Electric cars tend to be quite expensive and hard to come by. However, there are exceptions – at prices between 25,200 and 33,900 euros.
The range of e-cars is growing – unfortunately mostly in the high-priced segments. But attractive models can also be found at the lower end of the price spectrum. Five examples that are not only cheap but also available.
Smart EQ Fortwo
The smallest is the cheapest. The electric two-seater is available from 21,940 euros, the convertible is available for 25,200 euros. Both variants are pure city cars, since despite the short range of 159 standard kilometers, there is no DC fast charging connection. After all, the on-board charger draws up to 22 kW, but needs a suitable wall box or charging station for this. In its very own bio-top, however, the city runabout is a stunner: powerful acceleration, pleasing design and unrivaled handiness speak for the premium microcar.
Renault Twingo Electric
Since Smart took the electric Forfour out of the program, the technically closely related Frenchman has been alone in the segment of four-door, four-seater electric microcars. Because Renault treats it to a relatively large battery, it can travel up to 190 kilometers between two charging stops, but there is no DC fast charging connection here either, so that a maximum of 22 kW AC charging is possible. However, the E-Tech Twingo scores with its manoeuvrable dimensions and a spacious and variable interior at a length of 3.62 meters. Prices currently start at 28,000 euros.
Nissan Leaf ZE1
The classic is by far the cheaper electric range in the classic compact class. At 33,400 euros, it is only a little more expensive than the cheapest conventional Golf, and after deducting the premium, it clearly undercuts its northern German competitor. In return, you get a spacious and comfortable car with good safety features and a somewhat cumbersome infotainment system. The range of 270 kilometers is suitable for everyday use, the long-distance capability suffers from the Chademo fast charging connection, which is rare in this country. Anyone who travels a lot will find an alternative in the more expensive (from 41,100 euros) long-range model with 385 kilometers.
Opel Corsa-e
At a similar price as the Nissan, Opel’s Corsa-e (from 33,895 euros) offers a little less car, but the more modern ambience and the more powerful technology. This is already evident in the range, which at 350 kilometers is almost ample for this class. Less nice: The faster on-board charger with 11 kW costs almost 1200 euros extra, as standard the small car snores on German sockets with less than 5 kW. The rest of the equipment is quite okay – among other things, a heat pump heater is part of the scope, which protects the range in winter.
MG Motors ZS EV
The compact SUV was one of the first Chinese electric cars in Germany in 2021. And surprised with a coherent concept and decent technology. The body design and interior suggest that the five-seater has been on the market in China since 2017, and the slow single-phase on-board charger is also outdated. There is a range of 320 kilometers for 33,900 euros, decent equipment and a car in the format of the VW Tiguan I.
