Various factors influence the advancement of electric vehicles. One of the most significant ones is their high price, considering their role as a full-fledged family car.
In 2035, only electrically powered vehicles are supposed to be available on the market. However, some experts are skeptical about whether this will actually happen. Electric cars have not yet decreased in price, and they do not currently meet the assumption that their prices will gradually match those of traditional combustion engine vehicles. If subsidies for their purchase are canceled, it negatively affects the interest in owning an electric car. Some car manufacturers assume they will gradually bring electric vehicles to the market for 25,000 or even 20,000 euros. Let’s see what technical and utility features these electric cars will offer. Let’s look at a few electric vehicles with relatively the most favorable buying costs.
The ‘Most Accessible’ One
Regarding price, Dacia Spring electric cars rank among the most affordable. Starting at 16,900 euros, the owner receives a vehicle with an Electric 45 engine (33 kW/45 hp; 125 Nm). The manufacturer indicates a range according to the WLTP of 225 km (depending on the equipment). The rechargeable battery has a capacity of 26.8 kWh. At the same time, in urban mode, it can drive with a consumption of approximately 10 kWh/100 km. The dimensions of the small vehicle are 3701 mm (length), 1583 mm (width), 1485 mm (height), and a wheelbase of 2423 mm. The luggage compartment volume is 308 l. It maintained its curb weight below one tonne (951 kg), acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in 19.1 s, and the maximum speed is 110 km/h.
Above the Imaginary Limit
Several manufacturers have announced their efforts to reach the €20,000 threshold with electric cars. Volkswagen was one of them, but after an economic analysis, it reconsidered its intention and moved the limit of “possible” to EUR 25,000. However, other European manufacturers declare an effort to reach the mentioned limit of EUR 25,000 with the price of small cars. We’ll see what happens in the near future. The Citroën ë-C3, which is supposed to start at €23,200, seems practical and quite spacious. The body is 3981 mm long and 1733 mm wide, the wheelbase of the vehicle measures 2540 mm, and the luggage compartment volume has a value of 315 l. The electric drive unit delivers a maximum power of 42 kW (56 hp) and a torque of 143 Nm. The battery has a capacity of 29.2 kWh, the range, according to the manufacturer’s data, hits the limit of 320 km. This value sends the vehicle not only to the city but also to its surrounding locations. The maximum speed is limited to 107 km/h. This car could move to the EUR 20,000 limit in 2025 if plans to give it a smaller battery are fulfilled. However, this will make it a vehicle for short daily urban routes.
Electric “Drip”
Fiat also offers an electrified “500”. The 500e can be yours for 23,800 euros. The small, stylish car is 3632 mm long, 1900 mm wide, 1527 mm high, and the wheelbase is 2322 mm. The weight (1255 kg) depends on the specifications. There are two drives to choose from – 70 kW/95 hp/220 Nm (battery 23.8 kWh, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 s, range in the combined cycle 190 km/urban cycle 257 km, consumption 13 kWh/100 km) and 87 kW/118 hp/220 Nm (battery 42 kWh, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 s, range in the combined cycle 282-337 km/urban cycle 402-479 km, consumption 13.3-15.6 kWh/100 km).
Text: Peter Stano, photos: Dacia, Citroën, Fiat
