The Latest Affordable EV Cars
With competition heating up, pricing is starting to come down in the electric vehicle space as we cover in this rundown of the latest affordable EV cars.
Less Expensive EVs
As competition continues to heat up and the new electric vehicle (EV) tax credit structure put in place by the Inflation Reduction Act kicks in, there are more affordable EV cars than ever – with additional options on the horizon. As exciting as the 1,200 horsepower Lucid Air Sapphire is, it costs as much as a small house. So, by affordable we mean in the neighborhood of $30,000.
The field of players continues to grow in affordable EV space as automakers keep dropping their prices.
Chevy Bolt
The Chevy Bolt has been a leader in the affordable EV cars conversation since it arrived six years ago. But back then, the starting price was closer to $40,000. Then, in 2022, General Motors slashed pricing across the Bolt lineup by some $6,000. There was a slight price bump earlier this year, but the base Bolt 1LT still comes in at $27,495 making it the cheapest EV for sale at the moment. For that outlay, buyers can enjoy a solid 259-mile range. And for an extra $1,300, the larger EUV variant stays well under $30,000 while offering more cargo space.
Our 2023 Bolt review dives deep into what to expect from this EV, however, GM announced the end production for the Chevy Bolt in 2023 to make way for the new Chevy Equinox EV, so act fast if you want to a new one. Otherwise, you can shop around for a deal on a used one.
Nissan Leaf
If an EV can be considered legacy, the Nissan Leaf would qualify. On sale for more than 10 years, the second-gen Leaf made waves by cutting prices from about $4,000 to over $6,000, depending on trim, last year. That means a base S model stickers for just $29,135 and brings Apple and Android connectivity, forward collision mitigation (FCM), and a lane-keeping system (LKS). However, the entry-level Leaf only offers a driving range of 149 miles. The 215-mile range on tap with the SV Plus model requires a big step up in price to $37,135 though it also includes ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving capability, heated front seats, and other amenity upgrades. You can see how the Leaf stacks up against the Bolt here.
Mini Cooper Electric
Blending signature go-kart handling with a battery-powered electric motor, the Mini Cooper Electric is an affordable EV at $30,895. It’s also more of an urban runabout as the total range is just 114 miles. But Minis have always been about loads of charm and not hewing to automotive norms. Such is the case with this electric go-kart as it can be had with darling tweed upholstery in a lemony yellow and cream scheme, stripes all over the place, and Union Jacks galore. That base model also includes dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats.
Hyundai Kona Electric
After dropping the price by $3,400 in 2022, the Hyundai Kona Electric currently stickers at $34,885 for a base SE model. The driving range is strong at 258 miles and all models come with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on both the powertrain and battery as well as a robust suite of driver aids like forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist.
Base model Hyundai Kona Electrics include wireless smartphone integration and a fully digital gauge cluster while higher-spec models add a sunroof, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Hyundai’s more cutting-edge EVs are outside our price range but the E-GMP platform they ride on is worth reading up on.
Mazda MX-30
Like the Mini Cooper EV, Mazda’s MX-30 trades on the experience more than an impressive driving range. Which is a good thing as the MX-30 is rated for just 100 miles before needing a charge. Currently only for sale in California, this little Mazda crossover is on the pricier side at $35,485 to start but it comes well equipped with adaptive LED headlights, 18-inch alloys, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The vegan leather upholstery and cork cabin trim are funky icing on this unique EV cake.
Tesla Model 3
The entry price for a Tesla Model 3 has jumped around quite a bit since it arrived in 2017. But just last year, a base model was running as high as $48,000 versus the $39,990 sticker shown on Tesla’s website today – the benefits of competition. That’s not cheap but it does equate to a 272-mile range, a 15-inch central infotainment screen, and a glass roof. And while the nearly $53,000 dual-motor Model 3 steps way outside our affordability target, it DOES boast an impressive driving range of 358 miles. For more on what Tesla has coming down the pike, check our Tesla Investor Day 2023 coverage.
Upcoming Affordable EV Cars: Chevrolet Equinox EV, Fiat 500e, Fisker PEAR
If you can wait a year or two, there are a handful of incoming EVs on the cheap side like the Chevy Equinox EV. Expected later this year with a base price around $30,000, the Equinox EV has a claimed 250 to 300-mile range, available Super Cruise, and cool Knight Rider-style lighting animations. Early 2024 should bring us the Fiat 500e, an urban EV sporting evolutionary styling and about 160 miles of range. And later in 2024, watch for the Fisker PEAR, a small SUV with elegant styling, an estimated 250-mile range, and a $30,000 entry price.
