Back to GuidesElectric vehicles are no longer just toys for rich geeks. As more manufacturers jump on the electric bandwagon, EVs are becoming more common and less expensive. With gas prices in constant flux, it may be the best time to go electric. You don’t have to bankrupt yourself with automakers like BMW, Audi, Volvo, or even a Tesla Model S to ride around in a comfortable EV with a relatively long range.
We have put together a list of the ten cheapest electric cars available in the US. Pricing includes destination fees but does not include any tax credits or other incentives.
Be sure to check the availability of the Federal tax credit or other state incentives when pricing out a potential electric car purchase, as some of the qualifications have recently changed. Read on for a list of the most affordable EVs you can purchase right now.
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV: $26,595
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is the cheapest EV currently for sale in the US after a significant price drop for the 2023 model year, but for its bargain sticker price, it does have some compelling features and a reasonable range. The interior is more spacious than might be expected in a vehicle of this size, with comfortable seating for four adults. Other amenities include a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. To get popular features like heated seats and adaptive cruise control, buyers will have to upgrade to 2LT trim.
The Chevy Bolt EV has a single electric motor making 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The Bolt is available with front-wheel drive only. Though the numbers are not impressive, the Bolt EV has more than enough power for everyday driving. The Bolt EV features a 66.0 kWh battery pack with liquid cooling. The EPA-estimated range is a very useful 259 miles per charge, and the Chevy Bolt features DC fast charging for adding about 100 miles in a 30-minute charge. With a base price below most plug-in hybrids, you can get a full electric capable of handling an above-average commute.
Browse 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV listings here.
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV: $28,195
The Bolt EUV also benefits from a sizable price decrease for the 2023 model year. The Bolt EUV is largely an SUV-ified version of the Bolt EV, though it lacks key SUV features like all-wheel drive. Larger overall dimensions mean the interior space is increased over the “normal” Bolt, with an even more spacious back seat. The rear hatch opens to a smallish storage area, that is adequate but not cavernous.
The Bolt EUV is equipped with a 200-horsepower electric motor driving the front wheel. A 65.0 kWh battery pack gives the Bolt EUV a competitive 247 miles of range according to EPA estimates. The Bolt also offers decent acceleration, getting to 60 miles per hour in under seven seconds. For the price, the Bolt EUV is one of the most practical and affordable EVs currently on the market.
Browse 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV listings here.
2023 Nissan Leaf: $28,895
The Nissan leaf compares favorably to the competition when it comes to price, but doesn’t have the range and features to be a true contender in the segment. Lacking the power and range in base trim to compete with most models in the segment, the Leaf still may be a good choice for certain buyers. Those less concerned with range may like the extremely comfortable front seats, spacious cargo area, and standard safety features.
The lowest-priced Nissan Leaf is S trim, which is equipped with a 40kWh lithium-ion battery pack good for up to 149 miles of range. S models are powered by a 147-horsepower electric motor. To step up to the SV trim with a larger battery, more power, and added range buyers will have to spend an additional $8,000 above the starting price, making the Leaf much less of a bargain.
Browse 2023 Nissan Leaf listings here.
2023 MINI COOPER SE Hardtop: $35,075
The Mini Cooper SE is one of the least expensive and most fun-to-drive EVs currently for sale. The Cooper SE has classic Mini looks, complemented by some of the funkiest wheels on any car in 2023. Inside, quality materials and standard features like dual-zone climate control and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, make the little car seem like a value. Though the mini has a backseat it is not comfortable for adults, and overall cargo room is limited.
The Mini is powered by a 188 horsepower motor combined with a 28.9 kWh. Despite the relatively low horsepower and minuscule battery, the little EV scoots to 60 miles per hour in around six seconds. The one drawback to this tiny package is a range of just 110 miles. The small battery means charging times are kept down as well, from 0 to 85 percent in just 35 minutes.
Browse 2023 MINI COOPER SE Hardtop listings here.
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric: $35,295
Hyundai’s popular subcompact SUV maintains its lovable spirit when motivated by electrons, while also keeping the price low enough to be a compelling option. The gas-powered Kona is known for fun handling and the electric SUV is just as exciting, with slightly faster acceleration. Inside the Kona Electric offers nice, soft-touch material and well-thought-out front-seat ergonomics. Rear-seat and cargo room are below average for the class.
Power comes from a 201-horsepower motor and a 64 kWh battery, with an EPA estimated range of 258 miles. Though categorized as an SUV the Kona EV is not available with AWD. Included safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, combined with Hyundai’s best-in-class warranty, make the Kona EV seem like a great electric bargain.
2023 Volkswagen ID.4: $38,790
The VW ID.4 is a well-rounded people mover at a practical price. The ID.4 doesn’t stand out in any particular area, but has satisfactory stats in every category. Standard equipment includes a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a well-appointed interior, and a whisper-quiet cabin. Across all levels, the ID.4 offers a compelling alternative to the Ford Mustang Mach-E, at a lower price point.
In base Standard trim the VW ID.4 comes with a 58 kWh battery pack and a 201-horsepower motor driving the rear wheels. Standard range is estimated at a very reasonable 208 miles. Range of up to 275 miles can be optioned and dual-motor AWD is available as well, for an extra fee. All trims get DC fast charging for quicker top-ups at public chargers regardless of battery size. Bottom spec models offer adequate acceleration, with a 0-60 time of fewer than 8 seconds.
Browse 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 listings here.
2022 Kia Niro EV: $40,385
Because the Niro is based on a platform that also supports a gas and hybrid model, it is unable to take full advantage of the packaging arrangement available to bottom-up designed EVs like the Kia EV6. That doesn’t mean the Niro is not worth considering. The Niro EV has good range, acceptable power, and enough tech and luxury to validate its price tag. Base models get power seats, heated front seats, and a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Somehow, the car’s blocked-out body color grille makes its styling more distinctive in the EV category. Unfortunately, the Niro EV is not sold in all fifty states.
The Niro EV is powered by a 201-horsepower motor that drives the front wheels. Running to sixty miles per hour takes just over six seconds, and the interior is one of the quietest in the class. The 64.0kHw battery pack pushes the Niro EV to an estimated 239 miles of range, and standard DC fast charging means topping up the battery to 80% takes around an hour. The Kia also has excellent warranty coverage with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and battery warranty.
Browse 2022 Kia Niro EV listings here.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro: $41,769
Ford priced the F-150 Lightning Pro to appeal to fleet buyers, and those looking for an affordable electric work truck. The bare-bones Pro trim has fewer amenities and less range than what is available on higher-end models, but comes in with a much lower price tag. If you need an electric vehicle capable of towing, that has a bed, and with a standard AWD powertrain, the F-150 Lightning Pro is your least expensive option. If you can forgo the luxuries of trucks like the Rivian R1T or Hummer EV SUT, or even higher-end models of the F-150 Lightning you can save thousands of dollars over the closest competition. Base models still get a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, and cruise control, but other features are left for pricier models.
The Lightning Pro is only available with a 98.0-kWh battery pack and a serviceable 230 miles of range. That drivetrain does include 452 horsepower, 775 lb-ft of torque, and AWD as standard. Towing capacity is 7700 pounds is impressive for an EV in this price category, but expect a dramatic decrease in range while towing. An Extended-Range Pro trim is available to Fleet buyers, but not available to the general public.
Browse 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro listings here.
2022 Kia EV6: $42,695
The Kia EV6 shares much mechanically with its corporate cousin the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but with drastically different packaging. The styling is more futuristic than the retro Ioniq, and has a much more athletic and sporty presence. The interior is comfortable and spacious, with good storage behind the rear seats, despite its sloping hatchback design. One gripe held by many reviewers was the smaller than average front trunk. A 12.0-inch touchscreen is standard, but isn’t as polished or user friendly as other modern competition.
The base drivetrain is a 58.0-kWh battery pack paired with a 167 horsepower electric motor. In standard configuration the EV6 can go an estimated 232 miles between charges. The EV6 is also equipped with 350-kW fast charging capability, charging from 10 to 80 percent takes just about 20 minutes. A performance oriented EV6 GT is coming for the 2023 model year, with 576 horsepower, but the added performance would certainly push the EV6 off of this list of bargains.
Browse 2022 Kia EV6 listings here.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5: $42,745
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been a hit with reviewers thanks to its funky styling, roomy interior, and fun driving characteristics. Entry-level models have limited range and less power, but still feature a very livable interior, 350-kW DC fast-charging, and looks that stand out from the EV crowd. Safety features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking are included. Luxuries like heated front seats, proximity key with push button start, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation come standard and make the Ioniq 5 feel like a true bargain. The crossover shape with wheels pushed out to the corners makes the Ioniq appear smaller than it is, and means the interior space is maximized, with plenty of legroom for front and rear passengers.
Standard range models have a driving range of up to 220 miles on a charge. A 168-horsepower motor drives the rear wheels and is paired with a 58.0-kWh battery pack. Acceleration in the base model is not exciting, but offers plenty of juice for most drivers. A larger battery pack and all-wheel drive are available for drivers wanting more range or faster acceleration times. This is a Hyundai, so a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile battery and powertrain warranty are included as well.
