Your Guide to the Top 20 Affordable Electric Cars
Are you interested in making the switch to an electric vehicle? There are many advantages to this type of sustainable transportation — less maintenance, the latest technology, and the ability to reduce your carbon footprint, just to name a few! But are you thinking an electric vehicle equals a high price tag?
Fortunately, as the global push for electric vehicles continues to soar, there’s been an increase in production and availability from top, trusted manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Ford, and Volvo, as well as popular EV brands such as BMW, Audi, and Tesla.
An electric vehicle doesn’t have to break the bank — let’s explore the most affordable options.
Table of Contents
- The Benefits of Electric Vehicles
- At a Glance: 20 Most Affordable Electric Cars
- In Detail: 20 Most Affordable Electric Cars
- Which Electric Car Is Right for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Total Cost of Ownership
First, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), which is a term used to describe the purchase price of your EV plus all the costs of operations (charging equipment, maintenance, and so on) over the lifespan of the vehicle. While the total cost of ownership can be hard to calculate, it’s been proven that EVs have a lower TCO than gas-powered vehicles. Factors that influence this include the purchase price, cost of fuel per mile, maintenance costs, registration costs, and rebates.
Reduced Maintenance
Since EVs have fewer parts and fluids to change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, they require less maintenance, which means lower overall lifetime maintenance costs. It’s important to note that plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) will have similar maintenance requirements to gas-powered vehicles since they have internal combustion engines (ICEs).
Environmentally-Friendly
EVs are more energy efficient than ICE vehicles since they use less (or no) fuel. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. Conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 12%–30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.” Plus, EVs do not emit tailpipe pollutants.
Technology
Electric vehicle technology is continuously evolving. In addition to the core technology features of the car — batteries and charging equipment — EVs offer a variety of fun features powered by technology that depend on the make and model. Tesla, for example, offers everything from “Caraoke” and autopark to Smart Summons and Bioweapon Defense Mode.
Meets Urban Regulations
Since EVs don’t generate tailpipe emissions, they aren’t held to vehicle idle laws like ICE vehicles. This is a huge benefit for taxi, rideshare, and last mile delivery drivers.
At a Glance: 20 Most Affordable Electric Cars
Here’s a quick overview of the most affordable electric vehicles. Please note that they are not ranked in any particular order.
Affordable Electric Compact Cars
Affordable Electric SUVs
7. 2023 Kia EV6
10. 2023 Toyota bZ4X
Affordable Electric Premium Vehicles
12. 2023 Audi Q4 40 E-Tron Premium
13. 2023 BMW i4
15. 2023 Polestar 2
Affordable Plug-In Hybrids
19. 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
In Detail: 20 Most Affordable Electric Cars
Now let’s take a closer look at each vehicle.
1. 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron Premium
Promoted as one of the brand’s most attainable premium electric SUV models, the Audi Q4 e-tron has an ample number of technological and safety features.
- Starting price: $48,800
- Models: Quattro
- Notable safety features: Audi pre-ense? front, Audi side assist, augmented reality heads-up display, adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance
- Cargo Space: 53.1ft3
- Range: Up to 265 miles
- Charging information: Battery charge time in approx. 36 minutes (charged from 5% to 80% at a public DC fast charger)
- Notable awards: 2023 Green Car of the Year Award — Green Car Journal
2. 2023 BMW i4
BMW brand loyalists can rest easy knowing that the i4 has precision handling with a low center of gravity for an aerodynamic and smooth ride.
- Starting price: $55,900
- Models: i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50
- Notable safety features: Active blind spot detection, lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, and city collision mitigation
- Cargo Space: 10 ft³
- Range: i4 eDrive40 — up to 301 miles; i4 M50 — Up to 270 miles
- Charging information:
Source: BWM - Notable Awards: Premium Electric Car of the Year 2023: BMW i4 by Auto Express
3. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
The Chevy Bolt EUV is a spacious SUV-style vehicle. It’s the first Chevy available with Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assistance technology.
- Starting price: $27,200
- Models: Chevy Bolt EUV Premier and Chevy Bolt EUV LT
- Notable safety features: Automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, following distance indicator, and IntelliBeam?
- Cargo Space: 57 ft3
- Range: Up to 247 miles
- Charging Information: 11.5kW Level 2 charging capability
- Notable Awards: 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV Wins Urban Green Car Of The Year Award
4. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevy Bolt EV is a stylish, affordable EV. Despite its compact size, it has a roomy and comfortable interior and ample cargo space.
- Starting price: $25,600
- Models: Bolt EV 1LT and Bolt EV 2LT
- Notable safety features: Automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, following distance indicator, and IntelliBeam
- Cargo Space: 57 ft3
- Range: Up to 259 miles
- Charging Information: 11.5kW Level 2 charging capability
5. 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is stylish both inside and out and has sporty handling and acceleration.
- Starting price: $54,975
- Models: GT, Premium, and California Route 1
- Notable safety features: Ford Co-Pilot360, FordPass App, Ford BlueCruise
- Cargo Space: 59.7 ft³
- Range: Up to 314 Miles
- Charging information: The 120V outlet is estimated to add an average range of 3 miles per charging hour, while the 240V adds an average of 20 miles per charging hour.
- Notable Award: Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2023 by Consumer Report and Ford Mustang Mach-E Now A Top Three World Car Of The Year Finalist
6. 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric*
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is Hyundai’s first foray into the electric vehicle ecosystem. It’s available in limited quantities at select dealerships.
- Starting price: $42,745
- Models: Ioniq 5 Se Standard Range, Ioniq 5 SE, Ioniq 5 SEL, and Ioniq 5 Limited
- Notable safety features: Highway driving assist II, remote smart parking assist, blind spot view monitor
- Cargo Space: 59.3 ft³
- Range: Up to 303 miles
- Charging Information:
- Notable Awards: World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year, and World Car Design Of The Year by World Car Awards. The Ioniq 5 recently won EV of the year from Car and Driver.
*Information from Car and Driver
7. 2023 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid*
The Hyundai Ioniq is a compact hatchback ideal for short commutes. Customers report smooth driving from electric to gas.
- Starting price: $24,000
- Models: SE, PHEV, SEL, and Limited
- Notable safety features: Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane following/lane keeping assistance
- Cargo Space: 23 ft3
- Range: Up to 258 miles
- Charging Information: About 2 hours and 15 minutes with a 240-volt supply.
- Notable Awards: One of the Best Best Hybrid Cars for 2023 — U.S News & World Report
*Information from Kelley Blue Book
8. 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric*
The Kona Electric is part of Hyundai’s goal for carbon neutrality by 2024. This SUV is packed with technology, style, and safety features.
- Starting price: $33,550
- Models: SEL and Limited
- Notable safety features: Blind spot collision avoidance-assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection
- Cargo Space: 45.8 ft3
- Range: Up to 258 miles
- Charging Information:
- Notable Awards: 2023 US ALG Residual Value Award from Hyundai Wins JD Power
Note: Currently, the Kona Electric is only sold in CA, CO, CT, ME, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OR, RI, VT & WA.
*Information from Kelley Blue Book
9. 2023 Kia EV6*
The Kia EV6 is an aerodynamic 5-seater that offers a fun, exciting drive for both drivers and passengers with towing capabilities of up to 2,300 pounds.
- Starting price: $43,000
- Models: EV6 Light (RWD), EV6 Wind (RWD), EV6 Wind (e-AWD), EV 6 GT-Line (RWD), and EV 6 GT-Line (e-AWD)
- Notable safety features: Blind spot detection technology, auto emergency braking technology with junction turning and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist with lane following assist, safe exit assist
- Cargo Space: 54 ft3
- Range: 310 miles
- Charging information: The EV6 works with both 400v and 800v DC fast chargers. Using an 800v DC fast charger provides up to 217 miles of range in only 18 minutes.
- Notable awards: 2023 Winter Vehicle Award for Best Electric Vehicle by New England Motor Press Association
*Information from Car and Driver
10. 2023 Kia Niro EV EX*
The Kia Niro EV is a popular electric vehicle and boasts a quiet, smooth ride.
- Starting price: $42,000
- Models: EX and EX Premium
- Notable safety features: Forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind spot collision warning, navigation-based smart cruise control, curve with highway driving assist, lane following assist, rear cross-traffic collision warning
- Cargo Space: 63 ft3
- Range: Up to 253 miles
- Charging information: Add 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes on compatible 100 kW DC fast chargers.
- Notable Awards: Highest customer satisfaction in the mass market BEV segment from J.D. Power
*Information from Car and Driver
11. 2023 Kira Niro Plug-In Hybrid*
The Kia Niro is a sporty plug-in hybrid with modern driver assist technologies and a comfortable and roomy cabin.
- Starting price: $27,785
- Models: LXS, EX, and EX Premium
- Notable safety features: Enhanced auto emergency braking technology with cyclist detection, lane following assist, smart cruise control with stop and go, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert
- Cargo Space: 54.5 ft3
- Range: 26 miles of All-Electric Range and 105 MPGe
- Charging information: Level 1: 8–10 hrs
- Notable Awards: Small SUV of the Year 2023 by Auto Express
*Information from Car and Driver
12. 2023 Mazda MX-30
The MX-30 is Mazda’s first all-electric vehicle. It has a sleek interior and cabin but a small battery pack and poor range compared to other EVs.
- Starting price: $33,470
- Models: MX-30 EV and Premium Plus
- Notable safety features: blind spot monitoring/assist, lane departure warning, radar cruise control, driver attention alert, smart brake support, reverse drive detection
- Range: Up to 100 miles
- Cargo Space: 21 ft3
- Charging information: With Level 3 DC fast: 20% to 80% in 36 minutes
- Notable awards: One of the Best Electric SUVs of 2023 and 2023 by Kelley Blue Book
13. 2023 MINI Cooper SE
This innovative MINI Cooper supports the company’s commitment to protecting the environment globally. As a bonus, MINI Cooper has a partnership with Polar Bears International to help protect the long-term survival of the species.
- Starting price: $34,225
- Models: Cooper Hardtop 2 Door, Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door, John Cooper Works Hardtop, and Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door
- Notable safety features: Lane departure warning, active driving assistant, pedestrian and front collision warning with city collision mitigation
- Cargo Space: Up to 34 ft3
- Range: Up to 110 miles
- Charging Information:
Source: MINI USA
14. 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV*
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV sits at the intersection of style and functionality. With features such as dual zone climate control and a heated steering wheel, the Outlander is a comfortable drive.
- Starting price: $41,190
- Models: 2.4 SEL, 2.4 LE, and 2.4 GT
- Notable safety features: Advanced driver assistance systems, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning
- Cargo Space: 66.6 ft3
- Range: 74 miles (combined)
- Charging information:
- Level 1: <8 hours
- Level 2: <4 hours
- DC Fast Charging: 80% in 5 minutes
- Notable awards: Technology Car of the Year in 2021–2023 Car of the Year Japan Awards
*Information from Car and Driver
15. 2023 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf was built with advanced safety and driver assistance features. Drivers can utilize a mobile app to control the car temperature, lock doors, and much more.
- Starting price: $28,040
- Models: Nissan LEAF S and Nissan LEAF SV PLUS
- Notable safety features: Nissan LEAF driver assistance, ProPILOT Assist, Safety Shield® 360, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, rear automatic braking
- Cargo Space: Up to 30 ft3
- Range: Up to 212 miles with 60 kWh battery; 149 miles with 40 kWh battery
- Charging information: CHAdeMO charging connector
Source: Nissan
16. 2023 Polestar 2*
The Polestar 2 boasts a sleek interior and user-friendly infotainment system. The Polestar engines offer quick acceleration, even on hills.
- Starting price: $49,800
- Models: Long Range Single Motor and Long Range Dual Motor
- Notable safety features: Run-off road mitigation, oncoming lane mitigation, lane keeping aid, post-impact braking, connected safety
- Cargo Space: 14.3 ft³
- Range: Up to 270 miles
- Charging information: A 40-minute charge at a fast charging station should be enough to charge the Polestar 2’s battery to 80%.
- Notable Awards: New Car of the Year, Most Loved Car, and Best Premium Electric Car of 2023 from Auto Trader UK
*Information from Car and Driver
17. 2023 Tesla Model 3*
As a part of the Tesla family, the Model 3 was created with a focus on safety. With features like autopilot, auto change lanes, and autopark, the Model 3 is a more affordable way to purchase a Tesla.
- Starting price: $48,000
- Models: Model 3, Model S, and Model Y
- Notable safety features: Enhanced autopilot, full self-driving capability, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot collision warning, lane departure avoidance
- Cargo Space: 23 ft3
- Range: Up to 358 miles
- Charging information: Recharge up to 175 miles in 15 minutes at Tesla Supercharger locations.
- Notable awards: Best Electric Vehicle of 2023 by Cars.com (Model Y)
*Information from Edmunds
18. 2023 Toyota bZ4X
The sleek, athletic Toyota bZ4X comes with the option of AWD or FWD. With its 12.3-inch multimedia display, comfy cabin and aerodynamic build, it’s sure to be a fan favorite.
- Starting price: $42,000
- Models: XLE and Limited
- Notable safety features: Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, Star Safety System™, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert
- Cargo space: 56.1 ft3
- Range: XLE: Up to 252 miles; Limited: Up to 242 miles
- Charging information: In optimal conditions, it can take the following amount of time to charge bZ4X:
- Level 1: You can go from Low Battery Light to 100% fully charged in about 50 hours.
- Level 2: Charge from Low Battery Light to 100% fully charged in about 9.5 hours.
- Level 3: Charge from Low Battery Light to 80% in as quickly as about 30 minutes (FWD) or about 60 minutes (AWD).
- Notable awards: Nominated for 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year
19. 2023 Toyota Prius Prime*
The Toyota Prius Prime has an ample amount of cargo space, advanced tech and safety features, and an upscale cabin.
- Starting price: $26,000
- Models: LE, XLE, and Limited
- Notable safety features: Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 (TSS 2.0), pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist
- Cargo Space: 19.8 ft³
- Range: 54 estimated MPG /133 MPGe; EPA-estimated 25 miles of driving range in EV Mode on a full charge
- Charging information: 5 hours and 30 minutes with standard (120v)
- Notable awards: One of the Best Best Hybrid Cars for 2023 from U.S News & World Report
*Information from Edmunds
20. 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro
The ID.4 Pro is a striking SUV with a spacious, comfortable cabin with a variety of safety features and a connected mobile app.
- Starting price: $37,495
- Models: ID.4 Standard, ID.4 Pro, ID.4 AWD Pro, ID.4 Pro S, ID.4 AWD Pro S, and ID.4 AWD Pro S Plus
- Notable safety features: Active blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, front assist, emergency assist, lane assist
- Cargo Space: 64.2 ft3
- Range: Up to 275? miles
- Charging information: With a Level 2 charger, you can obtain a full charge overnight in about 7.5 to 11.5 hours.
- Notable awards: VW Wins Again With Space-Age UX in ID.4 | WardsAuto
Which Electric Car Is Right for You?
Since there are a variety of EVs on the market (with more being added), selecting the right one may seem overwhelming. Here are some questions that will help:
- What is your budget? Remember to factor in your down payment, monthly payments, interest rate, charging equipment, and insurance.
- Will you be using your EV for business, personal, or both? In other words, how far will you be traveling on a regular basis?
- What features are most important to you? Every car is different. Are you looking for something with a lot of bells and whistles? The latest technology? The most advanced safety features? Figure out which features are in your “must have” column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest electric car?
Prices are subject to change but, as of now, the most affordable electric car is the 2023 Chevy Bolt at $25,600.
What is the most affordable electric SUV?
Prices are subject to change but, as of now, the most affordable electric SUV is the 2023 Mazda MX-30 at $33,470.
What is the most affordable plug-in hybrid?
Prices are subject to change but, as of now, the most affordable plug-in hybrid is the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Plug-In Hybrid at $24,000.
What is the average range of an electric vehicle?
The range will depend on the make and model. Some vehicles can go up to 100 miles on a full charge while others can exceed 300 miles.
What is the lifespan of an electric car battery?
The average lifespan is anywhere from 15-20 years, but battery technology is still evolving, which means it will likely increase in the coming years. Batteries will also become cheaper, smaller, and lighter.
Do electric vehicles lose their charge when parked?
EVs can handle extended periods of inactivity very well — even better than internal combustion engines.
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