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 2023, but it’s still around 13% more than prices in June 2021.
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.
Pros
- Excellent urban driving range
- Optional GM Super Cruise hands-free highway assist
Cons
- Production ended so there is limited supply
- Slow charging speed discourages long road trips
Additional attributes
- Range: 247 miles
- Efficiency: 29 kWh/100 mi, 115 mpge
- Features: Super Cruise highway assist, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
- IRA qualification: Yes, up to $7,500
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.
Pros
- Extremely fun
- Compact and city friendly
Cons:
- Short range even for this list
Additional attributes
- Range: 114 miles
- Efficiency: 31 kWh/100 mi, 110 mpge
- IRA qualification: No
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.
Pros
- Slightly more spacious than direct competitors
Cons
- Awkward ergonomics
- Modest range at entry point
Additional attributes
- Range: 209 miles
- Efficiency: 31 kWh/100 mi, 107 mpge
- IRA qualification: Yes, up to $7,500
The Niro EV is the often-forgotten front-wheel-drive cousin of Kia’s award-winning favorite, the EV6. The Niro boasts solid battery-powered performance with a 253-mile cruising range and a peppy 201 horsepower electric motor. Yes, the EV6 is faster with longer range and better efficiency, but only slightly so. Plus, the Niro EV is nearly $10,000 cheaper — starting at $40,925 for the well-equipped Wind trim level — with the same great driver aid and infotainment tech as its more expensive cousin. If you’re not ready to go full EV, the Niro is also available in electrified hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants as well.
Pros
- Quiet and spacious daily driver
- Well sorted driver and safety tech
Cons
- Slowish 45 minute DC fast charging
Additional attributes
- Range: 253 miles
- Efficiency: 29 kWh/100 mi, 113 mpge
- IRA qualification: No
Factors to consider before buying a cheap EV
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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Volvo’s EX30 is one of the most anticipated affordable EVs set to hit the road next year.
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.
How we test and rank the cheapest electric cars
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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