The Best Value Electric Cars Worth Buying In 2026
Image source: MG News
Electric cars have come a long way in just a few years. What used to be a niche choice is now the smart money choice - especially in 2026, when EV technology, charging availability, and salary sacrifice benefits are all aligning to make going electric more affordable than ever.
Value isn’t simply about choosing the cheapest electric car. It’s about choosing the EV that gives you the lowest total cost of ownership over the years you run it. That includes:
Upfront cost
Charging costs
Insurance
Depreciation
And here’s the real turning point: With salary sacrifice, you eliminate depreciation risk and save 20–50% compared with personal leasing.
Even better, the charging network is quickly growing, with over 86,000 public chargers in the UK at the end of 2025. Combined with cheaper running costs (sometimes as low as 3–8p per mile), the financial case is stronger than ever.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best value electric cars for 2026, broken down by budget, plus full cost comparisons, expert insights, and tips to maximise your savings.
How Have We Measured “Value”?
Before choosing the best value EV for you, it helps to understand what actually drives value. If you’re switching from petrol or diesel, some of these numbers may surprise you.
Upfront Price
This is the most obvious starting point, but it’s not the whole story. A cheaper EV doesn’t necessarily mean better value, especially if it has poor range, slow charging, or higher energy consumption.
The good news for 2026 is that several brand-new electric cars now sit firmly under £30,000, and many fall below £300 per month with salary sacrifice.
Running Costs (Pence Per Mile)
EV running costs vary depending on how and where you charge. As a guide:
Home charging: 7–12p per mile
Public rapid charging: 20–35p per mile
Petrol: typically 17–22p per mile
This means many drivers cut their day-to-day costs in half simply by switching.
Depreciation
Depreciation is the biggest hidden cost of car ownership - often £3,000–£6,000 per year on a petrol car. Through salary sacrifice:
You do not own the car,
You do not carry the depreciation,
And you return it at the end with zero risk of resale value loss.
This makes salary sacrifice the strongest value lever you can pull.
Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) Tax
BiK for electric cars is still incredibly low, only rising to 4% from April 2026. To put that in context, petrol hybrids often sit between 8-14%, meaning EVs remain the clear winner for cost-conscious drivers.
Maintenance Costs
EVs have:
No oil changes
No timing belts
No exhaust system
Fewer moving parts
Most drivers save 30–40% on servicing compared with petrol equivalents.
Insurance
Insurance for EVs continues to settle as more data becomes available. Premiums are now broadly in line with petrol cars - and in 2026, more insurers are offering EV-specialist policies with competitive pricing.
Below are the 15 best value EVs on sale in 2026, grouped by monthly cost via salary sacrifice. Each section includes key stats, value strengths, and who each car suits best!
Budget Champions (£300/month or Less)
These are the stars for drivers wanting maximum value at the lowest monthly cost.
MG4
The MG4 continues to dominate the value segment. Why? Because no other new EV offers this blend of price, range, and tech.
Key Stats:
Range: 218–329 miles
Battery: 51–77kWh
Charging: 10–80% in ~35 minutes
Boot: 363 litres
The MG4 matches (and often beats) cars £10,000 more expensive. You get a high-quality interior, modern infotainment, and an engaging driving experience. For commuting, family use, or long trips, it’s the best all-round package for the money.
Best for: Anyone who wants the ‘most’ car for the least money.
How Much Can You Save On The MG4 Through EV Salary Sacrifice?
The table below shows how much you could save if you chose to salary sacrifice the cost of the lease, whether you earn £40,000 or £60,000 per annum.
| Savings Breakdown - MG4 SE EV Long Range 64kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £443 | £443 |
| Employee income savings | -£89 | -£177 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£35 | -£9 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £25 | £50 |
| Net cost/You pay | £344 | £307 |
Dacia Spring
The upgraded Dacia Spring arrives in the UK in 2026 as the cheapest new electric car on the market!
Key Stats (EU Model):
Range: ~140 miles
Battery: 26.8kWh
Charging: 30kW fast charging
Boot: 290 litres
It’s simple, efficient, and designed for affordable electric motoring. Perfect for town and suburban driving at the lowest possible cost.
Best for: Towns and cities. Especially great for short-distance drivers looking for a no-frills bargain.
Salary Sacrifice The Current Dacia Spring From The Electric Car Scheme
The 2025 model of the Dacia Spring is still available to lease from The Electric Car Scheme. Regardless of whether you earn £40,000 or £60,000 in the example below, the Dacia Spring costs less than £200 a month!
| Savings Breakdown - Dacia Spring Expression 45 33kW | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £201 | £201 |
| Employee income savings | -£40 | -£80 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£16 | -£4 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £13 | £25 |
| Net cost/You pay | £157 | £142 |
Used Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf remains a strong used choice thanks to reliability and excellent running costs.
Key Stats:
Range: 150–239 miles
Battery: 40–62kWh
Charging: 50kW
Boot: 435 litres
Used EV salary sacrifice makes a second-hand Leaf cheaper monthly than many petrol hatchbacks — with warranty protection included.
Best for: Budget-conscious drivers who want proven reliability.
Used Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Savings Breakdown
Opting for a used EV is a great way to enjoy the benefits of an electric car and salary sacrifice, while making it even more affordable. You could expect to pay £200 per month for a used Nissan Leaf!
| Savings Breakdown - Nissan Leaf N-Connecta. 39kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £270 | £270 |
| Employee income savings | -£54 | -£108 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£51 | -£5 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £26 | £51 |
| Net cost/You pay | £220 | £208 |
Mid-Range Value (£300-£450/Month)
BYD Dolphin
One of the standout newcomers in 2025/26, the BYD Dolphin pushes boundaries for sub-£30k EVs.
Key Stats:
Range: 211–265 miles
Battery: 44–60kWh
Charging: Up to 88kW
Boot: 345 litres
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Best for: Drivers looking for a strong range and tech on a tight budget.
How Much Can I Lease The BYD Dolphin For?
If you earn £40,000 per annum, you can expect to save £150 per month on income tax and National Insurance, bringing the total cost down from £533 to £409 per month! You do have to pay Benefit-in-Kind tax, which is rising from 3% to 4% in April 2026. This amount is still significantly less compared with petrol or diesel alternatives!
| Savings Breakdown - BYD Dolphin Comfort 60.4kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £533 | £533 |
| Employee income savings | -£107 | -£213 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£43 | -£11 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £25 | £51 |
| Net cost/You pay | £409 | £360 |
Hyundai Kona Electric
The new-generation Kona Electric is bigger, smarter, and more efficient than before. It delivers strong real-world range, smooth driving, and a premium-feeling cabin at a mid-range price.
Key Stats:
Key Stats:
Range: 265–319 miles
Battery: 48–65kWh
Charging: Up to ~100kW
Boot: 466 litres
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Its efficiency and upgraded tech make it one of the best all-around family EVs. With strong residuals and low running costs, it regularly undercuts rivals like the Peugeot e-2008 or VW ID.3 on monthly price.
Best for: Drivers wanting a refined, efficient compact SUV with great range.
How Much Does The Hyundai Kona Cost To Salary Sacrifice?
For those earning £40,000, the Hyundai Kona would cost £380 per month to lease from The Electric Car Scheme. This is £39 less for those earning £60,000 at £341 per month!
| Savings Breakdown - Hyundai Kona Advance 65kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £487 | £487 |
| Employee income savings | -£97 | -£195 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£39 | -£10 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £29 | £59 |
| Net cost/You pay | £380 | £341 |
Kia Niro EV
The Niro EV is known for reliability, comfort, and strong equipment levels. It's a practical crossover with plenty of space and Kia’s excellent long-term warranty.
Key Stats:
Range: 260–285 miles
Battery: 64.8kWh
Charging: Up to 85kW
Boot: 475 litres
The Niro EV is a dependable family-friendly EV that balances efficiency with comfort. Low running costs and Kia’s 7-year warranty make it a safe long-term choice.
Best for: Families wanting comfort, reliability, and lots of standard kit.
Salary Sacrifice The Kia Niro EV From The Electric Car Scheme
The table below shows how much you could save if you were to lease the Kia Niro EV from The Electric Car Scheme. You can get a personalised quote by heading to our calculator - all you have to do is input your salary, desired lease terms and your dream car!
| Savings Breakdown - Kia Niro EV 3 65kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £705 | £705 |
| Employee income savings | -£141 | -£282 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£56 | -£14 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £33 | £66 |
| Net cost/You pay | £541 | £475 |
MG5 EV
The MG5 is one of the UK’s only affordable electric estate cars, offering huge space and solid range at an unexpectedly low price point.
Key Stats:
Range: 235–250 miles
Battery: 61.1kWh
Charging: Up to 87kW
Boot: 464–1,456 litres
Its unmatched practicality and low monthly cost make it a standout for families, businesses, and drivers needing space without paying SUV prices. All MG models are also eligible for the Electric Car Grant!
Best for: Drivers needing maximum boot space for the lowest cost.
Salary Sacrifice Monthly Breakdown For The MG5
You can use our quote tool to see how much you can save on the MG5! All you have to do is add your salary and desired lease terms.
| Savings Breakdown - MG5 Trophy EV Long Range 61kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £697 | £697 |
| Employee income savings | -£139 | -£279 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£56 | -£14 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £28 | £56 |
| Net cost/You pay | £530 | £460 |
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
The Corsa Electric feels familiar, refined, and easy to drive, making it an excellent first EV for many drivers transitioning from petrol.
Key Stats:
Range: 222–246 miles
Battery: 50–54kWh
Charging: Up to 100kW
Boot: 267 litres
Light, efficient, and perfect for town or city driving, the Corsa offers very low running costs and competitive monthly pricing.
Best for: Commuters wanting an efficient, easy-to-park EV.
How Much Does The Vauxhall Corsa Electric Cost To Lease?
| Savings Breakdown - Vauxhall Corsa Electric Ultimate 50kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £436 | £436 |
| Employee income savings | -£87 | -£174 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£35 | -£9 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £28 | £55 |
| Net cost/You pay | £341 | £308 |
Peugeot e-208
The e-208 stands out with its stylish design, premium interior, and smooth driving experience. It’s one of the most refined small EVs on the road.
Key Stats:
Range: 225–248 miles
Battery: 51kWh
Charging: Up to 100kW
Boot: 311 litres
Premium feel, strong efficiency, and competitive monthly pricing make it ideal for drivers who want a small EV without sacrificing quality.
Best for: Drivers wanting a stylish, premium-feeling small EV.
Salary Sacrifice The Peugeot e-208 From The Electric Car Scheme
If you earn £40,000 and decide to lease the e-208, you could save £90 per month on income tax and £36 on National Insurance savings.
| Savings Breakdown - Peugeot e-208 GT Premium 50kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £451 | £451 |
| Employee income savings | -£90 | -£180 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£36 | -£9 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £29 | £57 |
| Net cost/You pay | £353 | £319 |
Premium Value (£450-600/month)
Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 remains a benchmark EV thanks to excellent range, strong efficiency, and Tesla’s seamless software and charging ecosystem.
Key Stats:
Range: 305–390 miles
Charging: Up to 250kW
Boot: 594 litres
You get long-range ability, fast charging, and market-leading tech for less per month than many premium petrol saloons.
Best for: Drivers wanting long range and top-tier technology.
Lease A Tesla Model 3 From The Electric Car Scheme
Salary sacrifice makes leasing a Model 3 noticeably cheaper. Instead of paying £751, you could save hundreds per month and pay £490
| Savings Breakdown - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD 85kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £751 | £751 |
| Employee income savings | -£143 | -£286 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£57 | -£14 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £38 | £75 |
| Net cost/You pay | £552 | £490 |
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 pairs futuristic styling with huge interior space and ultra-fast 800V charging. It’s one of the most distinctive electric family cars available.
Key Stats:
Range: 280–315 miles
Charging: 10–80% in ~18 minutes
Boot: 527 litres
Premium comfort, rapid charging, and generous tech at a competitive monthly cost make it one of the best-value premium family EVs.
Best for: Families wanting premium space and ultra-fast charging.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Salary Sacrifice Breakdown
The Ioniq 5 is available to lease from The Electric Car Scheme. Regardless of whether you earn £40,000 or £60,000 in the example below, the Ioniq 5 will cost less than £500 a month!
| Savings Breakdown - Hyundai Ioniq 5 84kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £625 | £625 |
| Employee income savings | -£125 | -£150 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£50 | -£13 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £34 | £67 |
| Net cost/You pay | £483 | £429 |
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Ioniq 6 is one of the most aerodynamic EVs on sale, delivering exceptional efficiency and impressive long-distance comfort.
Key Stats:
Range: 320–380 miles
Charging: 800V rapid charging
Boot: 401 litres
With class-leading efficiency and long range, it’s an excellent motorway EV that often costs less per month than German saloon rivals.
Best for: Drivers wanting maximum range and sleek aerodynamics.
How Much Does It Cost To Salary Sacrifice The Hyundai Ioniq 6?
For those earning £40,000, the Ioniq 6 would cost £433 per month to lease from The Electric Car Scheme. This is £37 less for those earning £60,000 at £396 per month!
| Savings Breakdown - Premium 77kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £547 | £547 |
| Employee income savings | -£109 | -£219 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£44 | -£11 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £39 | £79 |
| Net cost/You pay | £433 | £396 |
Kia EV6
A sporty, tech-rich crossover with sharp handling and strong performance, the EV6 balances practicality with a premium feel.
Key Stats:
Range: 300–328 miles
Charging: Up to 230kW
Boot: 490 litres
Fast charging, high efficiency, and excellent build quality make it a top premium pick with strong monthly pricing via salary sacrifice.
Best for: Drivers wanting sportier performance without luxury pricing.
Salary Sacrifice The EV6 For £506 Per Month
You can use our quote tool to see how much you can save on the Kia EV6 today!
| Savings Breakdown - Kia EV6 Air SR 63kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £760 | £760 |
| Employee income savings | -£152 | -£304 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£61 | -£15 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £33 | £66 |
| Net cost/You pay | £580 | £506 |
Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 offers spacious seating, a smooth ride, and a comfortable cabin ideal for families. Updated software and improved efficiency make it better than ever.
Key Stats:
Range: 280–330 miles
Charging: Up to 135kW
Boot: 543 litres
A roomy family EV with stable running costs and competitive pricing - especially appealing for company car users.
Best for: Families wanting maximum space and a relaxed driving experience.
How Much Does The ID.4 Cost To Salary Sacrifice?
If you earn £40,000 and decide to lease the Volkswagen ID.4, you could save £176 per month on income tax and National Insurance savings. You will have to pay £33 BiK tax per month, bringing the cost down from £629 to £486 per month.
| Savings Breakdown - Kia EV6 Air SR 63kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £629 | £629 |
| Employee income savings | -£126 | -£252 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£50 | -£13 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £33 | £66 |
| Net cost/You pay | £486 | £431 |
Used Volkswagen ID.3
The ID.3 has become one of the strongest used EV buys thanks to rapid depreciation and excellent underlying engineering.
Key Stats:
Range: 210–280 miles
Battery: 58–77kWh
Charging: Up to 125kW
Boot: 385 litres
You get VW build quality, modern tech, and strong efficiency for a fraction of the new price… and salary sacrifice makes it even better value.
Best for: Budget buyers wanting a modern, reliable used EV.
Used ID.3 Salary Sacrifice Breakdown
Choosing a used ID.3 means the monthly salary sacrifice cost is significantly less. Instead of the lease costing £383 for someone earning £60,000, they could be spending £279 per month.
| Savings Breakdown - Volkswagen ID.3 Life Pro 58kWh | £40,000 Salary | £60,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £363 | £383 |
| Employee income savings | -£73 | -£153 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£29 | -£8 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £26 | £57 |
| Net cost/You pay | £288 | £279 |
How To Get The Most Out Of Your EV
Choosing a great value electric car is only half the story - the way you run it can make an even bigger difference. A few smart decisions around charging, range, and financing can help you squeeze every bit of value from your EV.
Whether you’re new to electric or looking to sharpen your savings, these practical tips will help you keep costs low and make daily driving even easier.
Choose the Right Range
Why pay for a range you rarely use? If your daily driving is under 40 miles, even a 150-mile EV like the Dacia Spring is more than enough! Make sure to consider how much you drive and the distances you travel regularly - this will help you choose the EV best suited to you!
Salary Sacrifice vs Personal Lease
Wondering whether to choose a salary sacrifice scheme or a personal lease?
Income tax savings
National Insurance savings
VAT savings
No deposit
No depreciation risk
For most drivers, it’s the cheapest way to run an electric car - full stop.
Use The Charge Scheme to Cut Your Charging Costs
The Charge Scheme lets you salary sacrifice the cost of charging your EV, meaning you pay for your electricity through your gross salary rather than your net income. This instantly reduces your charging costs by 20–50%, depending on your tax band, and makes home charging significantly cheaper than paying out-of-pocket.
Home Charging Setup
A home charger gives you the lowest cost per mile and the convenience of waking up with a full battery. Most EV drivers rely on home charging for 70–80% of their use, which keeps running costs predictable and avoids the higher rates of public rapid chargers.
Salary Sacrifice Your Home Charger Installation
If you install a home charger through salary sacrifice, you spread the cost through your gross salary and instantly save 20–50%. It makes home charging cheaper from day one and removes the upfront cost barrier that stops many drivers from installing one sooner.
Drive Efficiently
Simple habits can noticeably stretch your range and reduce charging costs:
Smooth, steady acceleration
Make use of regenerative braking
Pre-condition the cabin while plugged in
Keep tyre pressures topped up
These small tweaks help your EV perform at its best - and keep more money in your pocket.
If you’re looking for the best value electric cars in 2026, you’re in the strongest marketplace yet. You’ll find brilliant budget options like the MG4 and BYD Dolphin, highly efficient mid-range crossovers like the Niro EV and Kona, and premium value picks like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6.
But the real game-changer remains salary sacrifice. With tax savings of 20–50%, low BiK and zero depreciation risk, electric cars don’t just make environmental sense - they make financial sense too.
Whether you want the cheapest monthly payments, the best long-range EV, or the simplest way to cut your running costs, there’s a great value electric car waiting for you in 2026!
Frequently Asked Questions (2026)
What is the best value electric car in the UK for 2026?
The MG4 remains the number-one best value EV thanks to its low monthly cost (from £263), long range, and excellent equipment.
What’s the cheapest electric car to run in the UK?
The Dacia Spring and MG4 are among the cheapest, costing as little as 3–8p per mile when charged at home.
Is an EV cheaper to run than petrol?
Yes - most EV drivers save £800–£1,200 per year on fuel alone.
Does salary sacrifice really save money?
Yes. Most drivers save 20–50% compared with personal leasing, and depreciation risk is removed.
Is Benefit-in-Kind going up?
Yes, from April 2026, the Benefit-in-Kind tax for EVs will be 4%. This will then increase incrementally, reaching 5% by 2027. In 2027 the BiK rates will then increase by 2% year-on-year - and cap out at 9%.
How many EV chargers are there in the UK?
As of late 2025, the UK has over 86,000 public chargers, with thousands more added every month.
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Last updated: 10.12.2025
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme's terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
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