UAE is the hub for best-in-class cars, including both ICE and EV cars. Interestingly, the UAE’s EV market is on a strong growth trajectory. According to Statista, the UAE’s market is expected to be worth $1.89 billion in 2024 and $2.26 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 3.62% between 2024 and 2029. This shows that the cheap electric cars in the UAE are likely to be a main part of the auto market’s expansion.
When we talk about EV cars in UAE, mostly what we think of are expensive high-budget cars like the Mercedes EQS, Audi e-Tron GT, and Tesla Model S. But, not everyone can afford these high-profile cars; sometimes, you just need a budget-friendly EV that gives you good savings.
For such people, here are some of the best cheapest electric cars in UAE:
BYD Seal
BYD Seal, now that’s the real flagship killer. It’s also known as a Tesla Model S rival by many reviewers but with some better aesthetics than that US guy.
Power-wise, it’s a fully loaded machine because it gives solid competition to the BMW M3, but at a much lower cost than BMW. The dual-motor version produces 530 HP, going from 0–100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, while the single-motor variant provides solid performance for everyday use. It offers two battery options: an 82.5 kWh battery with a 700 km range and a 61.4 kWh battery delivering 550 km, making it perfect for long drives or daily commutes in the UAE.
Inside the story, we think it’s better than the Tesla Model S. Unlike the S, which uses a very simple and minimal approach, Seal looks like a car straight from Germany. Everything is nice and shiny leather-wrapped, and the center console is made of aluminum. It’s not too cheap, but it’s good if you’re looking for an entry-level mid-luxury sedan.
MG ZS EV
The MG ZS is an all-electric compact SUV that fits the budget. It’s not the most luxurious car money can buy, but it is a good option if you just want a family EV car that offers EV savings and is good enough for a mid-size family.
The interior side is mostly plastic, but some artificial leather is used, like on the seats and the center console. The AC vents are not so cool, a bit outdated, and seem like a car from 2016. However, it’s spacious and can fit a small family.
The overall battery capacity is 72.6 kWh, and it has a range of 461 km. Its maximum power is 156 HP, and its maximum torque is 280 Nm; this power figure is equivalent to that of the Hyundai Accent.
The outside is just like a compressed MG HS. Dimensionally, it’s a bit smaller than HS; to be precise, it’s a C-segment compact crossover.
Honda e:NP1
e:NP1 sounds like a formula, you may think of it as a futuristic car from 2060, like a Cybertruck. You’re wrong. It’s just an all-electric Honda HR-V.
It’s not the most premium interior you’ll see, but the quality is the same as that of the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. The interior is lined with soft-touch leather, and the dashboard is also soft-touch, not hard plastic, which is a good thing.
On the center of the dash, you’ll see a solid portrait infotainment screen that also functions as the car’s main control screen. Although the cabin looks like a compact crossover, it’s even less spacious than the Corolla. The back seats are so tight that a person 6 feet tall can’t fit inside them.
On the performance side, it gets a 134 kW (180 hp) motor with 310 Nm (229 ft-lb) of torque. Plus,it has a 53.6 kWh battery and a claimed range of 420 km.
BYD Dolphin
BYD Dolphin is another of the best EV cars for a starter package. It’s a compact hatchback that is just the same size as the Suzuki Swift, but overall, this machine is far beyond the features that Swift offers you.
Sit inside. The interior is very unconventional, and it’s not what you usually expect from an EV car. While other Chinese EVs focus on a minimalistic approach, BYD has decided to make it as fancy as possible. It’s all inspired by the ocean, and the AC vents look like sea waves—very unique, to be honest.
Under the floor, you’ll find a good 60 kWh battery with a 70 kW motor that outputs a total power of 94 HP, just 12-15 HP higher than Swift and Picanto. If you pour more money and buy a dual motor variant, that’ll produce 201 HP. One thing we must appreciate is its ability to charge fast, which is not very common in budget cars. BYD is like an Apple of EV cars because they produce everything on their own without 3rd party support; that’s why even the base 60 kWh variant gives a 350 km range.
Chevrolet Bolt
The Chevrolet Bolt is one of the cheapest electric car in UAE for sale an excellent option for anyone looking for an affordable and practical EV in the UAE. It’s a compact hatchback with plenty of features to make it a great daily driver while still fitting into the budget-friendly category.
On the interior side, the Bolt balances practicality with a bit of modern charm. The cabin doesn’t feel luxurious, but it’s functional and user-friendly, featuring a mix of soft-touch materials and hard plastics. The seats are comfortable enough for long commutes, though the rear space can feel slightly cramped for taller passengers. The infotainment system is intuitive, with a 10.2-inch touchscreen at the center that integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
From a performance standpoint, the Bolt packs a punch. Its 65 kWh battery powers a single motor that delivers 200 HP and 266 lb-ft of torque. This gives the car a surprising amount of pep for city driving. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds, which is impressive for its class. Its range is also commendable, with an EPA-estimated 417 km on a full charge, making it ideal for both daily commutes and occasional road trips around the UAE.
The exterior design is modern but not overly flashy. It’s a compact hatchback that looks sporty without losing the practicality that buyers in this segment seek. It might not turn heads like a Tesla, but it has a certain charm that grows on you.
Tesla Model 3 (Used)
Ah, Tesla, the trendsetter of the electric revolution. It’s the brand that needs no introduction. The performance variant produces 490 HP and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds. The Long Range version provides an impressive range of up to 602 km on a single charge, while the Standard Range variant delivers 491 km, more than enough for a person.
Technology is a strong point, with features like Autopilot for semi-autonomous driving, over-the-air updates, and a robust suite of safety systems. The Model 3 also supports Tesla’s Supercharger network, offering fast charging that adds up to 275 km of range in just 15 minutes.
For buyers on a budget, you can find a used Tesla Model 3 for sale as an excellent option. New models can be expensive, but pre-owned options are widely available and provide the same technology and performance at a lower cost. The Model 3 also supports Tesla’s Supercharger network, so it can be charged quickly for added convenience.
Also read: 6 Best Low-Cost Cheapest SUVs in the UAE
