For many reasons, electric vehicles represent a financially viable alternative to gas-powered vehicles for buyers. EVs help save money on fuel, as electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline. They also require less maintenance as they come with fewer moving parts and no oil changes. Additionally, the federal government offers incentives, like tax credits and rebates, to encourage a low carbon footprint. Prospective buyers can choose from several affordable EVs that offer all these benefits.
Nissan Leaf
With a base price in the range of $25,000 to $30,000, the Leaf is the go-to option for buyers seeking high-value EV models. This vehicle comes with several unique selling propositions (USPs), including being incredibly easy to drive in urban settings or on highways. That specific quality makes this Nissan one of the best electric cars for new drivers. Although the base variant of the Leaf returns a range of 149 miles, users can get it configured to return up to 212 miles of range in its SV Plus avatar.
Apart from being one of the cheapest EVs to buy, the Nissan Leaf also offers incredible value as it is loaded with essential features such as Antilock Braking System (ABS), an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, and airbags.
Mini Electric Hardtop
A more stylistic alternative to the Leaf, the Mini Electric Hardtop is available in a sporty 2-door configuration. This fiery EV is priced between $30,000 and $35,000. The powerful electric engine in this vehicle offers a range of 114 miles, more than enough for quick daily commutes to work or the grocery store. The main selling points of this vehicle include its low starting price and stunning, quirky looks.
Some of the features available in the Mini Electric Hardtop include a multi-functional steering wheel, multiple airbags for occupant safety, and multiple driving modes to alter the dynamics of the hatchback on the road. All in all, this is a solid option and one of the best entry-level electric cars that people who prefer driving will adore.
Fiat 500e
Like other cars in the Fiat stable, this one too has a striking appeal due to its curvy lines and overall understated design. The Fiat 500 brand name is an iconic one in motoring history, and the latest 500e lives up to its reputation. This car is priced in the range of $30,000 to $36,000. It offers a similar range to the Nissan Leaf, with one full charge extracting around 149 miles out of the 500e. Some of the features it offers include a stereo system, climate control, and airbags for all the occupants.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The brand new Kona Electric is priced in a similar range to the Mini Electric Hardtop at around $30,000 to $35,000. This 4-door subcompact SUV may resemble the gasoline Hyundai Kona in terms of styling and interior layout, but it is radically different from its counterpart under the hood. The Kona Electric is incredibly comfortable up front while being slightly tight on space in the back seat and cargo area.
The base SE trim gets a 48.6-kWh battery pack and 133-hp electric motor, while the SEL, Limited, and N-Line trims get a 64.8-kWh battery and a powerful 201-hp motor. The base variant of the Kona Electric comes with an EPA-estimated range of 200 miles, while higher trims come with a longer-range battery good for an EPA-rated range of up to 261 miles.
Tesla Model 3
In the relatively premium end of budget-friendly EV options stands the beautifully designed Tesla Model 3. This car features several reinforcements and improvements over its predecessor. Some upgrades include marked refinements to the Model 3’s rough suspension, tweaked driving aerodynamics, a rear touchscreen for the backseat passengers, a higher quality cabin, and improved aesthetics both on the inside and outside. The base variant rear-wheel-drive Long Range Model 3 comes with an EPA-estimated range of 363 miles on a complete charge. The Long Range All-Wheel Drive carries an estimated EPA rating of 346 miles on a single charge.
The price range of the Tesla Model 3 goes from $40,000 to $45,000, with added options and extras, pushing the price past those points in showrooms.
Volkswagen ID.3
This Volkswagen continues to remain an excellent option for buyers looking for an affordable, well-built EV priced in the $25,000 and $30,000 range. The latest version of this EV returns a highly respectable range of around 270 miles on a complete charge. The latest iteration of the ID.3 comes with updated battery options, improved driving dynamics, and a host of occupant-friendly features, including multi-zone climate control, airbags, and ABS.
To optimize this vehicle’s driving experience for buyers, the ID.3 comes with elements such as a finely-tuned rear-wheel drive layout for balanced handling and fun driving dynamics, an improved steering and suspension system for a smoother and more refined ride, multiple driving modes for customizable driving experience, and a quiet cabin and aerodynamic design for better efficiency.
Some other top options when it comes to low-cost electric cars include the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Kia’s Niro EV, the Lexus RZ, Toyota’s bZ4X, and the Subaru Solterra.
