For some people, buying an electric vehicle seems out of reach. The good news is that there are now more choices of models than ever before, and with more EVs on the market, prices have gone down. While you can still spend almost $100,000 on a luxury EV, there are plenty of models well under $50,000. We’ve rounded up 10 of the cheapest electric vehicles for sale in the US, from the basic to the futuristic. Have a look, and just maybe there is something that fits your budget and your taste.
1. Nissan Leaf
The Leaf is about as cheap as it gets for an EV, starting at under $30,000. This model is without some of the bells and whistles that higher-end EVs, have, but it is fairly roomy and has good cargo space. You’ll also get a touchscreen infotainment system and good safety ratings.
Price: $27,400
Range: 149 miles for the standard model
Charging time: Up to 80% charged in 40 minutes with the fastest charging capability.
2. Chevrolet Bolt EUV
This “electric utility vehicle” boasts a longer range than the slightly cheaper Leaf. You can also configure the car to include features like Super Cruise driver-assistance to use on compatible roads. The Bolt has good pick-up for an affordable EV, going 0-60 mph in 7 seconds.
Price: $33,500 for the standard model
Range: 247 miles
Charging time: About 5 hours to go from zero to 80% charged with standard charging.
3. Mazda MX-30
This crossover EV from Mazda has a distinct look and was designed for how Americans get around each day. Its lower range is more suitable for commuting than long road trips. The standard model has a moonroof, and driver assistance features like radar cruise control and a driver attention alert.
Price: $33,470 for the standard model
Range: 100 miles
Charging time: From 20% to 80% charged in 35 minutes
4. 2023 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop
This 2-door hardtop EV comes with all of the features you expect in a standard MINI Cooper but with customized wheels and front and back grills that set it apart. Inside you get ambient lighting and features like a lane departure warning with both visual signals and a vibrating steering wheel to alert you if you start to drift.
Price: $33,900
Range: 114 miles
Charging time: Up to 80% in 36 minutes using quick charge.
5. Hyundai Kona EV
This compact SUV has a generous range and is a good choice if you want a compact EV at a good price. The Kona has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and features like parking guidance. However, the standard model doesn’t have smart cruise control like others on our list. It also has less cargo room and rear seating than other cheap EV models. If you want a basic EV with great range, the Kona might be for you.
Price: $34,000 for the standard model
Range: 258 miles
Charging time: from 10% to 80% in 47 minutes with quick charge
6. Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is yet another crossover SUV on our list and features several perks for its price. There is a range of driver-assistance features including lane keeping and smart cruise control. There is also a voice-commanded navigation system. The Niro also has a roomy interior and a good amount of cargo room compared to similar models.
Price: $39,990 for the standard model
Range: 239 miles
Charging time: up to 80% in 1 hour with the fastest charging capability.
7. Ford F-150 Lighting
As one of the only electric pickup trucks on the market, Ford has seen high demand for its new F-150 Lightning model. You can tow and haul like you would with a regular Ford truck, but without the high gas prices. Among the features you get is a “frunk”, which is an enclosed trunk under the hood where you would normally find an engine in a conventional vehicle. You can tow up to 10,000 pounds, haul up to 2,000 pounds in the truck bed, and go from 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. Like some other EVs, you can also use the truck to power your home in case of outages.
Price: $39,947 for the standard model
Range: 320 miles
Charging time: From 15%-100% in about 8 hours on a home charging station, or about 20 hours when on the road.
8. Kia EV6
When you drive this futuristic crossover, you get innovative features like dual panoramic screens and room for 5 passengers. You can also add an optional augmented-reality heads-up display. The EV6 has good passenger space and ample cargo space for its size.
Price: $40,900 for the standard model
Range: 310 miles
Charging time: Up to 80% in 63 minutes with fast charging.
9. Volkswagen ID.4
The ID.4 is yet another crossover SUV on our list, but this one is a bit different. Its futuristic interior and sleek exterior are appealing and you get a good amount of passenger and cargo room compared to other models. You will also get a touchscreen infotainment system, but be aware that there are no physical controls for anything, and expect a learning curve on how to access everything when you first get the vehicle. The ID.4 also has optional all-wheel drive, in case you live somewhere with challenging terrain or lots of snow.
Price: $41,230
Range: 280 miles
Charging time: Fully charged in 40 minutes with a fast public DC charger
10. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 has a unique exterior and a roomy interior that will suit a wide range of needs. Its super-fast charging capability means you can get to 80% charged in 25 minutes or less, with the right charger. While the super-modern exterior may not be for everyone, the Ioniq 5 has gotten high marks, including 2022 World Electric Vehicle of the Year.
Price: $44,000 for the standard model
Range: 303 miles
Charging time: From 10% to 80% charged in 25 minutes or less with rapid charging
