Update: ‘Citroen e-C3 (2024)’ and ‘Next-gen Dacia Spring (2024)’ updated and ‘Suzuki electric car’ added.
This decade will see entry-level cars moving from combustion engines to electric powertrains as future Euro 7 norms require significant investments in powertrain, thereby increasing the vehicle’s price. As electric mobility advances, a better chance at a profit and sales would be to sell affordable electric cars than develop entry-level combustion cars with high costs and short shelf life.
Here are the affordable electric cars from global brands that are planned to launch in Europe by 2025:
BYD Dolphin (2024)
The BYD Dolphin is an electric supermini like the Honda e. Pere Brugal, head of sales, BYD (Europe), has told Automotive News Europe that the car is under consideration for Europe. While Brugal didn’t reveal a possible launch date, we suspect 2024 could be the year.
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,070 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height and has a 2,700 mm wheelbase, which makes it slightly bigger than the Hyundai i20. BYD offers the B-segment electric hatchback in three variants.
The base variant with a 70 kW/180 Nm front motor and 30.7 kWh battery pack delivers a range of 301 km (187 mi). The middle variant with the same motor but a 44.9 kWh battery pack allows traveling 405 km (252 mi) on a full charge. The top-end variant with a punchy, 130 kW/290 Nm motor and the 44.9 kWh battery pack returns a range of 401 km (249 mi). Charging both the battery packs from 30 to 80% SoC takes 30 minutes.
Europe could get the Dolphin in the mid- and top-end variants, although their range as per the region’s WLTP could be lower, perhaps around 350 km (217 mi). Prices could start at under EUR 23,000.
Citroen e-C3 (2024)
The Citroen e-C3, an electric city car, will be different from the all-new C3 (CC21)-derived EV for emerging markets, suggests French magazine L’argus. It would have unique front and rear fascias from the all-new C3 (CC21) for emerging markets, but importantly, it would be built with higher-grade steel to meet higher standards.
Citing Laurent Barria, Citroen’s Marketing and Communications Director, Autocar reported on September 30, 2022, that the e-C3 for Europe will be inspired by the Citroen Oli concept. It will be the first production car to wear the new Citroen logo.
According to L’argus’ report, the European e-C3 will come in two variants, one with a ~60 kW (80 hp) motor and a 40 kWh battery pack, and the other with an 80 kW (107 hp) motor and a 50 kWh battery pack. We expect the latter to deliver a WLTP range of around 250 miles. Reportedly, the battery would be supplied by China-based Svolt, and production would occur in Trnava, Slovakia.
In terms of features and creature comforts, we wouldn’t be surprised if only the basics were offered on the C3 electric car, with the cost-cutting extending to even a media system using the user’s device only. This could also make the e-C3 one of the most affordable electric cars from the Stellantis group. The e-C3 could debut in late 2023 and go on sale in spring 2024 in Europe. Expect prices to start under EUR 25,000.
Next-gen Dacia Spring (2024)
Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo confirmed at Renault Group’s 2021 Financial Results conference that the redesigned Dacia Spring electric car will arrive in 2024. It will continue to be based on the CMF-AEV platform, which has been in use since the arrival of the Renault Kwid in 2015. The CEO also said that the Spring would continue to be an affordable EV, and it will serve as the gateway to the EV category for many buyers.
The current model uses a standard 27.4 kWh battery that offers a range of 143 miles. However, the 2024 Spring should come with a more efficient and bigger battery that ranges around 186 miles. It should also support faster charging. The 0-80% SoC DC fast-charging time could be lower than 30 minutes, a considerable upgrade from the current model’s 56 minutes.
Dacia may improve the performance of the Spring for the second generation. Just back on January 13, 2023, the company introduced a 48 kW (64 hp)/113 Nm (83 lb.-ft.) motor as a more premium option to the 33 kW (44 hp)/125 Nm (92 lb.-ft.) motor. The new motor offers a 5.4-second lower 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 13.7 seconds, but with a minor compromise of a 10-km (6-mile) lower WLTP range of 220 km (137 miles).
Customers would also like to see better safety ratings, as the first-generation Spring received a 1-star score in the EuroNCAP crash tests. Group Renault stated during its 2021 financial results conference that the next generation Dacia Spring would be launched in 2024. Expect it to be priced around the EUR 20,000 mark when it arrives.
Nissan Micra EV (2025)
Nissan has confirmed a Micra electric successor based on the CMF-BEV platform. While the specifications of the Micra EV are under wraps, we expect the affordable electric city car to offer a 250-mile range from a 50 kWh battery pack and an output of around 135 hp.
Nissan has indicated that the design of the Micra EV will be similar to the third-generation model with plenty of curves and round-ish elements, especially on the light fixtures. The interior is expected to be roomy and practical, and there could be variants with an optional complete glass roof as well.
The Micra EV is expected to enter showrooms in the first half of 2025, although a concept previewing its design could precede it. Expect it to be priced at around EUR 25,000 (estimated) before incentives.
While it hasn’t ever touched U.S. soil, Nissan sold the Micra in Canada until 2020, sourcing the car from the Mexican production line.
VW ID.2 hatchback (2025)
Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer has confirmed an entry-level hatchback as part of the company’s product roadmap. The VW ID.2 is expected with exterior dimensions similar to the Polo, but being a dedicated EV, it could offer Golf-levels of space.
Based on the ‘MEB eco’ platform, also referred to as ‘MEB short’ and ‘MEB Small,’ the ID.2 will be a FWD model. Volkswagen has shown an application of this platform in a concept small SUV (ID. Life) with a 172 kW (231 hp)/290 Nm (214 lb.-ft.) motor and a 57 kWh battery pack that delivers a WLTP range of up to 400 km (249 miles).
Another interesting demonstration of the MEB eco platform was the Cupra UrbanRebel small SUV concept with 166 kW of power and a WLTP range of 440 km (273 miles). The most basic battery pack could consist of LFP cells that are inferior to nickel-based lithium-ion cells in the range aspect but are cheaper and have a longer life.
Production of the VW ID.2 will take place at the Seat Martorell plant in Spain, from 2025. Prices should start at under EUR 25,000 (USD 27,209). The ID.2 will likely be available in Australia as well. Volkswagen Australia is involved in part of the project and working with the factory and planning teams, Michelle Rowney, the company’s head of product for passenger vehicles, told media, as per a Drive report dated December 19, 2022.
VW ID.2 X SUV (2026)
An SUV version of the entry-level e-car, which could be called ‘VW ID.2 X’ is also in the pipeline, as confirmed by Schäfer. This will be the same model Volkswagen Group teased with a sketch on May 5, 2022, confirming it will be one of its three small electric SUVs built in Spain from 2025 onwards. The ID.2 SUV should be the pure-electric alternative to the VW Taigo and likely retail in the same configurations as the ID.2.
Cupra UrbanRebel/Cupra Raval (2025)
In September 2021, a three-door electric hatchback car called Cupra UrbanRebel debuted as a motorsport-style, high-performance concept. In June 2022, this car evolved into a simpler, five-door electric hatchback that’s still a concept but relatively closer to production. The UrbanRebel is Cupra’s interpretation of an economical electric car based on the MEB Small platform.
The powertrain of the three-door UrbanRebel unveiled in 2021 produced 250 kW of continuous power and up to 320 kW of peak power. It allowed accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds! The five-door UrbanRebel introduced in 2022 has a less powerful, 166 kW powertrain, so, it takes 6.9 seconds for a 0-62 mph sprint. It can deliver a range of up to 440 km (273 mi).
Designed and developed in Barcelona, the road-ready UrbanRebel will likely have a single motor powering the front wheels. Cupra may target a WLTP range of at least 250 miles for the final car. The company has confirmed that it will launch this model in 2025 and manufacture it in Martorell, Spain. Expect the base price to be around EUR 25,000.
Renault 5 (2024)
Another member of the Nissan CMF-BEV platform will be the Renault 5 electric car. The Renault 5 and the Nissan Micra EV will be manufactured at Renault’s ElectriCity production cluster in Northern France. The Renault 5 and the Micra EV will get a Li-ion battery with a range in the whereabouts of 250 miles from a 50 kWh battery, which should be sufficient as these will be the most affordable electric cars from the brand, and buyers seeking more range can look higher up in the price segment.
The market launch of the Renault 5 is expected in early 2024, and sales will commence in France and other European countries by mid-2024. The Renault 5’s price in Europe is anticipated between EUR 23,000-25,000 and will be followed by the Renault 4 EV in 2025.
Fiat Panda Electric (2024)
Fiat will launch new B-segment models starting in 2023, and according to reports, the Panda will get a successor. However, there will be a range of models (body style variations) under this brand, of which an electric car offering is a certainty.
According to a report L’argus released on September 23, 2022, and updated on October 5, 2022, the Electric Fiat Panda will be a technical cousin of the Citroen e-C3 for Europe and arrive at the end of 2024. It could be available with 40 kWh and 50 kWh battery packs and ~60 kW (80 hp) and 80 kW (107 hp) motor options. The combination could deliver up to 250 miles of WLTP range. The DC fast-charging power should be 95 kW or higher. Design inspiration could come from the Fiat Centoventi concept.
The Panda EV, or the successor B-segment EV, is expected to cost around EUR 22,000 at launch. Its production will reportedly take place at the Fiat plant in Kragujevac, Serbia, from 2024.
Kia Picanto EV (2025)
When the Kia Picanto moves to its next generation, expect an electric car variant to follow. Like the MEB eco, a special platform (low-spec E-GMP eM) could underpin the car. The Kia Picanto EV could arrive sometime in 2025, though the upcoming months should reveal more of the Hyundai Group’s plans for entry-level EVs. Expect the Kia Picanto EV to be priced around the EUR 23,000 mark.
Hyundai Casper Electric (2024)
Launched in South Korea in September 2021, the gasoline-engined Hyundai Casper is the company’s first A-segment SUV. On April 27, 2022, Maekyung.com claimed in an exclusive report that a Hyundai Casper Electric model is in the pipeline. Production of test mules could begin by the end of 2022 (for road testing and validation), followed by customer delivery units in 2024.
Maekyung.com said that Hyundai Casper Electric should be a competitive product in Europe. There could be design changes to ensure the product suits European customers, the South Korean publication suggested, though recent reports don’t sound all that confident of the EV’s imminent European arrival. 400 km (249 mi) is the expected range of the Casper Electric in South Korea.
On August 12, 2022, Autocar reported that Hyundai has two small EVs in its European product plan. One of them is expected to be a city hatch and the other model could be a rugged version. The latter’s production will begin towards the end of 2024, the British publication said.
Hyundai i10 EV/Hyundai Ioniq 2 (2025)
After completing its first phase of the bespoke EV rollout, which involves launching compact and large models like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Ioniq 7, Hyundai will introduce smaller EVs that are affordable. One of the budget models will likely be a Hyundai Ioniq 2 electric hatchback that could compete with the production version of the Cupra UrbanRebel concept and the Renault 5 electric supermini.
Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President of Marketing & Product for Hyundai’s European division, has revealed that the company has a budget EV in the pipeline. On July 14, 2022, speaking at the 2022 Automotive News Europe Congress (via Automotive News Europe), he said a battery-powered minicar is in the works but its development will take some time.
The Hyundai Ioniq 2 will likely be based on the upcoming eM platform and use batteries consisting of LFP cells. It will likely deliver a WLTP range of over 200 miles. Hofmann indicated that it could cost around EUR 20,000 in the base configuration.
Skoda Citadine (2025)
The first of Skoda’s affordable electric cars, which will also be based on the MEB eco platform, will be revealed through a concept soon. The Citadine (name unconfirmed) will be one of three electric Skodas that will slot below the Enyaq as the brand aims to achieve 50-70 percent of sales through EVs by 2030.
Skoda may design the Citadine taking inputs from the Vision 7S concept, which it says debuts its new design language. It may feature a chunky body that focuses more on space than sleek styling, a grille flatter and wider than current production Skoda models, T-shaped front and rear lights, and the new block-lettered Skoda logo.
The smallest Skoda electric car should have its debut sometime in 2025. Since Skoda is positioned as the value brand in the VW Group, the Citadine could be slightly more affordable than the VW ID.2. However, it should fall within the same range of under EUR 25,000.
Suzuki electric car (2025)
Suzuki plans to launch five electric vehicles in Europe by FY2030. The first of the five Suzuki electric car models will arrive in FY2024. Suzuki has released a teaser showing their silhouettes in its 2030 EV roadmap presentation.
The first row shows what looks like an Ignis EV on the left, a Vitara EV in the middle, and a Jimny EV on the right. In the second row, it looks like the left model is a Swift/Balano EV, and on its right is something akin to an S-Cross EV, which we think could be the first to come to the market.
Lancia Ypsilon Electric (2024)
The next generation Lancia Ypsilon will get an EV variant, though it remains to be seen whether the company will use the eCMP platform or base it on the 500e. Either way, we know Lancia is serious about selling the new Ypsilon and its electric counterpart in Europe, as it plans to relaunch in Britain mid-decade. We should have more details about Lancia’s future in the coming months.
The new Ypsilon EV should be ready for Europe in the second half of 2024 and should be priced in the EUR 25,000-30,000 range.
Mitsubishi small electric car (2025)
At Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s digital conference in January 2022, there was a clear indication that a Mitsubishi electric vehicle was in the pipeline, as the company recognizes that it needs EVs for its survival in Europe.
While details have not been announced, the Mitsubishi electric car could be based on the CMF-BEV platform. The upcoming Renault 5 EV, the Alpine R5, the electric successor of the Nissan Micra and the Renault 4 are the first cars coming off the CMF-BEV, so it’s only logical for Mitsubishi to have its iteration using the Alliance’s shared platforms. Production of the Mitsubishi EV may take place in France at one of Renault’s three factories. Its global debut may take place sometime in the second half of 2025.
Fiat Topolino quadricycle (2023)
After becoming Germany’s Opel Rocks-e, the French Citroen Ami will reportedly become Italy’s all-new Fiat Topolino. Stellantis plans to reintroduce the classic Fiat car’s name for a new electric quadricycle, as per an Automotive News report. The overall design could be the same, with Fiat designers tinkering with parts that are easy and cheap to develop and produce, like bumpers, lights, wheels, etc. As a Fiat, it should look stylish, though the design is not the biggest consideration of this segment. A truly distinctive feature of the Topolino EV could be a version with a canvas roof to live up to the classic Topolino’s name.
The Fiat Topolino Electric could come with a 5-6 kWh battery pack that provides a range of about 50 miles and a 6 kW (8 hp) motor with a top speed of 28 mph. Charging the battery pack from a standard electrical socket could take just 3 hours.
Featured Image: Render of the 2025 Nissan Micra Electric.
A Mechanical Engineer by qualification, I started out as an automotive editor of a regional magazine in 2011. In my 11 years of experience in creating automotive content, I’ve traveled around the world to review, analyze and report on the world’s top electrified cars.
