Motoring expert Richard Aucock reviews his top electric vehicles (EVs) from the Motability Scheme’s latest quarterly car price list with an Advance Payment below £1000. Below, you’ll see a range of large electric cars that are great value for money options, including five-door SUVs and hatchbacks.
Please note that all prices are correct at the time of publishing and are updated on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, and 1 October. Remember, prices can go up as well as down. The prices shown are valid for applications placed before 30 September 2024.
You can check the price of any car on the Scheme at any time using our Find a vehicle tool.
The current Motability Scheme price list has a wide range of affordable electric cars, giving customers the option to enjoy an appealing, silent and smooth-running drive at a lower cost.
When you lease an EV through the Scheme, you can enjoy a worry-free package that includes insurance, servicing and breakdown cover.
As a part of your full lease package, you’ll get access to Motability Go Charge, giving you access to over 45,000 chargepoints all within a single app and card. We’ll also arrange and cover the cost of a home chargepoint and standard installation with your first electric car on the Scheme, subject to suitability. If you cannot have a home chargepoint, you’ll get a subscription to the UK’s public charging network, bp pulse.
Here, I’ve chosen some of the best electric cars on the Motability Scheme for you to consider. All the cars selected have an Advance Payment below £1000.
How the new car market is changing
You’ll see manufacturers are moving their attention to producing more EVs as they work towards the UK Government’s ZEV Mandate. This sets out rules that 80% of vehicles will need to be electric by 2030. Manufacturers will face huge fines if they fail to comply.
Jeep Avenger
Driving range: up to 249 miles (No Advance Payment)
What sort of car is it?
The exciting new Jeep Avenger is the iconic American brand’s first-ever electric car. Unlike some of its other large 4x4s, the Avenger is a more city-sized five-door SUV, similar in size to a Nissan Juke. It has five doors, a decent boot size, and it looks great.
Why is it so popular?
The Jeep Avenger has already been acclaimed by my car reviewer colleagues, winning the European Car of the Year 2023 prize.
The Jeep Avenger has a 54kWh battery. This means it has an official driving range of 249 miles between charges. It also has a 154bhp electric motor, which serves up swift and sprightly performance. Also, the high seating position gives a good view out the windows, and a 341-litre boot is big enough to hold around two large suitcases.
MG4
Driving range: up to 280 miles (£649 Advance Payment)
What sort of car is it?
The MG4 is an exciting compact electric hatchback. Its sharp, swoopy styling does not take away from its five-door practicality. With an overall length of just under 4.3 metres, it’s similar to a Volkswagen ID.3. The MG4 EV is available in some bold colours, including a bright orange, guaranteed to stand out.
Why is it so popular?
The MG4 has an electric range of 280 miles and is combined with a useful 200bhp electric motor. This means you can have powerful acceleration and good responsiveness.
Inside, the MG4 has an open plan feel to its dashboard, with two colourful digital screens packing in its various features. The driving position is comfortable, rear seat space is decent and the 289-litre boot is big enough to take two suitcases. Best of all, the MG4 offers a great driving experience, with nimble handling that’s bound to put a smile on your face, just like the older classic MG sports cars.
Vauxhall Mokka Electric
Driving range: up to 209 miles (No Advance Payment)
What sort of car is it?
The Vauxhall Mokka Electric is a crossover SUV that’s becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Its unique styling has real appeal, and this is backed up by a modern interior that’s designed around dual screens that ‘wrap around’ the driver. It feels very futuristic behind the wheel, yet still easy to use.
Why is it so popular?
This is for a model with a 50kWh battery, which has a range of almost 210 miles between charges. It’s able to use speedy 100kW public rapid chargers on the move too, which is helpful if you need to charge quickly.
The five-door Vauxhall Mokka Electric has a 310-litre boot, which is easy to access. It’s also designed with accessibility in mind, thanks to its raised seating position. An overall length of 4.1m is city-friendly, and this Ultimate version has a very high level of standard equipment, bringing luxury car features to go with its executive car refinement.
View the Vauxhall Mokka Electric
Mazda MX-30
Driving range: up to 124 miles (No Advance Payment)
What sort of car is it?
The distinctive Mazda MX-30 is a city-sized crossover EV that’s a little bit different to the norm. It has five doors, but the rear two passenger doors are hinged at the rear, so they open differently to regular cars. It reveals a pillarless space to climb into the rear.
Why is it so popular?
The Mazda MX-30 electric car is a charismatic cross between a Mazda MX-5 sports car and a Mazda CX-30 SUV. It is intentionally sporty, with a feel-good driving position, featuring luxury materials including the use of cork trim. The extra height off the ground also means it’s easy to get in and out of. Standard equipment is generous, and it is generally a fun car to drive.
The city-focused model has an eco-friendly 35.5kWh battery and gives a range of 124 miles. The clever rear doors give great access to the rear seats, which can be convenient for parents. Also, the 350-litre boot will comfortably hold two suitcases with space to spare.
Other EVs available for less than £1000 Advance Payment:Skoda Enyaq Estate, 132kW 60 62kWh 5dr Auto [ecoSuite]
- Peugeot 208, 115kW GT 51kWh 5dr Auto, with a driving range up to 248 miles and £299 Advance Payment
- Renault Scenic e-Tech, 160kW Techno 87kWh Long Range 5dr Auto, with a driving range up to 379 miles and £495 Advance Payment.
- Volkswagen ID.3, 150kW Match Pro 58kWh 5dr Auto, with a driving range up to 269 miles and £499 Advance Payment
- Peugeot 3008, 157kW Allure 73kWh 5dr Auto, with a driving range up to 326 miles and £749 Advance Payment
- BYD Dolphin, 150kW Comfort 60.4kWh Auto, with a driving range up to £845 Advance Payment
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