As battery-powered vehicles become increasingly mainstream, manufacturers are lowering their prices and offering more incentives. This means that it’s easier than ever to find an EV that’s not only cheaper upfront than a similar internal combustion vehicle but also cheaper to operate over time. This is especially true if you’re in a state that offers its residents a rebate or tax credit for choosing an electric car.
EVs can cost from around $40,000 for a Nissan Leaf to more than $170,000 for an ultra-luxury Lucid Air. But as the technology becomes more mature, some models are starting to approach parity with their ICE counterparts — and that’s exactly what many buyers want.
The good news is that there are a slew of well-reviewed, road trip-ready battery-powered Affordable electric vehicles for under $35,000 that you can purchase now. For example, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE Standard Range is the cheapest EV on the market and, when combined with its exceptionally low energy consumption of 24 kWh per 100 miles, it saves you money with every mile you drive.
If you want a small hatchback, the Mazda 2 EV is another excellent option. It’s not only a great daily driver, but it also has a roomy back seat that can comfortably fit three people. In addition, it qualifies for up to $7,500 in federal EV tax credits.
For those looking for a larger vehicle, there’s the all-new 2024 Kia Niro EV, which has a roomy interior and a long-range estimate of up to 253 miles. The Chevrolet Bolt EV, meanwhile, remains one of the most affordable cars you can buy, and it’s a great choice if you don’t need all-wheel drive or a luxurious ride.
You’ll also find multiple EVs that offer plenty of cargo room, including the all-new 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV and Volkswagen ID.4 with its 58.0-kWh battery pack that enables an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 209 miles. The Citroen e-C3 is another solid choice that’s aimed at SUV drivers, and it promises a comfortable ride and plenty of storage space.
While it’s still a bit more expensive to buy an EV than a comparable gasoline model, prices are coming down rapidly and will continue to drop over the next several years. For instance, the average transaction price of a new EV in 2023 was $59,739, according to Edmunds data (note that these figures do not take into account any available state and federal electric vehicle tax credits).