7 Affordable Electric Cars and What They Cost

The average new electric vehicle sells for $58,385, according to Kelley Blue Book. That’s prohibitively high for most families, no matter how much they stand to save in long-term ownership costs like gas and repairs.

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The good news is that high-price luxury models drag the average up. On the other end of the spectrum is a collection of highly-rated electric cars, SUVs and crossovers whose sticker prices were calculated with the common driver in mind.

The following is a look at the seven most affordable EVs on four wheels. All of them are under $40,000, six are under $35,000 and three come in with sub-$30,000 MSRPs — and that’s without federal and state incentives. Tax credits can bring the lowest-price models down into the low $20s or even the high teens.

Are you looking to give up gas in favor of a cleaner car that’s cheaper to drive and cheaper to own? Here’s a look at how you can stretch your dollars on the entry-level side of the EV market.

• $39,550

The Kia Niro EV boasts a liberating 253-mile range that creeps up to 298 miles in non-EPA AMCI testing. A stylish crossover with an athletic build and a low center of gravity, it comes standard with 20 safety-assist technology features, including auto emergency braking and blind-spot detection and avoidance.

It comes in nine colors and buyers get a comp for 500 kWh of charging credits on the Electrify America network, which equates to 1,750-2,000 free miles of driving.

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• $34,110

A range of just 100 miles hobbles the Mazda MX-30 EV, although Edmunds got 14% more in its own test. But for anyone looking for a daily-use electric car for short jaunts and commuting, charging is easy — it comes with a Level 1 cable compatible with household outlets and takes just 36 minutes to go from 20% to 80% at DC fast-charging stations.

The tradeoff for its modest range is a sleek exterior and an interior crafted from premium materials that come as close to luxury as you’ll find at this price.

• $33,550

A full charge on a Kona Electric SE will push its 201-horsepower engine for 258 miles. Unlike so many other budget EVs that appear to be little more than large toys, the Kona Electric SE has a robust appearance, sitting high on its 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, tech offerings include wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, an eight-inch color display and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. You’ll also get a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty and five years of unlimited-mile roadside assistance.

• $30,900

If the unique, zippy and adorable Mini Cooper SE has a drawback, it’s a constricting 114-mile range, which limits it mainly to service as a city ride or commuter car.

But Edmunds tested the affordable and otherwise awesome Mini and found that it can travel closer to 150 miles on a full charge — an improvement of more than 36% over its listed range.

That would give its 181 horses much more room to spread their legs, and when they’re exhausted, you can charge to 80% in 36 minutes at a fast DC station. The interior is packed with impressive tech for the price, but the exterior is where it shines — despite the battery inside, it’s 100% Mini on the outside.

Photo disclaimer: This image is for representational purposes only, and is not the exact model.

• $28,040

The Nissan Leaf’s 147 horsepower and 149 range are just satisfactory, but its MSRP is near best in class. Along with that bargain basement price, you get proven reliability — Leafs have traveled a collective two billion miles in the U.S. alone.

Recently redesigned, the 2023 Leaf has a whole new look that’s available in eight colors — and it’s not just a pretty face.

A Leaf purchase comes with a range of perks like an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, roadside assistance and EV charging assistance that includes the purchase and installation of a Wallbox home charging station.

• $27,800

The title of the least expensive electric SUV goes to the Chevy Bolt EUV, which provides 56.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, nearly identical to the 57 that you get with its more famous hatchback sibling.

A full charge will take you 247 miles, and if you upgrade to the Super Cruise Package, the Bolt EUV can take the wheel with hands-free driver assistance on 400,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada.

As a bonus, Chevy will spring for in-home Level 2 charging installation for eligible customers whether they purchase or lease an EUV or its compact counterpart, the Bolt LT.

• $26,500

The Chevy Bolt EV remains the least expensive electric car on the road. And, when you count the $7,500 federal tax credit, it’s one of the most affordable cars, period.

But it’s certainly not cheap.

Its impressive 259-mile range complements its punchy 200-horsepower engine, which generates 266-lb feet of near-instant electric torque. It can handle five passengers, and those who fail to call shotgun get 36 inches of legroom in the back — and it’s safe, too. Every Bolt LT comes with Chevy Safety Assist, a suite of features that includes front pedestrian braking, auto emergency braking and lane keep assist.

Photo disclaimer: 2022 model shown for representational purposes.