New SEAT electric supermini could cost £20k

• All-electric supermini
• Potential sub-£20k price tag
• Further info expected in March

As we’ve seen electric cars grow bigger and more expensive in recent years, it’s refreshing to learn that SEAT could be working on an all-new affordable electric supermini. The new model – as yet unnamed – could even sneak under the £20,000 barrier, making it not just an affordable EV, but one of the cheapest new cars full stop.

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The direction of the SEAT brand has become uncertain of late, in light of the investment into spin-off performance brand Cupra. The sporty marque’s new models have overshadowed SEAT’s comparatively stale lineup and occupy a more premium market sector. In a recent conversation with SEAT’s UK brand director, Marcus Gossen, it was confirmed that the Spanish firm has no plans to pack up any time soon, and will instead focus on offering an affordable entry-point into the Volkswagen Group family.

For those unfamiliar with the Volkswagen Group, the German manufacturer oversees brands including Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Cupra and, of course, Volkswagen. For its new electric supermini, SEAT is expected to utilise the platform and technology being developed by the Volkswagen Group for a new generation of ultra-affordable EVs. 

What do we know so far about the new electric SEAT?

While Volkswagen is already working on the all-new electric ID.2 which is rumoured to cost around £23,000, the new SEAT will utilise a different platform being developed concurrently by Skoda. We’ve seen a similar partnership in the past, with the Skoda Citigo, Volkswagen Up! and SEAT Mii all sharing the same underpinnings and Skoda-developed engine. The new electric SEAT should offer the same affordable-motoring ethos, but reimagined for the modern age with fully-electric underpinnings.

We don’t have any technical specifications yet, but the new SEAT is expected to take on supermini proportions, with five doors and a length of around 3,700mm. Our exclusive images preview its exterior styling, using the latest design language from SEAT and Cupra. We expect a body with short front and rear overhangs and sharp creases, along with black plastic trim for the circa-£20k models.

The platform should allow for a battery pack of around 40kWh, which is likely to provide enough range for driving around town. The headline target price could be achieved through using a cheaper lithium-iron phosphate battery chemistry, rather than the typical lithium-ion setup found in most modern electric cars.

Anything else we need to know?

That’s about all we know so far. SEAT and Cupra will hold their annual press conference in March and we expect to hear more details about the upcoming affordable EV. There are no plans for SEAT to release any other new models in the foreseeable future; it will instead focus on its existing range of hatchbacks, estates and SUVs, which continue to sell in strong numbers despite their relative age.

If you’re interested in affordable motoring, read our list of the best cheap cars to insure…