What Are The Most Affordable Electric Cars?
Contrary to the popular idea that electric cars are expensive, you can buy new budget-friendly EVs for less than $30K and used ones for even less.
Here are the most affordable electric vehicles on the market.
Here are the most affordable electric vehicles on the market.
One: Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is a low-cost EV that starts at $27,400. It is the longest-range affordable EV at almost 150 miles per charge and includes basic autonomous driving aids.
The base S model gives you up to 149 miles of EPA-rated range from its 40 kWh battery pack. It is loaded with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced safety assists like automatic emergency braking.
The SV Plus nets you a larger 62 kWh battery good for an impressive 212 mile range. It adds heated seats, LED lighting, a surround-view camera, and Nissan's ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.
With decent pep, fast charging capability, and a well-equipped interior, the Nissan Leaf proves you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy the EV lifestyle.
The base S model gives you up to 149 miles of EPA-rated range from its 40 kWh battery pack. It is loaded with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced safety assists like automatic emergency braking.
The SV Plus nets you a larger 62 kWh battery good for an impressive 212 mile range. It adds heated seats, LED lighting, a surround-view camera, and Nissan's ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.
With decent pep, fast charging capability, and a well-equipped interior, the Nissan Leaf proves you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy the EV lifestyle.
Two: Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Bolt EV starts at $26,500. For that compelling price, you get an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles with its 65 kWh battery pack.
Zip past gas stations with acceleration from its 200 hp electric motor that goes from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The compact Bolt surprises with a spacious interior that belies its exterior dimensions and up to 57 cubic feet of cargo space.
The base model comes loaded with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a full suite of active safety tech. With affordable pricing, usable range, engaging performance, and upscale tech, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is an outstanding EV value.
Zip past gas stations with acceleration from its 200 hp electric motor that goes from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The compact Bolt surprises with a spacious interior that belies its exterior dimensions and up to 57 cubic feet of cargo space.
The base model comes loaded with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a full suite of active safety tech. With affordable pricing, usable range, engaging performance, and upscale tech, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is an outstanding EV value.
Three: Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop
The MINI Cooper SE Electric Hardtop starts at $30,900. It provides a fun, quirky electric driving experience. Its 181 hp electric motor gives you quick acceleration from 0-60 in under 7 seconds, while the 28.9 kWh battery allows about 114 miles of range on a full charge.
You can fast charge to 80% in just 36 minutes using DC fast chargers. The premium interior comes loaded with features like heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. If you want more from your EV, the Electric Hardtop delivers both performance and personality.
You can fast charge to 80% in just 36 minutes using DC fast chargers. The premium interior comes loaded with features like heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. If you want more from your EV, the Electric Hardtop delivers both performance and personality.
Four: Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric starts at $32,675. The Hyundai Kona Electric model delivers compelling electric performance and range at an attainable price point. This compact electric SUV packs a potent 201 hp motor for zippy acceleration, while its 64 kWh battery provides up to 258 miles of driving range per charge.
The Kona Electric gives you affordable access to desirable EV tech like DC fast charging capability to regain 80% battery in under an hour. Inside, it features upscale amenities rarely found in budget EVs. It includes a large touchscreen infotainment system and available wireless charging pad. With its strong performance, long-range, and well-equipped modern interior, the Kona Electric brings exceptional value to the affordable EV team.
The Kona Electric gives you affordable access to desirable EV tech like DC fast charging capability to regain 80% battery in under an hour. Inside, it features upscale amenities rarely found in budget EVs. It includes a large touchscreen infotainment system and available wireless charging pad. With its strong performance, long-range, and well-equipped modern interior, the Kona Electric brings exceptional value to the affordable EV team.
Five: Mazda MX-30
The Mazda MX-30 starts at $33,470. The MX-30 takes a different approach as an affordable electric crossover. Its standout styling features rear half-doors and an eco-friendly interior with cork and recycled materials.
Mazda compromised range for lighter weight—the 35.5 kWh battery provides just 100 miles of EPA-estimated driving.
Performance is also modest, with the 143 hp motor taking around 9 seconds to hit 60 mph. While fast charging can add 60% in 36 minutes, the limited 100-mile range makes the $33,470 MX-30 more suited for city use than road trips. It's an intriguing but range-compromised affordable EV option.
Mazda compromised range for lighter weight—the 35.5 kWh battery provides just 100 miles of EPA-estimated driving.
Performance is also modest, with the 143 hp motor taking around 9 seconds to hit 60 mph. While fast charging can add 60% in 36 minutes, the limited 100-mile range makes the $33,470 MX-30 more suited for city use than road trips. It's an intriguing but range-compromised affordable EV option.
Six: Fister Ocean
The Fisker Ocean is a new premium electric SUV starting from $38,999. It offers a decent range of up to 360 miles and power outputs from 275 hp to 564 hp, depending on trim level.
The Ocean features include a large 17.1-inch touchscreen and "California Mode" with retracting windows.
Fisker has faced significant financial troubles and production challenges since the Ocean's 2023 launch, pausing output for 6 weeks in early 2024 despite over 63,000 initial reservations. Its long-term viability remains uncertain against established luxury EV competition.
The Ocean features include a large 17.1-inch touchscreen and "California Mode" with retracting windows.
Fisker has faced significant financial troubles and production challenges since the Ocean's 2023 launch, pausing output for 6 weeks in early 2024 despite over 63,000 initial reservations. Its long-term viability remains uncertain against established luxury EV competition.
Seven: Kia Niro EV
With a starting price of just $39,500, the Kia Niro EV undercuts many EV rivals while delivering an impressive 239 miles of EPA-rated range from its 64.8 kWh battery pack. The Kia Niro EV brings affordable long-range electric motoring to the compact crossover segment. The 201 hp motor provides zippy performance too. The Niro EV doesn't skimp on utility with up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
The base model is well-equipped with tech like a 10.25-inch touchscreen and wireless charging pad. The affordable Niro EV proves you don't need to overspend for a well-rounded modern EV experience.
The base model is well-equipped with tech like a 10.25-inch touchscreen and wireless charging pad. The affordable Niro EV proves you don't need to overspend for a well-rounded modern EV experience.
Eight: Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 starts at $40,630. The Tesla Model 3 brings the Tesla's cutting-edge electric performance and range to an affordable level. The base Standard Range Plus model offers an impressive 272 miles of EPA-rated range paired with instant electric torque. Those wanting supreme straight-line acceleration can opt for the Performance AWD variant that rockets to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds.
For road trippers, the Long Range AWD Model 3 delivers a remarkable 358-mile range for just $51,630. Every Model 3 comes equipped with desirable tech like a 15-inch central touchscreen, Autopilot driver aids, and over-the-air updates. With its electrifying performance and accessible pricing, the Model 3 makes Tesla's world-class EVs attainable for more buyers.
For road trippers, the Long Range AWD Model 3 delivers a remarkable 358-mile range for just $51,630. Every Model 3 comes equipped with desirable tech like a 15-inch central touchscreen, Autopilot driver aids, and over-the-air updates. With its electrifying performance and accessible pricing, the Model 3 makes Tesla's world-class EVs attainable for more buyers.
Nine: Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 starts at $43,975. It is an electric crossover with a range of up to 310 miles from its 77.4 kWh battery pack. It offers strong performance with up to 576 hp in the GT model that hits 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds.
The base trims come well-equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and driver aids. The EV6 supports 800V ultra-fast charging to add 70% battery in under 18 minutes. With a bold design, ample space, the EV6 brings premium electric driving to the masses.
The base trims come well-equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and driver aids. The EV6 supports 800V ultra-fast charging to add 70% battery in under 18 minutes. With a bold design, ample space, the EV6 brings premium electric driving to the masses.
Ten: Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at $43,995. The Ford Mustang Mach-E brings iconic pony car performance to the affordable electric SUV segment. With its extended-range battery pack, this electric muscle SUV can travel up to 312 miles on a single charge. For those who crave quicker thrills, the Mach-E GT unleashes 480 electrified horses for blistering 3.5 second 0-60 mph sprints—even the base model provides a punchy 266 hp.
The Mach-E also impresses with cutting-edge tech like Ford's massive 15.5-inch touchscreen and hands-free BlueCruise highway driving assist. DC fast charging capability lets you add 61 miles in just 10 minutes. The Mustang Mach-E brings electric performance, range, and smart features to an affordable level.
The Mach-E also impresses with cutting-edge tech like Ford's massive 15.5-inch touchscreen and hands-free BlueCruise highway driving assist. DC fast charging capability lets you add 61 miles in just 10 minutes. The Mustang Mach-E brings electric performance, range, and smart features to an affordable level.
Where is the Best Place to Buy an Electric Car?
If you’re planning to buy an electric car, you have the following options:
1. Buy a new EV from a dealership: for brands that use the dealership model, such as Ford, Nissan, and GM
2. Buy a new EV directly from the manufacturer: for brands that use the direct-to-consumer model, such as Tesla, Polestar, and Rivian
3. Buy a used EV from a dealer
4. Buy a used electric vehicle from a private seller
If you’re buying new and know which vehicle you want, your choice is made. You’ll be buying from a dealership or directly from the manufacturer—depending on your chosen brand’s distribution model.
If you’re buying used, you’re usually better off buying from a private seller. Here at PrivateAuto, we make the private-party transaction easy and secure. Skip the pesky dealer documentation fee and markup and get more EV for your buck when you transact peer-to-peer on PrivateAuto.
From instant payments to secure communications, we give you the power to drive the deal on your terms. That’s why we’re the best place to buy a used car (including an electric car) online.
We have a wide selection of non-electric vehicles for sale as well.
Browse our full selection of vehicles for sale by owner.
1. Buy a new EV from a dealership: for brands that use the dealership model, such as Ford, Nissan, and GM
2. Buy a new EV directly from the manufacturer: for brands that use the direct-to-consumer model, such as Tesla, Polestar, and Rivian
3. Buy a used EV from a dealer
4. Buy a used electric vehicle from a private seller
If you’re buying new and know which vehicle you want, your choice is made. You’ll be buying from a dealership or directly from the manufacturer—depending on your chosen brand’s distribution model.
If you’re buying used, you’re usually better off buying from a private seller. Here at PrivateAuto, we make the private-party transaction easy and secure. Skip the pesky dealer documentation fee and markup and get more EV for your buck when you transact peer-to-peer on PrivateAuto.
From instant payments to secure communications, we give you the power to drive the deal on your terms. That’s why we’re the best place to buy a used car (including an electric car) online.
We have a wide selection of non-electric vehicles for sale as well.
Browse our full selection of vehicles for sale by owner.
Buying an EV FAQ
What is the cheapest electric car with the longest range?
With a driving range of up to 258 miles, the Hyundai Kona Electric offers the longest driving range among budget-friendly EVs. The Kona starts at $32,675.