America’s 10 Cheapest EVs
Several challenges to EV sales in the US have badly damaged the sector. In November, Tesla’s sales dropped to nearly a four-year low as measured by monthly units sold. Ford effectively shuttered its EV operations and took a $19.5 billion write-off.
In 2020, the average price of a new car in the US was about $39,000. That figure is almost $50,000 today. The comparable price for an EV in 2025 is $60,000.
The Holy Grail in the EV industry is a $25,000 car. In China, this price point is common and is among the reasons EV adoption is high there. Recently, Ford CEO Jim Farley described the tremendous threat inexpensive Chinese EVs represent to US car companies. He told CBS, “They have enough capacity in China with the existing factories to serve the entire North American market, put us all out of business.” This is why the US has imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs. However, there’s no way to tell how long these tariffs will remain in place. They are a disadvantage to US EV buyers.
Even Elon Musk has admitted the $25,000 price point is important. According to The Verge, writing of Musk’s plans: “Then in 2020, at the company’s first Battery Day event, he speculated that Tesla could eventually produce upward of 20 million of these vehicles in a year—or roughly twice the current production of Toyota, GM, or Volkswagen.”
The lower price point may also help overcome other barriers, including the number of charging stations, range, and tire wear. At their peak, EVs were only 5% of all US new car sales. That figure has since fallen.
Musk’s cars are not at the $25,000 price point, and neither are the EVs of any other car company. However, some are coming close, which could help restart an EV market that is expected to be slow this year.
Climatecrisis247 examined data from Cars.com, Kelley Blue Book, and Car and Driver to identify the cheapest EVs.
The prices are based on MSRPs (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price), also known as the “sticker price.” We have tried to consider the least expensive version of each car. All have features that can add to the price. For example, the price of the Nissan Leaf can exceed $42,000 when “fully featured.” We have also listed the vehicle type—sedan, crossover, SUV, or coupe.
2026 Nissan Leaf (crossover/SUV) — Lowest priced model at $29,990. It appears to have among the longest ranges on the list at about 300 miles. It is NACS (North American Charging Standard) compatible, meaning it can use Tesla public charging stations.
Hyundai Kona Electric (crossover) — Starting at about $33,000 with up to 261 miles of range. Hyundai and its sister company Kia have had success in the US, and their EV market share is often second to Tesla’s.
Chevrolet Equinox EV (crossover) — GM FWD LT (Front-Wheel Drive LT trim level) at $33,000. Range over 300 miles with more expensive features.
2026 Toyota BRZ — Starting around $35,000 with a range up to 314 miles. Toyota long believed that EVs had a poor future and, until recently, focused on hybrids.
Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range RWD) — Starting around $37,000. Among its advantages is access to Tesla software programs, which include self-driving features, and Supercharger access. The network of chargers is the largest in the US.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (base SE RWD) — Starting around $37,000. Features ultra-fast charging. Another example of the South Korean car company’s effort to enter the low-priced segment of EVs.
Kia Niro EV (crossover) — Priced just below $37,000. From Hyundai’s sister company. Shows growing management belief in the US EV market.
Subaru Solterra (SUV) — Around $38,000 with standard AWD. Subaru has two distinctions: it is famous for its lineup of only AWD cars, which has been in place for decades, and it has won numerous awards for being the highest quality car brand in the US.
Chevrolet Blazer EV (SUV) — About $40,000. One of the largest cars on the list. May be helped by the popularity of the gas-powered versions.
Volvo EX30 (SUV) — Around $40,000. The only brand on the list owned by Chinese company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
