The 15 Cheapest Electric Cars In 2025

The single biggest hurdle facing adoption of electric vehicles in America? Most people can’t afford them. 

Still, the market is growing fast, so there are a handful of cheap electric cars to choose from amid the sea of Audis, Cadillacs, BMWs and the like. The good news is that the list of affordable electric cars is growing quickly, with new additions like the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and price cuts to existing models. The even better news is that EVs are steadily becoming a better value, with even the lower-cost options offering stronger range and charging figures than ever before. 

“Cheap” is a relative term in the EV world. The reality is that there are very few battery-powered models that we can call objectively affordable in the U.S.

But EVs aren’t just for the 1% anymore, either. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 cheapest electric cars you can buy in America. All cost less than the average going price for a new car in the U.S. 

How We Test And Rank Cars

InsideEVs editors have dozens of years of combined experience testing cars. We also spend every day reporting on the ever-changing electric car landscape, ensuring you have the latest information to make an informed decision. Throughout the year, we test dozens of EVs, at first-drive events, during week-long reviews and during Breakthrough EV testing. From the streets of Shanghai to our own driveways, we drive everything so we can give you the best possible information.

We’re basing this list on the sticker prices for the latest model year available for each vehicle—that means 2025 and 2026 models.

But keep in mind that a bunch of factors can impact the final price you’ll pay for a car. 

The $7,500 EV tax credit may be gone, but some states and cities offer policies of their own that can bring down the upfront cost of getting into a plug-in vehicle. 

More EV Buying Guides

Both dealerships and manufacturers regularly offer great EV lease deals, discounts, preferential loan rates and other incentives to move cars off of their lots. And those deals are sticking around for a while as manufacturers try to make up for the loss of the tax credit. 

These are the cheapest electric cars on sale in the U.S., arranged from most to least expensive. All prices include manufacturer destination charges. We’ve included some pros and cons about each vehicle, too, drawn from both real-world testing conducted by the InsideEVs staff and our analysis of the market.

Check out our full reviews of each vehicle get an even richer picture of what these cheap EVs offer. 

2025 Kia EV6

2024 Kia EV6

Photo by: Patrick George

Base price: $44,375 

Range for base model (Light RWD): 237 miles

Maximum range: 319 miles

Drive type: RWD or AWD

Like its close mechanical relative, the Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 packs a lot of style, range and technology into a compelling package. Its coupe-like profile and somewhat more polarizing looks mean the EV6 is often outshone by the Hyundai, but it counts many fans among our staff, including EIC Patrick George, who is also an owner. For 2025, it also packs a Tesla-style NACS port. 

Note that its base price refers to the fairly limited Light RWD model, which is rated for a mere 237 miles of range. However, Kia is currently offering $9,000 in customer cash, making even the EV6’s upper trims a much better deal. 

Check out Patrick George’s long-term review of his Kia EV6 here.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited

Photo by: Hyundai

Base price: $44,200 

Range for base model (SE Standard Range RWD): 245 miles

Maximum range: 318 miles

Drive type: RWD or AWD

The Ioniq 5 is what we’d consider the best overall EV in America that isn’t a Tesla. For 2025, it’s better than ever before with an updated interior, improved tech, more range and a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug. It can natively use Tesla’s Supercharger network or achieve the fast-charging times it’s famous for on a CCS plug using an adapter.

It’s worth noting, however, that this sub-$45,000 price is for the basic SE Standard Range version, which offers a mere 245 miles of range. You may need to upgrade if you need more than that. The good news is that with the lapse of the EV tax credit, Hyundai is offering $7,500 manufacturer incentives. 

For an even better deal, wait a little while for the 2026 Ioniq 5. Hyundai just slashed pricing across the board for the 2026 model year, making an Ioniq 5 up to $9,800 cheaper. 

Read our First Drive review here.

2025 Lexus RZ

Lexus RZ

Photo by: Lexus

Base price: $44,095 

Range for base model (RZ 300e): 266 miles

Maximum range: 266 miles

Drive type: FWD or AWD

Surprised a Lexus made this list? Yeah, us too. But the RZ is now way down from the nearly $60,000 starting price it had when it debuted.

The RZ is Lexus’s sole EV in the U.S. This crossover shares its guts with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, both also found on this list. It looks cool and serves up excellent efficiency, but it falls short on range, charging speed and other features we typically look for in an EV. As Deputy Editor Mack Hogan put it in his review: “It’s the most efficient electric SUV on sale, but its EV ownership experience feels like a complete afterthought.”

The front-wheel-drive RZ 300e will get you the most range.

Also, keep an eye out for the 2026 RZ, which arrives later this year as a much more compelling package. Like the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra it shares a platform with, the latest RZ gets improved range, horsepower and charging. 

Read our full Lexus RZ review here. 

2026 Tesla Model Y

2026 Tesla Model Y Standard

Photo by: Tesla

Base price: $41,630

Range for base model (Standard RWD): 321 miles

Maximum range: 357 miles

Drive type: RWD or AWD

At long last, Tesla’s “more affordable models” are here. And they’re lower-cost trims of existing cars, like the Model Y. It may be a letdown for Tesla fans, but it’s good news for anybody looking to get into a new Tesla in the cheapest way possible. 

The Model Y Standard loses the front and rear light bars of the Premium model, and has a simpler interior. Inside you get more fabric, less vegan leather and a manually adjustable steering wheel. The frunk is smaller and, let’s be honest, uglier. And Tesla traded the panoramic glass roof for a fabric headliner. 

One bummer: Tesla’s new Standard models also lack Autopilot, the automaker’s highway driver-assistance system. 

All in all, the Model Y Standard may be $5,000 cheaper than its Premium siblings, but that doesn’t make it a great deal. 

2025 Nissan Ariya

2024 Nissan Ariya

Base price: $41,160 

Range for base model (Engage): 216 miles

Maximum range: 289 miles

Drive type: FWD or AWD

Nissan was responsible for one of the first mass-market EVs in the U.S.: the Leaf hatchback. The Ariya is its long-awaited second act. Like many of the cars on this list, it’s solid. Not amazing, but not bad either.

It’s a stylish EV inside and out, and I especially liked how some buttons are embedded in the wood-grain trim. In higher trims, you can get serious amounts of range, but the base one is a bit lacking in that respect. 

The Ariya has been discontinued for 2026, however. So if you dig the Ariya, get your hands on a new model while you still can. 

See our full Nissan Ariya review here. 

2025 Kia Niro EV

Base price: $40,995 

Range: 253 miles

Drive type: FWD

Kia is a leader when it comes to mass-market EV tech. Models like the EV6 crossover and EV9 three-row serve up extremely quick charging speeds and advanced, 800-volt architectures. 

The Niro EV, however, uses an older platform and isn’t a ground-up EV. It offers around 250 miles of range. Kia claims a max charging rate of just 85 kilowatts and a 10%-80% charge time of 43 minutes. Still, if you need an around-town EV and not a road-tripper, the Niro EV may be a good choice. 

Read our full Kia Niro EV review here.

2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E

2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT.

Photo by: Patrick George

Base price: $39,990 

Range for base model (Select): 260 miles

Maximum range: 300 miles

Drive type: FWD or RWD

It can be easy to forget about the Mustang Mach-E, as it’s been on the market since 2020. But this crossover has quietly become one of America’s best-selling non-Tesla EVs—and for good reason. It’s a great-looking EV with competitive specs and a big ol’ screen. And after a price cut, the Select trim can be had for under $40,000 before any incentives. 

Read our review of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally here.

2025 Subaru Solterra

Subaru Solterra

Photo by: InsideEVs

Base price: $39,915

Range for base model (Premium): 227 miles

Maximum range: 227 miles

Drive type: AWD

I’d put the 2025 Solterra in the category of “EVs you should consider if you can get a great deal.” It’s only available with all-wheel drive and a small battery, giving it so-so range. But it’s also pleasant to drive, is a nice size and has a charming, funky interior. I was a big fan of the Solterra’s digital gauge cluster, which is pushed back to the windshield and sits nicely near the bottom of the windshield. 

It’s worth noting: The Subaru Solterra got a major glow up for the 2026 model year, while its price barely budged. 

The refreshed Solterra gets about 25% more range than before, extra horsepower and a peak charging rate of 150 kW, up from 100 kW. The 2026 Solterra arrives at dealerships this fall. 

Read our full 2026 Subaru Solterra review here. 

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Photo by: Hyundai

Base price: $39,095 

Range for base model (SE Standard Range RWD): 240 miles

Maximum range: 342 miles

Drive type: RWD or AWD

Our testing shows that the Hyundai Ioniq 6 may be the best EV that nobody appreciates enough. This sleek sedan offers exceptional range of over 340 miles, great driving dynamics and the excellent charging performance that Hyundai’s latest EVs have become known for. Mack, our Deputy Editor, called the Ioniq 6 his “favorite EV” when he reviewed one last year.

Just remember: Like the Ioniq 5 above, the base model comes with a smaller battery and less driving range than other trims.

Read our full Hyundai Ioniq 6 review here. 

2026 Tesla Model 3

2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard

Photo by: Tesla

Base price: $38,630 

Range for base model (Standard RWD): 321 miles

Maximum range: 363 miles

Drive type: RWD or AWD

As of October, there’s a new cheapest Tesla: the Model 3 Standard. It loses swankier features like ambient lighting, a touchscreen for rear passengers and full vegan-leather seats, but also cuts the Model 3’s entry price by $5,500. Be warned, though: the Model 3 Standard doesn’t have Autopilot’s lane-centering feature, which feels like a big miss. 

The sedan has long been one of the best values on the EV market. A much-needed facelift for the 2024 model year—plus a new cheaper variant—only make that value proposition stronger. The update brought fresh styling in front and rear, multicolor ambient lighting and more range. 

Those are some of the reasons why the Model 3 is our pick for the best electric sedan on sale in America. In our testing, we’ve found the Model 3 to be quick and agile. And in any Tesla you can expect a smooth and feature packed infotainment system and seamless charging at thousands of the company’s Superchargers. 

Some cons: The Model 3 foregoes conventional turn signal controls and instead has steering wheel-mounted buttons. (Though you can buy a factory stalk retrofit for $595.) Some may find the interior too spartan and the controls too concentrated in the touchscreen. 

Read our full Tesla Model 3 review here.

2025 Toyota bZ4X

Toyota BZ4x 2025

Photo by: Toyota

Base price: $38,465

Range for base model: 252 miles

Maximum range: 252 miles

Drive type: FWD or AWD

The bZ4X is the only electric Toyota available in the U.S. For years, its mid-tier range, slow charging and high price made it tough to recommend. It’s not exactly going to replace the extremely popular RAV4 anytime soon. 

However, Toyota has given the bZ4X a big price cut for the 2025 model year, making the entry-level model around $6,000 cheaper than before. Now we’re talking. Other things the bZ4X gets right: Its two-tone styling and sharp looks set it apart from other bland crossovers. It’s not bad to drive, either. And it sports an interesting interior with some unusual materials. 

The bZ4X still doesn’t provide as much range or as fast charging as more serious efforts from Hyundai and Tesla. So that should give you pause.

But that’s set to change with the introduction of the redesigned 2026 bZ, which will deliver more than 300 miles in some trims—all while costing about the same price as the outgoing model. 

Read our full Toyota bZ review here.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV

Chevy Equinox EV LT

Photo by: Motor1.com

Base price: $36,495 

Range for base model (LT): 319 miles

Maximum range: 319 miles

Drive type: FWD or AWD

This compact crossover is the one of the easiest vehicles to recommend on this entire list. It was our Breakthrough EV of the Year in 2024, after all. Until the revamped Nissan Leaf came around, it was the cheapest electric car with a 300-mile range. And it still beats that crossover by a few miles. 

Our testing found that the Equinox EV delivers something that’s been missing from the electric market for years: an affordable, appealing car with legitimate amounts of range. Even in its cheapest trim, the Equinox EV returns an EPA estimate of 319 miles, which is great. It also comes with a large touchscreen display and modern looks. 

Overall, the Equinox EV is a very compelling package. We have noticed, however, that the FWD model is a bit sluggish. Another con for some: no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. General Motors has decided to eliminate those features from all its EVs. 

Read our full Chevy Equinox EV review here.

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric

Hyundai Kona Electric

Photo by: InsideEVs

Base price: $34,470 

Range for base model: 200 miles

Maximum range: 261 miles

Drive type: FWD

The Kona Electric proves that EVs “don’t need to be complicated,” staff writer Kevin Williams writes in his review. It’s just a straightforward, no-nonsense EV, with swift acceleration, a comfy ride and futuristic looks. 

But the Kona does have its caveats, like most of America’s cheapest electric cars. The base model only provides 200 miles of range, which is not competitive in the least. (Especially when you take a look at the even more affordable Equinox EV.) And, like its Kia Niro EV cousin, charging is nothing to write home about. It took Kevin around 41 minutes to recharge his tester from 10% to 80%. 

Read our full Hyundai Kona Electric review here.

2025 Fiat 500e

2024 Fiat 500e

Base price: $34,095 (Eligible for $7,500 tax credit when leased)

Range: 149 miles

Drive type: FWD

The 500e is, on paper, one of the very cheapest EVs you can buy new. But that doesn’t necessarily make it a great value. In his review of the 500e, small-car aficionado and InsideEVs staff writer Kevin Williams said he doesn’t know who it’s for. 

According to Kevin, well over 30 grand is a lot to ask for a car that only goes 149 miles on a charge. Some pros, per his review: The 500e is cute and drives well. Cons: It’s too basic inside, lacks a heat pump and can’t go as far as similarly priced rivals.

But then again, if you’re in the market for a tiny city car that’s also electric, this is the only one you can buy new right now. The more premium Mini Cooper SE is on a hiatus in the U.S. 

Read our full Fiat 500e review here. 

2026 Nissan Leaf

2026 Nissan Leaf

Photo by: Suvrat Kothari

Base price: $31,485

Range for base model (S+): 303 miles

Maximum range: 303 miles

Drive type: FWD

And, finally, the absolute cheapest electric car you can buy new in America today: the 2026 Nissan Leaf.

This model has been kicking around since 2010, when it launched as America’s first mass-produced electric car. Up until recently, it was far behind the times. Through the 2025 model year, it was still a hatchback that used an outdated CHAdeMO port, which no other EV in America has. Its base model had an uninspiring 149 miles of range. 

For 2026, everything’s changed. The new Leaf is a charming little crossover with over 300 miles of range in base guise and a similarly low price. That’s for the S+ model. An even cheaper S version is coming soon, with an even lower price tag.

Read our full Nissan Leaf review here.

Upcoming: 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV

2027 Chevy Bolt

Photo by: Chevrolet

Base price: $28,995

Range for base model: 255 miles

Maximum range: 255 miles

Drive type: FWD

The reborn Chevrolet Bolt doesn’t technically go on sale until early 2026, but we had to include it here. With a starting price of $28,995 for the LT model, the Bolt could be America’s cheapest EV—depending on where the entry-level Nissan Leaf slots in. 

For that, you get a Bolt that’s vastly improved over its previous generations. The little crossover gets 150 kW charging, about triple its peak rate before. It gets slightly more range and a NACS port from the factory. It’s one of the biggest signs yet that EV affordability is moving in the right direction in America. 

Our Takeaway: The Best Cheap EV Is Probably Be A Used One

The absolute best way to find an affordable electric car is to buy a used EV. The abundance of off-lease EVs and aggressive depreciation on plug-in cars means that if you’re willing to drive a car that’s a couple years old, you can save thousands of dollars on up-front cost. 

That will change as the market grows and matures. In the next few years, we expect several cheap EVs to hit the market, expanding options for budget-conscious buyers. Those include the Slate truck, the Kia EV3 and EV4, and Ford’s next-generation $30,000 truck. We’ll be sure to keep this list updated as those cars hit the road. 

Contact the author: Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com