You are finally ready to cut the gas pump hose and go shopping for one of the cheapest EVs of 2024. The trouble is, you are afraid this could mean years of eating nothing but spaghetti and meatballs.
While research has shown that the cost of EV ownership is nearly the same as a comparable gas-powered car over the lifetime of the vehicle, upfront costs have been a leading impediment to widespread EV adoption.
But wait – don’t throw out those gourmet cookbooks yet. The cost of EVs continues to drop, with many now selling for the same price as gas-powered vehicles.
Five out of the eight cheapest EVs of 2024, from compact cars to crossovers, boast starting prices below $40,000.
As of April 2023, EV buyers could be eligible for as much as $7,500 in tax credits.
What’s the Cheapest Electric Vehicle?
Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV
MOST AFFORDABLE
Starting Price: $27,495
Starting at $27,495, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt remains an affordable option in 2024, as a new model is not expected until 2025. The Bolt has 200 horsepower (150 kW). The compact car features include a 10.2-inch touchscreen, comfortable front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless compatibility, and a suite of standard safety features. The Bolt EV’s 259-mile driving range is especially impressive.
The Bolt electric utility vehicle (EUV) is a new Chevy offering. Longer in length than its sister model, it boasts more interior space than most other affordable EVs. This includes a roomier back seat, ideal for families. Despite its larger size, the Bolt EUV has nearly the same range as the EV.
More of the Cheapest EVs
Nissan Leaf
WELL EQUIPPED AND WELL PRICED
Starting Price: $29,255
Don’t be fooled by the Nissan Leaf’s price tag – the four-door hatchback offers quite a bang for the buck. Even at the lowest trim level, the Leaf comes equipped with 150 miles of driving range, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an iPad-size center-console touchscreen, remote keyless entry and cabin preconditioning. The Nissan model also provides motorists with a suite of driver assistance and safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.
There are, of course, some concessions that come with being one of the cheapest electric cars. Most notable is the lack of cargo space and rear legroom. But in the grand scheme of things, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value among EVs than the Nissan Leaf.
Mini Cooper SE
SPORTY AND SPRIGHTLY
Starting Price: $31,895
If you’re looking for a sporty commuter car that won’t break the bank, the Mini Cooper SE is the vehicle for you. The EV can zip around town with a motor capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in fewer than 7 seconds. The two-door EV also comes with standard features such as an 8.8-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and lane-departure warning.
On the flip side, the hatchback has a paltry 114-mile range, as well as limited cargo and cabin space. You may want to skip the cross-country treks and stick to short trips.
There are, of course, some concessions that come with being one of the cheapest electric cars. Most notable is the lack of cargo space and rear legroom. But in the grand scheme of things, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value among EVs than the Nissan Leaf.
Chevy Equinox Compact SUV
FOR THE OPEN ROAD
Starting Price: $34,995
Available in early 2024, this SUV boasts a range of 319 miles on its front-wheel drive models. To keep the energy flowing, when engaged, the Regen on Demand and One Pedal Driving systems help convert the vehicle’s kinetic energy into energy stored in the battery. It can tow up to 1,500 pounds. Besides safety assistance, the car comes with reverse automatic braking. Inside, it has a 17.7-inch diagonal display touch screen.
Hyundai Kona EV
STYLISH AND AFFORDABLE
Starting Price: $35,000
The Hyundai Kona received styling and mechanical upgrades in 2021. The aesthetic changes include alloy wheels, improved LED headlights and a more streamlined design. Inside, drivers will find a new 8-inch touchscreen, ambient cabin lighting and a redesigned center console capable of wireless charging. A recalibrated suspension on the mechanical side makes for better handling and a smoother ride. Add in nearly 260 miles of driving range and you have an all-around impressive EV.
The electrified version of the Kona is available in only about two dozen states, including New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island.
Tesla Model 3
GET UP AND GO
Starting Price: $39,000
With an estimated range of 272 miles for the base model and 333 for the dual motor all-wheel drive version, the Tesla Model 3 has a lot to offer. Cabin upgrades for the 2024 model have made the interior quieter. The steering wheel has been redesigned and the front seats have perforated upholstery to improve ventilation. Rear-seat passengers now have access to an 8-inch display they can use to adjust climate controls or even watch movies. All Model 3s include heated and ventilated front seats, navigation and Tesla’s Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system.
Kia Niro
ROOMY HATCHBACK
Starting Price: $39,600
An all-electric crossover with front-wheel drive, the Kia Niro boasts 253 miles of estimated range and almost instant acceleration, going from zero-60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The heat pump helps preserve the driving range in cold weather. Its onboard power generator can charge or power laptops, electric bikes, camping equipment and more. The Niro comes standard with 20 collision–avoidance and driver–assist features, auto emergency braking technology and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, Kia Connect and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Volkswagen ID.4
STYLE AND SPACE
Starting Price: $40,290
Spacious with a simple interface and handling like a traditional crossover, the ID.4 may check all the boxes for those looking for an EV that doesn’t skimp on utility or user experience. For 2024, VW made some improvements with the intention of raising performance and range on models with the larger, 77.0-kWh battery pack. That model comes with an upgraded electric motor that increases power to 282 horsepower in rear-wheel drive models and up to 330 horsepower with all-wheel drive. Other upgrades include a 12.9-inch infotainment display, backlit controls for volume and climate control and additional wheel designs, according to VW. The driving range may have increased, but VW has not specified a figure.
Thinking about buying an EV? Before you do, it’s important to know that the real cost of ownership is more than just the monthly payment. Try our EV Cost Calculator.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
Visit AAA’s Electric Vehicle platform for more information on these cars of the future.
20 Thoughts on “The Cheapest EVs of 2024”
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If you live in a apartment complex it would be impossible to charge your vehicle. A good example is co op city. Can anyone tell me how can people charge their car when you have lots of apartments in many buildings. Where is the power coming from?
I think the Fisker ocean is the best option
I don’t see the Fisker Ocean mentioned…
In the southwest and California there is NOT enough electricity to meet the demand on HOT days now and they DO ROLLING BLACKOUTS, so where is all the electricity going to come from to recharge the electric vehicles ?? I have not heard an answer from anyone to this question. I have nothing against electric vehicles but let’s think things thru first.
Another thing is in cold climates the battery looses a lot of power, and more electricity is needed to heat and defrost the windows. So that reduces the distance the vehicle can go on a charge. So crude oil (gas and diesel fuel ) at this time is still the most practical fuel in lots of areas of this BEAUTIFUL country.
My sister-in-law in California charges her EV with her solar panels, which also power her whole house. Her monthly electrical bill is $0.00
We have solar at the house in Mass and our garage in NYC has chargers.
Cop City needs to renovate and put solar up wherever they can.
What is the equivalent cost compared to gas?
Hi Burt, thanks for your question! Earlier this year, we took a look at “The Cheapest Cars of 2022,” which you can find here, to compare and contrast: https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/life/cars-trucks/cheapest-new-cars/
Hybrid still makes way more sense, for me anyway.
These are cheap prices? I don’t think so.
All still too high. A young family can’t afford them. Not enough electricity to go around anyway. Brownouts now so there will be more.
Not really. Most EV charging is done at night when the demand for electricity is at its lowest. For those that have time tiered pricing that’s an even bigger advantage. Even the cheapest EVs allow you to schedule your charging so you can time shift your energy demand.
Nice update. I also would like to stay updated on plug-in hybrids since I am not ready for all electric yet.
Thank you.
Be sure you do ALL your homework on plugin hybrids before you buy one, they make sense for only a few people; most people would be better off with either a hybrid or an EV.
And the cost to upgrade my home electric system will be thousands!
Cost is not thousands. Many states have rebates on EVSE units (better but mistakenly known as chargers). My brother just got a $600 unit for about $200. Installation by an elecrician will vary but it cost him about $500 for a total of $700 – one-time expense. Not “thousands”. You will have to do your own research for where you live. If you already have a 220 line (dryer or other appliance) that is accessible to the car, you can buy a portable EVSE (charging) cable for $200 dollars and up.
The pictured cars are death traps…little lightweight vehicles designed to run long by under supplying driver protection.
The 2022 Bolt EV comes with 10 air bags, standard.
Hello Steve. I cannot speak to the other vehicles, but Tesla’s Model 3 has been called “The World’s Safest Car:”
https://insideevs.com/news/356489/tesla-model-3-safety/
https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-model-3-crash-testing-safety-rating/
https://www.tesla.com/VehicleSafetyReport
The Model Y was intentionally driven off a 250 foot cliff in an unsuccessful murder-suicide attempt.
All four family members survived: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tesla-drive-cliff-plunge-not-guilty-plea-attempted-murder-family-dharmesh-patel/
Tesla builds safe vehicles.
Wrong. EVs are heavier than ICE autos.