30 kWh, the Twingo is expected to cover just 200 to 300 kilometers. A few compromises may be necessary, but the adorable little face of the vehicle might make charging stops a little more tolerable.
Dacia Spring: The Romanian Surprise
Dacia promises to be even more economical in 2023 with the successor to the Spring. Unlike the previous model, which was produced in China and priced at a record-breaking €16,900, the next-gen Spring is expected to be manufactured in Romania. However, the base price of just €18,000 is still up for grabs. Whatever the final cost, you can expect a modernized version of the Twingo as the basis for the Spring.
Leapmotor T03 (Adopted by Stellantis): The Chinese Contender
Forget about compromising on features to save a buck - the Leapmotor T03 (soon to be marketed by Stellantis) offers a spacious, 3.6-meter-long EV for under €20,000. This roomy chariot is equipped with a 210 to 508-liter trunk and a punchy 95 PS electric motor, capable of reaching speeds up to 130 km/h. The battery pack offers a range of approximately 265 kilometers in the WLTP cycle, and supports charging at 6.6 or a hefty 45 kW.
The electric car market is evolving at a breakneck pace, and models under €25,000 are expected to pop up in the near future, with some potentially even breaking the €20,000 mark! Hang on tight, folks; it's going to be one wild ride!
Electric Vehicles* Small Electric Cars* Chinese Electric Cars* Stellantis Models* Affordable Electric Cars
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the granting of aid for the construction of a new technology-driven infrastructure like a high-speed railway line, focusing instead on financing small electric cars that are increasingly becoming an affordable part of people's lifestyle. In the sports of the electric vehicle industry, China has been leading the race, consistently launching budget-friendly electric cars that can easily compete with established brands like Volkswagen and Renault.
