Cheapest Electric Cars for 2023 & 2024

Price: $27,495
EPA-rated range: Up to 259 miles

The bite-size Chevrolet Bolt hatchback holds the title for cheapest electric car for sale in America right now. But don't think because it's cheap that the Bolt isn't a good car. It can squeeze nearly 260 miles out of a single charge—more than some cars that cost double the price.

The Bolt's single front-drive electric motor produces 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, enough to launch the little hatch to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds.

There's a new Chevy Bolt on the way

Price: $28,795
EPA-rated range: Up to 247 miles

The Bolt EUV takes the standard Bolt and transforms it into a crossover more suited to American tastes. Thanks to a slightly bigger body with a higher ride height, range takes a hit, but the EUV remains an impressive bargain, delivering nearly 250 miles of range for under 30 grand.

Like the the normal Bolt, the EUV uses a single front-mounted electric motor making 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to launch the crossover to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds.

Here's what you need to know about the Bolt EUV

Price: $29,235
EPA-rated range: Up to 215 miles

The Nissan Leaf is a veteran of the EV segment, having made its debut all the way back in 2011. The humble hatchback soldiers on for 2024, still priced at under 30 grand, making it one of the cheapest EVs on the market.

Range isn't very strong, at just 149 miles with the base battery pack. We suggest upgrading to the bigger battery, which unlocks over 200 miles of total range. You also get a 6.8-second 0-60 time, which is nice.

Here's everything you need to know about the Leaf

Price: $31,895
EPA-rated range: Up to 110 miles

Mini's fun-to-drive ethos hasn't been lost in the switch from gas to electric power. The electrified Mini Cooper SE is a joy to fling around corners—the only things that separate it from the normal Cooper are the lack of a manual transmission and the sound of an exhaust.

The single front-drive motor delivers 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, plenty enough to get the electric Mini up to highway speeds. But the lack of range means you can't go very far, however.

Here's our quick spin review

Price: $34,885
EPA-rated range: Up to 258 miles

If you plan to keep your electric car for a long time, we recommend the Hyundai Kona Electric. Like every other Hyundai, it gets the company's unbeatable 10-year/100,000 powertrain warranty. That means if anything goes wrong with the battery or motor, you're covered.

That single front-mounted electric motor is good for 201 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, enough to send the unassuming Hyundai crossover to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds. Keep your foot out of the throttle, and the Kona Electric can go almost 260 miles on a charge.

The 2024 model looks far more fun

Price: $35,485
EPA-rated range: Up to 100 miles

The Mazda MX-30 is a sleek, fun-driving all-electric crossover that's priced well in its segment. But a pitiful EPA-rated range of just 100 miles means it's hard to recommend.

If you have a short commute you could make the MX-30 work—so long as you're in California, as that's the only state where the car is sold. Even worse news: Mazda is discontinuing production for America at the end of the 2023 model year. So if you want an MX-30, act quickly.

Read our quick spin review of the MX-30

Price: $40,290
EPA-rated range: Up to 275 miles

The Volkswagen ID.4 is the company's first serious electric offering in America. While it's not the sleekest vehicle on this list, it does offer good space and acceptable range for the price—so long as you can put up with the poorly designed button interface inside.

Go for 77-kWh battery and all-wheel-drive, and you get 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, enough to launch the VW to 60 mph in a brisk 5.4 seconds.

Check out our review right here

Price: $40,875
EPA-rated range: Up to 253 miles

The Kia Niro EV's unique two-tone body isn't the only good thing it's got going on. A liquid-cooled lithium-ion 64.8-kWh battery pack connected to a front-mounted electric motor means 201 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque, enough to get to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.

If you're the type to prioritize range over acceleration, the Niro EV has that covered, too. It can deliver up to 253 miles on a charge, more than any version of the Porsche Taycan.

Here's how it performs on the road

Price: $41,880
EPA-rated range: Up to 358 miles

There's a reason you see so many Tesla Model 3s on the road. For the price, you're getting the most features and the sportiest looks. Even in base form, the Model 3 can deliver 272 miles of range on a single charge.

The Long Range model is perfect for those who often travel long distances, but the Performance trim is our favorite. It cuts down on range but delivers 450 hp in exchange, enough for a face-melting 0-60 time of just 3.1 seconds.

Check out our Model 3 Performance track test

Price: $42,715
EPA-rated range: Up to 361 miles

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan is a strong alternative to the Tesla Model 3, offering striking, concept car-like looks and some impeccable range figures. Even better, it drives well and comes packing a lovely interior.

The SE Long Range is the cream of the crop, pairing a single rear-drive motor to the bigger of the two available batteries. Thanks to slick aerodynamics, the Ioniq 6 can achieve 361 miles per charge. Bury your right foot into the throttle, and the same spec can sprint to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds.

Here's our full review of the Ioniq 6

Price: $42,785
EPA-rated range: Up to 266 miles

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the best electric vehicles on sale right now. It pairs fun, boxy, retro looks to a wonderful chassis and a nice interior, delivering a supremely smooth driving experience. Best of all, you get up to 266 miles of range per charge, so long as you're not launching out of every corner.

Though it might seem expensive when compared to other cars on this list, rest assured, we'd recommend the Ioniq 5 over EVs far more expensive. It's just that good.

The Ioniq 5 is leading Hyundai's EV charge