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Cheapest Electric Cars
Most affordable EVs for 2024
May 15th, 2024
Cheapest electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids
Cheapest electric cars
- Starting price:
- $28,140
- EV range for cheapest trim:
- 149 miles
- Edmunds tested range:
- 237 miles (+11.1% over EPA)
One of the first mass-market electric vehicles also remains one of the cheapest options for 2024, but that's not without a few shortcomings. In Edmunds' testing, the Nissan Leaf SV Plus, which has a larger battery pack than the base model, traveled 237 miles on a single charge. The EPA rates the base model at 149 miles of total range, which is considerably low for most EVs, but it'll be perfect for your daily commute, especially if you're on a tight budget. There are many standard safety features along with an 8-inch touchscreen, but the Leaf's CHAdeMO charging port isn't in widespread use.- Starting price:
- $30,900
- EV range:
- 114 miles
- Edmunds tested range:
- 129 miles (+12.3%)
Unlike its gas brethren, which have two- and four-door models, the Mini Electric is only available in a two-door configuration. However, Mini recently updated the electric hatchback, adding new front and rear bumpers, a standard digital instrument panel, and a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen. But its range could be better. The EPA gives the Mini EV an electric driving range of 114 miles, but we squeezed an extra 15 miles out of it. Still, its quirky looks and features and low starting price make it a good entry point to EV ownership.- Starting price:
- $38,990
- EV range:
- 342 miles
- Edmunds tested range:
- 338 miles (-1.2%)
Tesla's entry-level model received a much-needed update for the 2024 model year, although you'll have to look closely to see the changes. The automaker also added a rear touchscreen for the backseat passengers. When we drove the latest Model 3, one of the first things we noticed was the improvement in cabin quality and aesthetics. The base rear-wheel-drive Model 3 has an EPA-estimated range of 272 miles, while the Long Range model carries a rating of 342 miles. However, both models fell short of their EPA estimates in our testing. We got 232 miles out of the base model, while the Long Range model only went 338 miles on a single charge.Compare Cheapest Electric Cars
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Cheapest electric SUVs
- Starting price:
- $32,675
- EV range:
- 261 miles
- Edmunds tested range:
- 308 miles (+16.5%)
The Hyundai Kona Electric might be considerably more expensive than its gas-powered counterpart, but it's all-new for the 2024 model year and has an excellent electric driving range for the price. The new model has a dramatic redesign, too, with a roomier interior featuring dual displays and, even better, more range. It's available with a long-range battery pack that helps it achieve an EPA estimate of 261 miles. We traveled 308 miles in our test.- Starting price:
- $39,600
- EV range:
- 253 miles
- Edmunds tested range:
- 280 miles (+10.1%)
The Kia Niro EV provided up to 280 miles of range in our testing. That's an impressive range figure for this price point, and the Niro EV is made more desirable with a long list of standard features, a spacious cargo hold and a modern design. Step up to the Wave model, and you get Kia's Highway Driving Assist 2, a form of adaptive cruise control that adds automatic lane changing on top of its lane centering and speed-keeping functionality.- Starting price:
- $41,800
- EV range on cheapest trim:
- 220 miles
- Edmunds tested range:
- 270 miles
The first time you see the Hyundai Ioniq 5, you might think that it's something out of a sci-fi movie, but it impresses with a comfortable cabin loaded with the latest tech and safety features. In Edmunds' testing, the Ioniq 5 in its dual-motor configuration traveled 270 miles on a single charge. The standard-range model with only one electric motor is rated at 220 miles by the EPA.Compare Cheapest Electric SUVs
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Cheapest Luxury Electric Cars and SUVs
- Starting price:
- $49,800
- EV range:
- 265 miles
- Edmunds tested range:
- 270 miles
Audi's cheapest electric vehicle is also one of the brand's most affordable vehicles regardless of powertrain. It's based on the Volkswagen ID.4, but it's nicer than the Volkswagen in almost every way. It's an Audi, so the interior materials are a step above, and the infotainment system is much easier to use than the ID.4's sometimes pesky setup. Other luxury EVs offer more performance and range, but we got 270 miles of range out of the Q4 e-tron's 50 model. The luxury electric SUV has EPA estimates of up to 265 miles on the 40 model. Still, its low starting price for the class makes the Q4 e-tron a worthy contender.- Starting price:
- $49,900
- EV range:
- 320 miles
- Edmunds tested range:
- 289 miles
Polestar, born from Swedish automaker Volvo, currently has three models in its all-electric lineup. The 2 sedan is, you guessed it, the brand's second offering, and it's the entry point to the lineup. It now has a bigger battery pack and a single rear motor, as opposed to a front motor in the previous model year. That model also boasts the longest range at 320 miles per the EPA, but it only went 289 miles in Edmunds' testing. Its sleek design and modern cabin make it more appealing than mundane EVs like the Tesla Model 3.- Starting price:
- $42,990
- EV range:
- 279 miles
- Edmunds tested range:
- 263 miles (-5.9%)
Tesla built on the success of the Model 3 sedan when it introduced the Model Y crossover. Heck, it's the best-selling electric vehicle in North America. According to the EPA, the Model Y's cheapest form, called the Model Y Performance, gets up to 279 miles of range, while the Long Range model can travel up to 310 miles. In Edmunds' testing, however, we squeezed out only 263 miles and 317 miles, respectively. Sadly, the Model Y hasn't been given the meaningful updates that the Model 3 recently received.Compare Cheapest Luxury Electric Cars
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Cheapest Plug-In Hybrids
- Starting price:
- $32,975
- EV range:
- 40 miles
- Hybrid mpg:
- 48 mpg combined
Thanks to its recent redesign, the Prius is cool now, and the plug-in hybrid Prime model is one of the cheapest PHEVs on sale today. This legendary hybrid has incredible fuel economy, with the EPA giving it estimates of 48 mpg combined and all-electric range of 40 miles on the base model. The Prius Prime is the perfect middle ground between a hybrid and a full EV, making it a great choice for someone getting into electrification for the first time.- Starting price:
- $34,390
- EV range:
- 33 miles
- Hybrid mpg:
- 108 MPGe
If you don't want to go full EV yet, the plug-in hybrid version of the Kia Niro is a great way to bridge that gap while still getting some electric driving for your daily commute. Like the rest of the lineup, including the Niro EV, the small crossover recently received a dramatic redesign with futuristic styling, and Kia also gave it a bit more electric range. Per the EPA, the Niro Plug-in Hybrid gets up to 33 miles on a single charge, up from 26 miles on the previous model. Only available with front-wheel drive, the Niro also gets an impressive cabin full of the latest tech and a large touchscreen with a configurable touch panel below it for climate and media controls.- Starting price:
- $38,725
- EV range:
- 33 miles
- Hybrid mpg:
- 80 MPGe
A plug-in hybrid SUV for under $40,000 is nothing to pass up, and Hyundai ensures the Tucson PHEV stands out with its angular design and exceptional fuel economy. PHEV models also come standard with all-wheel drive. It'll get up to 80 MPGe combined and travel up to 33 miles on the battery alone, per the EPA's testing.Compare Cheapest Plug-in Hybrids
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Fuel cost: Electric cars vs. gas cars
Comparing the costs of electricity required to run an electric car versus the costs of gasoline to power a regular car is still an arcane science with many variables. Charging at home overnight, for example, allows you to charge at off-peak hours, reducing your costs. If you charge during the day, you'll see those rates jump. If you often charge at work or an outside charging station, you'll need an account with one of the growing numbers of electricity providers. Generally speaking, electricity costs less than gasoline and its pricing is more stable. But there's a learning curve to understanding when it's cheapest to tap into the grid to top up your EV.
Fully electric cars vs. plug-in hybrids
Electric cars are just that: cars powered solely by electricity stored in a battery pack. Plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, use a regular gasoline engine paired with a battery pack and electric motor. The battery pack can be recharged from an electrical outlet or charging station, but it can also store energy recaptured during braking. Usually, the battery pack on a plug-in runs out of electricity within 20-40 miles, at which point the gas engine takes over, so you never need to worry about running out of juice. Full EVs require more thought, route planning, and an evolving knowledge of the location of charging stations. (Most onboard navigation systems can help locate stations and eliminate the guesswork in unfamiliar areas.)
Next steps
For many buyers, an electric car makes perfect sense. Even drivers with average commutes can often make it through a full work week on a single charge. Electric cars offer a clean commuting alternative and are usually eligible to use carpool lanes with a single driver. And today's electric cars range from mainstream compact picks to vehicles with luxury-grade sport and comfort, so there's something for every budget. For drivers not quite ready to take the all-electric plunge, plug-in hybrids are an excellent alternative. When you're ready to explore the world of plug-in and electric cars, Edmunds can help you research EVs and find a great deal in your area.
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The EVs with the Longest Real-World Range
Wondering how far the longest-range electric vehicles can travel on a single charge? Here's our rundown of today's top range performers, powered by Edmunds' own real-world EV range testing. Whether you're new to the electric vehicle space or you're an EV owner looking to upgrade, Edmunds has the ratings and reviews you need to pick the right EV for you and the tools to make sure you get the best deal..jpg)
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