It seems like everyone is curious about the emerging all-electric car market. Everything is so new that judging which models are the best can be tricky. Many consumers are loyal to specific brands, but do those brands make an excellent electric vehicle?
Luckily, there are experts to ease some of our worries on the new endeavor, and with their help, we have compiled a list of 15 electric cars you may find to be surprisingly affordable!
1. Chevrolet Bolt EV
An excellent option for an electric vehicle on a budget, the Bolt EV has had much need for upgrades over the years. Drivers have complimented the upgrades in the entertainment centers, and the model has added Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The car is one of the cheaper options on the market, with a base price of $26,500.
2. Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Nope, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you; two different Chevrolet Bolts make the list of affordable electric vehicles. The EUV model stands for Electric Utility Vehicle. It is a stretched-out version of the EV—more like the size of a compact crossover. The EUV shares its little brother’s accolades as it uses the same powertrain and platform. The larger frame will only cost you a little more as it sells for $27,600.
3. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf delivers exactly what you want in an affordable electric car. This ride has few bells and whistles, just the standard navigation and Bluetooth entertainment. The Leaf simply delivers what you need, something it has been doing for the past ten years. The price sits at $29,000, a good deal in this category all in all.
4. Mini Cooper SE Hardtop
I was excited when Mini introduced their electric hard top model. The downside is that it has a minimal range, so commuting is not a good plan for the Mini. The cool part is it has 180 horsepower, which is a good kick for the small frame. Hopefully, it will grow and develop in the coming years, but this roadster will cost you $31,895.
5. Hyundai Kona
This electric offering from Hyundai is as sleek as it is efficient on the road. With over 200 horsepower, the car can get up and go. One of the better features of this model is its fast charging capabilities. It can go from a 10% charge to an 80% charge in less than an hour. These models are limited to specific states, so if you find one where you live, it’ll cost you just under $35k.
6. Mazda MX-30
The MX-30 is a newer addition to the Mazda family. It no doubt has some kinks to improve on, but car enthusiasts are convinced this could be a big hit for EV vehicles. The company went so far as to use vegan upholstery and recycled plastic for the dashboards and side walls. The downside is the range, which Mazda has addressed by offering loaner cars for road trips. All in all, the price for this crossover will be $35,485.
7. Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen electric vehicle is getting praise from car experts for its size and cargo capacity. One of the bigger models in the electric category, it looks and feels more like an SUV than a crossover. Drivers are also a fan of the smooth ride and turning radius. There are a couple of battery options for different prices, but the standard 6kWh battery will give you a range of 200 miles for a price of $40,290.
8. Tesla Model 3
Tesla is synonymous with all-electric vehicles. At one point, it seemed like the gold standard for gas-free cars. The Tesla Model 3 is still pretty affordable for the field. The Tesla crushes it in terms of driving range as it has a range of 272 miles—almost double the others that have made the list. It’s much cheaper than the other Tesla options, as the Model 3 comes in at $40,380.
9. Kia Niro EV
The Niro all-electric vehicle shares the same frame as the hybrid and plug-in hybrid of its alter egos. It has 200 horsepower, which seems enough for the hatchback/crossover frame. Its standard range is up to par with its peers, as it gets 253 miles per charge. The base model will cost $40,925. Kia keeps its standards high on this model as it is stylish and efficient.
10. Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Ioniq 6 has really been testing the Tesla models in recent years. Did they finally catch them in 2024? That is yet to be determined, but the 2023 Ioniq 6 has an incredible range of over 350 miles. The futuristic car will have heads turning on the highway. Hyundai knows it’s on the heels of greatness with this model. Look for this next time you want an upgrade. The Ioniq is still rather affordable at $42,715.
11. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Another excellent option for an electric vehicle under the Ioniq sub-brand is the Ioniq 5. The 5 model is bigger, making it more of a crossover than a sedan, but the specs are similar. Look for all-wheel or rear-wheel drive options on this model, and also note the 2,300-pound towing ability. The range is about a hundred miles shorter than the Ioniq 6, but the price tag is almost the same.
12. Ford Mustang Mach-E
I’m a big fan of the Mustang Mach-E. It looks nothing like the other Mustangs, which is a head-scratcher, but the car is still pretty sporty. It has 266 horsepower, which might be standard for a car of its size. It is more like a crossover than the sports car you probably think of when you hear Mustang. It’s nothing like the older Mustangs, but it looks like a fun ride. All in all, the car will set you back $42,995.
13. Audi Q4
Audi doesn’t really scream “affordable car.” Still, the all-electric Audi is not entirely out of touch with cost with this model. Audi is going for a compact luxury electric model. That is a new one. The interior definitely has the Audi touch. The range isn’t too bad, either, as it reaches up to 260 miles per charge. I want to say it is affordable, but that is relative. The Audi will cost just a hair under $50,000.
14. Polestar 2
Polestar is a newer brand that has made some buyers hesitant. Well, buyers should not worry. The company controlling Polestar also controls Volvo, a highly respected auto brand. Polestar balances on affordability and borderline luxury. Let’s just say they like their interior digital screens. That being said, it will be fun to see how this company evolves. Right now, their base model has a price tag of $48,400.
15. Toyota Prius Prime
A list of electric vehicles is only complete with one of the first to do it. The new Prius was upgraded with more power and a bigger battery. What can you say about the Prius? It’s a great electric car and continues to impress drivers. The price stays competitive at $32,350. Keep it up, Toyota—you are crushing it out there.