The most affordable electric cars you can buy in 2023
Electric cars It is quickly taking over, and becoming more common on our streets. The most popular electric car of the year so far is the Tesla Model Y, with nearly 250,000 units sold in the US alone already, proving that more and more of us are getting over our range anxiety.
For a time, most electric cars were luxury and upscale, like the Model Y, because of how expensive they were to manufacture. These high construction costs have translated into higher retail prices, meaning customers expect a higher-quality experience.
Fortunately, technology has advanced since then, and the manufacturing process for electric cars has shortened somewhat, meaning there are now multiple electric car options for those on a tighter budget. Take a look at the most affordable electric cars on the market for 2023 below.
The information has been sourced from the manufacturers’ websites, JD Power and Ultimate Specs, in order to bring you these 10 affordable electric cars in 2023.
10 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6
Starting price: $41,600
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 may not seem like a bargain compared to the other nine electric cars on our list, but it’s worth noting that this is the only sedan here, making it the cheapest electric sedan on sale right now.
Pricing
pruning |
Starting price |
Standard range SE |
$41,600 |
SE |
$45,500 |
torrent |
$47,700 |
Limited |
$52,600 |
A rear-wheel-drive Hyundai has a decent range of 240 miles, while more expensive models improve that number by about 100 miles. The standard SE range is ideal for city commuters, who rarely go beyond long journeys, although even with fast charging, the base model will be a chore for those who regularly travel long distances. Fortunately, higher-spec models with increased range aren’t significantly more expensive, so they’re worth considering.
9 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5
Starting price: $41,450
A fraction cheaper than its bigger brother, the Ioniq 5 looks a lot like the aforementioned sedan. A stylish compact crossover with great features as standard, this Hyundai is definitely worth a look if you’re considering a practical electric car for everyday use.
Pricing
pruning |
Starting price |
Standard range SE |
$41,450 |
SE |
$45,400 |
torrent |
$47,450 |
Limited |
$52,600 |
Hyundai is clearly aimed squarely at budget EV shoppers, but at those who don’t want to go back to basics. Hyundai also took home some prestigious awards with the Ioniq 5, which starts at $41,450, including “Electric Car of the Year” and “Design of the Year,” both of which were awarded in 2022 by the World Car Awards.
8 2023 Kia Niro EV
Starting price: $39,550
Kia is looking to directly challenge Hyundai in the compact crossover space. The Niro EV is a smart 5-door with a rugged design and plenty of hidden value. The Niro EV starts lower than the Hyundai above, at $39,500, and is still in the top trim at just $44,550.
Pricing
pruning |
Starting price |
winds |
$39,550 |
Wave |
$44,550 |
The Niro EV Wind comes with a range of up to 253 miles, sourced from an electric motor with 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. Inside, passengers will find a large 10.25-inch touchscreen, compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Wireless phone charging also features as standard, which will certainly help Kia attract those who value technology and convenience.
7 2023 Volkswagen ID.4
Starting price: $38,995
Unusually for a prestigious German brand, the ID.4 comes in at a cheaper price than the aforementioned Korean rivals, which is certainly an indication that this electric SUV will be a huge global success. Volkswagen also offers a wide range of trim levels, the prices of which vary widely.
Pricing
pruning |
Starting price |
standard |
$38,995 |
forefront |
$43,995 |
Four wheel drive pro |
$47,995 |
s |
$43,995 |
Pro S |
$48,995 |
Pro S all-wheel drive system |
$52,795 |
Pro S Plus |
$51,445 |
All-wheel drive Pro S Plus |
$55,245 |
The cheapest check-ins are just under $39,000, while the AWD Pro S Plus represents an additional premium of about 50%. The ID.4’s base range is just 209 miles, though you only need to spend an additional $5,000 to buy the Pro, which offers a more competitive range of 275 miles. A full range of premium options are available at cost, such as the full-length panoramic glass roof, which will see the price of this luxury SUV rise quickly.
6 2023 Mazda MX-30
Starting price: $34,110
Unusually, the Mazda MX-30 is only for sale in California, although there’s certainly nothing stopping someone from another state from buying there and bringing it home with them. The facts and figures surrounding the MX-30 suggest that this may not be the best idea.
Pricing
pruning |
Starting price |
a base |
$34,110 |
Premium Plus |
$37,120 |
The MX-30 offers a somewhat disappointing 92 miles of range, plus its front-mounted electric motor is only good for 143 horsepower, making it considerably slower and less usable than every other electric vehicle currently available. Yes, it’s cheap at $34,110, but with such a small range, it doesn’t necessarily represent great value. On the other hand, the interior has a luxurious touch that other cheap electric cars can’t compete with.
5 Hyundai Kona 2023 Electric
Starting price: $33,550
The Hyundai Kona is one of the most exciting electric cars on sale right now, boasting future-proof design, a perfectly adequate range, and a surprisingly powerful engine. In addition, the Hyundai Kona Electric is also eligible under the Electric Vehicle Tax Credit scheme, as are the other cars featured here. For more information, here’s how you can claim the $7,500 tax credit.
Pricing
pruning |
Starting price |
SE |
$33,550 |
torrent |
$37,300 |
Limited |
$41,550 |
Returning to the Kona specifically, it is not surprising that Hyundai is conquering the electric car market. The electric motor generates a massive 201 horsepower, which will certainly lead to a sporty and exciting drive, especially compared to less powerful electric cars on the market. However, it’s not just about performance, as the Kona boasts an impressive range of 258 miles, which is quite a feat for the price.
4 2023 Mini Cooper SE
Starting price: $30,900
A touch of luxury for the city, the EV Mini Cooper is packed with premium touches and sharp design features that help it stand out in the competitive market. For starters, it’s instantly recognizable as a Mini, which will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the brand in a big way.
Pricing
pruning |
Starting price |
classic |
$30,900 |
Signature |
$34,225 |
creative |
$36,700 |
Mini is proud that its Cooper Electric ranks as the overall winner of J.D. Power’s ownership trial for mass-market battery electric vehicles. In simpler terms, people love owning them, and that’s probably why…
It may only have a 114-mile range (it’s still 22 miles more than the more expensive MX-30 above), but the engine makes 181 horsepower, which, in such a diminutive package, allows the Mini to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.9. Seconds. What’s more, heated leather seats, sat-nav and Apple CarPlay are all standard features, which is great value at just over $30,000.
3 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Starting price: $28,795
No one values money quite like GM, as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV will demonstrate. Coming in at comfortably under $30,000, this car is one of the cheapest electric cars on offer right now, and certainly the cheapest electric compact crossover.
Pricing
pruning |
Starting price |
that |
$28,795 |
Leading |
$33,295 |
To keep things simple, Chevrolet offers only two trim levels for the Bolt EUV. The LT comes in cheaper at a wallet-friendly $28,795, with the more complete Premier trim about $5,000 more. If you stretch the money and tick a few options, you’ll be surprised at what the Bolt can offer.
The “Super Cruise” package enables hands-free driving on compatible roads, currently 400,000 miles in the U.S. and Canada. What’s more, there’s no need for frequent stops, with an impressive range of up to 247 miles; The Bolt EUV makes you wonder, why are European and Asian competitors so much more expensive?
2 Nissan Leaf 2023
Starting price: $28,140
However, one of the fellows in the cheap electric car market is from Japan, and of course, it is the Nissan Leaf. Since 2010, the all-electric Leaf has been a market leader for those on a budget, and it will remain much the same in 2023.
Pricing
pruning |
Starting price |
s |
$28,140 |
SV Plus |
$36,190 |
The base model can offer drivers a range of up to 149 miles, although the top-spec SV Plus raises that figure to 212 miles; A worthwhile upgrade if you venture out of urban areas often. The standard model comes with plenty of tech for the price, including the now-essential Apple CarPlay, a slew of useful driver aids, and a phone app, with which you can lock, unlock, warm up and cool your car remotely.
1 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Starting price: $27,495
The crown belongs to Chevrolet, though, as the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is the cheapest electric car on sale in the US for 2023. Even the top-spec 2LT model barely tops $30,000, but what does that money buy you?
Pricing
pruning |
Determine the price |
1 litre |
$27,495 |
2LT |
$30,695 |
Remarkably, both the 1LT and 2LT trim levels have an estimated range of 259 miles, so there’s no need to worry about range, even in the cheapest electric cars. The Bolt also offers 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, so this will no doubt be a lot of fun to cruise around town, despite the drab exterior.
The cheapest electric cars of 2023
model |
Starting price |
Hyundai IONIQ 5 |
$41,600 |
Hyundai IONIQ 6 |
$41,450 |
Kia Niro EV |
$39,550 |
Volkswagen ID.4 |
$38,995 |
Mazda MX-30 |
$34,110 |
Hyundai Kona EV |
$33,550 |
Mini Cooper SE |
$30,900 |
Chevrolet Bolt EUV |
$28,795 |
Nissan leaf |
$28,140 |
Chevrolet Bolt EV |
$27,495 |