The Best Budget Electric Cars for Every Need

In 2021, there will be more quality electric vehicles on the market than ever before. You’ll find updated models with a more luxurious interior level, offering the latest driver assistance and safety technology. These new EVs have a greater range and faster charging capacity than previous EVs. In addition, electric vehicles are less expensive to own in the long run because of their higher efficiency, reasonable electricity prices compared to gasoline, and minimal maintenance.

Top 5

We’ve listed this range of plug-in sedans and SUVs by price, from the most expensive to the cheapest according to the suggested retail price. All are sold for less than $40,000. Don’t forget that all of these cars except the Chevrolet Bolt are eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit for all-electric vehicles, making them even more affordable. To easily find out the specific incentives, rebates, and tax credits you’re eligible for, use our EV Rewards Calculator.

2021 Hyundai Kona EV

MSRP $37,390.

Cheapest EV to buy recommended: The Hyundai Kona EV is a 5-seater all-electric compact SUV with a range of 258 miles. It offers a plethora of technology and safety features, including Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot System, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. With a 240-volt charger, you can fully charge Kona’s battery in about 9.5 hours. DC fast charging is standard, allowing you to charge 80% of your battery pack in less than an hour. All the versatility of an SUV is combined with the innovation of a technologically smart EV. It even has heated front seats.

2021 Chevrolet Bolt

MSRP $36,500.

What are the cheapest electric cars? Driving a Chevrolet Bolt is fast and fun, with a range of 259 miles, allowing you to go further than ever before. Includes in-car Wi-Fi as well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Brake Assist. With a 240-volt charger, you can fully charge your Bolt’s battery in about 10 hours. DC fast charging is a $750 option that allows you to add 100 miles of range in as little as 30 minutes. The Bolt received a five-star rating from NHTSA for the vehicle’s overall rating and safety. Plus, even without the federal tax credit, Chevrolet offers a special incentive that saves you $9,133 off the MSRP.

2020 Hyundai Ionic Electric

MSRP $33,045.

The Hyundai Ioniq EV is a 5-seater hatchback that offers you great value, user-friendly technology and a range of 170 miles. You can use a 240-volt charger to fully charge it in about 6 hours. The spacious interior includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Safety technology offers adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot systems. You’ll also find standard front-heated seats, Android Auto, Apple Car Play, Bluetooth, and HD radio.

2021 Nissan Leaf

MSRP $31,620.

Cheapest EV Buying Recommendation: The Nissan Leaf offers great value at a great price for a 5-seater sedan. In fact, it’s the best-selling electric car of all time, with over 400,000 deliveries worldwide. The second-generation Leaf comes in two trim levels, with the standard Leaf having a range of 149 miles and the Leaf Plus having a range of 226 miles. Includes NissanConnect EV navigation, lane keeping assist, blind spot system, brake assist, Bluetooth, and backup camera. The more powerful Leaf Plus has an MSRP of $38,200.

2021 MINI Cooper SE hard top

MSRP $29,900.

What are the cheapest electric cars? The Mini Cooper Coupé is a miniature electric hatchback that offers an exhilarating driving experience with British charm and many premium features at a very affordable price. While it’s the cheapest all-electric car on the market today, the charging interval is only 110 miles. However, you can charge the MINI in as little as four hours with a 240-volt charger. Includes a 6.5-inch display, navigation, adaptive cruise control, brake assist, forward collision warning, infotainment system, and Bluetooth. Synthetic leather and heated seats are standard.