6 Cheapest EVs in the US right now

The Big Beautiful Bill means the current $7,500 tax rebate will expire on 30 September. So, the general feeling is that there will be no more affordable new EVs. However, most buyers don’t realize that the rebate only applies to certain vehicles meeting specific requirements.

Here’s a list of the six most affordable EVs in the US right now. The only one which will lose the tax credit is the excellent Chevy Equinox EV, but it still stays on this list.

1

Nissan Leaf $28,140

Range: 149 miles

The Nissan Leaf was the first affordable EV, launched in 2010, and will be the most affordable again when the BBB pushes the Chevy Equinox back into the low 30s. It is a small four-door hatchback with a low-frill interior, although it does boast an eight-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has decent safety tech.

This Leaf has a 40 kWh battery and makes 149 hp, which is adequate for a car this size. The 149-mile range is a bit thin for today’s EVs, but adequate for most day-to-day driving.

2

Hyundai Kona Electric $33,000

Range: 200 miles

Hyundai

The Hyundai Kona Electric is a subcompact SUV, and one of the Hyundai models that currently does not qualify for the tax rebate. Although a bit snug in the back, and with limited cargo space, the Kona is nonetheless very well-equipped, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and similar-sized instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smart cruise control, dual climate control, and more.

However, the power is an underwhelming 133 hp for this trim — but it’s okay for daily driving in a car this size. The Kona Electric comes with Kia’s generous 5-year/60,000 miles unlimited warranty, as well as 10-year/100,000 miles on the battery and powertrain.

3

Chevrolet Equinox EV $33,700

Range: 319 miles

Chevrolet

This is the best value-for-money affordable EV even when the BBB kicks in. With the tax rebate still in play, you can get it starting at $26,200. Even at the full price, the Equinox is still excellent value. The range of over 300 miles is excellent, and it has a good fast charging capacity as well.

It’s a compact SUV with FWD and 200 hp, and it has a massive 17.7-inch touch screen, adaptive cruise control, a full suite of safety and driver-assist features, 19-inch wheels, and a generous cargo area. It’s really easy to see why the Equinox EV was the fastest-growing EV model last year.

Related

Why I think you should buy a pure EV and not a hybrid car

It’s not just about range and upfront affordability.

4

Toyota bZ4X $37,000

Range: 252 miles

Toyota

The car that seems to have been named after a printer is actually a pretty decent EV. The Toyota bZ4X is a compact crossover/SUV leaning more towards comfort over performance. This most affordable version is FWD and has the longest range of this model.

It has a 12.3-inch multimedia screen with Apple and Android, a fixed moonroof with power sunshade, and the full driver assist and safety package offered by Toyota.

5

Hyundai Ioniq 6 $37,800

Range: 240 miles

Hyundai

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE is the RWD bottom trim of a model that also offers excellent range, a choice of RWD and AWD, and massive power options. The SE has the smallest battery and makes 149 hp, has ultra-fast charging, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and similar instrument panel, rearview camera, and a full-suite of safety and driver assist.

The Ioniq 6 was Car of the Year and EV of the Year when launched in 2023, and the SE trim has that flair, but in a package with less range and power. It looks expensive and is ideal for an executive’s daily commute and stop at the golf club.

Related

The insane 1,400 hp Mustang Mach-E and Pike’s Peak

Ford has taken their excellent Mustang Mach-E and turned it into a monstrous racing car to take on the ultimate test of Pikes Peak.

6

Mustang Mach-E $38,000

Range: 260 miles

Ford

The Ford Mustang Mach-E was Ford’s first dedicated EV. Although it carries the storied Mustang nameplate, the Mach-E is a crossover, albeit of the longer, more streamlined variety. Over the past few years, it was the bestselling US EV except for the Tesla Models 3 and Y. But the Mach-E, with (probably) Chinese batteries or components, did not qualify for the tax rebate, and when Tesla started trading in its price class, and with the Equinox offering such good value, sales slumped.

Seen outside the lens of the tax rebate, the Mach-E is an excellent car in its price range, and it will be interesting to see if the BBB changes its sales trajectory.