The Cheapest Electric Cars of 2024

With the U.S. moving away from ICE vehicles (or internal combustion engine vehicles) and states like California mandating electric vehicles by 2035, many consumers are looking to trade their cars for an EV. Unfortunately, many EVs still carry high price tags, with some luxury cars like the Tesla Model S with a price tag starting at over $76,630. Unfortunately, the average driver doesn't have a few million lying around to buy a new car, so what should you do when looking for the cheapest electric cars?

Best Affordable Electric Cars for 2024

If you want to find the most affordable electric cars currently on the market, a good place to start is with more traditional automakers. With brands like Chevrolet, Mazda, Nissan, and Ford vying for their EV market share, manufacturers are willing to offer better deals to help gain more customers. Of course, you can still get the cheapest electric vehicles from brands like Tesla, but the starting prices could be hundreds or thousands more than less-popular automakers.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Chevrolet, for example, has an affordable electric car in the Chevy Bolt EUV. The 2024 Bolt EUV remains an excellent cheapest option for new EV drivers, with a range of 247 to 259 miles, a 65 kWh battery. Depending on where you purchase the car, you might still receive the offer of a free 240-volt-at-home charging system. The 2024 model maintains much of what made previous versions popular, with minor updates including enhanced safety features and improved connectivity options. While the 2024 Bolt EUV is still not eligible for the federal plug-in tax credit, Chevrolet has kept the starting price highly competitive, making it one of the cheapest electric cars available at $27,200.

Nissan Leaf

Another affordable electric car to check out is the 2024 Nissan Leaf, a fully-electric vehicle that features a 40 kWh battery with a range of 149-212 miles (depending on whether you choose the Leaf S or Leaf SV Plus.) The Leaf S offers a 147 hp motor and 149 miles of range, while the Leaf SV Plus features a 62 kWh battery, 214 horsepower motor, and 212 range. Like the Chevy Bolt EUV, Nissan hasn't tweaked too much between the 2022 and 2023 models besides minor design changes. The 2024 Leaf continues to be eligible for the federal plug-in tax credit, and with a competitive starting price of $28,895, it remains the cheapest electric car in the EV market.

Mini Cooper SE

Look no further than the 2024 Mini Cooper SE for a more compact ride. With a range of 110 miles (with some tests reaching as high as 150 miles), the Mini Cooper SE continues to offer an exciting driving experience, featuring updated front and rear bumpers, a revamped instrument panel, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. In addition, this EV uses a 28.9 kWh battery that powers a 181 horsepower engine, which can get the vehicle up to 60 mph in just under 7 seconds. While the 2024 model is not eligible for the federal plug-in tax credit, it remains one of the cheapest electric vehicles on the market, with a competitive starting price of $29,900.

Mazda MX-30

If you are looking for something with a distinct SUV vibe (while still being a hatchback), the Mazda MX-30 is an excellent choice. The 2024 model continues to offer a stripped-down interior created with sustainable materials, including upholstery free of animal products, recycled plastic door trim, and a cork-inlay for the console. The vehicle features a 144 horsepower motor 35.5 kWh battery and can travel 100 miles on a single charge. While the starting price of the 2024 Mazda MX-30 is $34,695—higher than some of the cheapest electric cars on the market—it still stands as an affordable electric car option, especially with Mazda's perks. If you purchase through an official dealership, you may be eligible for free ChargePoint credits or a discount on a level 2 home charger, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.

Tesla Model 3

For some buyers, the only EV brand they'll consider is Tesla. So what is the cheapest electric car among 2024 Tesla Models? The most affordable EV car is the Model 3. Though the Model 3 experienced a price increase this year, making it far from the cheapest electric car, it's still being sold for the reasonable price of $46,990. Of course, you'll also have to pay for a charging connector, which should be factored into your budget. While the price tag may be a bit higher, the Model 3 does offer a high level of performance and safety. The vehicle is 5-star NHTSA rated, winning the IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It can reach speeds as high as 162 miles per hour and go from 0 to 60 in 3.1 seconds. It also features a 50 to 82-kWh battery (depending on what trim you choose) capable of propelling the car for 220-258 miles.

Where Can I Get More Information About
Cheapest Electric Cars?

To find the most affordable electric car, you'll need to do plenty of research beforehand. If a deal seems too good to be true, it very well may be; unscrupulous sellers will often set lower prices to offload bad vehicles quickly. Unfortunately, these enticing offers can lead to you buying an EV that has recently been in an accident or one that has a bad battery. By the time you figure out something is wrong, the seller could be long gone, leaving you with a huge bill and a non-functioning vehicle.

The best way to do this research is by using tools like vehicle history reports. These tools can show you numerous valuable details about any available EV, including its accident history, number of previous owners, and whether it has recently been repaired. You can also use a VIN decoder to see manufacturing details about a vehicle, which can help you determine whether you qualify for a tax credit.