Cheapest Electric Cars of 2023

Many people in the US are hesitant to buy an EV because of the high initial capital outlay, with even the cheapest electric car costing more than the gas-powered car with the same title. However, it’s worth remembering that cheap electric cars still benefit from the impressive fuel economy and long-term savings that will ensure EVs eventually replace combustion vehicles.

This is a list of the cheapest electric cars for 2023 available in the USA.

BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2024 Cadillac Lyriq
9.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
10
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#2
2023 Kia EV6
#2
Kia EV6
9.5
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
10
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#3
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
9.1
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
10
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#4
2023 Genesis GV60
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
8
Value
#5
2023 Tesla Model 3
9
BuzzScore
7
Design
10
Performance
10
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#6
2023 BMW i4 Gran Coupe
9
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
10
Value
#7
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#8
2023 Volkswagen ID.4
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
10
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
9
Safety
10
Value
#9
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6
8.9
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
10
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#10
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
7
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#11
2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#12
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5
8.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#13
2023 Tesla Model Y
8.8
BuzzScore
7
Design
9
Performance
10
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
7
Value
#14
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
8.6
BuzzScore
7
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
10
Value
#15
2023 Nissan Leaf
8.6
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
10
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#16
2023 Volvo C40 Recharge
8.6
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
7
Value
#17
2023 Toyota bZ4X
8.3
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
7
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
7
Value
#18
2023 Nissan Ariya
8.3
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
8
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#19
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV
8.3
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#20
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric
8
BuzzScore
7
Design
9
Performance
7
MPG
7
Interior
8
Infotainment
8
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value

Characteristics of the Cheapest Electric Cars

Only a few cars can boast a spot in the category of cheapest electric vehicles, and in order to do so, they need to follow a very specific recipe. These are the ingredients:

  • They are easily accessible to just about anyone
  • They focus on being as practical as possible
  • They have competitive driving ranges
  • They include just the essential features

What to Consider When Buying Cheap Electric Cars

Electric vehicles are getting cheaper by the day as the technology becomes more widespread, but like all affordable cars, the cheapest EV models have very specific strengths and weaknesses.

Pros

  • Extremely attractive price tags
  • Spacious and practical cabins
  • Good ride quality
  • Good safety and reliability ratings

Cons

  • Low charging speeds
  • Interior quality is lacking
  • Limited options
  • Fewer features as standard

FAQs

What are the best cheap electric cars?

The two cars that best fit into the category are the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Nissan Leaf, both with a price below $30,000. Furthermore, they have each been around for long enough to refine their recipe and earn a firm following. Value is top of mind, with good fuel economy and a long list of features being essential.

Are cheap electric cars reliable?

Nobody would be willing to buy a cheap car, no matter how much money they’d save, if it means they would have to buy another in just a few years. This is why automakers of cheap EVs ensure they are still reliable and will stand the test of time.

What is the price of the cheapest electric vehicle?

To qualify for this segment, an EV can’t cost more than $30,000. A few cars do meet this requirement, but the cheapest of the lot is the Chevrolet Bolt EV at around $27k, while the Nissan Leaf is just below the $30k cut-off.

Are there any new cheap EVS?

The list of upcoming electric cars is always growing, especially since automakers have committed to going all-electric by 2030 or thereabouts. No doubt, many of these models will earn a spot among the cheapest EVs.
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