Buying a new car can be a daunting investment. According to June figures from Kelley Blue Book, the average new vehicle transaction price in the US sits at $48,644. That's 2% lower than the market peak in December , but it's still around 13% more than prices in June .
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That same Kelley Blue Book report says average new electric vehicle prices are actually down 10.8% from January , settling at $55,353 on average thanks to a combination of increased supply, the arrival of more-affordable models and trim levels, and aggressive price cuts by Tesla, the largest EV manufacturer in the US.
That still leaves EVs, on average, more expensive than their fossil-fueled contemporaries, but if you're interested in making the switch to an electric car, there are still plenty of affordable options to choose from, especially the ones that qualify for state or federal EV tax incentives. To that end, here are the cheapest electric cars you can buy today, ranked by their manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Cheapest doesn't always equal best, however, so I'm sweetening the deal with insights gained over my 15 years testing hundreds of vehicles and dozens of EVs for review here at CNET. You can find my picks below, along with tips to help you understand what you should look for in a good affordable electric car.
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If you're simply looking for the least expensive electric car you can buy today, look no further than the Chevrolet Bolt EV 1LT. The Bolt's been of my favorite electric cars since its debut back in . Despite being the cheapest new EV on sale today, it boasts a remarkably high range, a simple, yet effective -based infotainment suite and more interior volume for people and cargo than you'd expect in such a compact footprint.
I'm not alone in my love for the Bolt. Early last year, Chevy announced the discontinuation of the affordable EV, but demand was so high that it earned a stay of execution and production stretched into December. It was selling like gangbusters. Sadly, all good things must come to an end and the Bolt EV production has finally halted. However, new examples can still be found on dealer lots (and, weirdly, on Chevy's website), which still qualify for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
No, you're not seeing double. The Bolt EUV takes everything that's great about the Bolt EV and stretches it across a larger canvas. With more space for passengers and cargo, the EUV is, perhaps, a better fit for young families for not much more money than its smaller sibling. Plus, it can be had with GM's amazing hands-free Super Cruise highway assist. However, the extra girth comes at the cost of a bit of range, dropping to a still respectable 247 miles per charge. A fantastic value, the Bolt EUV is a great entry point into an EV lifestyle.
Like the smaller Bolt EV, the EUV's production ended late last year. New examples can still be found at Chevy dealerships but when those are gone, they're gone for good.
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For many, the Nissan Leaf was the first electric vehicle that could be taken seriously as an alternative to gas-burning commuters. Now deep into its second generation, the Leaf is still fighting the good fight. In its most affordable configuration, the Leaf S with the 40-kWh battery pack, the electric hatchback offers 149 miles per charge, but paying more for the 212-mile, 60-kWh pack gets you a bit more electric driving wiggle room.
That said, the 14-year-old Leaf is beginning to feel long in the tooth. Its battery technology is significantly older with less robust thermal management than the EV's much newer competitors. Plus, it recently lost qualification for the partial federal EV tax credit. These days, the Leaf is maybe not the best choice for an affordable EV, even if it's one of the least expensive.
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The Mini Cooper SE is a specific car built for a specific task. With only 114 miles of range between charges and a fairly slow 50-kilowatt DC fast charging capacity, this isn't the car to pick for long-roving road trips. But for getting around town, the Cooper SE is a joy to drive. It has fantastic handling and acceleration at urban speeds, charming interior and exterior design and thanks to its compact proportions easy maneuverability and parkability.
The Mini Cooper SE shines as a zero-emissions city car, suburban commuter or a first EV for a young driver. Despite its limitations, it's one of our favorite electric cars and should only get better when the next generation hits the road late next year.
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I feared that Hyundai's second-generation Kona Electric would be more expensive than its predecessor, but the automaker surprised with a starting price that's around $800 lower. The new Kona Electric SE looks like a futuristic space buggy and cruises up to 200 miles per charge, though more expensive trim levels with larger batteries can extend that to 261 miles. Significantly larger than last year, the Kona now boasts up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the seats folded and rolls out standard with Hyundai's excellent driver aid and infotainment suite with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
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Volkswagen's ID 4 is a midsize electric SUV slotting in between the gasoline-powered Taos and Tiguan that steps up in scale over the mostly compact and subcompact offerings at the top of this list. The base Standard spec mates a 62kWh battery pack with an electric motor at the rear axle making a modest but torque 201 horsepower. In this configuration, owners can expect around 209 miles of range. Even better is the 275-mile, 82-kWh setup that adds about $5,000 to the bottom line, but also a lot more peace of mind when roaming far from home.
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Tesla has been shaking things up with its Model 3, adjusting the MSRP seemingly on a monthly basis. The electric sedan is currently as affordable as it's ever been, starting at $40,380 including destination charges. Factor in up to $7,500 in federal EV tax credits, along with any state incentives, and the Model 3 is less expensive than a Toyota Camry. With excellent performance and 272 miles of range for the base model (the most of any EV on this list), the Tesla Model 3 is a formidable option for EV enthusiasts on a budget.
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Efficiency: Efficiency is often the most overlooked number on an EV's spec sheet, but when considering the affordability of an EV, it's one of the most important. I prefer to measure miles per kilowatt-hour, but I've used kilowatt-hours per 100 miles in this guide to make operating cost estimates easier. Simply multiply this number by your local energy rates (you can even use off-peak rates, if you plan on frequently charging overnight at home) to easily calculate how much it costs to operate an EV and how much you could potentially save compared to a conventional combustion car.
Operating costs and maintenance: Along with the energy cost, there are other operating expenses to consider relative to a combustion car. Insurance rates can sometimes be higher for EVs, but maintenance costs are usually significantly lower thanks to the lack of oil changes, fewer mechanical parts and reduced brake wear.
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Options and upgrades: Take care when choosing options and upgrades like wheels, roof racks or performance packages. Larger wheels, for example, may look pretty sweet but could increase the sticker price and reduce an EV's efficiency, so much so that some automakers list separate EPA estimates for different wheel and tire packages. Tires for big wheels may also cost more to replace or wear more quickly, costing you more money over the long term.
Range: The battery is usually the most expensive component on an electric car, so cheap EVs tend to have the shortest ranges. Yet, even the least expensive options usually boast enough range for commuting and running errands around town. When choosing the right amount of range for your budget, consider leaving a little wiggle room in your estimate for unexpected journeys, cold weather range reduction (if applicable) and your driving habits. And if your average journey is on the longer side or you frequently road trip, spending a little more for more range can add a lot of peace of mind.
I've driven almost every EV model sold in the US over the last 15 years and, for each car I test, I cover over 200 miles behind the wheel on a mixed driving route. That includes dense urban roads (complete with potholes), long stretches of highway driving and some good fun twisty mountain roads mixed in for flavor. On the road, I test DC fast charging, driving dynamics, efficiency and range, comparing my real world experience with estimates reported by the US EPA, both to double check the official numbers against the real world and to make sure my experiences represent those of the typical American driver.
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For this list of affordable electric cars, I tried to keep an even playing field by considering only the least expensive spec of each EV available for sale in the US today, while avoiding mixing range and performance numbers from pricier variants. All prices include destination charges an unavoidable cost that I personally believe all automakers should bake into their advertised prices anyway but exclude any temporary manufacturer incentives and Tesla's weird "estimated three-year gas savings." (Most EVs should save money, since electricity is usually less expensive than gas.) I've also excluded any available state or federal incentives or tax rebates in the ranking, as they'll vary from buyer to buyer, but have separately indicated which vehicles qualify for the federal Inflation Reduction Act EV tax credit and how much you could expect to save.
Thrifty EV shoppers looking for low long-term operating costs should consider the Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE Standard Range ($42,715), which is currently tied with the much more expensive Lucid Air ($78,675) for the most energy efficient electric vehicle you can buy. At 24 kWh/100 mi, the Hyundai is not only affordable, but also saves you money with every mile traveled. Buyers looking for a bit more cargo room should also consider the Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range ($42,785), which trades a bit of range and efficiency for a much more spacious cabin and rear hatch.
You have to jump much further down the list of affordable EVs before you reach the first pickup truck. The Ford F150 Lightning Pro ($56,635) is currently the cheapest, targeting commercial buyers with a barebones but still highly connected feature set. However, for most people, the XLT model ($58,135) will be a better fit and our current pick for best electric truck. That it also qualifies for up to $3,500 in Federal EV tax credits is a nice cherry on top.
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Are electric cars more expensive than gas-powered cars?
Within the same class, EVs tend to be more expensive than their combustion-powered cousins due to the rare and costly materials that make up their large battery packs. Economies of scale and new production processes could eventually result in price parity at the point of purchase, but for now prospective buyers will want to look to any available federal and state tax incentives or rebates to offset the cost. Additionally, EVs can be less expensive to operate, potentially saving money over the long term.
Show moreWhat is the lifespan of an electric car?
Battery degradation is, generally, what shoppers are really asking about with this question. According to a study, the average EV lost around 2.3% of its range every year, which worked out to around 15 miles for a 150-mile EV over 5 years of ownership. Factors, such as frequent DC fast charging or constant exposure to extreme weather, can accelerate that degradation, but battery technology has improved significantly over the last few years. New cell chemistries are estimated to last longer and the average range for an affordable EV has increased significantly over the last five years. Current estimates from the US Department of Energy put electric cars' lifespan nearly on par with their combustion-powered cousins with an average 8 to 12 year service life.
Show moreWhat should you look for in a cheap electric car?
A cheap car costs less to purchase, but a truly affordable EV should cost less to own. Consider factors listed above including your local taxes and incentives, energy efficiency, your area's electricity rates, and even the price for home EV charger installation if applicable weighing the complete picture against your current combustion ownership costs to determine if an EV is truly an affordable option for you.
Show moreWhat should you avoid in a cheap electric car?
Low-cost EVs sometimes sacrifice charging speed to deliver that ever-important range number that customers often look to first when comparison shopping. However, if you plan on frequently taking long road trips or don't live where you can reliably charge slowly overnight, the ability to charge easily and as quickly as possible may have a bigger effect on your experience. Consider avoiding EVs that DC fast charge slower than 100 kW and also consider avoiding the depreciated ChaDeMo charging standard (currently only on the Nissan Leaf) which will only become more rare at public DC charging stations versus CCS or NACS (Tesla) connections.
And in the interest of keeping your affordable EV's long-term costs low, avoid unnecessary upgrades or options that decrease efficiency or increase maintenance costs. This includes bulky roof racks that you don't plan on ever actually using or large wheels and sticky performance tires that may wear more quickly or require swapping to winter tires (at an additional cost) for part of the year.
Show more Our list of the cheapest electric cars on sale
Options range from dinky quadricycles to SUVs
Prices start from just £
Price is one of the main factors preventing motorists from trading in their petrol or diesel car for an electric one, so weve put together a list of the cheapest electric cars on sale in . The fact is, the best electric cars cost significantly more than their conventionally powered peers because the materials in their battery packs and electric motors are expensive and few manufacturers are prepared to make a loss on each EV they sell.
But there are signs this is changing, and is proving turning point with the introduction of more affordable EVs including the £15,000 Dacia Spring and Citroens low-price e-C3 retailing at a whisker under £22k. Recent months have seen several car makers cut the price of their EVs in a bid to make them more attractive, with manufacturers under greater pressure to meet electric car sales targets that came into force in .
The cheapest electric cars on this list might not have the fancy interior technology and safety equipment youll find in something like a Tesla Model 3, and they might not have the glamour of the best electric luxury cars, but you cant argue with the value.
Below, weve rounded up the cheapest electric cars on sale in the UK today. Our list includes tiny electric quadricycles, family-sized electric hatchbacks and compact electric SUVs. This list has changed in recent months due to the introduction of new models and a price cut to existing EVs. Weve also included links to our dedicated review for each electric car if you need some extra information on how they drive. Scroll down for some inspiration.
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Best for: City-only driving
Pros: Minuscule dimensions, great fun, no car will get more attention
Cons: Bad ride, youve seen the video of one being rolled in Monaco, right?
Citroen had one goal in mind when it was designing the Ami to build the ultimate small electric car. And it bashed the nail on the head with a 20lb sledgehammer. The Ami is perfectly suited to city life. Its small, so it can fit down narrow alleys. Its cabin is surrounded by glass, so you can spot kamikaze moped riders long before you could in a conventional car. Plus, because its electric, you dont need to pay Sadiq Khan a single penny to drive into the centre of London, at least for now.
The only fault with the Ami is that it only works in the city. It has a maximum range of 46 miles and a top speed of just 28mph. Thats more than enough for zipping around Knightsbridge but nowhere enough to venture out of the city and onto an A-road. Its achingly slow. Stay within the confines of town, and youll be king of all you survey, though. The Ami is more than nimble enough to carve up Civics and Golfs on roundabouts, while its 8bhp motor is sprightly enough to surprise them at the lights.
Read our full Citroen Ami review
Best for: The cheapest proper electric car you can buy
Pros: Cheaper than an equivalent petrol city car, impressive interior, decent equipment
Cons: Questionable safety, small range limits usability
Brits have previously been deprived of the value-packed Dacia Spring, one of the most popular electric cars across Europe. But that changes later in when a new version of the Spring lands in the UK. A compact city thats quite a lot smaller than the Sandero, the Spring grabs the headlines with a starting price of just £14,995, making it by far the cheapest proper electric car available. Finance deals have been confirmed from £169 a month with a £ deposit on a four-year PCP lease deal, with interest at 3.9% APR.
The new Spring is powered by a fairly small 44bhp motor as standard, with a dizzying 64bhp available from higher-spec versions. A 26.8kWh battery allows for a claimed range of up to 140 miles, giving scope for some out-of-town trips but you wouldnt want to go too far as its not very quick to charge with a maximum 30kW DC rapid charging rate. Standard kit includes a digital instrument cluster, cruise control and rear parking sensors as well. The Spring is available to pre-order now and the first right-hand drive UK cars are expected by October.
To find out more read our full Dacia Spring review
Leapmotor T03 from £15,995Leapmotor T03 from £15,995
Best for: Urban commuters seeking a budget-friendly electric option
Leapmotor is only just now on the cusp of reaching European shores thanks to distribution networks from Stellantis. Its been developed almost entirely in-house even the battery is homegrown, aside from a few of the cells but some of the styling quirks seem familiar.
Specs-wise, the T03s 37.3 kWh battery provides a WLTP-rated range of 165 miles. A modest 93bhp motor yielding a 0-62 mph time of 12.7 seconds, but thats enough for city driving and outperforms similar budget EVs like the Dacia Spring. The build quality feels solid for a car in this price range, and features include five doors and a spacious cabin with decent headroom.
Buyers should note its limited 165-mile range and shorter-than-average warranty, though.
Read our full review of the Leapmotor T03 here.
Best for: Cheap and the promise of comfort
Pros: Good range, great price, very comfortable
Cons: Slow steering, boot is an awkward shape
Citroen already has a fairly expansive line-up of electric models, but its hunting the cheaper end of the market with its new e-C3, which arrives as part of a fourth generation of Citroens popular supermini. Getting a chunkier look to appeal to SUV-loving buyers, the e-C3 comes with the firms trademark comfy suspension and seats, and itll likely prove a great daily driver.
Orders are yet to open but its expected to arrive in the UK before the close of , and makes for a great option with its 199-mile range and quick 100kW DC charging. It drives well, is surprisingly spacious and comes with plenty of kit as standard, with an attractive £21,990 starting price considering its a much more rounded car than the Spring.
Find out more and read the Citroen e-C3 review
Best for: Those wanting something different
Pros: Fantastic value for money, interesting interior, comfortable ride
Cons: MG4 is better to drive for similar money, intrusive safety tech
Chinese brand BYD gives you a lot of car for the money with its amusingly named Dolphin, which is far larger than the other cars on this so far. It has enough space inside for four adults, plus it has a 345-litre boot. The cheapest £26,140 model features a 45kWh battery allowing a claimed maximum range of 211 miles, but a larger 60kWh unit increases this to 265 miles.
It even drives quite well. Sure, it isnt as polished as a European electric hatchback, such as a Cupra Born, but it still offers plenty of grip and manageable levels of body roll. And, if you opt for the more expensive 60kWh 201bhp version, youll have a car that can dash from 062mph in 6.7 seconds. The interior is quirky, too the infotainment screen is mounted on a motor and can spin through 90 degrees to be either portrait or landscape.
To find out more read our full BYD Dolphin review
Best for: Familiarity
Pros: Huge price cut, excellent spec, decent range
Cons: Could be more spacious, nothing special to drive
The Vauxhall Corsa continues to be one of the UKs most popular cars, with the addition of an electric version boosting its success in recent years. That said, the EV model has always been scuppered by its expensive price.
But Vauxhall has addressed the Corsas high price with the addition of a new value-packed Yes Edition, that drops the Corsa EVs starting price by a significant £5,550. You still get the same 134bhp electric motor and 50kWh battery enabling a claimed 221 miles from a charge too. And its not like Vauxhall has ripped out all the equipment either, as you still get LED headlights, keyless entry and a 10-inch touchscreen to name just a few highlights.
To find out more read our full Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
Best for: Everything, really
Pros: Great to drive, long range, plenty of tech
Cons: Interior feels a bit cheap, iffy reliability
Like the Dolphin, the MG 4 EV is another Chinese electric hatchback. But, where the BYD focuses on comfort, the MG majors on driver engagement. Its arguably the best-driving car in its class, running rings around the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3 while simultaneously shaving thousands off its asking price. When youre pushing really hard, the MG 4s rear-driven platform will even allow you to slide the back end out, just like a sports car. Its a riot.
Happily, the MG 4 is more than just a one-trick pony. Its practical, too. Theres enough space in the back for two adults, and it has a reasonably sized 363-litre boot. Granted, the ID. 3s rear seats are more comfortable for adults, and its boot is slightly larger at 385 litres, but you should expect to make a few sacrifices when the price gulf between the two cars is more than £8,000. The beauty of the MG 4 is that you make fewer sacrifices than youd expect.
To find out more read our full MG 4 EV review
Best for: Those wanting a quirky electric SUV that priorities fashion over functionality
Pros: Cool design, high-quality interior, good to drive
Cons: Poor electric range, not very practical
The MX-30 trades on its styling, which is just as well because its absolutely hopeless at covering distance. Thats because it has a tiny 35.5kWh battery pack, whereas most of its rivals have batteries of 50kWh or more. The result? A maximum WLTP range of 124 miles and a best-case real-world range of only 100 miles. Ouch.
Still, you should at least have fun on your distance-restricted outings because, like most Mazdas, the MX-30 is fun to drive. It is also loaded with interesting design features, such as reverse-opening rear doors, wooden trim on the centre console and soft door card trims made from recycled plastic bottles. While previously quite tough to recommend, Mazda has recently slashed prices by £3,000, making it seem a whole lot more appealing at £27,995.
Read our Mazda MX-30 review
Best for: The fashion-conscious
Pros: Looks great, drives well, recent price cut
Cons: Range isnt amazing with standard trim, isnt particularly practical
We like the Fiat 500 Electric. Its by no means the fastest, most practical or longest-legged electric hatchback on sale but it does have the biggest character. Just like its petrol-powered predecessor, its ideally suited to the city. However, its sophisticated enough to allow you to tackle faster roads. Providing you keep a mental note of all the nearby charging stations, that is. The entry-level model only has a tiny 24kWh battery that offers a maximum official range of 118 miles.
The 500e has always been quite expensive by city car standards, but Fiat has recently slashed its price to improve sales. It now starts from £21,995 for the entry-level 24kWh version, with a 118-mile range. Wed recommend paying the £24,995 for the larger 42kWh battery, which manages a claimed 199 miles between charges. Its good to drive and gets lots of tech for such a small car car, but isnt very practical so is best treated as a two-seater.
To find out more read our full Fiat 500 Electric review
Best for: Affordable and spacious electric motoring
Pros: Lots of space, easy to use, relaxing to drive
Cons: Soon to be discontinued, outdated charging tech
What the Nissan Leaf lacks in range and fast-charging tech, it claws back with its affordable price tag. The most basic cars cost from £28,495 and even the flagship Tekna variant (with its Bose audio system and clever driver assistance kit) will give you back a fivers change from £32,000.
These days, you can only have the Leaf with a 39kWh battery, giving you a maximum range of 168 miles. Its electric motor serves up 148bhp, but the Leaf never encourages you to drive spiritedly. Its suspension is set up for comfort, and its steering is rather light and vague, which means its at its happiest bumbling along at 10mph under the speed limit. Nissan has recently stopped production of the Leaf as it gears up to launch its next generation of EVs, so vehicles are available from stock only.
Best for: Stylish all-rounder
Pros: Stylish design, Easy to drive, lots of equipment
Cons: Awkward driving position, not all that spacious
The Peugeot e-208 has always been a credible small electric car, but with one caveat: its high price. The French firm seems to be acknowledging this now, with a recent price cut meaning this supermini now comes in at £28,600, and reduces the gap between EVs and petrol models.
Though not everyone will get on with Peugeots trademark awkward driving position, the e-208 is otherwise very easy to drive and live with, gets a decent range of 224 miles (claimed) and is arguably the best-looking supermini you can buy too. Standard equipment also includes climate control, LED lights and a 10-inch touchscreen too.
To find out more read our full Peugeot e-208 review
That depends on your definition of car. The cheapest fully enclosed, road-legal, four-wheeled vehicle you can buy is the Citroen Ami, priced from just £. However, it isnt legally recognised as a car its a pure-electric quadricycle. The cheapest proper electric car you can buy is the Dacia Spring, which costs from just £14,995.
Gradually, with much of that change being driven by Chinese manufacturers. Falling R&D costs, economies of scale, and the presence of smaller, less upmarket electric cars to sit alongside the big electric SUVs and saloons that kickstarted the whole shift towards electrification mean the markets becoming ever more friendly to those on a budget.
With manufacturers increasingly under pressure to shift more EVs to meet mandatory sales targets, were seeing more firms cut the prices of their existing models to boost demand. Cupra, Honda, Mazda and Vauxhall have all slashed the prices of their electric cars in recent months. This will trend will only likely continue later in .
Buying any used car always means youll take on a certain amount of risk, but EVs are a different kettle of fish. The positives? There are far fewer parts to go wrong, and most are loaded with technology. But the value of an EV hinges on the condition of its battery pack and if the cells have been thrashed by the cars previous owner, you could end up with a lemon that wont do half of its claimed range. On newer EVs, you shouldnt need to worry.
There are some significant savings on nearly-new cars to be had if youre not bothered about being the first person to have their name on the V5. Weve compiled a guide to buying a used EV that includes a list of the best cars you might want to consider. Follow the link above to learn more.
In well see the arrival of two far more affordable EVs mentioned in this article. The first is the new Dacia Spring, a car thats been on sale in other European countries for several years, but will now come to the UK for the first time, with a starting price of just £14,995. Citroens e-C3 will be a larger and more substantial offering on top of that, and be available for less than £23,000, again undercutting the opposition.
That depends on where you charge your electric car. Plug in at a motorway rapid charger at peak times, and you could end up spending more on electricity than you would for a tank of fuel in an equivalent petrol car. However, you could save hundreds of pounds if you charge up at home using a wallbox charger and an intelligent charge scheduler that can reap the benefits of an off-peak electricity tariff.
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