Best Electric Cars Under 30k of 2023

Electric cars are the future of the automotive industry, but their uptake has been slowed by the fact that they are more expensive than their fossil fuel counterparts. That being said, there are a few electric cars under $30k that are great for helping you get a foot in the door of EV ownership while still ticking all of the boxes expected of cars in their respective segments.

This is a list of electric cars available for 2023 in the USA for under $30k.

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Characteristics of New Electric Cars Under $30k

There aren’t a lot of super-cheap EVs out there, and in order to ensure they keep costs down, the automakers that do target this segment have to get their recipe just right. These are some of the characteristics that are common to new electric cars under $30k:

They are naturally very affordable
They are generally more compact models
They have well-specced cabins
They are quick to charge
They can’t drive as far as vehicles with bigger batteries
They aren’t as luxurious as more expensive options

What to Consider When Buying an EV Under $30k

If you’re strapped for cash and want to own an EV, then an EV under $30k is your best bet. There are only a few models on the market in the US, and you’ll have to accept a few drawbacks.

Pros

Extremely affordable
Pretty good performance
Can be fun to drive
Surprisingly high levels of practicality
Quick charge times

Cons

Limited driving range
All-wheel-drive models are few and far between
Not many premium cars in this price bracket

FAQs

What are the best electric cars for under $30k?

Though Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop is the most premium model in the range, it doesn’t present the best value for money. For that, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is the king, boasting the best fuel economy and range on top of a good list of features and very high safety ratings.

How reliable is an electric car under $30k?

The Mini Cooper, unfortunately, suffers from the same reliability issues as many other premium vehicles, but both the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt EV are eminently reliable.

What is the most affordable electric car under $30k?

The Mini Cooper just barely makes the cut for this segment, but the Nissan Leaf is a few grand below the cut-off mark, and the Chevrolet Bolt EV is only slightly over $25k.

Are there any upcoming cheap electric cars?

Chevrolet will be adding another model to the list when it releases the Equinox EV, an SUV that is set to start at exactly $30,000.