Electric vehicles and the word “cheap” don't always go together. Many electric vehicles on the market carry a starting price of well over $40,000, and many more from automakers such as BMW, Lucid, Porsche, and even Tesla can soar to $100,000 or more. Exceptionally costly EVs may be the exception rather than the rule, but a new EV for $50,000 or more can be a bit much for the average buyer. 

Thankfully, affordable EVs are available. The 10 cheapest ones have a starting MSRP of under $45,000 – well below the average starting price for any new car today. Most of these models don't feature extended driving range or all-wheel drive like their competitors or the higher-end models within their lineups, but they are perfect for commuting, while reducing emissions and saving money at the pump. 

We are not including any of the potential tax credits, incentives, and rebates that might come with the purchase of a new EV to keep baseline pricing consistent, so read on for cheapest electric cars to buy in 2025.

<a href="#1. 2025 Nissan Leaf">__1. 2025 Nissan Leaf__</a>
<a href="#2. 2024 Fiat 500e">__2. 2024 Fiat 500e__</a>
<a href="#3. 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric">__3. 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric__</a>
<a href="#4. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV">__4. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV__</a>
<a href="#5. 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E">__5. 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E__</a>
<a href="#6. 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6">__6. 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6__</a>
<a href="#7. 2024 Nissan Ariya">__7. 2024 Nissan Ariya__</a>
<a href="#8. 2025 Kia Niro EV">__8. 2025 Kia Niro EV__</a>
<a href="#9. 2025 Volkswagen ID.4">__9. 2025 Volkswagen ID.4__</a>
<a href="#10. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5">__10. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5__</a>

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<a name="1. 2025 Nissan Leaf"></a>
### 1. 2025 Nissan Leaf - $28,180

![2025 Nissan Leaf Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7Fayp1Q3MM4aKxaAi16QoC/8bbd499d0ee7cc3e582d42936aaa0f60/2025_Nissan_Leaf_Exterior.jpg)

When Chevy pulled its Bolt from the market after the 2023 model year, the Nissan Leaf picked up the baton to carry on the title of the cheapest EV on sale in the U.S.A. Its $28,180 starting MSRP makes it the only new EV that will allow you to become an EV owner for less than $30,000. It's not the most inspiring vehicle to drive, but has plenty to offer in other areas.

![2025 Nissan Leaf Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/i8UZaikg3bRuu48TI4gqz/72a2678d4ecd26a31d557fdb94779f62/2025_Nissan_Leaf_Interior.jpg)

The cheapest Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery pack, an electric motor, 147 total horsepower, and front-wheel drive. Those specs are not impressive by today’s standards, but the Leaf is not a huge vehicle, either. Despite that, it's much roomier inside than its small dimensions let on, and its hatchback design opens up some cargo space and loading ease for cargo. It comes with an EPA-estimated driving range of 150 miles and DC fast-charging capability. 

Standard features include an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, and Bluetooth. Driver-assistance features include pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and rear automatic emergency braking. Nissan is not making any updates to the Leaf for 2025, but that just means that it can still be offered at a low price and serve those who can afford it well.

[Browse 2025 Nissan Leaf listings here](https://www.autolist.com/nissan-leaf#year_min=2025&year_max=2025).

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<a name="2. 2024 Fiat 500e"></a>
### 2. 2024 Fiat 500e - $32,095

![2024 Fiat 500e Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1xr6rDmaTpbyLQAvTOlXG1/678d2355c5a66856a71f726acbd27875/2024_Fiat_500e_Exterior.jpg)

Even though the 2025 Fiat 500e has not yet been released, the new-for-2024 Fiat 500e INSPI(RED) is still on sale and serves as the second cheapest EV currently on the market. It features similar styling to the retro-modern Fiat 500 that was dropped after the 2019 model year, but looks a bit more serious than it did before. Still, its diminutive size, nimble handling, and electric powertrain should entice a new generation of buyers. 

![2024 Fiat 500e Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5iYY78ZwncanzJS8T3hyvk/eebbe76dfada2d4a87e6653b51fc884e/2024_Fiat_500e_Interior.jpg)

Under its skin is a 42-kWh battery pack and an electric motor that sends 117 horsepower to the front wheels. This setup is good for an EPA-estimated 141-mile range. Connected to a level 2 charger, Fiat says that you can go from 0% to 100% charge in four hours and 15 minutes. If you choose to use a DC Fast Charger, you can recoup up to 80% of the 500e’s battery life in as little as 35 minutes. 

Despite its small size, 500e buyers should not be disappointed by the standard luxuries and driver-assistance features that are included for a little over $32,000. A 10.25-inch touchscreen that utilizes Stellantis’ UConnect 5 infotainment system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, automatic climate control, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-departure warning, and forward collision warning are all included in the entry-level package. 

[Browse 2024 Fiat 500e listings here](https://www.autolist.com/fiat-500e#year_min=2024&year_max=2024).

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<a name="3. 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric"></a>
### 3. 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric - $32,875

![2025 Hyundai Kona Electric Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/66D1yzXqJtLEv9oI4PkRtS/583858687d18d4731975a873dab76e80/2025_Hyundai_Kona_Electric_Exterior.jpg)

The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest electric SUV on sale and starts at just under $33,000. Its styling might be a bit too funky for some buyers, but in true Hyundai fashion, the Kona Electric is packed with a ton of desirable features. Having been completely redesigned for the 2024 model year, the 2025 model sees minimal changes, especially on the most affordable SE trim. 

![2025 Hyundai Kona Electric Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/73CZuYOqLawzajU82HAL57/e8e801156e82728c002a8e7322120d06/2025_Hyundai_Kona_Electric_Interior.jpg)

There is 200 miles of range at your disposal, according to the EPA and, to achieve that, the Kona Electric SE is equipped with a 48.6-kWh battery pack and an electric motor. In total, its powertrain produces 133 horsepower, it returns an EPA-estimated combined 118 MPGe fuel economy rating, and it allows buyers to regenerate up to 80% battery life in just under 45 minutes with a DC fast charger. Front-wheel drive is standard on all Kona Electric models.

When you drive away from the charging station, you can take advantage of the Kona’s standard 12.3-inch infotainment display, wireless device connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a Wi-Fi hotspot, lane-keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, automatic high beams, and rear-seat alert system. 

[Browse 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric listings here](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-kona+ev#year_min=2025&year_max=2025).

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<a name="4. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV"></a>
### 4. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV - $33,600

![2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2lkF14dM5EDBUpaKEbM4a/457ffcf266bb5f137579226a72ce1617/2025_Chevrolet_Equinox_EV_Exterior.jpg)

Chevrolet is quickly becoming one of the forerunners in the American EV segment, and the Equinox EV is its most affordable electric SUV. Chevy slimmed down the trim level options from last year and brought the starting price down to $33,600 before anything was added. Like most of the models before it on our list, front-wheel drive is standard, though Chevy has boosted horsepower to 220, up from last year’s 212. 

It features an 85-kWh battery pack and a single electric motor that affords it 319 miles of range, according to the EPA. You should also be able to take full advantage of its 57 cubic feet of cargo space after folding the second-row seats. Even without them folded, buyers have 26.4 cubic feet with which to work, while 38 inches of rear-seat legroom should also be more than agreeable for most passengers. 

Standard features such as a 17.7-inch infotainment display, an 11-inch digital driver information display, automatic climate control, blind-spot steering assist, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic braking, and GM’s Teen Drive system are all included without incurring any extra costs. Of course, upgrades are available, but the Equinox EV is well-rounded and inexpensive enough that it should attract some new EV buyers. 

[Browse 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV listings here](https://www.autolist.com/chevrolet-equinox#year_min=2025&year_max=2025).

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<a name="5. 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E"></a>
### 5. 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E - $36,495

![2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1PNDyVejDFPG4g2nywQ7wA/cb9e98da41edb988873a69f5d883d94f/2025_Ford_Mustang_Mach-E_Exterior.jpg)

The Ford Mustang Mach-E would have been much further up this list last year, but Ford slashed its starting price by several thousand dollars for 2025. Ford has made changes to the lineup for 2025, too, but most of them affect optional upgrades and trim levels above the entry-level Select model. Still, the Mach-E offers buyers an attractive combination of features, styling, and drivability at its price point. 

![2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6DpS6YyzQAN65s9uRSwprW/a597028f51ac1bf48637a44ec99c8821/2025_Ford_Mustang_Mach-E_Interior.jpg)

Rear-wheel drive is standard, as are a 72-kWh battery pack, a single electric motor, and an EPA-estimated 250 miles of range. Ford says that buyers can fully charge their Mach-E overnight using a standard 240V home outlet, but they do offer an upgraded home charging station that speeds up the process. There's 264 horsepower on tap, and even with the cheapest model available, the Mach-E has a bit of fun ino its DNA when you get out on the road. 

It doesn't feelas special inside as some of the other vehicles on our list, but standard features such as a 15.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, lane-centering assist, and Ford’s BlueCruise automated driving system. One change that will affect the cheapest Mach-E model is the improvements made to that system, including an automated lane-change feature that Ford added for 2025.

[Browse 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E listings here](https://www.autolist.com/ford-mustang+mach+e#year_min=2025&year_max=2025).

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<a name="6. 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6"></a>
### 6. 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 - $37,750

![2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4naG2ivpRsyFpYtX3OgM6O/5c89ba74bd4cfd8d354f6bfacb8cb31d/2025_Hyundai_Ioniq_6_Exterior.jpg)

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 might be one of the most interesting-looking electric cars on sale today, but more interesting is its value, as the cheapest model starts at $37,750. That is substantially more than the Equinox EV, but Hyundai doesn't skimp on the features at its price point. 

![2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1b4dJxcrqkSxTFuGMBufFm/fd36a9abdcd2f95f69c0bd9e85475541/2025_Hyundai_Ioniq_6_Interior.jpg)

Similar to the Mustang Mach-E, the standard range Ioniq 6 model comes with a rear-wheel drive layout, courtesy of a single electric motor. The Ioniq 6 features a 53-kWh battery pack, an EPA-estimated 240 miles of range, an impressive DC-fast charging time of 18 minutes to recoup up to 80% of its battery life, and an equally impressive 135 combined MPGe fuel economy rating. The total powertrain output comes to 149 horsepower. 

It may not be blindingly fast, but just about any buyer will appreciate its long list of standard features, including its hands-free smart trunk, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 12,3-inch digital information display, dual-zone automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. 

Hyundai has not made any changes to the entry-level Ioniq 6 for the 2025 model year.

[Browse 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 listings here](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-ioniq+6#year_min=2025&year_max=2025).

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<a name="7. 2024 Nissan Ariya"></a>
### 7. 2024 Nissan Ariya - $39,590

![2024 Nissan Ariya Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1PLy9I343WG9mDaAkGvjzj/c0d3bab0178a80c07ebf74d0faf4cb43/2024_Nissan_Ariya_Exterior.jpg)

Despite information about the 2025 Nissan Ariya being scarce, new 2024 models are still available for purchase. Its sub-$40,000 starting price tag puts the electric SUV squarely in the middle of our list. As an all-new model for 2023, Nissan did not make any changes to the 2024 model, but that should be fine given its spacious interior, comfortable ride, relatively affordable starting price, and attractive styling. 

![2024 Nissan Ariya Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4Z5eTl7RtpYoRBUIF9ZAzd/d6db1ba0faa2906705cad424e96234f3/2024_Nissan_Ariya_Interior.jpg)

The least expensive Ariya models come with front-wheel drive, a 66-kWh battery pack, an electric motor, 214 horsepower, 216 miles of range, and an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 101 MPGe. 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space is available behind the rear seats, and the rear seats afford passengers 37 inches of legroom. Besides its ride comfort, there is a lot to love about the Ariya.

It comes standard with a 12-inch infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Bluetooth, torque vectoring, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and driver attention monitoring. A 240V charging station will recharge the battery in around 10 hours and, if you use DC fast charging, you can expect an 80% charge in around 35 minutes.

[Browse 2024 Nissan Ariya listings here](https://www.autolist.com/nissan-ariya#year_min=2024&year_max=2024).

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<a name="8. 2025 Kia Niro EV"></a>
### 8. 2025 Kia Niro EV - $39,600

![2025 Kia Niro EV Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7BsLQRYjdzTy9Jy8Bfxqkv/ff3e0834cd6725876a86a209bbd9145a/2025_Kia_Niro_EV_Exterior.jpg)

The Kia Niro EV is a small electric SUV that packs a huge punch. It starts at $39,600, and will not see any changes for the 2025 model year. That said, buyers who opt for the entry-level Wind trim will get features such as a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, blind-spot monitoring, a power liftgate, heated front seats, a power-operated driver’s seat, and wireless device connectivity. 

![2025 Kia Niro EV Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/57hSETrSisB75nDtD9rI1m/1ca98225d3d245550dc541dd0ff1b24a/2025_Kia_Niro_EV_Interior.jpg)

Powering the entry-level Niro EV is a 64.8-kWh battery pack and a single electric motor. Front-wheel drive is standard, but 201 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque are at your disposal. An EPA-estimated 253 miles of range is also a bit more than you get from the less expensive options on our list. The Niro EV offers up to 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats, an impressive number for a vehicle with only a 107.1-inch wheelbase.

Charging the Niro EV at a standard 240V home charging station should take around 7.5 hours, while a DC fast charge will get you 80% in around 45 minutes. Nothing about the Niro EV is sporty, but its peppy powertrain provides more than enough punch to get it up and going, outpacing both the plug-in hybrid and standard hybrid versions of itself to 60 MPH. 

[Browse 2025 Kia Niro EV listings here](https://www.autolist.com/kia-niro+ev#year_min=2025&year_max=2025).

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<a name="9. 2025 Volkswagen ID.4"></a>
### 9. 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 - Around $40,000

![2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1jPP2jI3kDP8j7PtEvQvH4/91e59fe25deee6551421ab70aa623afc/2025_Volkswagen_ID.4_Exterior.jpg)

The Volkswagen ID.4 is VW’s no-nonsense electric SUV that does most things well without shining particularly brightly in one specific area. Pricing for 2025 had not been released at the time of writing, but with 2024’s base MSRP sitting at $39,735, we suspect that it might be the first vehicle on our list to crack the $40,000 mark. Updates for the 2025 model year are few, but a new 12.9-inch touchscreen is making its way down to the bottom of the trim level ladder and impacting the cheapest model.

![2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2PIZh9Cza9zMLGKOLf2uh8/9d5b65b97036d0880f08f28486a58ec0/2025_Volkswagen_ID.4_Interior.jpg)

Standard models start with a 58-kWh battery pack, a single rear-mounted electric motor, 201 horsepower, and 206 miles of range. An EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 107 MPGe and a DC fast-charging time of just under 30 minutes is not bad for a vehicle of its size. There is 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and more than 64 cubic feet when they're folded.

In addition to the ID.4’s spacious interior, modest styling, comfortable ride, and the now-larger touchscreen for 2025, it provides buyers with plenty of reasons of other reasons to consider buying one. Volkswagen’s Digital ID Cockpit, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are just a few.

[Browse 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 listings here](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-id4#year_min=2025&year_max=2025).

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<a name="10. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5"></a>
### 10. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 - $41,800

![2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/70lhxeTwaqlVqRhlYWM6DV/bdd72491692b14d6506141445f1899b5/2024_Hyundai_Ioniq_5_Exterior.jpg)

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was slated to make its debut shortly after we wrote this article. It sports slightly tweaked styling, an updated infotainment system, some additional driver-assistance upgrades, and a slightly higher price tag than the 2024 model, but 2024 models are still available for a starting price of $41,800. It features unique styling, a pleasant cabin design, a long list of standard features, and a rear hatch to better accommodate cargo. 

![2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2iMklrConsqginJX2m889/2247f66b125df5ef60867450a2dcd07e/2024_Hyundai_Ioniq_5_Interior.jpg)

Standard range SE models come with 220 miles of range, courtesy of a 58-kWh battery pack and a single electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Its powertrain produces 168 horsepower and earns an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 110 MPGe. Much like its sibling, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the Ioniq 5 excels when it comes to DC fast charging, recouping up to 80% of its battery life in only 18 minutes. 

Heated front seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are all a part of its standard packaging. 

Even with its potential 2025 price increase, the Ioniq 5 rounds out our top 10 list, undercutting other electric vehicles such as the Volvo EX30, the Tesla Model 3, and even its corporate sibling, the Kia EV6. The Mini Cooper SE Hardtop, a model that had been on our list in 2024, has been replaced with a new Mini Cooper Countryman SE for 2025, with a starting MSRP of more than $45,000.

[Browse 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 listings here](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-ioniq+5#year_min=2024&year_max=2024).

Which of the latest electric cars is cheapest? We've got your complete list of cheapest EVs for 2024 and 2025 right here. 

These Are the Cheapest Electric Cars in 2025

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