The Best Electric Cars, New and Used, Under $30K

With the average new EV price today running close to $57,000 and no more federal tax credits to lessen the blow, electric-vehicle shoppers find budget-friendly prices few and far between. At this time, there are only two electric cars under $30,000: the Chevrolet Bolt LT FWD and the upcoming Slate pickup. While $30K is a target for most people's budgets, a handful of affordable EVs are priced under $35,000, and in some areas, state and local incentives can knock a bit off the price. Plus, there's the used market, where you'll find several electric cars under $30K. 

To get you started, we've assembled a list of the top new EVs priced at under a more realistic $35,000 — although, to be fully transparent, it is also a list of the only new EVs that meet that pricing criteria. There are just a half-dozen of them, so to broaden the selection, we've also included the top late-model used EVs with under-$35,000 average selling prices. These all were rated at 8.0 or more points out of a possible 10 — "good" and "excellent" — by Edmunds when they were new.

Table of contents

• Affordable new EVs
  • A sub-$30,000 duo
  • Four from $30,000 to $35,000
• Affordable late-model used EVs 
  • Top used EVs under $30,000 
  • Top used EVs from $30,000 to $35,000
• What about Tesla?
• Edmunds says

Affordable new EVs

Prices for the new models are the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) plus destination fees. To see what's happening on the EV incentives front in your area, check our Edmunds incentives guide.

Unless noted, all of the new models are equipped with Tesla-style NACS charging systems, while most of the used models we list have J1772 systems for 110-volt and 240-volt charging and CCS-type ports for DC fast charging.

For more on EV charging, see our charging primer.

A sub-$30,000 duo

Only two models are currently on sale at under $30,000. One, the Slate electric pickup, isn't scheduled to begin customer deliveries until mid-2027 but can be configured and preordered on Slate's website. The other, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt base trim, is available now.

2027 Slate pickup

Slate Auto is the startup EV maker initially backed by Amazon's Jeff Bezos and L.A. Dodgers owner and international financier Mark Walter. Its mission is to build an affordable small EV for the masses, and it is starting with one model, the Blank Slate. It comes as a two-door, one-row pickup truck finished in matte gray, but it can be customized with a variety of extra-cost colors, accessories and even a removable top and add-on interior bits that can convert it to a five-seat SUV. The Blank Slate, though, is just that. It has manually operated side windows and doesn't have a radio. The only screen is a tiny driver's info display. Slate says it will go 205 miles on a single charge (no EPA ratings yet). But the price before you start adding stuff, if you want to add stuff, is rock-bottom for a new EV.

Starting MSRP + destination charge: $26,400
Edmunds Rating: not rated

Read our 2027 Slate Truck review

2027 Chevrolet Bolt LT FWD

The most affordable Bolt is the base LT trim with front-wheel drive. The five-seat hatchback/small crossover is reborn for the 2027 model year after a three-year hiatus. It has a few drawbacks, but we still rate it a good prospect in the very slim subcompact EV category. It is well equipped, and we like its peppiness, redesigned interior, faster charging capability and improved range — 262 miles versus 247 miles for its 2024 model-year predecessor. We don't care for the flattish front and rear seats, which can get uncomfortable on longer drives, and the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is a real downer. Best of all, it is a new EV with a new-car warranty for under $30K.

Starting MSRP + destination charge: $28,995
Edmunds Rating: 6.9 (out of 10)

Shop all new Chevrolet Bolts for sale
Read our 2027 Chevrolet Bolt review

Four from $30,000 to $35,000

2026 Nissan Leaf S+

Nissan redesigned the Leaf for 2026, borrowing a lot of interior and exterior design elements from the larger, pricier Ariya, which has been discontinued. Other 2026 Leaf trims cost more than $35,000, but the base Leaf S+ starts at under $32,000. Nissan accomplished the relatively low price by giving the base Leaf simple cloth upholstery, manually adjustable seats and hard plastic interior surfaces. But this base model gets the same battery as the two upper trims and boasts an EPA range estimate of 303 miles, making it a great deal for those who value range more than premium interiors and flashy wheels for their EVs. It also comes with Nissan's lauded ProPilot driver assist system and has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the downside, the Leaf delivers a fairly ho-hum driving experience.

Starting MSRP + destination charge: $31,565
Edmunds Rating: 6.9 (out of 10)

Shop all new Nissan Leafs for sale
Read our 2026 Nissan Leaf review

2027 Kia EV3 Light

Kia’s latest release, the 2027 EV3, is a five-seat, two-row subcompact crossover that packs a lot of the latest automotive technology into an easy-to-maneuver and affordable package. The look echoes the modern, blocky design theme of Kia's three-row EV9 SUV. The base front-wheel-drive Light trim has a surprisingly low MSRP. That's achieved in part by fitting it with a smaller battery than other trims get, which cuts manufacturing cost but also slashes range to an EPA-estimated 221 miles versus 321 miles for other EV3 front-wheel-drive trims. We've driven it and like the ride, peppiness, upscale and roomy interior, and spacious — for a subcompact — cargo bay.

Starting MSRP + destination charge: $31,385
Edmunds rating: not rated

Shop all new Kia EV3s for sale
Read our 2027 Kia EV3 review

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric SE

Yes, it's the 2025 Kona EV. Hyundai didn't build a 2026 model, carrying over the 2025 due to high dealer inventory. The Kona was redesigned in 2024 and hasn't changed much since. We like its generous cargo space, ample rear legroom, long list of standard features, and ability to beat its EPA range estimate in real-world driving. The base version is the only trim level that makes it into the under-$35,000 category.

Other than its reduced range (due to a smaller battery) of 187 miles versus 261 miles for other trims, the SE doesn't ask buyers to give up much. It is one of the few options on our affordable new EVs list, though, that doesn't have NACS charging built in, so you'll have to buy an adapter for the CCS charge port if you want to access Tesla's huge and ever-growing Supercharger network for fast and convenient charging on road trips.

Starting MSRP + destination charge: $34,470
Edmunds Rating: not rated

Shop all new Hyundai Kona EVs for sale
Read our 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric review

2027 Chevrolet Bolt RS

Everything we liked and disliked about the base 2027 Chevrolet Bolt applies to the RS trim as well. The RS tops the Bolt's two-trim lineup and has the same 210-horsepower front-wheel-drive powertrain, upgraded 65-kWh battery and speedier charging system (versus the 2024 model) as the LT. For its $4,000 additional cost, the RS trim adds appearance and comfort goodies including faux leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, interior ambient lighting, roof rails, new exterior colors, a unique grille and gloss-black alloy wheels.

Starting MSRP + destination charge: $32,995
Edmunds Rating: 6.9 (out of 10)

Shop all new Chevrolet Bolts for sale
Read our 2027 Chevrolet Bolt review

Affordable late-model used EVs

While none of our affordable new EVs boast really high marks in Edmunds' testing, all of the used models below were rated at 8.0 points or more. For the used models, we cite a nationwide average transaction price for all trim levels, pulled from Edmunds' database of active used vehicle listings as of early November 2026. Used vehicle pricing is very fluid, though, and changes regionally as well. It is likely to change on a daily basis.

Because a lot of used EVs are lease returns, mileage on our late-model picks tends to be fairly low — below 20,000 miles on average. We didn’t go back beyond the 2024 model year to ensure we were recommending used EVs with as much battery life as possible, but it is always a good idea when shopping used to get a battery health report on any EV before signing that sales contract.

 As you might expect, South Korean models dominate the under-$35,000 category for used EVs.

Top used EVs under $30,000

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai scored a hit when it introduced the Ioniq 5 in 2022, and in 2024 the unique-looking EV just got better. We praised it for a supple ride over all types of pavement, a generous list of standard equipment, a comfortable and modern cabin, user-friendly in-car technology, quick charging times and standout styling. At the time, we called the '24 Ioniq 5 "one of the best electric SUVs on sale today." Downsides were minor: a little less range than some competitors — 220 miles for standard-range trims and up to 303 miles for the long-range battery in front-wheel-drive trims (260 miles with all-wheel drive) — a cargo bay that wasn’t quite as roomy as some competitors, and a lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We picked the 2026 Ioniq 5 as our Edmunds Top Rated Electric SUV, and with few changes — most notably more range and an update to NACS charging — the 2024 model is identical. 

Average price: $28,021
Edmunds Rating: 8.3 (out of 10)

Shop all used Hyundai Ioniq 5s
Read our 2024 Ioniq 5 review

2024 Kia Niro EV

While it isn't the biggest, fastest, longest-range or roomiest EV out there, the Kia Niro EV got a "great" rating from us in 2024 because, after a 2023 redesign, it does a lot of things very well. We liked it for its long list of standard features, comprehensive suite of up-to-date infotainment tech, wide range of safety and driver assist systems, smooth ride, quiet cabin and roomy cargo area. It is not as upscale as Kia's other small EV, the EV6, but that means it costs a bit less.

The Niro EV is not terribly exciting to drive and the front-seat padding could be thicker, but overall it is a great small electric SUV. It also has an EPA range estimate of 253 miles, and we got 280 miles in our Edmunds EV Range Test.  

Average price: $22,484
Edmunds Rating: 8.2 (out of 10)

Shop all used Kia Niros
Read our 2024 Kia Niro EV review

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6

The Ioniq 6, which was introduced in 2023, is the sedan version of the Ioniq 5, but it improved on the Ioniq 5 SUV's segment-leading formula with better drivability. As a plus (although some might disagree), Hyundai applied all it knew about aerodynamics to give the Ioniq 6 a parabolic exterior design unlike anything else on the road. The curving roofline makes the back seat a little tight for taller passengers and narrows the field of vision through the rear window. But the Ioniq 6's unique design also makes it one of the most efficient EVs on the road, and in our testing, we found it could beat its EPA-estimated range by more than 10%.

Models with the standard-range battery have an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles, while versions with the long-range battery deliver between 270 miles and 361 miles of range depending on tire size and whether they have front- or all-wheel drive. Sedans aren't big sellers in the U.S., and Hyundai has decided to drop the Ioniq 6 from its lineup after the 2026 model year. That could depress used Ioniq 6 prices and make it even more of a bargain than it already is.

Average price: $26,774
Edmunds Rating: 8.1 (out of 10)

Shop all used Hyundai Ioniq 6s
Read our 2024 Ioniq 6 review

2024 Kia EV6

The EV6 is Kia's version of the Ioniq 5 from corporate stablemate Hyundai, but it has its own suspension and powertrain tuning, handling characteristics and look. It is also a bit pricier as Kias tend to be slightly more upscale and driver-oriented than Hyundais. The '24 model is part of the first generation of the EV6, which was introduced in 2022.

The EV6 emphasizes driving enjoyment over a cushy ride and tons of range, although it is a pleasant enough daily driver, has good amounts of front- and rear-seat space and can hold enough stuff for a weekend away for two. It accelerates quickly and smoothly, its steering is very responsive, and the EV6 seems to love hustling around curves and through twisty sections of road. 

The base standard-range battery offers an EPA-estimated range of 232 miles, while long-range versions with front-wheel drive get a 300-mile range rating. All-wheel-drive long-range trims offer 252-282 miles of range depending on tire size.

On the downside, we found some of the driver assist systems aren't up to par, particularly lane centering, which didn't quite keep the car centered, and the adaptive cruise control's full stop feature was somewhat harsh on the brakes from time to time. The EV6's downward-sloping roofline also narrows the driver's sight lines through the rear window and can be a pain for taller passengers who have to bend or bow deeply for their heads to clear the rear door frame when getting in.

Average price: $27,456
Edmunds Rating: 8.0 (out of 10)

Shop all used Kia EV6s
Read our 2024 EV6 review

Top used EVs from $30,000 to $35,000

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Mach-E has firmly established itself as a great vehicle. It's sporty and fun to drive, fairly comfortable, and it has lots of room for people and their stuff. We especially like its handling, acceleration and upscale interior design. Another plus is that Ford gave it speedier charging in 2024. It also loaded the Mustang Mach-E with the latest in-car tech, including wireless smartphone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and over-the-air software updates. The only downsides are a suspension that's somewhat stiff over rough or potholed pavement and — in our test car, at least — an untrustworthy BlueCruise hands-free driver assistance system that demonstrated a tendency to stop working with little warning and to occasionally make poor steering or lane change decisions.

To achieve its initial low price, Ford gave the base Mustang Mach-E Select trim a 72-kWh battery versus the 91-kWh extended-range battery available in other trims. That kept its EPA range estimate at 250 miles for the rear-wheel-drive version and 230 miles with AWD. Trim levels with the 91-kWh extended-range battery varied from 300 to 320 miles.

Average price: $32,866
Edmunds Rating: 8.2 (out of 10)

Shop all used Mustang Mach-E models
Read our 2024 Mustang Mach-E review

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Ioniq 5 got more range for 2025, and the interior was updated with more convenient controls and improved tech features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hyundai also switched the Ioniq 5 to the Tesla-style NACS charging system for 2025 and added both a performance N version and the off-road-themed XRT trim to the lineup. Production, which had been split between plants in Georgia and South Korea, was moved entirely to the Georgia factory.

There's nothing we liked about the 2024 that we liked less in the 2025 model. Only cargo space remained an issue; it is adequate, but the Ioniq 5 has a little less space than some competitive electric SUVs.

The range boost was pretty substantial. The standard-range base trim jumped from 220 to 245 miles, and the rear-wheel-drive trim with the long-range battery received an EPA estimate of 318 miles, up from 303 miles. Dual-motor versions with AWD ranged from a low of 221 miles for the high-performance Ioniq 5 N to 290 miles for the version with 19-inch wheels and tires (dropping to 269 miles with 20-inch tires).

Average price: $28,021
Edmunds Rating: 8.1 (out of 10)

Shop all used Ioniq 5s
Read our 2025 Ioniq 5 review

2024 Polestar 2

The sporty, performance-oriented Polestar 2 got significant upgrades in 2024 including more battery capacity for more range and power, and improved tech features. The company, a spinoff from Volvo, is based in Sweden and the Polestar 2 was designed and developed there, but it is owned by a Chinese company and the Polestar was built in China. It was an expensive small hatchback when new, but it has become a real deal on the used market. That's because of low sales, Polestar's decision to drop the 2 after the 2025 model year, and the U.S. government's ban of Polestar from the U.S. due to concerns over data links to China (Polestar will convert its dealerships to service shops and stop selling all cars after the 2026 model year).

We rated the Polestar 2 "good" in 2024, impressed by its performance, comfort and stylish interior. The single-motor Polestar 2 switched from front- to rear-wheel drive for the 2024 model year, and its DC fast-charging speed increased. Unlike many other performance cars, the Polestar 2 doesn't sacrifice ride quality and passenger comfort as its tire sizes increase thanks to sophisticated adjustable dampers that are part of the optional Performance package that you'll find on a fair number of used models.

The 2's cargo space is just OK, in part because its car-like roofline means that, despite its hatchback opening, taller pieces of cargo just won't fit. Oddly, the Polestar 2 has a 2,000-pound tow rating — something you don't see on many all-electric cars.  

The EPA gave the 2024 Polestar 2 single-motor versions range estimates of 307-320 miles, depending on tire size, while the dual-motor versions ranged from 266 miles to 276 miles. The dual-motor variant with the Performance package dropped to 247 miles — the price one pays for extra oomph in an EV.

Average price: $25,511
Edmunds Rating: 8.0 (out of 10)

Shop all used Polestar 2 models
Read our 2024 Polestar 2 review

What about Tesla?

A ton of Teslas are for sale, new and used, but none of the brand's models from 2024 and newer make our $35,000 average selling price cutoff. The 2024 Model 3 sedan comes in at an average sales price nationwide of $38,789, followed by the Model Y SUV at $37,545. A search of our used car listings will turn up a few individual models priced at less than $35,000, though. We rated both Tesla models highly when new. The 2024 Model 3 scored 8.2 out of 10, while the Model Y notched an Edmunds Rating of 8.1. The Model 3 got a substantial update in 2024 and the Model Y received the same treatment in 2025.

Shop all used Tesla Model 3s for sale
Read our 2024 Tesla Model 3 review

Shop all used Tesla Model Ys for sale
Read our 2024 Tesla Model Y review

Edmunds says

There aren't that many truly inexpensive electric vehicles, but as automakers expand their all-electric lineups and as EV components become more affordable, we expect more affordable options in the future. That's especially the case because federal tax incentives are no longer around to help lower prices for EV buyers.