Background car news Electric

A common objection to electric cars is that they are more expensive than a comparable fuel-engine car. This is still true, but the difference is getting smaller. On the one hand because of increasing taxes (bpm) on fuel cars, but also because more and more (relatively) affordable electric cars are finally coming onto the market. In that respect, 2025 may well be the year of the affordable EV, as several manufacturers introduce a new entry-level model. We list the top ten cheapest electric cars on the Dutch market.

By the way, it is important to note that manufacturers adjust car prices from time to time. The top ten below were current at the time of publication, but prices may have since changed. Also, new affordable electric cars may have been introduced in the meantime.

10. Opel Frontera Electric – from 30,499 euros

The list begins with the Opel Frontera, which has been available to order since 2024. The new Frontera is not an off-road vehicle like before, but a compact model midway between an MPV and SUV. It offers ample space for five people and up to 460 liters of luggage space. Its electric motor delivers 83 kW (113 hp) and its range is 305 km (WLTP). With its starting price, it is even (barely) more affordable than the smaller Opel Corsa Electric and Opel Mokka Electric.

9. Fiat 500e – from 28,900 euros

Below the 30,000-euro mark, we find first the iconic Fiat 500e. In the base version, it features 70 kW (95 hp) and a 24 kWh battery good for a range of 190 km (WLTP). Relative to its size and performance, the 500e is still quite pricey, but it largely makes up for that with an appealing retro design. Versions with a more powerful engine and a range of up to 321 km (WLTP) are also available, but they cost more.

8. Renault 5 – from 27,990 euros

The Renault 5 is back and how! With a design that clearly refers to the original while also looking very modern, the compact hatchback is convincingly back on the road. The comeback was crowned with winning the Car of the Year 2025 election. Entry-level Evolution model offers an output of 90 kW (120 hp) and a range of 312 km. An even more affordable version starting at around 25,000 euros (and with a somewhat less powerful engine) will follow later this year.

7. Nissan Leaf – from 26,367 euros

Among the compact models in this list, we suddenly find a C-segment hatchback, in the form of the Nissan Leaf. This can be explained by the fact that the current model has been on the market since 2017 and will be replaced in the near future. So now you can make a bargain. The (currently) base model features 110 kW (150 hp) and a range of 270 km (WLTP). In terms of technology it has now been surpassed by competitors, but for those looking for a spacious and economical EV it is still interesting.

6. Fiat Grande Panda – from 25,990 euros

In 2024, we were introduced to a new model generation Fiat Panda. It is slightly larger, though, and as the Fiat Grande Panda, it will simply come alongside the “old” model. The new Grande Panda also comes with all-electric drive and that version is of course in this list. You have 83 kW (113 hp) with the electric version and a generous range of 302 km (WLTP) for this segment. The luggage space is also quite spacious given the compact exterior dimensions: 361 liters.

5. Citroën ë-C3 – from 24,300 euros

In 2024, the Citroën C3 also began a new model generation. It is still a compact hatchback in the B segment, but with a slightly higher build. There is also an all-electric version, which boasts 83 kW (113 hp) and a range of 324 km (WLTP). Indeed, almost identical figures to the Fiat Grande Panda, as both models are technically identical. However, the Citroën (ë-)C3 also offers a larger version, the Citroën (ë-)C3 Aircross, which is available as an EV starting at 27,400 euros.

4. Hyundai Inster – from 24,295 euros

Since late 2024, Hyundai has also been competing in the compact EV segment, with the Hyundai Inster. This is an all-electric, high-model hatchback. In terms of positioning, it sits a bit in between the A and B segments. You could say compact dimensions, but mature performance. The base model has 71 kW (97 hp) and already has a range of 327 km (WLTP). For a modest additional cost, there is a more powerful version that even gets 370 km (WLTP). Pretty impressive in this segment.

3. Dongfeng Box – from 23,499 euros

Despite the import duties on Chinese cars, there are still inexpensive Chinese EVs. Since 2024, for example, you can order the Dongfeng Box, a compact five-door hatchback in, again, the B-segment. Always fully electric, the base model is equipped with a 70 kW (95 hp) strong electric motor and a 31 kWh battery good for 230 km range (WLTP). A version with larger battery and up to 310 km range (WLTP) is also available, but of course it costs a bit more.

2. Leapmotor T03 – from 19,950 euros

Also in second place in this top ten we find a Chinese: the Leapmotor T03. However, Leapmotor does operate in Europe through the American-European Stellantis group. The T03 is the first true A-segment car in this list and – unusual in this segment – always equipped with all-electric drive. You always get a 70 kW (95 hp) strong electric motor and a 37 kWh battery good for a range of 265 km (WLTP).

1. Dacia Spring – from 18,900 euros

When introduced in 2021, the Dacia Spring was by far the most economical electric car on the Dutch market, and it still hasn’t relinquished that position. Indeed, when it underwent a major facelift in 2024, it was once again reduced in price. This makes it not only the cheapest electric car in the Netherlands, but even in general one of the cheapest cars you can buy new. Only Dacia’s own Sandero beats it (narrowly) in that area. The base model of the Spring features 33 kW (44 hp) and a range of 220 km (WLTP).