Cheapest Electric Vehicles of 2025

Most Affordable Electric Vehicles

Car and Driver’s rankings are based on rigorous instrumented testing of hundreds of vehicles each year. Our expert editors also provide subjective impressions from real-world driving experiences. We’ve compiled a list of the least expensive electric vehicles, factoring in each manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). Each car was evaluated using approximately 200 data points, including acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and driving enjoyment. All vehicles featured below are electric sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and pickup trucks with a base price under $50,000.

How We Evaluate Vehicles

To learn more about the methodology behind our vehicle testing and evaluation process, click here.

Cheapest Electric Vehicles at a Glance

1. 2025 Nissan Leaf

   C/D RATING: 7/10

   Starting at: $29,280

   EPA Est. Range: 149–212 miles

   C/D SAYS: The 2025 Nissan Leaf’s roomy cabin and comfortable seats can’t hide this pioneering EV’s short range and slow charging rate.

2. 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric

   C/D RATING: 8/10

   Starting at: $34,425

   EPA Est. Range: 200–261 miles

   C/D SAYS: The Kona Electric offers a lot of features and stylish design for the price, making it one of the more affordable EVs on the market.

3. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

   C/D RATING: 8.5/10

   Starting at: $34,995

   EPA Est. Range: 319 miles

   C/D SAYS: The Equinox EV’s competitive range and pricing makes it a good option for anyone after A-to-B electric transportation.

4. 2025 Toyota bZ4X

   C/D RATING: 7.5/10

   Starting at: $38,465

   EPA Est. Range: 222–252 miles

   C/D SAYS: While the 2025 Toyota bZ4X offers several attractive features, its limited highway driving range is a significant drawback.

5. 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E

   C/D RATING: 9/10

   Starting at: $38,490

   EPA Est. Range: 250–280 miles

   C/D SAYS: If you focus on the Mach-E part of the name, rather than the Mustang part, the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E proves to be a truly first-rate electric SUV.

6. 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6

   C/D RATING: 9.5/10

   Starting at: $39,045

   EPA Est. Range: 240–342 miles

   C/D SAYS: The Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV combines solid range estimates and rapid-charging capabilities with a distinctive style.

7. 2025 Subaru Solterra

   C/D RATING: 7.5/10

   Starting at: $39,915

   EPA Est. Range: 222–227 miles

   C/D SAYS: The Solterra SUV from Subaru is the twin of the Toyota bZ4X and, like that model, falls short when it comes to performance and driving range compared with its top competitors.

8. 2025 Kia Niro EV

   C/D RATING: 8/10

   Starting at: $40,995

   EPA Est. Range: 253 miles

   C/D SAYS: The stylish and generously equipped 2025 Kia Niro EV delivers an enjoyable electric driving experience at an affordable price.

9. 2025 Nissan Ariya

   C/D RATING: 8/10

   Starting at: $41,160

   EPA Est. Range: 205–289 miles

   C/D SAYS: The Nissan Ariya is a stylish compact EV SUV with near-premium accommodations and average performance. It’s handsome, well-appointed, and provides a composed ride.

10. 2025 Volkswagen ID.4

    C/D RATING: 8.5/10

    Starting at: $42,000 est

    EPA Est. Range: 206–291 miles

    C/D SAYS: The Volkswagen ID.4 is a capable mainstream electric SUV, offering ample space, a comfortable cabin, good handling, and a decent driving range.