12 Cheapest EVs In 2025: Budget-Friendly Electric Vehicle Prices

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They were viewed as the ultimate future of driving. In a world where oil was a destructive force, the BEV was seen as a symbol of hope in a post-apocalyptic climate change future. However, at that time, they were, at best, experimental models that weren't commercially practical in any way.

After nearly two decades, the electric vehicle (EV) has evolved from a unique concept to a standard choice, and the world is benefiting from it. They have become so popular that, in recent years, EVs have led car sales on multiple occasions. This growing popularity has resulted in a noticeable decrease in entry-level prices, making them more accessible to the average consumer. Here are 12 of the most budget-friendly EVs available for sale in the United States in 2024.

UPDATE: 2025/02/04

We have updated the list to reflect the most affordable electric vehicles currently available in the United States in 2025.

To provide the most current and accurate information, the data for this article was obtained from manufacturer websites and other reliable sources. The models listed below are ranked based on their starting MSRP. Please note that the prices displayed do not include the $7,500 federal incentive for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Review

2024 Nissan Leaf: An Overlooked Electric Vehicle Ideal for First-Time EV Buyers

The Nissan Leaf has evolved into a practical and dependable choice for city dwellers looking for an eco-friendly way to get around.

Nissan Leaf

Starting MSRP: $28,140

The Nissan Leaf was once considered the world's top-selling electric vehicle, selling over 450,000 units before being surpassed by Tesla in 2020. Despite being overtaken, the Leaf remains highly respected among electric vehicle drivers as a trailblazer that successfully brought electric vehicles into the mainstream market.

Performance Specifications

Leaf S	Leaf SV PLUS
Powertrain	Single-Motor	Single-Motor
Transmission	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	147 Horsepower	215 Horsepower
Torque	236 Pound-Feet	250 Pound-Feet
Driveline	Front-Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive
Battery Capacity	40 kWh	60 kWh
Range	150 Miles	215 Miles
0-60 MPH	7.4 seconds	6.8 seconds
Top Speed	93 MPH	106 MPH
Starting MSRP	$28,140	$36,190

The Leaf's range falls short of industry standards, providing only 150 miles with the smaller battery and 215 miles with the larger one. Furthermore, the Leaf's use of the older CHAdeMo charging standard, which is being phased out in favor of J1772 and CCS systems, restricts its access to charging infrastructure and overall usability.

Let's be honest, this particular version of Leaf is already seven years old, so a new generation of Nissan may be just around the corner.

Pros

• Affordable pricing
• State-of-the-art technology
• Reasonable performance for the segment

Cons

• Outdated CHAdeMo charging port
• Dismal EV Range
• Overdue for a long-awaited upgrade

Fiat 500e

Starting MSRP: $32,500

It seems almost fitting that Stellantis is counting on a Fiat revival through its newest 500e – the all-new, all-electric mini hatchback from Turin, Italy.

The car has an 118-horsepower electric motor at the front, which is powered by a battery pack that reportedly allows the car to travel around 149 miles on a single charge. However, Stellantis claims that it's possible to go even farther if you stick to city driving and avoid highways.

Performance Specifications

Powertrain	Single-Motor
Transmission	Single-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	117 Horsepower
Torque	162 Pound-Feet
Driveline	Front-Wheel Drive
Battery Capacity	42 kWh
Range	162 Miles
0-60 MPH	N/A
Top Speed	94 MPH
Starting MSRP	$32,500

Inside, the new 500e features a large 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 software, which is used in all modern Stellantis vehicles. Like other cars in this lineup, the 500e will probably come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for those who pre-order it. Even at its most basic level, the 500e will include Adaptive Cruise Control, Wireless phone charging, Autonomous Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Blindspot Monitoring.

The website version will be available first, with other versions to be released through a gradual rollout over time. Deliveries of the car are expected to start within the first six months of 2024, but in the meantime, buyers may consider other electric vehicles already on the market that can be purchased sooner.

Pros

• Eye-catching looks
• Decent range
• Well-equipped

Cons

• Not yet available for purchase at car dealerships.
• The price being asked for this small car is quite steep.
• There are too many competitors in the higher-end market segments.

Hyundai Kona Electric

Starting MSRP: $32,875

The Hyundai Kona Electric was not based on a gasoline-powered car that was later converted to electric. Instead, Hyundai started by designing the Kona Electric from scratch, and then modified the chassis to accommodate an internal combustion engine after that.

Performance Specifications

SE	SEL	Limited
Powertrain	Single-Motor	Single-Motor	Single-Motor
Transmission	CVT	CVT	CVT
Horsepower	133 Horsepower	201 Horsepower	201 Horsepower
Torque	188 Pound-Feet	188 Pound-Feet	188 Pound-Feet
Driveline	Front-Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive
Battery Capacity	48.6 kWh	64.8 kWh	64.8 kWh
Range	200 Miles	261 Miles	261 Miles
0-60 MPH	8.6 Seconds	6.7 Seconds	6.7 Seconds
Top Speed	101 MPH	107 MPH	107 MPH
Starting MSRP	$32,875	$36,875	$38,275

Under the surface of the Kona Electric is a motor that produces either 133 horsepower in the base model, or 201 horsepower in the higher-end models. Powering the motor is either a 48.6 kWh battery, or a larger 64.8 kWh extended range battery, giving the Kona Electric a maximum range of 261 miles. Additionally, the Kona Electric Limited model comes with Vehicle to Load, allowing owners to use their vehicle to power their home or several appliances.

Inside, the Kona benefits from all the advanced technology that Hyundai has to offer, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 360-degree cameras, Remote Smart Parking Assist, a hands-free tailgate, and many more features.

Pros

• Modern design philosophy
• Vehicle-to-load functionality
• Well-equipped for the class

Cons

• Less than average range
• No all-wheel drive option
• The power is barely enough.

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Ford Mustang Mach-E

Starting MSRP: $36,495

The vehicle was a slightly swollen SUV with subtle hints of Mustang styling elements scattered throughout.

making it a mouth-watering offering.

Performance Specifications

Select RWD	Premium Extended Battery RWD	GT	Rally
Powertrain	Single-Motor	Single-Motor	Dual-Motor	Dual-Motor
Transmission	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	264 HP	272 HP	480 HP	480 HP
Torque	387 Pound-Feet	387 Pound-Feet	600 Pound Feet	700 Pound-Feet
Driveline	Rear-Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive	eAll-Wheel Drive	eAll-Wheel Drive
Battery Capacity	73 kWh	88 kWh	91 kWh	91 kWh
Range	260 Miles	320 Miles	280 Miles	265 Miles
0-60 MPH	N/A	N/A	N/A	3.4 Seconds
Top Speed	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Starting MSRP	$42,585	$46,995	$54,995	$58,995

The Mach-E is powered by a rear-wheel drive setup in the base-spec Select trim, making 264 horsepower. Buyers can choose an all-wheel-drive system in the Premium Extended Battery, GT, or Rally trims, with power outputs ranging from 480 horsepower in the GT and Rally trims to 272 horsepower in the Premium Extended Battery model. The Mach-E is available with two battery options: a 73 kWh pack for rear-wheel drive models, which can provide up to 260 miles of range, and a larger 88 kWh or 91 kWh battery pack for all-wheel-drive models, which can offer up to 320 miles of range in the Premium Extended Battery model. The GT model has a range of 280 miles, while the Rally trim offers 265 miles.

Inside, the Mach-E comes with a massive 15.5-inch vertical display that functions as both entertainment and climate control, as well as vehicle setting and navigation. It also includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as part of Ford Sync 4A. Other modern amenities include a wireless charging pad, a memory driver's seat, and Ford Co-Pilot 360.

Some of the advanced safety features available on this vehicle include "Autonomous Emergency braking, Forward collision, Blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control." Additionally, certain models also offer "Smart Parking Assist, Lane Keep and Lane Departure Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist."

Pros

• Extensive trim lineup
• Very impressive for the group
• Good range, even with the base model

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Limited top speed
• Approximately 5,000 pounds of weight

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Starting MSRP: $37,750

Its highly successful attempt to capture a part of the EV sedan market from Tesla has been achieved, and like its sibling, the Ioniq 5, it was built on a dedicated EV platform designed for both optimization and modularity between models.

The Ioniq 6's specifications are similar to its predecessors, including power options and drivetrain configurations, with the exception of the lower-powered rear motor, which is not available. The Ioniq 6 also retains the same battery pack as other models, which has a capacity of 77.4 kWh.

Performance Specifications

SE Standard-Range	SE RWD	SEL AWD
Powertrain	Single-Motor	Single-Motor	Dual-Motor
Transmission	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	149 HP	225 HP	320 HP
Torque	258 Pound-Feet	258 Pound-Feet	446 Pound-Feet
Driveline	Rear-Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Battery Capacity	53 kWh	77.4 kWh	77.4 kWh
Range	240 Miles	342 Miles	270 Miles
0-60 MPH	8.8 Seconds	7.4 Seconds	5.1 Seconds
Top Speed	115 MPH	115 MPH	115 MPH
Starting MSRP	$37,750	$42,700	$45,500

Oddly, though, the Ioniq 6 can travel up to 342 miles in rear-wheel drive form, but the lowest range figure for the all-wheel drive layout is still 270 miles – these figures are roughly 50 miles more than the Ioniq 5. Since the Ioniq 6 is a few hundred pounds heavier than the Ioniq 5, and there's no difference between them mechanically, that added range is simply due to the fact that the Ioniq 6 is more aerodynamically efficient as a low-slung sedan.

Inside, the Ioniq 6 is similarly equipped to the IONIQ 5, with features such as Forward Collision Mitigation, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure and Keep Assist, Level 1 Highway Assist, and Parking Sensors.

Pros

• Very stylish sedan
• Highly aerodynamic
• Good range

Cons

• Not especially affordable
• Disappointing top speed
• Heavyweight

Kia Niro EV

Starting MSRP: $39,600

Kia didn't cut back on features that many electric vehicles come with, though. Instead, the company put extra effort into making the Niro EV a stylish subcompact SUV. It deviates from the usual minimalist design by offering a more adventurous two-tone paint scheme that helps it stand out from other vehicles in the market.

Performance Specifications

Wind/Wave	Wave
Powertrain	Single-Motor	Single-Motor
Transmission	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	201 Horsepower	201 Horsepower
Torque	188 Pound-Feet	188 Pound-Feet
Driveline	Front-Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive
Battery Capacity	64.8 kWh	64.8 kWh
Range	253 Miles	253 Miles
0-60 MPH	6.7 Seconds	6.7 Seconds
Top Speed	106 MPH	106 MPH
Starting MSRP	$39,600	$44,600

The Niro EV is powered by a single electric motor that drives only the front wheels, unlike many other EVs, which do not offer an all-wheel drive option. The electric motor is fed by a 64.8 kWh battery pack, enabling the Niro EV to travel a total of 253 miles.

There are only two versions of the Niro EV available. Both models come with advanced technology and features such as Rear cross traffic alert, Lane departure and keep assist, Blind spot monitoring, and Forward collision mitigation. The more expensive Wave version offers enhanced functionality for many of these features. As for infotainment, the Niro EV comes standard with a 10.25-inch display that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also features a wireless charging pad and remote start capabilities.

Pros

• Stylish exterior
• Adequate range
• Generous cargo space for the class

Cons

• Too pricey for the class
• There is no discernible difference between the two options.
• No all-wheel drive option

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Nissan Ariya

Starting MSRP: $39,700

offering a high resale value in the electric vehicle market.

Performance Specifications

Engage FWD	Evolve+ FWD	Engage+ AWD	Platinum+ AWD
Powertrain	Single-Motor	Single-Motor	Dual-Motor	Dual-Motor
Transmission	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	214 Horsepower	238 Horsepower	389 Horsepower	389 Horsepower
Torque	221 Pound-Feet	221 Pound-Feet	442 Pound-Feet	442 Pound-Feet
Driveline	Front-Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Battery Capacity	63 kWh	87 kWh	87 kWh	87 kWh
Range	216 Miles	289 Miles	272 Miles	267 Miles
0-60 MPH	N/A	N/A	4.8 Seconds	4.8 Seconds
Top Speed	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Starting MSRP	$39,770	$44,370	$45,370	$54,370

Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive models that produce up to 238 horsepower or a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive setup that generates 389 horsepower in the e-4ORCE version. The range of the vehicle depends on the battery pack, with up to 216 miles in the base Engage trim and up to 304 miles in the higher trims.

Nissan has concentrated on providing a luxurious feel inside the vehicle, with a simple design, two 12.3-inch screens, touch-sensitive controls, and a cozy atmosphere. The Ariya also comes with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist 2.0, which offers semi-autonomous driving abilities. However, its pricing and fuel efficiency are slightly behind some competitors, making it a more challenging purchase for buyers on a budget.

Pros

• Elegant and futuristic design
• High-end interior design with a focus on cutting-edge technology throughout.
• All-wheel drive capability with substantial power output

Cons

• More expensive than some of its rivals
• Lower trim levels have a more limited driving range.
• Lower charging speeds compared to some of its competitors

Volkswagen ID.4

Starting MSRP: $39,735

In the rapidly growing electric vehicle sport utility vehicle market.

Performance Specifications

Standard	Pro	AWD Pro
Powertrain	Single-Motor	Single-Motor	Dual-Motor
Transmission	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	201 Horsepower	282 Horsepower	335 Horsepower
Torque	229 Pound-Feet	402 Pound-Feet	501 Pound-Feet
Driveline	Rear-Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Battery Capacity	58 kWh	77 kWh	77 kWh
Range	206 Miles	291 Miles	263 Miles
0-60 MPH	7.3 Seconds	5.9 Seconds	4.9 Seconds
Top Speed	N/A	N/A	N/A
Starting MSRP	$39,735	$44,875	$48,755

The Volkswagen ID.4 is available in various trims, including some with a 201 horsepower rear motor or a 335 horsepower dual-motor all-wheel drive setup. It can travel up to 275 miles on a single charge. The most basic 'Standard' model, however, has a maximum range of 209 miles between charges. Inside, the ID.4 features a more modern and spacious interior with a minimalist design aesthetic, using eco-friendly materials throughout, giving it a sleek and cutting-edge feel that's on par with its competitors.

Standard features for the ID.4 include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Smart Parking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Travel Assist.

Pros

• Decent range
• Well-equipped model range
• Reasonably priced European offering

Cons

• Lower than expected in terms of power in the segment
• Low top speed
• Unremarkable appearance

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Starting MSRP: $41,800

Offers buyers a range of three different options, calculated from two different battery packs - 220 miles from a 63 kWh pack in the base model SE Standard, and 245 or 318 miles from an 84 kWh pack in every other trim level.

Performance Specifications

SE Standard Range RWD	SE/ SEL/Limited RWD	Limited AWD
Powertrain	Single-Motor	Single-Motor	Dual-Motor
Transmission	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	168 HP	225 HP	320 HP
Torque	258 Pound-Feet	258 Pound-Feet	446 Pound-Feet
Driveline	Rear-Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Battery size	63 kWh	84 kWh	84 kWh
Range	245 Miles	318 Miles	269 Miles
0-60 MPH	8.5 seconds	7.4 seconds	4.5 seconds
Top Speed	117 MPH	112 MPH	117 MPH
Starting MSRP	$42,500	$46,550	$54,200

Inside, the Ioniq 5 comes with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display, featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. All models come equipped with standard safety features such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, rear parking sensors, forward collision mitigation, and advanced driver assistance systems including lane keep and departure assist and smart cruise control. Higher trim levels add features like Level 2 highway assist and Hyundai Pay, which allows you to reserve and pay for parking spaces at various locations in your area.

Pros

• A fair range of options is available in the higher-end trim levels.
• Good power levels
• Neo-retro styling

Cons

• The class will be a challenging one.
• Slow in acceleration
• Expensive

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Chevrolet Equinox EV

Starting MSRP: $41,900

Though detailed specifications have yet to be announced.

Performance Specifications

2LT FWD	3RS eAWD
Powertrain	Single-Motor	Dual-motor
Transmission	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	213 HP	288 HP
Torque	236 Pound-Feet	346 Pound-Feet
Driveline	Front-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Battery Capacity	85 kWh	85 kWh
Range	319 Miles	285 Miles
0-60 MPH	7.9 Seconds	5.9 Seconds
Top Speed	N/A	N/A
Starting MSRP	$33,600	$49,695

The current Equinox EV lineup provides two powertrain options: a single-motor front-wheel drive system with 213 horsepower and an all-wheel drive dual-motor setup with 288 horsepower. The estimated range of the Equinox EV varies from 285 to 319 miles on a single charge, depending on the specific trim level.

Inside, Chevrolet has loaded the Equinox EV with modern technology, such as a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Super Cruise hands-free driving system that's available. Although it's an attractive choice, its lack of a basic 2024 model makes it less appealing to those on a tight budget.

Pros

• Roomy and functional for a compact sports utility vehicle
• Good range with the larger battery
• Advanced technology interior with Super Cruise functionality available

Cons

• The $30,000 model is no longer available.
• Above the anticipated starting price
• The 2025 base model may experience similar delays as the 2024 model did.

Tesla Model 3

Starting MSRP: $42,490

It's arguably the first electric vehicle that's both affordable and stylish.

Performance Specifications

Long Range RWD	Long Range AWD	Performance
Powertrain	Single-Motor	Dual-Motor	Dual-Motor
Transmission	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	N/A	N/A	N/A
Torque	N/A	N/A	N/A
Driveline	Rear-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Battery Capacity	N/A	N/A	N/A
Range	363 Miles	346 Miles	298 Miles
0-60 MPH	4.9 Seconds	4.2 Seconds	2.9 Seconds
Top Speed	125 MPH	125 MPH	163 MPH
Starting MSRP	$42,490	$47,490	$54,990

On paper, the Model 3 can be powered by a single-motor rear-wheel drive system, or a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. The Long Range AWD model can go up to 341 miles, while the standard RWD model has a range of 272 miles. The Dual motor AWD and AWD Performance models, which have at least 425 horsepower between the two axles, have more power than the 241 horsepower RWD model. They also have the capability to handle 250kW super fast charging.

As with all Teslas, the key features are mostly found inside, with a dashboard that is so minimalist it's almost bare. The large center touchscreen controls not only radio and phone connectivity, but also the climate control, instrument display, vehicle settings, and even the activation and monitoring of Autonomous and self-driving capabilities, all through this single display. For passengers in the back, the Tesla Model 3 also has an eight-inch touchscreen display for controlling the rear climate, which leaves it unclear why knobs and buttons couldn't serve the same purpose.

Pros

• High performing models
• Decent range
• Self-driving available

Cons

• No Phone connectivity
• Extremely frequent on the highway
• On the higher end of the price range

Kia EV6

Starting MSRP: $42,600

The SUV received widespread acclaim from the global automotive press. Reviewers commended its appearance, capabilities, and usability, and found it to be a good value for its price.

The EV6's battery packs come in at 77.4 kW-h, with the most basic EV6 Light having a smaller 58 kW-h pack. This means the Light model has a range of around 232 miles. The larger battery pack, paired with rear-wheel drive, can reach up to 310 miles. On the other hand, the GT model has the shortest range at 218 miles.

Performance Specifications

Light RWD	Light Long Range/ Wind/ GT-Line RWD	Long Range/ Wind/ GT-Line AWD	GT AWD
Powertrain	Single-Motor	Single-Motor	Dual-Motor	Dual-Motor
Transmission	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	167 Horsepower	225 Horsepower	320 Horsepower	576 Horsepower
Torque	258 Pound-Feet	258 Pound-Feet	446 Pound-Feet	545 Pound-Feet
Driveline	Rear-Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Battery size	58 kWh	77.4 kWh	77.4 kWh	77.4 kWh
Range	232 Miles	310 Miles	282 Miles	218 Miles
0-60 MPH	6.2 Seconds	4.3 Seconds	6.2 Seconds	3.2 Seconds
Top Speed	116 MPH	115 MPH	116 MPH	161 MPH
Starting MSRP	$42,600	$45,950	$49,850	$61,600

Inside, the Kia EV6 sports a contemporary interior with accents of fabric and aluminum adorning the cabin. Some models, such as the GT, can also choose bucket seats and a synthetic suede interior with bold, neon green stitching. The infotainment system is a 12-inch touchscreen display that is integrated with the digital gauge cluster.

The EV6 takes a different approach from current EVs by offering a separate panel for climate control, featuring tactile knobs and buttons, but most functions are still controlled through touch. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard on the EV6, and higher trim levels also get amenities like an augmented reality head-up display, intelligent parking assist, and phone control through the Kia app.

Pros

• Very stylish sedan
• Highly aerodynamic
• Good range

Cons

• Not especially affordable
• Disappointing top speed
• Heavyweight