Cheapest electric cars: 7 electric cars cheaper than the cheapest Tesla

Tesla once proudly boasted a $35,000 all-electric sedan. Those times are long gone. Now the cheapest Tesla is the standard line Model 3, which starts at $43,990.

Last weekend, most Tesla models increased in price by $2,000. (The Model 3’s standard range used to be $41,990.) And Tesla prices rose on Wednesday, too Germany and China.

That doesn’t mean that affordable electric vehicles are out of reach. In addition to Tesla, EVs from Chevy to Nissan are available for under $40,000, and they offer plenty of range, power, and other features — though no dog or sentry modes are available.

Here are the electric vehicles that a lower-priced driver might consider.

1. The Nissan Leaf is one of the cheapest electric cars

The OG EV Credit: NISSAN

Range: 150 or 226 miles

Starting price: $27,400

The OG electric sedan, the Leaf, is a solid choice for electric vehicles. Plus, it still qualifies for the federal tax credit that Tesla couldn’t access even before the pandemic. (At the time of publication, all cars listed here except Bolt EV and EUV were still qualified.)

2. The Mini SE Hardtop is one of the most affordable electric vehicles

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Range: 110 miles

Starting price: $29,900

It’s a super cute electric version of the classic Mini, but be forewarned: this two-door EV barely goes 100 miles on a single charge.

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3. The Chevy Bolt EV is another affordable EV

The Chevrolet Bolt EV used to be a top Tesla competitor. Credit: GENERAL MOTORS

Range: 259 miles

Starting price: $31,995

The Bolt used to be Tesla’s main competitor, at least in terms of budget. But battery fire recalls on every single Bolt ever sold have dampened sales and public perception.

4. Another of the cheapest electric cars is the Chevy Bolt EUV

The Newer, Larger Bolt EUV Credit: GENERAL MOTORS

Range: 247 miles

Starting price: $33,995

The EUV is a larger version of the original Bolt, with hands-free Super Cruise built into the propulsion system. It didn’t come out until earlier this year, but the risk of fire has literally blown the EUV’s appeal.

5. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is one of the cheaper electric vehicles

A More Affordable Electric Ride Credit: HYUNDAI

Range: 170 miles

Starting price: $34,250

Hyundai has since spun off its Ioniq line for all of its electric vehicles.

6. The Hyundai Kona Electric is an electric vehicle you can afford

Electric SUV life in a Kona Electric Credit: HYUNDAI

Range: 258 miles

Starting price: $35,225

This is another compact SUV from Hyundai that offers a longer range than the Ioniq – and yet a lower price point than a Tesla.

7. The Kia Niro EV is another electric car for less than $40,000

A compact SUV for less than a Tesla credit: KIA

Range: 239 miles

Starting price: $39,990

The Niro EV makes it under $40,000 as an all-electric version from Kia in its Niro line, which also has a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.

Note: This article was originally published on October 30, 2021.

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