A new study has identified the most affordable cars to run, with electric vehicles dominating the top 10. The research, conducted by motoring experts at Quotezone, analysed 50 of the UK's most popular and best-selling cars, factoring in insurance, fuel, taxes, and maintenance costs.
Renault 5 Named Cheapest Car to Run
The Renault 5 emerged as the cheapest car to run, with total annual running costs of £1,671. This figure is based on second-year prices, as new cars typically incur higher tax charges. The Ford Explorer and Volkswagen ID.4 also feature prominently in the list, alongside the Peugeot 3008, Kia EV3, Skoda Enyaq, Skoda Elroq, Volvo EX30, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Tesla Model Y.
Electric Cars Dominate the List
Unsurprisingly, all 10 cheapest cars are electric, as charging costs tend to be lower than petrol or diesel. A spokesperson for Quotezone commented: "The results reveal that it costs an average of £13,364 per year to run one of the UK’s top 50 popular and best-selling cars when taking car financing costs into account. If we remove car financing costs from the calculations, the study shows that the Renault 5 is the most affordable car to run in the UK. In fact, all cars included in the UK’s top 10 most affordable cars to run are electric."
Stark Cost Differences Between Models
The choice of car can significantly impact monthly finances, with some models costing owners thousands more. The study found a striking gap of £16,476 between the cheapest and most expensive cars when all running costs and car financing are included. As everyday living costs continue to rise, these findings offer valuable insights for motorists looking to save money.
Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Run
- Renault 5
- Ford Explorer
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Peugeot 3008
- Kia EV3
- Skoda Enyaq
- Skoda Elroq
- Volvo EX30
- Audi Q4 e-tron
- Tesla Model Y



