You might be inclined to think “cheapest EVs of 2023” is an oxymoron. After all, EVs have their share of positive attributes, but an affordable price tag typically isn’t one of them. Research has shown that over the lifetime of a vehicle, the cost of EV ownership is nearly the same as a comparable gas-powered car. Still, the upfront cost has been a leading impediment to widespread EV adoption.
But this doesn’t mean there aren’t any affordable electric vehicles available. In fact, we found six of the cheapest EVs of 2023 that boast starting prices below $35,000. Take a look and decide which might be right for you.
An Affordable EV With Style
Starting Price: $33,550
The Hyundai Kona received styling and mechanical upgrades just last year. The aesthetic changes include alloy wheels, improved LED headlights and a more streamlined design. Inside, drivers will find a new 8-inch touchscreen, ambient cabin lighting and a redesigned center console capable of wireless charging. A recalibrated suspension on the mechanical side makes for better handling and a smoother ride. Add in nearly 260 miles of driving range and you have an all-around impressive EV.
The electrified version of the Kona is available in only about two dozen states.
Good-Looking for Low-Mileage Drivers
Starting Price: $34,110
Before doing your homework on the Mazda MX-30, know that it’s currently available only in California. The carmaker plans to roll it out nationwide in the coming years.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at Mazda’s first EV. The hatchback has its share of positive attributes but one conspicuous drawback. Its 100-mile range is among the lowest of any available EV. Speaking of which, the MX-30 is more about comfort than performance. Its rather paltry horsepower and torque precludes it from keeping up with other cars in its segment.
But all is not lost. Like other Mazda models, the car comes with a stylish cabin and excellent handling, as well as cargo space that tops most others on this list. The vehicle also features rear-hinged, half doors, creating a pillarless entry to the front and back seats. To make up for the lack of driving range, Mazda offers buyers complimentary loaner cars to take on long-distance trips.
A SPORTY OPTION
Starting Price: $30,900
If you’re looking for a sporty commuter car that won’t break the bank, the Mini Cooper SE is the vehicle for you. The EV can zip around town with a motor capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. The two-door EV also comes with standard features such as an 8.8-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and lane-departure warning.
On the flip side, the hatchback has a rather paltry 114-mile range, as well as limited cargo and cabin space. You may want to skip the cross-country treks and stick to short trips.
A WELL-EQUIPPED, WELL-PRICED EV
Starting Price: $28,040
Don’t be fooled by the Nissan Leaf’s price tag – the four-door hatchback offers quite a bang for the buck. Even at the lowest trim level, the Leaf comes equipped with 150 miles of driving range, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an iPad-size center-console touchscreen, remote keyless entry and cabin preconditioning. The Nissan model also provides motorists with a suite of driver assistance and safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.
There are, of course, some cutbacks that come with being one of the cheapest electric cars. Most notable is the lack of cargo space and rear legroom. But in the grand scheme of things, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value among EVs than the Nissan Leaf.
MOST AFFORDABLE OPTION
Starting Price: $26,500 / $27,800
Like the Kona, the Chevrolet Bolt EV got a makeover for the 2022 model year and a significant price drop (more than $5,000). While the stuff under the hood remains mostly unchanged, the interior and exterior styling has been improved significantly. Other new features include a 10.2-inch touchscreen, more comfortable front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless compatibility, and a suite of standard safety features. Maybe most impressive is the Bolt EV’s 259-mile driving range. In terms of cost versus range, you won’t find a better deal. For comparison, the bestselling Tesla Model 3 has a 334-mile range but is almost twice the price.
The Bolt EUV is a new Chevy offering that came on the market last year. Longer in length than its sister model, it boasts more interior space than most other affordable EVs. This includes a roomier back seat, ideal for families often carrying passengers. Despite its larger size, the Bolt EUV has nearly the same range as the EV.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
