Until recently, the words “cheapest” and “electric cars” didn’t really belong together, as none were really cheap. Today, however, a few electric cars have come down to truly affordable territory, and another handful are no more expensive than other mainstream vehicles. That makes a new EV more accessible to more people than ever.
Prices quoted below include manufacturer destination charges but do not include any other mandatory fees like tax, title, or licensing. While you can add options and features to push prices well above those listed below or use state and federal incentives to get the prices even lower, these prices are based on the manufacturer’s price for the base trim level of each model.
Here are the 10 cheapest new electric cars in 2024.
1. 2024 Nissan Leaf: $29,280
The 2024 Nissan Leaf is now America’s least expensive electric car, thanks to Chevrolet putting the Bolt and Bolt EUV on hiatus. The cheapest Leaf is the Leaf S. It has 149 miles of range from its 40-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, front-wheel drive (FWD), one-pedal driving, automatic headlights, and standard smartphone integration. You can option the Leaf up to include features like ProPilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 60-kWh battery good for 212 miles of range, but it’s an $8,000 jump to the Leaf SV Plus.
See 2024 Nissan Leaf models for sale
2. 2024 Mini Electric Hardtop 2-Door: $31,895
Fun to drive and classically styled, the 2024 Mini Cooper SE is an EV with tons of personality but only 114 miles of range per charge from its 32.6-kWh battery. Its 181-horsepower output and relatively light weight make it an entertaining drive, and all SE models are nicely equipped, with even base-spec cars including a heated steering wheel.
See 2024 Mini Electric Hardtop models for sale
3. 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric: $34,050
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric offers 200 miles of range in base form, with the option to upgrade to 261 miles of range from a larger battery. Still, even base SE models include LED projector headlights, dual 12.3-inch cockpit screens, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a host of other tech and equipment. Upgrades can add features like roof rails, a hands-free rear liftgate, Bose audio, wireless device charging, and more.
See 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric models for sale
4. 2024 Fiat 500e Red: $34,095
Super compact yet ultra stylish, the 2024 Fiat 500e is another city EV that’s capable of up to 149 miles of range yet is also capable of Level 3 charging, meaning you can add 31 miles of range in just five minutes or top the battery up to 80% in about 35 minutes. In base form, the least expensive 500e comes with not-so-base features like a 10.25-inch center display, LED exterior lighting, and automatic climate control.
See 2024 Fiat 500e models for sale
5. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6: $38,650
A rarity among new EVs these days, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6‘s sedan body style is sleek and futuristic but in a more organic way than the Ioniq 5’s design. It shares a very similar powertrain, with 240 miles of range in base form and RWD, and offers an excellent base equipment set, including Highway Driving Assist, the SmartSense driver-assist suite, a hands-free trunk, and dual 12.3-inch screens.
See 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 models for sale
6. 2024 Tesla Model 3: $40,630
Love or hate Elon Musk, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 remains one of the most popular EVs in America, partly because it’s affordable but also because it offers significantly more range than other affordable EVs — 272 miles in its shortest-range form. It’s also quick, stylish, and reasonably well-equipped in base Standard Range trim, with wireless device charging, a 15.3-inch center display and an 8-inch rear display, heated front and rear seats, and a glass roof.
See 2024 Tesla Model 3 models for sale
7. 2024 Kia Niro EV: $40,975
The 2024 Kia Niro EV‘s 253-mile range and slight price difference puts it directly in competition with the Model 3, but the Niro EV’s hatchback/crossover SUV body style offers more cargo space and flexibility. The 201-hp electric motor is peppy, and the interior is high-tech with wireless device charging, dual 10.25-inch screens, a power liftgate, heated front seats, and more — all in the base Niro EV Wind.
See 2024 Kia Niro EV models for sale
8. 2024 Nissan Ariya: $40,995
The 2024 Nissan Ariya gets a significant price drop across the range, including the base model, which now starts at $40,995 (versus $44,555) for the Engage trim, a savings of $3,600 over last year’s base model. The base Engage trim gets 216 miles of range and FWD, but all-wheel drive (AWD) and a range of up to 304 miles are also available for a premium.
See 2024 Nissan Ariya models for sale
9. 2024 Volkswagen ID.4: $41,160
Fans of German vehicles may be surprised to find one on a least expensive cars list, but the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 is a relative bargain in the EV world. It has a 62-kWh battery pack that is good for 206 miles on a charge, lots of interior space, and a high-tech cabin packed with features in base form. For a price, the ID.4 can be fitted with a range of 291 miles, AWD, and Harman Kardon audio.
See 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 models for sale
10. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5: $43,175
Looking like something off a near-future sci-fi movie set, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5‘s 220-mile range, excellent feature set, and spacious cabin make it clear this is a practical vehicle, not some rust-prone prop. The base SE Standard Range can take advantage of ultra-fast 350-kW 800-volt chargers, enabling the Ioniq 5 to add 52 miles of range in five minutes or charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes. It’s also well-equipped, with dual 12.3-inch screens, heated front seats, and Highway Driving Assist among the highlights.
See 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 models for sale
10 Cheapest New Electric Cars
- 2024 Nissan Leaf: $29,280
- 2024 Mini Electric Hardtop 2-Door: $31,895
- 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric: $34,050
- 2024 Fiat 500e Red: $34,095
- 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6: $38,650
- 2024 Tesla Model 3: $40,630
- 2024 Kia Niro EV: $40,975
- 2024 Nissan Ariya: $40,995
- 2024 Volkswagen ID.4: $41,160
- 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5: $43,175
The Chevy Bolt is being discontinued.