Top 5 electric cars (2024) under 30.000€
Are you looking for an electric car in 2024 that costs less than €30.000 and is aplicable for the Flemish EV incentive for private buyers of up to 5.000€?
We have gathered a list of all electric cars you can buy today for less than 30.000€.
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1. Why you should NOT buy an EV
When considering the purchase of an affordable new car, it's important to evaluate all available options thoroughly. Although a €5,000 incentive from the Flemish Government makes electric vehicles (EVs) appear enticing, this should not be the sole reason to opt for one. For those seeking a budget-friendly choice, a conventional petrol-powered city car, like the Dacia Sandero starting at €12,000, might actually be more cost-effective.
The allure of the €5,000 EV incentive can be misleading, especially if you don't have solar panels to offset electricity costs. Let's take the Dacia Sandero as an example. Priced at €12,000 and considering a five-year period with an annual mileage of 15,000 km, your fuel expenses would total around €1,300. Adding in the road tax, which amounts to €832.89 over five years, the total cost of ownership (excluding insurance and maintenance) comes to approximately €14,100. It's worth noting that costs like insurance, annual servicing, and tires are likely comparable between EVs and petrol cars.
Even with advantages like solar panels, no road tax for EVs, and the government incentive, an electric car may still not be more economical than a standard petrol vehicle. In conclusion, for private consumers seeking a cost-effective vehicle, it's advisable not to be swayed solely by the appeal of electric cars.
However, for businesses, the scenario is different. The 100% tax deductibility and low Benefit in Kind associated with EVs make them a very attractive option. At present, for business purposes, choosing an EV can be highly beneficial.
2. Until when is the Flemish incentive valid?
The duration of the incentive for electric vehicles (EVs) in Flanders is clearly defined and follows a decreasing trajectory over the next few years. In 2024, purchasers of new EVs are eligible for a €5,000 incentive. This amount is set to decrease in subsequent years, with a reduction to €4,000 in 2025 and further to €3,000 in 2026. This structured approach indicates the Flemish government's strategy to gradually phase out the incentives while encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles.
In contrast, the Walloon region currently offers no such incentives for electric vehicles. This disparity could potentially widen the economic and environmental gap between Flanders and Wallonia. Flanders is likely to see a greater proliferation of green cars and consequently, lower pollution levels due to these incentives. Meanwhile, without similar incentives, Wallonia might lag in the adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles.
Furthermore, the Walloon government has taken a different approach by implementing taxes on electric vehicles based on their weight. This policy contrasts with the current stance in the Flemish region, where such a tax is not on the agenda. This difference in policy could lead to distinct outcomes in terms of EV adoption and environmental impact in the two regions.
3. Top 5 electric cars under €30.000
Discover High % Discount On Electric Cars!
The landscape of electric vehicles is rapidly evolving, making it increasingly feasible to own an electric car for under €30,000. This price point was quite rare until recently, but with the expansion of charging infrastructure and the advent of faster-charging vehicles, the dynamics have changed. Today, cars with a range of around 300km are becoming more common and practical, particularly for urban use. The necessity for long-range capability is diminishing, especially for compact city cars.
The ubiquity of charging stations has played a pivotal role in this shift. Whether it's a grocery store, an underground car park, or street-side parking, finding a spot with a charging station is becoming easier. This accessibility means that you can conveniently charge your vehicle during routine stops, integrating the process seamlessly into your daily life. Although these are typically slower chargers, they are more than sufficient for regular use.
Additionally, fast chargers are becoming more widespread. Due to their high energy demand, their availability is limited in certain areas, but they are strategically placed to provide quick top-ups for those embarking on longer journeys.
This growing infrastructure is paving the way for a new generation of electric cars with smaller batteries, and consequently, more affordable pricing. For instance, Tesla is developing the Model 2, priced at around €25,000. Known for their high-performance batteries and range, Tesla's entry into this market segment is expected to exert downward pressure on the prices of electric vehicles across all manufacturers, making them more accessible than ever.
Among these affordable options, all the vehicles listed below, with the exception of the BYD, are eligible for the Flemish government tax incentive, which is specifically designated for European constructors. This incentive further enhances the attractiveness of these economically priced electric vehicles.
#5 BYD Dolphin (€29,990 or €24,990)
The BYD brand, as the only non-European model in this lineup, is eligible for the Flemish tax incentive of €5,000. This subsidy makes it an even more attractive option in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) market. BYD, with its focus on technology and performance, combines comfort, efficiency, and innovation. This makes it an appealing choice for those looking beyond traditional European brands.
With a realistic range of 255 km, the BYD Dolphin positions itself as an attractive choice in the budget EV category. Thanks to the Flemish subsidy, the BYD Dolphin could emerge as a top candidate within the top 5 most affordable electric cars. However, without this subsidy, the next car in the list would be a more attractive choice in terms of price-quality ratio.
#4 Fiat 500e (€28,490 or €23.490)
Leading our list of electric vehicles benefiting from the Flemish €5,000 EV incentive is a model that significantly undercuts the price of the BYD Dolphin. This price advantage of nearly €7,000 makes it a far more appealing choice for buyers in Flanders. However, for those residing in the Walloon region of Belgium, the decision might not be as straightforward. Here, without the regional incentive, the comparison between the Dolphin and its competitor becomes more nuanced.
Both the BYD Dolphin and its rival offer similar ranges, with the Dolphin slightly ahead, providing an additional 20 km of real-world range and boasting a quicker acceleration to 100 km/h by 2 seconds. Despite these technical metrics, there's a compelling case for supporting European brands, particularly when the differences are marginal.
Enter the Fiat 500e, a car that exudes charisma, style, and a rich heritage unmatched by any Chinese brand. The Fiat 500e's allure isn't just in its specifications but in its storied legacy and design appeal. This alone makes it a superior choice for those who value character and history in their vehicle.
With the Flemish incentive applied, the price of this iconic Italian compact city car drops to an attractive €23,490. At this price point, the Fiat 500e isn't just a car; it's a piece of automotive culture, offering a blend of classic Italian design and modern electric vehicle technology, making it a standout choice in its class.
#3 Renault Twingo E-Tech (€23,250 or €18.250)
The Renault Twingo E-Tech distinguishes itself as the first electric vehicle to break the €20,000 barrier, thanks to the Flemish EV incentive. Priced so competitively, it emerges as a notable option for those interested in electric mobility.
With a real-world range of 135km, the Twingo E-Tech positions itself as an ideal urban and intercity travel companion. However, it's important to acknowledge that among its peers, this model offers the lowest range currently available on the market. This factor makes it challenging to recommend the Twingo E-Tech over the next two cars in our list, which boast significantly better range performances.
There is a sense that Renault rapidly transformed its existing petrol-powered Twingo into an electric variant, a move that seems more like a stopgap solution than a fully realized electric vehicle concept. Released in 2020, this electric iteration appears to serve as a bridge to future, more sophisticated and affordable electric city cars. While it may not lead the pack in terms of range or innovation, the Twingo E-Tech still holds value for those seeking a budget-friendly entry into electric car ownership, especially for city-centric driving.
#2 Citroen ë-C3 (€23,300 or €18.300)
At a mere €50 more than the Renault Twingo E-Tech, Citroën offers an electric vehicle that is a ground-up design, elevating the standard for what a budget-friendly EV can be. Priced at €18,300, this Citroën model delivers an impressive real-world range of 250km, which is double what the Twingo provides.
Moreover, its larger size adds to its appeal. The vehicle features an SUV/Crossover design that stands out on the road, exuding an attractiveness that belies its affordable price tag. With this model, Citroën hasn't just made an electric car; they've created a vehicle that feels complete and uncompromised. It boasts excellent electric range and performance, indicating a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to its design and engineering.
While there is another electric car that comes at an even lower price, if one were to choose the best electric vehicle under €30,000 currently available, this new Citroën model would undoubtedly take the top spot. It represents not just value for money, but a harmonious blend of style, space, and sustainability – a truly compelling package for anyone looking to step into the world of electric vehicles.
#1 Dacia Spring (€20,990 or €15.990)
The Dacia Spring stands out as the most affordable electric car available today, particularly after accounting for the Flemish Government Incentive which brings its starting price down to an impressive €15,990. This makes it an incredibly accessible option for those seeking a compact car for city driving.
When compared to the Renault Twingo E-Tech, the Dacia Spring emerges as a superior choice within the same size category and urban driving focus. While its real-life range of 165km may not rival that of the new Citroën ë-C3, it does surpass the Twingo E-Tech. For individuals prioritizing cost above all else for their daily drives, the Dacia Spring is unbeatable. However, for those who value additional space and range, the ë-C3 might be the preferred option despite its higher cost.
The Dacia Spring is equipped with a modest 25kW usable battery. It supports a maximum DC fast charging capacity of 34kW, allowing it to be fully charged in just 38 minutes. On the other hand, using an average slow charging point, it would require approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to achieve a full charge. This charging duration, coupled with its limited range, is an important consideration for potential buyers, particularly those who may frequently need to travel longer distances or lack easy access to fast charging stations.
