With prices for nearly everything rising lately, it might be hard to imagine a new electric vehicle that costs less than $40,000 — or even less than $30,000. Not only is it possible to buy an affordable new EV, but there are more and more on the road every week. With so many models to choose from, it can be hard to know you’re making the right choice. Fortunately, we’re here to help.
Here are 10 of the cheapest electric cars available today. Prices below do not include federal or state rebates or incentives or destination, tax, title, or licensing fees. Prices can vary depending on vehicle availability and your region, so check inventory to see what’s available in your area.
See: New 2023 EV tax incentives: How they work, which cars qualify, and where to get even more savings
1. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt — $26,500
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt‘s combination of affordability and significant range make it a real value in the EV segment. The Bolt EV is the least-expensive new EV in America, with a range of 259 miles. This year’s starting price is a screaming deal, marked down $5,900 from last year. The base Bolt 1LT comes with a robust set of included features, such as LED exterior lighting, heated side mirrors, and keyless entry. For those seeking a little more space, the slightly more expensive Bolt EUV offers 247 miles of range for a starting price of $27,800.
2. 2023 Nissan Leaf — $28,040
A longtime front-runner in the affordable EV segment, the 2023 Nissan
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Leaf is nearly as cheap as the Bolt and Bolt EUV. And these three are the only models on our list to start below $30,000. While the Leaf used to be a short-range-only EV, the newest model starts with 149 miles of range and can be configured with up to 212 miles. The base Leaf S includes smartphone integration, LED taillights, and generous standard safety features.
3. 2023 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop — $30,900
You might not associate Mini with affordability. However, in the case of the 2023 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop, you get all of that Mini personality and an affordable price tag and 114 miles of all-electric range. That’s considerably less than even the base Leaf, but it’s more than enough for an urban commute. In addition, it can be charged to 80 percent in just 36 minutes.
4. 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric — $33,550
With all of the practicality and handsome design of the conventional internal combustion model, the 2023 Hyundai
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Kona Electric packs lots of utility and comfort into its efficient electric platform, plus 258 miles of range. Base models include wireless smartphone integration, cloth upholstery, and lots of standard driver-assist features.
See: How to Save $7,500 on an EV Even if It Doesn’t Qualify for a Tax Credit
5. 2023 Mazda MX-30 — $34,110
Another shorter-range EV, the 2023 Mazda
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MX-30, offers unique styling, sporty driving dynamics, and an individual approach to electric urban and suburban motoring. It’s only offered for sale in California and limited to 100 miles of range. But if you live in California and have a reasonable commute, it might be a great fit for you.
6. 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 — $38,995
Coming from a brand like Volkswagen
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you expect the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 to be familiar and capable, and it is. In fact, while the interior is a bit more high-tech and futuristic than the rest of the VW lineup, driving the ID.4 can feel surprisingly ordinary. With 209 miles of range in base form, the ID.4 splits the difference between longer-range models and city EVs.
Related: The 2023 Kia EV6 vs. the VW ID.4: Two very different approaches to going electric
7. 2023 Kia Niro EV — $39,550
The 2023 Kia Niro EV is the all-electric counterpart to the hybrid and plug-in hybrid Niro models. It has 253 miles of range in a compact hatchback/SUV format. That puts it firmly in the mix with the likes of the Bolt EUV and the Kona Electric. Base-level Niro EV models include proximity keyless entry, dual 10.25-inch displays, and Highway Driving Assist 2 is available as an option.
8. 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 — $41,450
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers remarkable value also while making it onto this list of the 10 cheapest new EVs. It has a futuristic style, a spacious and practical cabin, excellent safety ratings, and 220 miles of range, as well as an affordable starting price at its base level.
Read more: The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5: This highly-rated futuristic SUV is at the forefront of a fresh wave of electric vehicles
9. 2023 Toyota bZ4X — $42,000
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is oddly named and wears a funky exterior design. But below the surface, it’s all Toyota
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with the utility, comfort, and ease of use the brand is known for. Up to 252 miles of range, smartphone integration, LED exterior lighting, heated side mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, leather seating surfaces, and much more are all included in the base model, too.
Check out:The 2024 Honda Prologue: Honda’s new electric SUV is attractive and spacious. When can you get one?
10. 2023 Tesla Model 3 — $42,990
A Tesla? Yes, a Tesla
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is on our list of one of the most affordable new EVs. The 2023 Tesla Model 3 starts considerably cheaper than previous models and offers 272 miles of range in base rear-wheel-drive form. While you won’t find Apple
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CarPlay or Android Auto in a Tesla, you get Tesla’s software platform. This platform has access to upgrades like Autopilot and Tesla’s Supercharger network for easy access to high-speed charging.
This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.
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