New £15k electric car coming to UK that's cheaper than Britain's most affordable EV

A little-known Hong Kong brand, XEV, is set to disrupt the affordable electric car market with the UK launch of its compact Yoyo Pro model, priced at around £15,000.

The Yoyo Pro, classified as a quadricycle, boasts a top speed of 50mph and a range of 93 miles, making it a potential contender against models like the Citroen Ami. Its innovative design features a bodywork and cabin largely created using 3D-printing technology, comprising just 57 components.

Inside, the Yoyo Pro offers a spacious feel thanks to its expansive window area, which the company describes as a "Tesla-style roof" that allows ample natural light. Standard features include electric windows and mirrors, air conditioning, keyless entry and start, and a sleek 10-inch touchscreen.

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Despite its modest 20bhp rear-mounted electric motor, the Yoyo Pro's lightweight design, tipping the scales at 836kg, helps to compensate. Its 10.4kWh battery can be charged at a rate of 2.3kW, enabling a full recharge from empty in just over three hours.

Expected to be priced around £15,000, the Yoyo Pro will likely face competition from the Dacia Spring, currently the UK's cheapest EV at £14,995, which offers a more practical and longer-range alternative with a 140-mile range. Another rival, the Leapmotor T03, is priced at £15,995, potentially making it a more appealing option for some buyers.

Indeed, the Yoyo Pro’s closer rival, the Citroen Ami, is cheaper at £10,495 but much more basic, with a mere 28mph top speed and less space inside. In fact, the Yoyo Pro is a mere metre shorter than the Spring and Leapmotor, boasting 140 litres of boot space.