Not too long ago, battery electric vehicles were the definitive future of motoring. In the oil-is-murder society, the BEV was seen as a beacon of hope in the apocalyptic future of climate change. Back then, though, they were, at best, prototypes that weren’t commercially viable by any measure.

After nearly two decades, the BEV has gone from novelty to staple, and the world is better for it. They have become so popular that, in recent years, EVs have led car sales on multiple occasions. This popularity translates to a noticeable reduction in entry-level pricing, making them more affordable for the common man. Here are 12 of the most budget-friendly EVs available for sale in the United States in 2024.

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 Car and Driver. The models below have been ranked based on their starting MSRP. All prices shown do not reflect the $7,500 Federal incentive for electric and hybrid vehicles.

1 Nissan Leaf

Starting MSRP: $28,140

Since its first generation launched in 2010, the Nissan Leaf enjoyed a reputation as the world’s best-selling EV, selling a total of 450,000 examples until it was dethroned by Tesla in 2020. Until now, the Nissan Leaf is still held in high regard by EV drivers as one of the pioneering EVs that defied expectations and succeeded in mass-marketing an EV.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Nissan and Car and Driver)

In its current iteration, the Leaf now sports a larger, 60 kW-h Lithium Ion battery pack, as well as a more powerful motor compared to the first generation with 215 horsepower. Sadly, this combination is the top trim level, with the base model only getting a 40 kWh battery and 147 horsepower. This results in an effective range far below the industry standard, at 151 miles for the small pack, and 215 miles for the larger pack. As far as charging goes, the Leaf is on the backfoot due to the CHAdeMo charging infrastructure it uses, which is not only outdated, but is increasingly being phased out in favor of the J1772 and CCS charging systems – thus limiting the usability of the Leaf.

Inside and underneath, the new Leaf gives buyers Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility suite of driving aids which includes things like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane departure assist, as well as emergency autonomous braking, The infotainment screen is also decidedly more modern, thanks to an eight-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto, Apple Carplay, and 360° Cameras. Price-wise, the Leaf is currently the cheapest 2024 EV on sale today, at just over $28,000. That said, this particular iteration of Leaf is already seven years old, so a new generation of Nissan may just be over the horizon.

Pros

• Affordable pricing
• High level of standard tech
• Reasonable performance for the segment

Cons

• Outdated CHAdeMo charging port
• Dismal EV Range
• Long overdue for a new generation

2 Mini Cooper Electric

Starting MSRP: $30,900

The current Mini Cooper Electric is the storied British marque’s latest iteration of its fashion icon, which started with the original Mini back in 1959. It was also Mini’s first attempt at an Electric Mini Cooper built for the general public.

Under the skin, the Mini Cooper Electric carries the same 28.9 kWh battery and 181 horsepower electric motor as when it launched, which makes the small hatchback accelerate quite quickly for the segment. Sadly, that minuscule battery pack means the Mini Cooper Electric can only go 110 miles on a single charge, which means it has the lowest range of all the cars on this list.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Mini)

Inside, the Mini Cooper Electric comes with an 8.8-inch touchscreen that controls your Apple Carplay and built-in navigation. Sadly, no Android Auto in the Mini Cooper Electric. Safety features for the Mini Cooper Electric include the standard suite of Advanced driver aids – Autonomous emergency braking, Forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and Smart parking assist.

The Mini Cooper Electric is priced at nearly $31,000, and on paper, it doesn’t give you enough car for the money. That being said, the new generation is slated to arrive this year, and though it may not be faster, wider, or any cheaper than the outgoing model, it will likely provide buyers with more technology, thus justifying the price it commands.

Pros

• Functional fashion statement
• Small proportions for easier city driving

Cons

• Disappointing range
• Unreasonable price
• Too small to be practical

3 Fiat 500E

Starting MSRP: $32,500

Fiat’s first modern foray into the U.S. Market started with the Fiat 500, so it seems almost fitting that Stellantis is putting its hope on a Fiat revival in the newest 500E – the all-new, all-electric mini hatchback from Turin, Italy.

Fiat’s new 500E is shaping up to be the best iteration, with a 118 horsepower electric motor up front, which gets its electricity from a battery pack that supposedly gives the car a respectable 149-mile range, though Stellantis says that more is available if the car is confined to driving on city streets and not highways.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Fiat U.S.)

Inside, the new 500E features a large 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 software native to all modern Stellantis products. Much like those cars, the 500E will likely offer those who pre-order the car Android Auto and Apple Carplay, though at its cheapest, Fiat USA will fit all 500Es with Adaptive cruise control, Wireless charging for your smartphones, Autonomous Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and even Blindspot Monitoring.

Fiat’s new purchase system is a little difficult to understand, but essentially, you can now reserve the Fiat 500E Red on the website, while other versions of the car will be released through a drip feed as time goes on. Deliveries are expected to start within the first half of 2024, though between then and now, Fiat’s main competition will be coming in the form of other Electric vehicles that are already available to buyers who may not be willing to wait.

Pros

• Eye-catching looks
• Decent range
• Well-equipped

Cons

• Not yet available at dealerships
• Asking price is high for a small car
• Too many competitors in higher segments

4 Hyundai Kona Electric

Starting MSRP: $32,675

Launched in 2022, the Hyundai Kona Electric is an EV that targets buyers who are budget-conscious but still want style, capability, and practicality, all rolled into a nice, everyday package that still makes use of modern manufacturing processes. To that end, the Hyundai Kona Electric wasn’t designed as an ICE-powered car before getting an Electric powertrain. Instead, Hyundai flipped the script by designing the Kona Electric first, then adapting the chassis to ICE powerplants after.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Hyundai and Car and Driver)

Under the skin of the Kona Electric lies an electric motor that puts out either 133 horsepower in the base trim, or 201 horsepower in the upper trim levels. Sending electricity to the motor is either a 48.6 kWh battery, or a 64.8 kWh extended range battery, giving the Kona Electric a maximum range of 261 miles. On top of this, the Kona Electric Limited benefits from Vehicle to Load, which lets owners power their home or several appliances through their vehicle.

Inside, the Kona benefits from all the technology Hyundai has to offer, like Android Auto and Apple Carplay, 360° cameras, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Hands-free tailgate, and many more.

Pros

• Modern design philosophy
• Vehicle-to-load functionality
• Well-equipped for the class

Cons

• Less than average range
• No all-wheel drive option
• Power is just about adequate

5 Volvo EX30

Starting MSRP: $34,950

The EX30 slots into Volvo’s lineup as its smallest SUV, just below the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge. Unlike most cars that downsize, though, the EX30 is fitted with either a dual-motor AWD setup pushing 422 horsepower, or a single-motor RWD setup with 268 horsepower, which is more power than both of those SUVs.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Volvo)

The EX30 is outfitted with just the right amount of sensible and strange. Like many modern vehicles, the EX30 is fitted with a vertical 12.3-inch touchscreen that uses a native version of a Google interface and wireless Apple Carplay. The EX30 also comes with many safety features that are fast becoming part of the standard list of features in all cars – Lane keep and lane departure assist, lane centering, and adaptive cruise control, but strangely, instead of typical speakers, Volvo decided to place a soundbar inside the dashboard.

Currently, the Volvo EX30 is available for Pre-Order, though deliveries are slated to start soon, by the Summer of 2024.

Pros

• Handsome Swedish design
• Comes well-equipped from the factory
• High power outputs

Cons

• Slightly on the pricier side of the class
• Less-than-ideal range
• Still on Pre-Order

6 Tesla Model 3

Starting MSRP: $38,990

Ever since the release of its first mass-market EV, the Model S, Tesla has been at the top of the heap when it comes to EVs – so much so that many wait for Tesla’s next with bated breath. The Tesla Model 3, though, is arguably the first EV that was made both cheap and chic.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Tesla)

On paper, the Model 3 is powered by either a single-motor RWD system, or a dual-motor AWD system, with the Long Range AWD model having up to 341 miles, and the standard RWD model having 272 miles of range. With at least 425 horsepower between both axles, the Dual motor AWD and AWD Performance models have more power than the 241 horsepower RWD model, and they are also equipped to deal with 250kW super fast charging.

As with all Teslas, the trump cards are mostly found inside, with a dashboard so minimalist it borders on featureless. The large center touchscreen not only handles radio and phone connectivity, but also the climate control, instrument display, vehicle settings, and even the Autonomous and self-driving capabilities are activated and monitored via this display. For rear passengers, the Tesla Model 3 also features an eight-iinch touchscreen display for rear climate control, though why knobs and buttons couldn’t do the same task escapes reason.

Pros

• High performing models
• Decent range
• Self-driving available

Cons

• No Phone connectivity
• Highly common on the road
• On the pricier side of the spectrum

7 Volkswagen ID.4

Starting MSRP: $38,995

To say that Volkswagen’s reputation in the motoring industry has recovered from #Dieselgate would be a bit of an overstatement – no one will be forgetting that debacle for the foreseeable future. These days, though, as Volkswagen focuses on clean and green EVs, things are starting to look up for the carmaker, and the ID.4 was Volkswagen’s attempt to gain a footing in the then-burgeoning EV SUV market.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Volkswagen)

Equipped with either a 201 horsepower motor in the back, or 295 horsepower from a dual motor AWD setup, the ID.4 is capable of going as far as 275 miles on a single charge, though the cheapest “Standard” model is only capable of 209 miles between charges. Inside, the ID.4 is less people’s car and a sleeker and more spacious cocoon, with modern design touches and sustainably sourced materials everywhere, and its uncluttered design philosophy makes it feel stereotypically modern, and on-par for the market it sits in.

Standard features for the ID.4 include Android Auto, Apple Carplay, Smart Parking, Adaptive Cruise control, Autonomous emergency braking, and Travel Assist.

Pros

• Decent range
• Well-equipped model range
• Reasonably priced European offering

Cons

• Slightly down on power in the segment
• Low top speed
• Unremarkable appearance

8 Kia Niro EV

Starting MSRP: $39,600

The Kia Niro EV is, to date, its cheapest EV, and so far one of its most prolific models. That doesn’t mean Kia skimped on all the trimmings that many EVs come with in today’s market, though, and Kia went to the effort to make the Niro EV a stylish subcompact SUV, departing from the typical minimalist design and going for a more adventurous two-tone paint scheme that lets it stand out from the crowd.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Kia and Car and Driver)

The Niro EV comes with a front-mounted, 201-horsepower motor that drives only the front wheels – unlike many EVs, the Niro doesn’t have an AWD option. Feeding that motor with electricity is a single, 64.8 kWh battery pack, giving the Niro EV a total range of 253 miles.

There are only two versions of the Niro EV available, and the tech and features list for both of them includes features like Rear cross traffic alert, Lane departure and keep assist, Blind spot monitoring, and Forward collision mitigation, though the more expensive Wave version gives these many of the features a little bit more functionality. Infotainment-wise, the Niro EV has a standard 10.25-inch display with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, a wireless charging pad, and a remote start.

Pros

• Stylish exterior
• Adequate range
• Spacious Cargo for the class

Cons

• Quite expensive for the class
• No discernable difference between variants
• No all-wheel drive option

9 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Starting MSRP: $41,800

Equipped with either a single motor in the back that outputs either 168 or 225 horsepower, or a dual motor affair with 320 horsepower, the Ioniq 5 offers buyers a range three different range calculations from two different battery packs – 220 miles from a 58 kW-h pack found in the base model SE Standard, and 260 or 303 miles from a 77.4 kW-h pack found in every other trim level.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Hyundai)

Inside, the Ioniq 5 is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard across the range, with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Standard safety features found on all models include Blind spot monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Collision avoidance, rear parking sensors, Forward Collision mitigation, and other advanced driver aids like Lane keep and departure assist and Smart Cruise Control. Higher trim levels get enhanced features like Level 2 Highway Assist, and even Hyundai Pay, which lets you reserve and pay for parking at various locations in your area.

Pros

• Decent range in the upper trim levels
• Good power levels
• Neo-retro styling

Cons

• Heavy weight for the class
• Slow in acceleration
• Expensive

10 Hyundai Ioniq 6

Starting MSRP: $42,450

The Ioniq 6 is Hyundai’s highly successful attempt at capturing part of the EV sedan market away from Tesla, and like its sibling, the Ioniq 5, it is also built on a dedicated EV platform designed for both optimization and modularity between models.

As such, the Ioniq 6 shares several specs with its hatchback counterpart, such as power figures and drivetrain layouts, although the low-end 168 horsepower rear motor is missing from the lineup. The battery pack for the Ioniq 6 is also identical, providing 77.4 kW-h.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Hyundai and Car and Driver)

Strangely, though, the Ioniq 6 can travel as far as 361 miles in RWD form, but the lowest range figure for the AWD layout is still 270 miles – these figures are roughly 50 miles more than the Ioniq 5. Because the Ioniq 6 is a few hundred pounds heavier than the Ioniq 5, and there’s no difference between them mechanically, that added range is simply down to the fact that the Ioniq 6 is more aerodynamically efficient as a low-slung sedan.

Inside, the Ioniq 6 is similarly equipped to the IONIQ5, with Forward Collision mitigation, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane departure and keep assist, Level 1 Highway Assist, and Parking sensors, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen center display with Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

Pros

• Very stylish sedan
• Highly aerodynamic
• Good range

Cons

• Not especially affordable
• Disappointing top speed
• Heavyweight

11 Kia EV6

Starting MSRP: $42,600

As the first dedicated EV from Kia, the EV6 launched to acclaim from motoring media all over the world. Journalists praised the SUV’s looks, performance and practicality, and at the price point, it’s affordable too.

Like its cousins from Hyundai, the EV6 is powered by either a rear-mounted single electric motor making 225 horsepower, or a dual motor, all-wheel-drive system that outputs 320 horsepower, and it even comes in a hot version called the EV6 GT, with up to 576 horsepower. Battery packs for the EV6 are 77.4 kW-h, though the cheapest EV6 Light gets a smaller, 58 kW-h one. As such, range for the Light is adequate at 232 miles while the bigger battery pack, when paired with the RWD setup, gets up to 310 miles of range. The worst-range performer, however, is the GT with only 218 miles.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Kia and Car and Driver)

Inside, the Kia EV6 sports a modern interior with accents of fabric and aluminum dotting the cabin. Certain models like the GT can also opt for bucket seats and a synthetic suede interior lined with funky, neon green stitching.

The infotainment is a 12-inch touchscreen affair that has been melded to the digital gauge cluster.

Instead of mimicking the current EV trend, the EV6 comes equipped with a separate panel for climate control, with some tactile knobs and buttons, though most functions are done through touch. Android Auto and Apple Carplay come as standard in the EV6, though higher trim levels also receive niceties like an Augmented reality head-up display, Smart parking assist, and phone control through the Kia app.

Pros

• Very stylish sedan
• Highly aerodynamic
• Good range

Cons

• Not especially affordable
• Disappointing top speed
• Heavyweight

12 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Starting MSRP: $42,995

When Ford announced that there would be an all-electric Mustang, I think even the gods of all religions were surprised it was the farthest thing from what a Mustang should be. Instead of the svelt and curvaceous sports car we’d come to know and love, the Mustang Mach-E was a slightly bloated SUV with the slightest hint of Mustang design cues sprinkled here and there.

Surprisingly, since it launched in 2019, the Mustang Mach-E has sold just as well as Ford’s Mustang, making it one of their most successful EVs to date.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ford and Car and Driver)

The Mach-E is powered by a rear-wheel drive, setup in the base-spec Select trim making 266 horsepower, though buyers have the option to spec the Mach-E with an all-wheel drive system pumping out up to 480 horsepower out of two motors. Ford also fits the Mach-E with two different battery sizes – either a 70.0 kW-h one that gives RWD models up to 250 miles while the extended 91.0 kW-h pack gives all-wheel-drive models up to 312 miles, though the Mach-E GT model only gets 250 miles of range.

Inside, the Mach-E comes with a humongous 15.5-inch vertical display that serves as both infotainment and climate control, vehicle setting control, and navigation. It also includes Android Auto and Apple Carplay as part of Ford Sync 4A. Other modern conveniences include a wireless charging pad, a Memory-driver’s seat, and Ford Co-Pilot 360.

As part of Ford’s push for driver safety, the Mach-E comes standard with Ford’s BlueCruise autonomous driving system, Autonomous Emergency braking, Forward collision, Blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Some models also come with Smart Parking Assist, Lane Keep and Lane Departure Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist.

Pros

• Extensive trim lineup
• Quite powerful for the class
• Good range, even on the base model

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Limited top speed
• Nearly 5,000 pounds of weight

13 Bonus: Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV and Chevrolet Equinox EV

Starting MSRP: $26,500 and $34,995, respectively

While the list above makes good mention of cars that many demographics can afford, there is a subset of EVs that are “available” that don’t exactly fit into this category due to some technicalities – these are the Bolt EV/EUV and Equinox EV from Chevrolet. At the time of writing, you can buy the 2023 models, but the production is stopped and the 2024 model year won’t be available.

Starting with the Bolt EV and EUV, these pint-sized EVs get up to 259 miles of range, and are motivated by a front-mounted, 200 horsepower motor driving the front wheels. Feature-wise, they can stack up to any car on this list in both modern conveniences and safety, all while doing it for the low price of just $26,500, which would have made it the cheapest EV on this list.

The reason it wasn’t included is because as of December 2023, GM ceased production of the Bolt EV and EUV due to a new, 2025 Bolt coming just around the corner. That said, several dealers across the Lower 48 still have 2023 Chevrolet Bolts for sale, which technically qualifies it as still being on sale in the year 2024. Buyers looking at this electric hatchback are going to have to act fast, as these dealerships are only finishing out what stock they have left before pulling the Bolt from the lineup completely.

Now, what about the Equinox EV? This electric SUV is, in fact, all-new for 2024, and was designed to fit many different demographics through a wide and expansive model range, which starts with the 1LT 2WD model that will retail for $34,995. On paper, these SUVs will have either a 210 horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels, or a 290-horsepower dual-motor setup driving all four wheels, taking power from a 59 kWh Ultium battery pack, giving it either 250 miles of range or 319 miles for the FWD models.

So what’s wrong with this one? Despite being a 2024 model, the Equinox EV has yet to officially start delivery or allow buyers to configure their cars, and even though pre-orders are already available on the Chevrolet website, deliveries will start as early as the summer of 2024, beginning with the more upscale and more expensive Equinox EV 2RS.