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Electric car under €20,000: complete 2025 guide
Dec 10, 2025
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Electric car under 20,000 euros: which models to choose?
The affordable electric car market has expanded considerably in recent months. In December 2025, five new models display a catalog price below 20,000 euros, and an awaited star will make its entrance in spring 2026. Between the Dacia Spring at €16,900, the Citroën ë-C3 eligible for the CEE grant, or the future Renault Twingo E-Tech, options are no longer lacking to switch to electric without breaking your budget.
Overview of available models, their technical characteristics, financial aid in effect and charging solutions adapted to these city cars.
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New electric cars under €20,000 in France
Dacia Spring: the cheapest electric from €16,900
The Dacia Spring maintains its status as the cheapest electric car on the French market with a price of €16,900 for the Essential version. The Extreme version, displayed at €19,700, enriches the standard equipment with notably air conditioning and touchscreen.
In terms of range, the Romanian city car claims 228 km in mixed WLTP cycle thanks to its 26.8 kWh battery. Real consumption proves particularly economical: between 10 kWh per 100 km in the city and 21 kWh on expressways, making it one of the most frugal electrics in the segment.
Main drawback: its Chinese manufacturing excludes the Spring from the "boost" CEE grant which can reach €5,200 for vehicles with European battery. It remains nonetheless unbeatable for urban drivers looking for a backup electric vehicle.
Leapmotor T03: 95 hp and 265 km range at €16,900
Commercialized by Stellantis, the Leapmotor T03 is displayed at €16,900. This 3.62 m Chinese city car develops 95 hp and displays 265 km WLTP range thanks to its 37.3 kWh LFP battery. It's the best range/price compromise for buyers not eligible for aid.
The real plus of the T03 is its equipment level: 10-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, panoramic roof, rear camera and six airbags are standard. DC fast charging up to 48 kW allows going from 30 to 80% in 36 minutes.
Its Chinese manufacturing however excludes it from the "boost" CEE grant. It nonetheless constitutes a serious alternative to the Spring for drivers who prioritize equipment and range.
Citroën ë-C3: the European at €19,590 eligible for CEE grant
The Citroën ë-C3 represents the only European electric car under €20,000. The 30 kWh version is commercialized from €19,590 and displays 213 km WLTP range with its 82 hp motor. With the €4,600 CertiNergy grant deducted, it becomes accessible from €14,990.
The version equipped with the 44 kWh battery is displayed at €24,590. With the €4,600 grant, it goes under €20,000 at €19,990. This configuration develops 110 hp and offers 320 km WLTP range (276 km measured on road). Fast charging of 100 kW allows recovering 80% in 26 minutes.
Manufactured in Slovakia, the ë-C3 benefits from the required environmental score and can accumulate up to €5,770 in aid (€4,770 CEE grant + €1,000 European battery bonus depending on supplier). It's the best value for money in the segment for eligible households.
BYD Dolphin Surf: the Chinese offensive at €18,990
Manufacturer BYD offers its Dolphin Surf at €18,990. This electric city car stands out with equipment significantly more comprehensive than its Chinese competitors. The motor develops 88 hp, while range reaches 220 km WLTP.
The Dolphin Surf distinguishes itself with its generous equipment: 10.1-inch rotating screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard 11 kW AC onboard charger and DC fast charging up to 65 kW. It was crowned "World Urban Car of the Year" at the World Car Awards.
Its Chinese production however deprives it of the "boost" CEE grant. European production at BYD's Hungarian plant, planned for late 2025, could allow it to obtain the required environmental score in the future.
2026-2027: new European models are coming
The affordable electric city car segment will expand with two new European models: the Renault Twingo E-Tech in spring 2026 and the Volkswagen ID.1 in 2027. Two historic manufacturers who want to regain ground against Chinese brands, with entry prices announced under €20,000.
Renault Twingo E-Tech: €19,990 in spring 2026
The new Twingo E-Tech takes up the codes of the 1992 original with its rounded lines. Under the hood: an 82 hp motor and a 27.5 kWh LFP battery for 263 km WLTP range. Partly designed in China, it will come off the Slovenian chains of Novo Mesto. Result: it will be eligible for the "boost" CEE grant. Price after aid: approximately €14,790 for modest households. A 50 kW fast charging option is in the catalog. Pre-orders are open via R Pass (€100). For long trips, think about the Electra fast charging stations.
Volkswagen ID.1: €20,000 target in 2027
Volkswagen is preparing its response with the ID.1, expected in 2027. This electric city car aims for a starting price under €20,000. It will be produced in Portugal, which should open the doors to French aid. On the technical side, we're talking about a 95 hp motor and at least 250 km range. Remains to be seen if VW will keep its pricing promises.
Comparison table: which electric car under €20,000 to choose?
Model | Price | After grant* | Range | CEE Grant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dacia Spring Essential | €16,900 | €16,900 | 228 km | Not eligible |
Leapmotor T03 | €16,900 | €16,900 | 265 km | Not eligible |
BYD Dolphin Surf | €18,990 | €18,990 | 220 km | Not eligible |
Citroën ë-C3 (30 kWh) | €19,590 | From €14,990 | 213 km | Up to €5,770 |
Renault Twingo (2026) | €19,990 | From €14,790 | 263 km | Up to €5,200 |
Price with maximum CEE grant (modest households + European battery bonus). December 2025 rates.
Aid to buy an electric car in 2025
"Boost" CEE grant: up to €4,770
Since July 2025, the ecological bonus has been removed and replaced by the "boost for electric private vehicles" CEE grant. This scheme is financed by energy suppliers within the framework of Energy Saving Certificates. Guaranteed amounts reach at least €4,200 for modest and intermediate households (deciles 1 to 8), and €3,100 for other households. However, depending on the manufacturer and its partner energy supplier, amounts can climb up to €4,770.
€1,000 additional grant for European battery
Since October 2025, an additional €1,000 grant is added to the "boost" grant for vehicles assembled in Europe with a European battery. Models produced in Europe can thus benefit from total aid reaching up to €5,770. The vehicle must be 100% electric, new and display a price below €47,000 including VAT. The environmental score must reach at least 60 points.
Social leasing: electric from €100/month
The social leasing scheme, relaunched in September 2025, allows modest households to access a new electric vehicle from €100 per month for a 3-year duration. Several models are eligible, including the Citroën ë-C3 or the future Renault Twingo E-Tech. Eligibility conditions are mainly based on reference tax income and home-work distance.
New or used: what to choose with a €20,000 budget?
The used market offers interesting alternatives for buyers with a €20,000 budget. The Renault Zoé 52 kWh from 2019 to 2021 can be negotiated around €15,000 with a range of approximately 380 km WLTP. The first generation Hyundai Kona Electric, available from €17,000, offers up to 400 km range and 204 hp, with a transferable 8-year battery warranty.
New purchase has its advantages: complete manufacturer warranty, CEE grant eligibility and access to the latest LFP battery technologies, more durable and less sensitive to charging conditions. For primarily urban use, new models under €20,000 constitute a relevant choice today.
How to charge an electric car on a small budget?
Home charging remains the most economical solution for electric car owners. With an average consumption of 14 kWh/100 km for these city cars, the cost is between €2 and €3 per 100 km during off-peak hours. Installing a 7 kW wall charger, eligible for the €500 tax credit, allows charging a 30 kWh battery in about 4 hours.
For longer trips or drivers without home charging possibility, the fast charging station network has developed well. Charging rates vary according to operators and charging power. To optimize your budget, the Electra+ subscription allows benefiting from preferential rates on the entire network.
These electric city cars generally accept charging powers between 30 and 100 kW in direct current (DC). Enough to recover 80% of battery in 25 to 40 minutes depending on models, and consider a trip of a few hundred kilometers with a coffee break.
Written by Nicolas, Electra mobility expert
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