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The Cheapest Electric Cars & SUVs for 2024
Modern electric vehicles aren't like the small and low-range models of the past, but few are truly affordable. Only five new 2024 EVs list for under $40,000. Still, with dealer discounts and federal tax credits, you'll likely spend a lot less—and if you lease, the deals are even better.
These 10 cars and SUVs are base models with single motors. They seat four comfortably and come with a generous list of standard equipment. All but three have EPA-estimated ranges of at least 200 miles, though their charging times vary considerably. Have a look at our roundup and bookmark our reviews in the Car and Driver Buyer's Guide for full instrumented tests that include real-world highway range estimates.
1. Nissan Leaf S—$29,280
Car and Driver rating: 6.5/10
EPA-estimated driving range: 149 miles
A mere $29,280 is enough to bring home a 2024 Nissan Leaf. This amount nabs the entry-level Leaf S, which employs a 147-hp front-mounted electric motor and a 40.0-kWh battery pack. This combination affords the little Leaf an EPA-rated driving range of 149 miles—a sum that betters the EPA-rated ranges of more expensive EVs.
Those looking for more driving range can spend an extra $8050 for the Leaf SV Plus, which features a 214-hp electric motor and a 62.0-kWh battery pack. As a result, the Leaf SV Plus is rated to go 212 miles on a full charge.
2. Mini Hardtop Cooper SE Classic—$31,895
Car and Driver rating: 6/10
EPA-estimated driving range: 114 miles
Those willing to accept the Mini Cooper SE's very limited driving range will find plenty to like about this two-door hatchback. Notably, the front-drive 181-hp Cooper SE is a joy to drive, as it shares its dynamic DNA with its gas-powered kin. While the 2024 model is still in stock, the next-gen Cooper Electric is due for 2025. We expect it to improve noticeably on Mini's current battery-powered model.
MORE ABOUT THE MINI HARDTOP COOPER SE
3. Hyundai Kona Electric SE—$34,050
Car and Driver rating: 8/10
Estimated driving range: 200 miles
The Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the best battery-powered values. Opt for the entry-level base SE and you're looking at an EV with a 133-hp front-mounted motor powered by a 48.6-kWh battery pack that's good for around 200 miles of estimated range. The $38,050 SEL and $42,420 Limited trims, meanwhile, each pack a 201-hp front-mounted electric motor that receives power by way of a 64.0-kWh battery, a combination that nets an EPA-estimated driving range of 261 miles.
MORE ABOUT THE HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
4. Fiat 500e Inspi(RED)—$34,095
Car and Driver rating: N/A
Estimated driving range: 149 miles
The Fiat 500 hatchback returns to our shores for 2024, only this time it's exclusively offered in battery-electric 500e guise. Like its predecessor, the latest 500e takes design inspiration from the original 500. Though the 500e's $34,095 price tag makes it among the cheapest EV options available today. Don't expect any government assistance, though, as the 500e doesn't qualify for the federal tax credit. Its 149 miles of estimated driving range is rather unimpressive, too.
5. Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE Standard Range—$38,650
Car and Driver rating: 10/10
EPA-estimated driving range: 240 miles
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 may lack the versatility of the boxier Ioniq 5, but what this slick sedan lacks in upright storage space it more than makes up for in driving range.
Take the entry-level SE Standard Range that packs a 149-hp rear-mounted electric motor that's powered by a 53.0-kWh battery pack, a combination that nets an estimated driving range of 240 miles—20 more than the entry-level Ioniq 5. Opt for the 6's available 77.4-kWh pack, and this Hyundai is estimated to travel as far as 361 miles on a full charge when properly equipped.
MORE ABOUT THE HYUNDAI IONIQ 6
6. Tesla Model 3—$40,630
Car and Driver rating: 8/10
EPA-estimated driving range: 272 miles*
The Tesla Model 3 goes under the knife for 2024, bringing refreshed exterior and interior designs with it. Though the wickedly quick Performance trim is due to return to the line later in the year, Tesla currently offers its entry-level model in entry-level rear-drive and more powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive Long Range guises. Expect both trims to at least maintain the efficiency of their 2023 counterparts, each of which netted EPA-estimated figures of 272 and 358 miles, respectively.
*2023 Model 3 RWD
7. Kia Niro EV Wind—$40,975
Car and Driver rating: 8/10
EPA-estimated driving range: 253 miles
Those determined to own the cheapest Kia electric vehicle will want to take a look at the Niro EV, which stickers for $40,975 in entry-level Wind guise. The Niro EV has a front-mounted 201-hp electric motor and a 64.8-kWh pack that affords it an EPA-estimated range of up to 253 miles.
Besides its ability to accelerate to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds, the Niro EV Wind also comes standard with niceties such as a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, in-dash navigation, and a proximity key. Notably missing from all Niro EV trims, however, is an available all-wheel-drive system.
8. Volkswagen ID.4 Standard—$41,160
Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10
EPA-estimated driving range: 209 miles*
The Volkswagen ID.4 comes standard with a 58.0-kWh battery pack that delivers an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 209 miles. The pricier 77.0-kWh unit on Pro trims offers up to 291 miles of EPA-estimated range. While the 2024 ID.4 Standard and S trims are largely carryover, the more powerful Pro models welcome powertrain tweaks and a handful of interior enhancements for the 2024 model year.
*2023 ID.4 Standard
MORE ABOUT THE VOLKSWAGEN ID.4
9. Fisker Ocean Sport—$41,437
Car and Driver rating: 7.5/10
Estimated driving range: 231 miles
While higher-end variants of the Fisker Ocean promise north of 300 miles of driving range, the entry-level front-drive Sport makes do with an ample, but relatively underwhelming, 231 miles of estimated range. What the Ocean Sport lacks in driving range, though, it makes up for in price. Whereas the Ocean's Ultra and Extreme trims sticker for north of $50,000, the Sport starts at less than $42,000.
10. Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range—$43,175
Car and Driver rating: 10/10
EPA-estimated driving range: 220 miles
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes standard with a lone rear-mounted motor and a 58.0-kWh battery pack. With 168 horsepower, the entry-level Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range is far from the quickest variant of this affordable electric SUV. Still, even the cheapest iteration of this Hyundai EV nets an estimated 220 miles of driving range.
Those with more money to spend can nab one of the higher-end Ioniq 5 models, all of which include a larger capacity 77.4-kWh battery pack. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive system is also available for those willing to sacrifice some driving range for additional performance.
MORE ABOUT THE HYUNDAI IONIQ 5
The Cheapest Electric Cars for 2024
1. Nissan Leaf S—$29,280
2. Mini Cooper SE Hardtop Classic—$31,895
3. Hyundai Kona Electric SE—$34,050
4. Fiat 500e Inspi(Red)—$34,095
5. Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE Standard Range—$38,650
6. Tesla Model 3—$40,630
7. Kia Niro EV Wind—$40,975
8. Volkswagen ID.4 Standard—$41,160
9. Fisker Ocean Sport—$41,437
10. Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range—$43,175
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