Ready to Plunge: Plummeting Costs - Cheap Small Electric Cars to Grab
Consultation Held by Commission on Proposal for Motor Vehicle Labeling Directive among Member States
Alright, buckle up! The electric vehicle revolution is here, and prices are tumbling faster than you can say "Tesla." The new BYD Dolphin Surf, priced at an introductory offer of €19,990, is just the tip of the iceberg. Let's dive into the five cheapest small electric cars waiting for you at the dealership.
Many folks have been waiting - hoping even - for cheap electric cars... but doubts lingered. Yet here we are, finally witnessing the movement in electric vehicle costs. Although small electric cars still cost about twice as much as their gasoline counterparts, we're now seeing prices starting with a '2' more frequently. And before you know it, the next price barrier will tumble, and you'll be able to score a real electric car for under €20,000 by Volkswagen and Renault.
As the Europeans scramble to catch up, Chinese manufacturers are once again leading the charge. The first vehicles to make this price range are already on showrooms, while older models were once little more than barebones budget cars. The BYD Dolphin Surf breaks new ground by delivering a grown-up, affordable small car for under €20,000.
But even battery champion BYD pushes the limits to reach this price point, as seen by the fine print: the €19,990 base price is an introductory offer that runs for a limited time only. After that, €22,990 will be due. The Dolphin Surf will then hang out with the Citroen eC3, Opel Frontera, and Fiat Grande Panda in the price league, but it promises to be the top performer among them. So, what's the scoop on these small, affordable EVs, and what's coming soon? Let's find out!
BYD Dolphin Surf: The Wave of the Future
Is the Dolphin Surf the game-changer it's hyped up to be? Only time will tell if it electrifies the masses, but one thing's clear: With a length of just 4 meters and a wheelbase of 2.5 meters, the Dolphin Surf is a bona fide grown-up electric car that meets the expectations of a first-time buyer. It boasts solid construction, a comfortable amount of equipment, seating for four adults, and room for their (small) luggage. It can hit speeds of 150 km/h with 88 or 156 PS, and promises to jet past the 500km mark on a single charge, when equipped with the 43.3 kWh battery.
But the Chinese aren't going to let charging be a pain. The Dolphin Surf armed with maximum charging powers of 65 or 85 kW. It's also equipped with bidirectional charging capabilities, making it a power bank on wheels.
VW ID.1: The Return of the Volkswagen Giant
After the ID.3 promised to be the Golf for Generation Z, it didn't quite pan out. By the time the ID.2 goes public, it'll be too expensive for a true Volkswagen, starting at €25,000 and above. Frustrated? Don't be. Volkswagen's digging up the idea of the Up again, reintroducing an affordable electric entry-level model. Named ID.Every1 (ID for Everyone), it should hit the market within two years and slip right into your wallet for just €20,000.
The ID.Every1 isn't just a 4-seater with dimensions of 3.80 meters. It offers space for four people and 305 liters of luggage. With an electric drive boasting at least 250 km of range, Volkswagen promises you won't feel the need to charge frequently.
Nostalgic and Electric Renault Twingo
CEO Luca de Meo wants the Renault Twingo to be another hit, just like the R5. He believes the R4, with its cute face and reduced length of 3.75 meters, can break the €20,000 barrier. With a battery expected to be around 30 kWh, it should have a range of over 200 km. Despite some compromises, the French think you'll find frequent charging stops bearable.
Affordable Electric Dacia Spring
Want a slice of the action, but a little more frugal? Check out the Dacia Spring, starting at an unparalleled €16,900 in Europe. For that, you get a 3.7 meter-long four-seater with modest 44 PS. With a 26.8 kWh battery, it promises a range of 305 km in the standard cycle. It can charge either at a Schuko plug or at a wall box with a maximum of 3.7 kW, and its motor offers fast charging up to 30 kW.
Affordable and Connected Leapmotor T03
Stellantis teams up with the Chinese manufacturer Leapmotor to offer budget-friendly electric cars in Europe. The T03, priced at €18,900, is powered by a 37.3 kWh battery, features a 3.6 meter length, 2.4 meter wheelbase, and can accommodate five passengers and 210 to 508 liters of luggage. It boasts an impressive 95 PS electric motor and reaches speeds up to 130 km/h, while drawing energy at up to 45 kW.
The market for affordable electric cars is growing rapidly, making it an exciting time to upgrade to clean, sustainable mobility. Keep an eye out for the upcoming models from Volkswagen and Renault, and consider the options available now like the BYD Dolphin Surf, Dacia Spring, or the Leapmotor T03.
Source: ntv.de, Benjamin Bessinger, sp-x
- Electric Vehicles
- BYD
- Volkswagen Models
- Renault Models
- Dacia Models
- Compact Cars
- Electric Vehicles
- Leapmotor
Enrichment Data:Here's a rundown of key specifications for some of the small, affordable electric cars mentioned:
BYD Dolphin Surf
- Power: 88 to 156 PS
- Range: up to 507 km (WLTP urban combined)
- Fast Charging: 30% to 80% in 22 minutes
- Standard Features: 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen, ADAS with six airbags, Blade Battery
Dacia Spring
- Length: 3.7 meters
- Power: 44 or 65 PS
- Range: 305 km (standard cycle)
- Charging: Schuko plug or wall box, up to 3.7 kW, fast charging up to 30 kW
Renault Twingo
- Length: 3.75 meters (estimated)
- Battery: expected to be around 30 kWh
- Range: over 200 km
Volkswagen ID.1
- Power: TBA
- Range: TBA
- Expected Price: €20,000
Leapmotor T03
- Length: 3.6 meters
- Power: 95 PS
- Range: up to 265 km (WLTP cycle)
- Charging: up to 45 kW
For the most current and precise information, double-check the latest news or official announcements from each manufacturer.
- Finance for the construction of a new railway line has not yet been confirmed by the Commission.
- In the world of general-news, the drop in prices for small electric cars is causing a stir in the lifestyle sector, as more people can now afford to transition to technology-driven vehicles.
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