25 Cheapest Electric Vehicles To Consider In 2024, Ranked Based On Range And Price

Summary

• Electric cars with higher range and better performance sit at a higher price spectrum, catering to premium and luxurious segments.
• Average American driver’s daily mileage easily surpassed by all electric cars available, ensuring ample range for daily commutes.
• In effort to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information, data for this article was sourced from various reputable sources.

There is a broad selection of electric cars currently available in the U.S. However, they are still relatively more expensive compared to ICE models. The big question on consumers’ minds is which EV gives the best value in terms of the miles it can cover in a single charge. Unfortunately, range estimates are not the best in the budget EV sphere. Electric cars with the most range sit higher in the price spectrum as they have bigger batteries and compete in a more premium and luxurious segment.

Your range requirements may vary based on your lifestyle. A recent study reveals that the average American driver covers about 13,476 miles yearly as of 2022. Based on the EPA’s estimates, this equates to about 37 miles a day, which every electric car available today can surpass on a single charge. The cars on this list offer the best value in the electric car segment and will easily fulfill the needs of the average American commuter.

UPDATE: 2024/04/03 13:00 EST BY AYUSH ARYA

This article has been comprehensively updated to bring you fresh details on the most affordable electric vehicles available in the U.S. We have added seven new models to the list. The Bolt twins drops off as Chevrolet pulls the plug on its most-affordable EV in the States. Some of the models featured here have yet to make their official debut. While we have made every attempt to verify facts, the information provided below may change prior to a vehicle’s release.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including The Federal Highway Administration, the EPA Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motortrend. The vehicles on this list have been arranged in descending order according to their base MSRPs.

25 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+

Base MSRP: $52,750

Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric range starts with the EQB SUV. The entry-level EQB 250+ comes with a front-mounted 138 kW electric motor that drives the front wheels. Power output stands at 188 horsepower with 284 pound-feet of peak torque. A 70.5 kWh battery pack is standard across the range. In the EQB 250+, this pack delivers a driving range of 245 miles on a single charge, the highest in this electric SUV’s lineup.

Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Mercedes-Benz and the EPA)

Going for the $56,900 EQB 300 4 MATIC gets you two electric motors with a combined power output of 225 horsepower and a peak torque of 288 pound-feet. 60 mph now comes in a claimed 7.0 seconds, while the range drops to 232 miles. However, you’ll have to spend $60,550 for the EQB 350 4MATIC for maximum performance. It also comes with dual electric motors with similar power output. But the peak torque goes up to 384 pound-feet, bringing the 60 mph times to 6.0 seconds. Sadly, the range drops to a dismal 221 miles.

Pros

• Boxy exterior design looks rugged
• Premium fit and finish
• Optional three-row seating

Cons

• No frunk
• An expensive option in its segment
• Sub-par range across the board

24 Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor Extended Range

Base MSRP: $52,450

Till the EX30 makes its debut, the XC40 Recharge is Volvo’s most affordable electric vehicle in the States. Its base Single Motor Extended Range trim comes with a 220 kW electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Power output stands at 248 horsepower with a peak torque of 310 pound-feet. According to the EPA, this trim’s 82 kWh battery pack can store enough charge for 293 miles of range with an efficiency estimate of 106 MPGe.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor Extended Range Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Volvo and the EPA)

The range-topping XC40 Recharge Twin Motor retails at $55,495. It comes with a dual electric motor, producing a combined 402 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of peak torque. The usable battery capacity drops to 78 kWh, and the range drops to 254 miles. Compared to the single-motor version, which can sprint to 60 MPH in a claimed 6.9 seconds, the Twin Motor does the same run in 4.6 seconds.

Pros

• Impressive performance
• Smart looks
• Quick charging times

Cons

• Dual Motor versions get a disappointing range
• Sub-par interior quality
• Pricier compared to some rivals

23 BMW i4 eDrive35

Base MSRP: $52,200

The BMW i4’s range starts with the eDrive35. Its single electric motor produces 282 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of peak torque. According to the EPA, the i4 eDrive35 has a 66 kWh battery pack that allows for a maximum driving range of 276 miles on 18-inch wheels. Efficiency estimates stand at 120 MPGe. However, if you opt for the 19-inch wheels with your eDrive35, the range will drop to 252 miles, with the combined efficiency rating decreasing to 110 MPGe.

BMW i4 eDrive35 Specifications

(Specifications sourced from BMW and the EPA)

If you want more range from the i4, you’d have to pay $57,300 for the eDrive40. It also comes with a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, but it is a more powerful motor producing 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of peak torque. The eDrive40 has a bigger 81.5 kWh battery pack that, according to the EPA, can provide a maximum of 301 miles of range. The range-topping xDrive40 packs two electric motors for a combined 396 horsepower.

Pros

• Impressive ride and handling
• Decent range
• Built like a BMW

Cons

• Lack of space on the inside
• No frunk
• Options are pretty expensive

22 Genesis GV60 Standard RWD

Base MSRP: $52,000

The Genesis GV60 uses the same platform as its corporate siblings, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. Its entry-level trim, the Standard RWD, has a 168 kW electric motor mounted on the rear axle, driving the rear wheels. Power output stands at 225 horsepower with a peak torque of 258 pound-feet. The EPA rates the Genesis Standard RWD with an estimated range of 294 miles with an efficiency of 112 MPGe.

Genesis GV60 Standard RWD Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Genesis and the EPA)

If you are willing to sacrifice range and want higher power output or all-wheel-drive, you’d have to go for either the mid-spec Advanced trim or the top-spec GV60 Performance. The former adds a 74 kW front motor, increasing the horsepower to 314 with the peak torque going up to 446 pound-feet. The Performance trim comes with two 160 kW motors (one at the front and one at the back) for a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of peak torque.

Pros

• Premium design
• Higher trims offer impressive performance
• Loaded with tech and features

Cons

• Falls behind rivals in terms of driving range
• Feels heavy to drive
• No wireless smartphone connectivity

21 Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor

Base MSRP: $49,900

The base Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor is the most affordable option in the electric crossover’s lineup, starting at $49,900. When fitted with 19-inch wheels, it also enjoys the best EPA-estimated range of 320 miles on a single charge from its 78 kWh battery pack. The EPA estimates the model to consume 115 MPGe on the combined cycle.

Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Polestar and the EPA)

The base Polestar 2 strictly appeals to energy-conscious buyers, as its power output is considerably lower than the 408-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel drive model. The front motor generates 229 horsepower and 361 pound-feet, granting it a 5.9-second 0-60 MPH time claim. However, tests reveal 6.8 seconds to be a more realistic time. The niche Swedish crossover hits a top speed of 127 MPH.

Pros

• Premium Swedish build quality
• Tasteful exterior design
• Seamless EV performance

Cons

• The ride can be a bit firm on the larger wheels
• Relatively costly next to the competition
• Slower charging speeds

20 Chevrolet Blazer EV

Base MSRP: $48,000

There are a plethora of powertrain configurations available on the Chevrolet Blazer EV. But the most affordable version of this mid-size electric SUV that you can buy right now is the base LT with a dual motor all-wheel-drive configuration. According to the EPA, this version can eke out 279 miles from its 102 kWh battery pack on a single charge. Efficiency estimates are also decent at 96 MPGe.

Chevrolet Blazer EV LT Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Chevrolet and the EPA)

If you want the maximum range from the Blazer EV, go for the mid-spec RS trim in the rear-wheel-drive configuration. Chevrolet estimates a range of 324 miles for this version. The power output of the rear-wheel-drive setup is also higher than the base LT. These produce 340 horsepower with a peak torque of 325 pound-feet. The range-topping Blazer EV SS with 557 horsepower will be available later.

Pros

• Handsome design
• A bunch of drivetrain configurations
• Plenty of performance across variants

Cons

• AWD versions get low range
• No frunk storage
• Pricier compared to rivals

19 Vinfast VF8

Base MSRP: $46,000

The Vinfast VF8’s range starts with the Eco, which features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. It comes with an 87.7 kWh battery pack, which, according to the EPA, delivers 264 miles of range on a full charge. Efficiency estimates stand at 87 MPGe. The ECO trim packs 349 horsepower and a peak torque of 369 pound-feet. Vinfast claims a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds.

Vinfast VF8 Eco Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Vinfast and the EPA)

If you want more power and range from your VF8, you can pay a $5,800 premium for the range-topping Eco & Plus trim. You still get the dual motor all-wheel-drive configuration, but the power output goes up to 402 horsepower, with peak torque increasing to 457 pound-feet. Vinfast claims 0 to 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds, which tests confirm to be true. The Eco & Plus trim gets the same 87.7 kWh battery pack, but the range drops to 243 miles.

Pros

• 2024 models comes with better range
• Even the base trim packs plenty of performance
• Impressive warranty

Cons

• Range still less than rivals
• Unrefined driving manners
• Sub-standard interior

18 Rivian R2

Base MSRP: $45,000

Rivian has recently announced that it will introduce a new mid-size SUV to its lineup: the R2. The new EV from the American automaker will have a base MSRP of $45,000, which puts it right in the territory of the Ford Mustang Mach E and the Tesla Model Y. Though details are still scarce on the R2, Rivian says that it will be offered with two battery sizes. The model equipped with the bigger pack will have over 300 miles of range.

Rivian R2 Single Motor Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Rivian)

The R2 will be available in multiple powertrain configurations: Single Motor (RWD), Dual Motor (AWD), and Tri-Motor (AWD). The most affordable version of the R2 with the $45,000 price tag is likely to have the single motor rear-wheel-drive configuration with the smaller battery pack. The EPA has yet to rate the R2 for the official range estimated and MPGe. Rivian has opened the order books for the R2 and deliveries are expected to begin in 2026.

17 Subaru Solterra Premium

Base MSRP: $44,995

The Subaru Solterra Premium is one of the more expensive options on this list, but it doesn’t justify that with impressive energy consumption and range abilities. The EPA estimates the base model will cover 227 miles on a single charge and consume 104 MPGe combined. Due to the larger wheel option, the more expensive Limited and Touring Trims aren’t much worse, with their 102 MPGe consumption and 222-mile range estimates.

Subaru Solterra Premium Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Subaru and the EPA)

The Solterra also disappoints on the performance front due to its lower 215-horsepower and 249-pound-feet of torque outputs from the dual motor system. Subaru claims a 6.5-second 0-60 MPH time, which tests reflect to be an accurate figure. In its defense, it does offer all-wheel drive as standard, which proves to be a competent system over non-tarmac surfaces, in true Subaru fashion.

Pros

• An accessible all-wheel drive EV
• Capable over loose surfaces
• Elevates Subaru into the electric age

Cons

• Impractical for a crossover
• Slower charging abilities
• Range abilities aren’t on par with the competition

16 Tesla Model Y

Base MSRP: $43,990

The most affordable Tesla Model Y is the base trim, equipped with the smaller 82 kWh battery pack, which grants it a 123 MPGe consumption estimate and a 279-mile range claim on a single charge. The Long-Range battery pack increases the range to 330 miles and reduces combined consumption by one MPGe, increasing the price to $48,990.

Tesla Model Y Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Tesla and the EPA)

Regardless, the base Model Y is still a compelling EV option and a big part of Tesla’s global success. The all-wheel drive option produces 384 horsepower and 376 pound-feet, affording it a 6.6-second 0-60 MPH time and 135 MPH top speed. It’s an overall comprehensive electric car experience if you excuse the inconsistent build quality and overbearing central digital display.

Pros

• Impressive performance abilities
• Supercharging access is a major drawing card
• Generous interior space

Cons

• Lack of physical controls hampers user experience
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
• Built quality needs refinement

15 Nissan Ariya Engage FWD

Base MSRP: $43,190

The base Nissan Ariya features a compact 63 kWh battery, which the EPA estimates will cover 216 miles on a single charge and consume 101 MPGe on the combined cycle. The Venture+ trim upgrades the battery to 87 kWh, increasing the range to 304 miles and consuming 103 MPGe, but the price rises to $47,190.

Nissan Ariya Engage FWD Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Nissan and the EPA)

The Engage is a strictly cost-saving trim that accommodates those wanting to step into electric car ownership with no frills. This drivetrain generates 214 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, resulting in a 7.2-second 0-60 MPH time. Better performance is found in the flagship 335-horsepower Platinum+ dual-motor model, which tests confirm will sprint from 0-60 MPH in 5.3 seconds.

Pros

• The suspension is tuned for comfort
• Striking exterior design
• Comprehensive safety equipment

Cons

• Slow fast-charging speeds
• The infotainment system is not on par with the competition
• Limited interior storage facilities

14 Toyota bZ4X XLE

Base MSRP: $43,070

The base bZ4X looks like a great proposition on paper, but it lacks a lot of the characteristics that you might have come to expect from modern Toyota products. Like the Solterra, all trims are dual-motor all-wheel drive. The XLE’s smaller wheels result in a 119 MPGe consumption estimate on the combined cycle with a 252-mile range claim on the combined cycle. These figures are not too impressive when considering the battery pack boasts a 71.4 kWh capacity.

Toyota bZ4X XLE Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Toyota and the EPA)

Things are a bit lackluster on the performance front as well. The dual-motor system generates a meager 214 horsepower and 248 pound-feet, resulting in a 0-60 MPH time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 99 MPH. Tests suggest that a 6.7-second 0-60 MPH time is a bit more realistic. The EV crossover is also applauded for its poised handling characteristics and innovative technical features.

Pros

• Radical but tasteful exterior styling
• All-wheel drive is standard across the range
• Chassis performs well in tight urban environments

Cons

• High road noise levels
• Low performance doesn’t equate to good range and efficiency
• Powertrain struggles on highways

13 Kia EV6 Light RWD

Base MSRP: $42,600

The base Kia EV6 Light features the brand’s compact 58 kWh battery to drive the rear 167-horsepower motor, resulting in a 232-mile EPA-estimated range and 117 MPGe combined consumption. Increasing your budget to $45,950 gets you the Light Long Range, which features a 77.4 kWh battery, increasing the range to 310 miles without compromising the consumption estimate.

Kia EV6 Light RWD Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Kia and the EPA)

Being a base trim, performance is on the lower side, with 167 horsepower and 258 pound-feet output generated by the single rear motor. With this, you’ll only be able to hit 0-60 MPH in 7.2 seconds until it reaches its 115 MPH top speed. For the best performance, you’ll have to consider the flagship $61,600 GT trim, which generates 576 horsepower, affording it a fantastic 3.6-second 0-60 MPH sprint time.

Pros

• Generous interior space
• Great charging speeds and a comprehensive network
• Sleek exterior styling

Cons

• Dull performance output
• Real-world range can disappoint
• Limited interior visibility

12 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE Long Range

Base MSRP: $42,450

The base-level Ioniq 6 SE Long Range offers fantastic value for money. It comes equipped with a single rear motor that produces 225 horsepower to the rear axle, resulting in a claimed 0-60 MPH time of 6.0 seconds. Tests suggest that a 6.3-second time is a more realistic result. Adding to the model’s appeal is its amazing efficiency estimates, consisting of a 140 MPGe combined consumption and 361-mile range claim, making it the most efficient model on this list with the longest range.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Hyundai and the EPA)

Those willing to sacrifice range for performance can specify the dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration on all three trims for $3,500. If you keep the 18-inch wheels, the range estimate does not change, but consumption slightly worsens to 121 MPGe. The fancier 20-inch wheels may look appealing, but they lower the range to 270 miles and degrade consumption to 103 MPGe.

Pros

• Unrivaled fuel efficiency
• Accessible all-wheel drive option
• Generous standard specification

Cons

• Limited trunk space
• The rear-wheel-drive model lacks urgency off-the-line
• The 361-mile range claim requires vigilant hypermiling

11 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE

Base MSRP: $41,800

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE may not be as efficient as the more expensive base Ioniq 6, but it offers considerably better value. The standard range 58 kWh battery powers the 167-horsepower and 258 pound-feet rear-driven motor, resulting in a claimed 7.2-second 0-60 MPH time. This is admittedly low, and the 110 MPGe combined consumption and 220-mile range claim don’t quite make up for this.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Hyundai and the EPA)

Thankfully, you only have to spend $45,850 to upgrade to the SE trim, which comes with a long-range battery pack. This increases the range estimate to 303 miles and improves the combined consumption by 4 MPGe. The almost $4,000 price increase may seem steep, but that’s a fair price for this improvement. The bigger 77.4 kWh battery also increases the power output to 225 horsepower.

Pros

• One of the best-looking EVs in its class
• Good interior packaging
• High safety standard

Cons

• Underpowered base trim
• Inferior handling characteristics
• Limited rear visibility

10 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select

Base MSRP: $39,895

The Mach-E’s base Select trim is the most efficient, with its 103 MPGe combined consumption estimate. The smaller 70 kWh battery lets it cover a modest 247 miles on a single charge. You can increase this to 312 miles by selecting the California Route 1 specification, but this more powerful dual-motor model boasts a lower 98 MPGe combined consumption estimate.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Select Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Ford and the EPA)

Despite being a base trim, the Select offers competent performance abilities. The rear-driven motor generates 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet, resulting in a claimed 5.8-second 0-60 MPH time and a top speed of 114 MPH. If it’s speed you’re looking for, the top-of-the-range $52,395 GT Performance increases power to 346 horsepower, resulting in tested a 3.7-second 0-60 MPH time.

Pros

• Decent performance for a base-trim model
• Sleek and distinctive design scheme
• Responsive steering system

Cons

• Top-end performance is weak
• Still not as fun to drive as the real Mustang
• Availability is limited due to the massive demand

9 Kia Niro EV Wind

Base MSRP: $39,600

The final model year of this generation’s Kia Niro is still a competitive EV if you’re looking for decent efficiency. The EPA estimates all trims to cover 253 miles on a single charge and return 113 MPGe on the combined cycle, which is impressive considering it uses a relatively smaller 65 kWh battery pack. It may disappoint on the performance front, as the single motor only generates 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet.

Kia Niro EV Wind Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Kia and the EPA)

According to the manufacturer’s claimed specifications, this will only get you from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.4 seconds. Tests reveal you can cut this down by almost a second in the right conditions. While the Niro is the Hyundai Group’s second-cheapest EV sold in the U.S., the price still doesn’t make sense when you consider it is based on the company’s old-generation K5 platform, which is not a dedicated electric car chassis.

Pros

• Good range capabilities
• Comprehensive standard features list
• Intriguing and distinctive exterior design

Cons

• Based on the older chassis
• Relatively High Pricing
• Not much more efficient than the PHEV option

8 Volkswagen ID.4 Standard

Base MSRP: $38,995

The Volkswagen ID.4 is a safe choice in the current electric car market. The base rear-wheel-drive Standard model generates 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet, resulting in a claimed 7.3-second 0-60 MPH acceleration time. However, you get a substandard 209-mile EPA range estimate, and 107 MPGe consumption return on the combined cycle.

Volkswagen ID.4 Standard Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Volkswagen and the EPA)

Upgrading to the dual-motor Pro trim costs $43,995, but the trade-off is a considerably better 291-mile range estimate and 113 MPGe combined consumption, thanks to the larger 82 kWh battery pack. This does not increase the power output, so you’ll still have the same sprint time and 99 MPH top speed. As per independent performance tests, the dual-motor Pro S increases power to 295 horsepower, resulting in a 5.4-second 0-60 MPH time.

Pros

• Spacious cargo area
• Competitive pricing strategy
• Refined build quality

Cons

• Dull handling characteristics
• Poor straight-line performance
• Good range is only available via the optional larger battery pack

7 Tesla Model 3

Base MSRP: $38,990

Many consider the Tesla Model 3 the undisputed king of the current EV market, thanks to its amazingly accessible price point. The base trim is the most efficient in the range, with a 132 MPGe combined consumption estimate. The smaller 56 kWh battery is estimated to cover 272 miles, an outstanding figure for that capacity. The base 279-horsepower rear-wheel drive trim also benefits from good performance abilities, with a 5.8-second 0-60 MPH acceleration claim and 140 MPH top speed.

Tesla Model 3 Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Tesla and the EPA)

Our tests reveal that the dual-motor version can sprint to 60 MPH from a standstill in as little as 4.4 seconds. But to enjoy the Long Range All-Wheel Drive’s 358-mile range estimate, you’ll have to increase your budget to $47,740, but this also includes a 4.2-second 0-60 MPH acceleration claim and a higher 145 MPH top speed.

Pros

• A huge improvement in build quality
• More refined ride than the previous version
• Quick acceleration and fun to drive

Cons

• Lack of physical controls
• Some buyers will miss a traditional heads up intrument cluster
• A huge glass roof that does not open

6 Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range

Base MSRP: $34,950

Technically speaking, the EX30 isn’t available as yet due to limited global availability, but Volvo has released the official pricing and specification list. The base single-motor rear-wheel drive option boasts a claimed 275-mile range on a single charge from the 69 kWh battery. What’s impressive is how Volvo got this compact EV crossover’s pricing down to $34,950.

Pros

• Impressive acceleration
• Quick charging times
• Highly ergonomic

Cons

• Obvious cost-cutting
• Single motor versions are better than more expensive dual motor models
• Smaller than it looks

Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Volvo)

It’s also a decent performer in a straight line, with 268 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque output, granting it a claimed 0-60 MPH time of 5.1 seconds and a 112 MPH top speed. You might think this price makes it a budget car offering, but this Volvo comes standard with the brand’s 12.3-inch infotainment screen, Harmon Kardon audio system, and many advanced driver assist systems.