Europe’s cheapest electric cars are finally taking center stage as automakers roll out new models aimed at budget-conscious buyers. This week saw two major unveilings: Nissan introduced its first electric Micra built in partnership with Renault at the Douai plant while Chinese giant BYD revealed the Dolphin Surf in Berlin, with introductory pricing starting at €19,990 in Germany until the end of June (rising to €22,990 thereafter) for the 220-km-range version and €24,000 for the 322-km variant.
Nissan’s Micra EV, a cousin of the Renault R5, marks a key addition to its lineup as the brand restructures. Drawing on four decades of Micra heritage and mass sales, Nissan hopes the compact hatchback will bridge the gap until its next-generation Leaf and Juke arrive.
BYD’s Dolphin Surf, produced in China alongside other sub-€20,000 rivals such as the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03 (assembled in the Czech Republic under Stellantis), underscores the growing clout of Chinese manufacturers in the European market. To sidestep future import duties, BYD is constructing a major production and R&D site in Hungary.
This year alone, eleven new EVs priced below €25,000 are due to launch, including Volkswagen’s ID.2, Renault’s R5, Fiat’s new Grande Panda, and Hyundai’s Inster. Each model brings its own appeal whether it’s the R5’s retro-inspired design, the ë-C3’s spacious interior or Panda’s familiar practicality. Together, they promise to make EV ownership more attainable for a wider swath of Europeans.
Maria Grazia Davino, BYD’s regional general manager, called the compact segment “the next frontier of electrification in Europe,” highlighting its vast untapped potential. As cheaper EVs proliferate, industry watchers will be keen to see whether lower sticker prices translate into stronger adoption particularly among drivers deterred by cost.
