Which electric cars offer the best range-price ratio in the top 10 ?

Often, it is necessary to turn to high-end electric cars to benefit from a decent autonomy. However, some models eligible for the €5,000 bonus still offer a range of 440-550 km WLTP on a single charge. Thus, they can perfectly fulfill the role of the main family car, without requiring an exorbitant budget.

Last January, we introduced you to the five electric cars eligible for the 2023 bonus, capable of traveling more than 470 km on a single charge, just after the changes to the rules of the ecological bonus. In order to update and complete this ranking, we have this time selected the ten best models, classified according to their WLTP autonomy, from the smallest (440 km) to the largest (550 km). We would like to point out that this ranking does not take into account the price, except for a lower limit of €47,000. Therefore, we have also calculated the relationship between the price and the autonomy of each model presented. For more information, please see the end of the article.

The MG ZS EV can travel a distance of 440 km

The MG ZS EV electric SUV, from the Chinese group SAIC Motor, was introduced on the French market in 2020. Since the end of 2021, a completely restyled version is available, also offering a higher battery capacity. So, in addition to the 51 kWh version with a 175 hp engine, a 72 kWh version with a 155 hp engine was added. This version with extended autonomy and reduced engine power offers a much better autonomy, going from 320 km to 440 km. In terms of price, the ZS EV is available from €33,990 for the version with the smallest battery, and from €37,990 for the version that interests us here, with the Comfort finish. If you want to know more and read the daily experience of a user, you can consult the testimony of Thomas, who, although he was in no hurry to switch to electric, is satisfied after having made several long journeys at the wheel of his MG ZS EV. You can also find other testimonials dedicated to this model or others on our forum or on the Automobile proper site, in the section Vehicle Reviews.

The MG4 can travel a distance of 450 km

At MG, we find the famous MG4, an electric compact that has shaken up the competition and continues to do so. It even managed to overtake the Renault Megane in terms of registrations, at least for the month of May 2023. With a starting price of €29,990, it has something to convince. For those who need autonomy, the version with a 64 kWh battery offers a range of 450 km. The price of this version starts at €33,990 for the Standard finish and reaches €35,990 for the Luxury finish. At this price, you get a dynamic car, comfortable for everyday use, equipped with options such as a heat pump, heated steering wheel, 360° camera, leatherette upholstery, heated seats for front passengers and electrical settings for the driver, as well as an inductive telephone charger. In summary, it is a versatile and efficient car that can perfectly fulfill the role of the main vehicle in the household. Of course, it is not perfect, and we will point out some weak points in a future dedicated article. However, it is the least expensive car in this ranking, which helps to forgive some imperfections. It should be noted that a version with a larger battery, offering a range of more than 500 km, should be available this summer 2023, which will probably allow it to reach the podium of this ranking. it is the least expensive car in this ranking, which helps to forgive some imperfections. It should be noted that a version with a larger battery, offering a range of more than 500 km, should be available this summer 2023, which will probably allow it to reach the podium of this ranking. it is the least expensive car in this ranking, which helps to forgive some imperfections. It should be noted that a version with a larger battery, offering a range of more than 500 km, should be available this summer 2023, which will probably allow it to reach the podium of this ranking.

The Tesla Model Y can travel a distance of 455 km

The first Tesla in this ranking is the Model Y, which offers a range of 455 km. This is the Propulsion model, which is sold at €45,990 and whose production is carried out in China, in the Shanghai Gigafactory. However, increasingly insistent rumors indicate that its production could soon be moved to the Gigafactory in Berlin. If this information is confirmed, this would allow the Model Y to continue to benefit from the ecological bonus. Indeed, it is important to remember that the latter is likely to disappear from 2024 for electric cars made in China. Anyway, the Model Y can already boast of being at the top of many rankings, in particular that of sales of electric cars in the first quarter of 2023, whether in France or in Europe. Globally, it is even the best-selling vehicle, all engines combined. It's a remarkable feat, especially since it stole the show from its little sister, the Tesla Model 3. It must be said that this SUV corrects the main flaw of the sedan by offering a large tailgate and a rear guard. raised floor. It loses dynamism and efficiency, but gains in practicality, which is very much appreciated by families in particular. If you want to know more about this model, we recently tried it and there is also a testimonial dedicated to it. It must be said that this SUV corrects the main defect of the sedan by offering a large tailgate and increased ground clearance. It loses dynamism and efficiency, but gains in practicality, which is very much appreciated by families in particular. If you want to know more about this model, we recently tried it and there is also a testimonial dedicated to it. It must be said that this SUV corrects the main defect of the sedan by offering a large tailgate and increased ground clearance. It loses dynamism and efficiency, but gains in practicality, which is very much appreciated by families in particular. If you want to know more about this model, we recently tried it and there is also a testimonial dedicated to it.

The Kia Niro EV can travel a distance of 460 km

Launched on the French market at the end of 2018, the electric Kia Niro has now been available since 2022 in a completely revised version, also benefiting from a slight enlargement. Overall, the formula remained unchanged, except for the disappearance of the small-battery, small-motor version from the catalog. Thus, we now only find the 204 hp engine and the 64.8 kWh battery offering a range of up to 460 km. As for the price, the basic version, called Motion, is offered from €45,640. If you find this model too bulky, you might be seduced by its cousin, the Hyundai Kona, which is smaller and lighter. Plus, it logically offers longer battery life at a lower price. We'll talk about that a bit later...

The Volvo XC40 Recharge can travel a distance of 467 km

Since its launch in 2020, the Volvo XC40 Recharge, the brand's first production electric model, has undergone some minor changes. At the beginning of 2023, it went from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. At that time, this Sino-Swedish SUV was even the electric car eligible for the bonus offering the best range on the market, i.e. 573 km. However, the arrival of the Volvo EX30 changed that. Thus, the XC40 is still available from €46,990 in the Essential finish, but it is now equipped with the "small" 69 kWh battery. As a result, its range was reduced to 467 km. Among the equipment included in this basic finish, there is automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, reversing radars, cruise control and 19-inch rims with 4-season tires. While that might be enough for some, the lack of adaptive cruise control and front sensors might be a deal breaker for others. Usually these options are available on higher trim levels, with a few exceptions.

The Renault Megane can travel a distance of 470 km

The Renault Megane does indeed occupy a place in this ranking, but it is worth paying attention to the version chosen. To do this, you must consult the site dedicated to Renault professionals to find the Megane in Evolution ER finish. It is the only version that offers the 130 hp engine, combined with a large 60 kWh battery. This combination makes it possible to obtain a range of 470 km, the highest of the entire range. Thus, by favoring this version, performance is sacrificed in favor of greater autonomy. As far as equipment is concerned, they remain at the forefront with the presence of Google Automotive and high-performance driving aids such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping.

It is important to note that this version of the Megane, the Evolution ER, can be ordered by an individual directly from the dealership, and it is not necessary to be a professional. Its price is €43,000. Moreover, if you opt for the 220 hp engine, the balance finish will allow you to save €1,000, but you will lose autonomy and equipment compared to the Evolution ER version. So it's a matter of choice!

The Volvo EX30 can travel a distance of 480 km

Here is the all-new Volvo EX30, which breaks with the brand's habits by offering a small SUV, shorter than an MG4, instead of the usual SUVs with extravagant dimensions. In terms of design, it is inspired by the style and codes of its big brother, the EX90. The aesthetics are flattering, demonstrating Volvo's ambition to create a premium SUV while maintaining a reasonable price. Indeed, the starting price is very competitive, starting at €37,500. To obtain the best autonomy of the range, it is possible to choose the Extended Range option, at an additional cost of €4,200. Thus, the total price amounts to 41,700 €, and the autonomy increases from 344 km to 480 km. This improvement also comes with better performance, with an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h reduced by 5. 7s to 5.3s. It even becomes possible to tow up to 1,400 kg, compared to 1,000 kg for the basic model. It should be noted that if the equipment of the entry-level finish seems insufficient, it is possible to opt for the intermediate finish, while benefiting from the bonus. The Plus finish is offered at €45,000 and includes, for example, a Harman Kardon audio system and lane keeping. On the other hand, for the Ultra finish, it will be necessary to negotiate a discount of 950 € in order to stay below 47,000 €. It is important to remember that the Volvo EX30 is made in China and may no longer be eligible for the bonus from 2024. It should be noted that if the equipment of the entry-level finish seems insufficient, it is possible to opt for the intermediate finish, while benefiting from the bonus. The Plus finish is offered at €45,000 and includes, for example, a Harman Kardon audio system and lane keeping. On the other hand, for the Ultra finish, it will be necessary to negotiate a discount of 950 € in order to stay below 47,000 €. It is important to remember that the Volvo EX30 is made in China and may no longer be eligible for the bonus from 2024. It should be noted that if the equipment of the entry-level finish seems insufficient, it is possible to opt for the intermediate finish, while benefiting from the bonus. The Plus finish is offered at €45,000 and includes, for example, a Harman Kardon audio system and lane keeping. On the other hand, for the Ultra finish, it will be necessary to negotiate a discount of 950 € in order to stay below 47,000 €. It is important to remember that the Volvo EX30 is made in China and may no longer be eligible for the bonus from 2024. it will be necessary to negotiate a discount of €950 in order to stay below €47,000. It is important to remember that the Volvo EX30 is made in China and may no longer be eligible for the bonus from 2024. it will be necessary to negotiate a discount of €950 in order to stay below €47,000. It is important to remember that the Volvo EX30 is made in China and may no longer be eligible for the bonus from 2024.

The Hyundai Kona can travel a distance of 484 km

In a previous discussion, we mentioned the Kia Niro EV's cousin, which is the Hyundai Kona. Although it is smaller, it gained weight during its restyling, but it offers a greater range estimated at 490 km. This estimate is based on data not yet homologated under the WLTP protocol for the Kona 2023. It is likely to meet or exceed the performance of the old version, which was announced with a range of 484 km. As for the engine, the power has increased slightly to 218 hp, compared to the 204 hp of the previous version. This new Kona should be available at dealerships in September 2023, but prices are not yet known. If the old model was offered at around €42,000 for the 64 kWh version, it is unfortunately likely that the new model will see a significant price increase. We can therefore consider a range starting from 45,000 €.

The Tesla Model 3 can travel a distance of 491 km

The Tesla Model 3, with its 300-mile range on 19-inch rims and a £41,990 price tag, is a great choice if you don't mind its hefty size. If you opt for the 18-inch wheels that are included as standard, Tesla estimates its range at 510 km. This estimate is based on the WLTP homologation carried out with the 19-inch rims, so there is no official value for the smaller rims. In any case, the autonomy is comfortable, even on the motorway, thanks to excellent aerodynamics which makes it possible to control consumption. In addition, it is the most efficient in its class, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. Since the end of the second quarter of 2023, Tesla has also offered a version of the Model 3 Propulsion with the long-range battery, offering a range of 620 km, the best score in the range. Although normally intended for professionals, some lucky individuals have benefited from it. With a displayed price of €45,990, it is unofficially the model eligible for the bonus with the best autonomy and the best value for money. At least, until the arrival of the new Model 3 or the large-battery MG4.

The Cupra Born can travel a distance of 550 km

The Cupra Born, which is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.3, takes advantage of its main features while offering an improved finish at a more competitive price. Although initially only offered in a few versions when it was launched, the range has since expanded. Indeed, the Spanish compact first offered a 230 hp VZ variant for increased power, then, from the end of 2022, it also increased its autonomy. The VZ XL version is equipped with a 77 kW battery, the largest capacity available on the MEB platform. Thanks to this battery, the Born joins the club of electric cars with a range of over 500 km. Aside from the Tesla Model 3 that we previously discussed, the Cupra Born is quite simply the electric car eligible for the bonus offering the greatest range, capable of traveling 550 km on a single charge. With a price of €46,500, these 550 km also position it advantageously in terms of the price/autonomy ratio.

Which model offers the best compromise between price and battery life?

It's important to have good battery life, but it's even better not to pay an excessive price. We have therefore calculated the relationship between the price and the autonomy of each car in this ranking, which allows certain models to be put into perspective. For example, some might argue that the Renault Megane is too expensive for its class. However, it is not the one that offers the least autonomy. In reality, and perhaps surprisingly, the Tesla Model Y is the worst performer on the list in terms of value for money. This underlines that its sales success is largely based on its habitability, one of its main assets. On the other hand, and this will not surprise anyone, it is the MG4 which ranks first. To give you an idea, it offers better performance than the Dacia Spring, whose price-performance ratio is 91.3. You will find all the results in the table below.