ADAC tests the three cheapest electric cars

The range of affordable electric cars is still small. Most manufacturers are focusing on larger and therefore more expensive vehicles. There are currently only three electric cars from high-volume manufacturers in Germany for less than 30,000 euros. The ADAC evaluated them in the categories of workmanship, driving characteristics, consumption and range as well as safety. The Fiat 500e emerged as the clear winner of the comparison test with an overall score of 2.5 and proves that even the smallest cars can offer a good level of safety. On the one hand, it has modern active safety equipment (including an emergency braking system, lane departure warning system and drowsiness warning system), and on the other, it also performed well in the crash tests. Points of criticism are the limited range, limited connectivity and the highest price in the test field (29,990 euros).

The Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric was downgraded due to its lack of safety features (score 4.1). The ADAC criticized that there were considerable gaps in the assistance systems in particular, with not even an emergency braking assistant on board, which is actually a matter of course today. The Dacia Spring Electric 65 is only distinguished by its - relatively speaking - low price and the best range compared to the other two test vehicles. Although it comes with important assistance systems such as an emergency braking system as standard, it only achieved one out of five possible stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests. In addition, its spongy handling is a clear letdown. Furthermore, the car's performance is only suitable for highways to a limited extent, according to the automobile club.

With their limited range of 150 to 195 kilometers, all three vehicles are more suitable for urban areas, which significantly limits their suitability for everyday use. In addition, the CCS fast-charging connection for the Dacia is only available for an extra charge and not at all for the Twingo. Only the Fiat can be charged with up to 50 kW as standard.

In terms of purchase costs, electric cars are still significantly more expensive than comparable combustion models. While the Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric costs 28,000 euros, its petrol counterpart with comparable equipment is available from 18,700 euros. The Dacia Spring Electric 45 is available from 22,750 euros, while the Spring Electric 65 tested costs 24,550 euros, which is also significantly less than the two competitors in the comparison test. However, the electric Dacia costs considerably more than the even larger Sandero with a petrol engine, which Dacia offers from €11,300.

Originally, the VW E-Up was also planned for the ADAC comparison test, but it is already sold out because production will be discontinued at the end of the year. This means that there is currently no offer from a German manufacturer in the e-car segment for less than 30,000 euros. However, a newcomer from France is waiting in the wings: From 2024, the electric Citroën e-C3 will be available for 23,300 euros. A variant for less than 20,000 euros is set to follow the year after next.

The ADAC's opinion: "Other manufacturers should take this as an example. The switch to e-mobility can only succeed if there is a corresponding range of affordable vehicles." (aum)