Which budget electric cars give the best range for your buck? A low price doesn't always mean big value in an EV...

Thanks to BYD, MG and Tesla, electric vehicles (EVs) are more affordable than ever, aided by greater choice, freer production and ever-improving battery technology.

There’s never been a better time to buy an EV. Don’t you just love a bit of healthy competition!

But which budget electric car provides the most range for the least bucks? Does a lower price mean increased range anxiety?

Using the manufacturers’ official pricing and range as derived from the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), we calculate how much range your money actually buys, to reveal the best-value EVs up to $60,000 – a psychological ceiling for many consumers.

Here, then, are the current distance-for-your-dollar champions EVs on a shoestring.

The findings might shock you.

16. Nissan Leaf 39kWh

Price	$50,990
Range	270km
Distance per $1000	5.3km

Every modern EV owes something to Japan’s pioneering EV, and the second-gen Leaf revealed in 2017 remains a comfortable and enjoyable runabout, but it’s now dated and outclassed in too many areas. Bring on the successor, Nissan.

15. Fiat 500e 42kWh

Price	$52,500
Range	311km
Distance per $1000	5.9km

Italy’s exquisite 500e is unashamedly an iconic city car first, with time-saving small-battery convenience prioritised over range, while oozing unmatched charisma inside and out. If only it were a bit cheaper. Surely less luxurious grades will follow to remedy that.

14. MG ZS EV 50.3kWh

Price	$44,990
Range	320km
Distance per $1000	7.1km

The ZS EV remains Australia’s cheapest EV SUV, and that is a noble feat, but even a brief stint behind the wheel reveals why. This is the old MG and there are much, much better models ahead from China’s revived British brand.

13. BYD Atto 3 Standard Range 50kWh

Price	$48,011
Range	345km
Distance per $1000	7.2km

Australia’s first truly acclaimed vehicle from China, the Atto 3 is a deserved success story globally, impressing critics with comfort, space, safety, driving smoothness and cutting-edge battery tech. But it pays to spend a bit more for the superior Extended Range.

12. MG ZS EV 72.6kWh

Price	$55,990
Range	440km
Distance per $1000	7.9km

If you must buy a ZS EV then it’s probably better to stretch to the bigger-battery version because you’ll go much further. But stick to smooth roads and don’t expect much in terms of refinement. Remember, there are far better MGs to consider than this.

11. Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus 69kWh

Price	$59,990
Range	480km
Distance per $1000	8.0km

Come early 2024 and this deliciously dinky designer SUV from Sweden via China is set to rock the luxury-EV establishment, with its promise of on-brand style, quality, safety and packaging, all at extraordinary prices. We can’t wait to drive it. You can order one now.

10. GWM Ora Standard Range 48kWh

Price	$39,990
Range	320km
Distance per $1000	8.0km

The third-cheapest new EV, again from China, scrapes into our best-range-for-your-buck top 10, bringing (some say divisive) post-modern retro-pastiche styling and decent equipment levels. But spending more brings better value, as the Extended Range proves.

9. BYD ATTO 3 Extended Range 60.5kWh

Price	$51,011
Range	420km
Distance per $1000	8.2km

If you want the best-value EV SUV range-wise, the buck stops here – the bigger-battery Atto 3 scores on many fronts. Smooth, stylish and pleasant to drive, this one model demonstrates how BYD must be keeping rival car bosses up at night.

8. Cupra Born 77kWh

Price	$59,990
Range	511km
Distance per $1000	8.5km

Spanish brand SEAT’s first EV majors on styling, packaging, dynamics and performance, making it the best Cupra choice in Australia despite some annoying ergonomic flaws. But if this is the highest Germany can manage here, then it’s not trying hard enough.

7. Tesla Model 3 60kWh

Price	$57,400
Range	491km
Distance per $1000	8.6km

History’s best-selling EV ever currently represents sensational value, especially given its style, performance and dynamics. Sourced from China since 2021, America’s Ford Model T for the EV age remains a compelling proposition and deserved success after all these years.

6. BYD Dolphin 45kWh

Price	$38,890
Range	340km
Distance per $1000	8.7km

Recently, the small BYD hatchback made history as Australia’s cheapest-ever new EV, but it isn’t actually the optimum version of the Dolphin if getting maximum range-for-your-money is the priority. We’ll find out whether it’s also a decent drive like the Atto 3 soon.

5. MG4 51 51kWh

Price	$38,990
Range	350km
Distance per $1000	9.0km

With room for five and a decent drive to boot, the cheapest MG4 is poised to be remembered as the company’s Datsun 1600 moment, with innovation and inspiration well above its democratic price point. But in best-range-for-your-buck terms, the 51 isn’t the optimum grade.

4. GWM Ora Extended Range 63kWh

Price	$45,990
Range	420km
Distance per $1000	9.1km

This is the Ora if you need maximum range efficiency in a Beetle-like five-door hatch, providing an extra 100km for not much more money. Its recent hefty price cut in response to BYD and MG reveals how needlessly expensive/profitable EVs have been for importers.

3. MG4 77 77kWh

Price	$55,990
Range	530km
Distance per $1000	9.5km

No matter which MG4 you choose, all offer exceptional value. The most expensive with the largest battery provides excellent range for the money. So much better than the similarly-priced ZS EV. This is an MG that lives up to the brand’s historic sporty reputation.

2. BYD Dolphin 60.5kWh

Price	$44,890
Range	427km
Distance per $1000	9.5km

BYD’s pricing strategy seems quite fair, given the substantially greater range that the bigger-battery version provides for not a whole lot more cash. This is a compact hatch that can cut it out on the open road as well. We applaud the brand’s vision and execution.

1. MG4 64 64kWh

Price	$44,990
Range	450km
Distance per $1000	10.0km

Like in the Goldilocks and the Three Bears fairy tale, the middle child in the game-changing MG4 range is just right – providing decent distance for not much dough. By our calculations, it highlights the difference between cheapness and value best amongst EVs. Arguably the best (non-convertible) MG ever.

Summary

China streaks ahead of the rest of the world, even beating Tesla’s historic Model 3 to provide the six best-value EVs if top range is your bottom line.

It should also serve as a wake-up call for Japan and Korea, as they risk undoing 60 years of hard work winning over loyal buyers over a single generation should the world suddenly embrace EVs en-masse. Even the USA, Spain and Sweden are serving up stronger value in this regard.