As the global electric vehicle (EV) market accelerates, affordability is quickly becoming one of its strongest selling points. Following a record-breaking year in 2024 with over 1.3 million EVs sold in the United States alone, the first quarter of 2025 has already seen nearly 300,000 new electric vehicles hit American roads. With manufacturers racing to deliver more models and better value, leasing deals in the US have reached historically low levels — some starting under $300 a month.
This article takes a closer look at those standout offers and translates them into UK terms, converting the pricing to pounds sterling to provide a clearer perspective for British readers. The exchange rate used is £1 = $1.25 (as of May 2025).
Affordable Lease Deals in May 2025 (Converted to GBP)
The following models represent some of the lowest-cost electric vehicles available for lease in the United States, many of which are new or refreshed for 2025. While these offers are currently only available in the US, they are indicative of a larger global trend — the decreasing cost of EV adoption.
Most Affordable Electric Vehicles (Under £240 per month)
| Model | Lease Term (Months) | Due at Signing (USD) | Effective Monthly Cost (USD) | Approx. Monthly (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Niro EV (2025) | 24 | $3,999 | $295 | £236 |
| Nissan Ariya (2025) | 36 | $4,409 | $251 | £201 |
| Fiat 500e | 24 | $1,999 | $242 | £194 |
| Subaru Solterra (2024) | 36 | $279 | $287 | £229 |
At the top of the affordability list is the Nissan Ariya, with a converted effective monthly cost just over £200. The Fiat 500e and Kia Niro EV follow closely, offering compact, urban-friendly performance at budget-friendly rates.
Mid-Range Value Offers (Between £240–£280 per month)
| Model | Effective Monthly (USD) | Approx. Monthly (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai IONIQ 6 (2025) | $335 | £268 |
| Honda Prologue (2024) | $335 | £268 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E (2024) | $337 | £270 |
| Toyota bZ4X (2025) | $342 | £274 |
These mid-range electric vehicles combine affordability with performance, range, and interior comfort. The IONIQ 6 and Mustang Mach-E, in particular, bring a premium feel to a relatively modest monthly lease cost. The Honda Prologue continues to post strong sales, driven by competitive pricing and improved range in the 2025 model year.
Higher-End Options with Value Incentives
| Model | Effective Monthly (USD) | Approx. Monthly (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Acura ZDX (2024) | $424 | £339 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $421 | £337 |
| Chevy Blazer EV (2024) | $461 | £369 |
These models lean more toward the luxury and utility segments but offer compelling lease terms relative to their petrol-powered counterparts. The Ford F-150 Lightning regained its title as the best-selling electric pickup in March 2025, while the Acura ZDX now leases for less than some smaller combustion SUVs in select US markets.
Automaker Trends Driving Affordability
Several manufacturers have emerged as key players in the EV affordability movement:
- Chevrolet has taken significant strides with the 2024 and 2025 Equinox and Blazer EVs. The 2025 Equinox EV now leases for just $289/month (£231), making it cheaper than many petrol SUVs.
- Hyundai and Kia continue to lead with pricing competitiveness and practical features. The 2025 IONIQ 5, now equipped with the Tesla NACS port and increased range, highlights their focus on user-friendly improvements.
- Honda and Acura have transitioned rapidly from no EV offerings to a combined 14,000+ units sold in Q1 2025.
- Ford is enhancing its EV appeal with bundled benefits such as complimentary home chargers under its “Power Promise” scheme.
Final Thoughts
The current wave of EV leasing deals in the US underscores a broader global shift: electric vehicles are no longer the premium-only option they once were. While the lease offers detailed here are based in the US market, they point to increasing pressure on global automakers to make EVs more accessible in every region, including the UK.
As production volumes grow and more affordable platforms reach international markets, consumers in the UK can expect similar pricing dynamics in the near future — particularly as competition intensifies and governments continue to support EV adoption through incentives and infrastructure expansion.
In short, the days of EVs being a niche luxury are ending. For many, electrification is becoming not only practical but also economically compelling.
