You might be inclined to think “cheapest EVs of 2023” is an oxymoron. After all, EVs have their share of positive attributes, but an affordable price tag typically isn’t one of them. Research has shown that over the lifetime of a vehicle, the cost of EV ownership is nearly the same as a comparable gas-powered car. Still, the upfront cost has been a leading impediment to widespread EV adoption.
But this doesn’t mean there aren’t any affordable electric vehicles available. In fact, we found six of the cheapest EVs of 2023 that boast starting prices below $35,000. Take a look and decide which might be right for you.
The Cheapest EVs of 2023

The Hyundai Kona Electric: An Affordable Electric Vehicle With Style
Starting Price: $33,550
The Hyundai Kona received styling and mechanical upgrades just last year. 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 only available in about two dozen states. Fortunately, this includes all Northeast states.

Mazda MX-30: A Good-Looking Option for Low-Mileage Drivers
Starting Price: $34,110
Before doing your homework on the Mazda MX-30, know that it’s currently only available in California. The carmaker plans to roll it out nationwide in the coming years.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at Mazda’s first EV. The hatchback has its share of positive attributes but one conspicuous drawback. Its 100-mile range is among the lowest of any available EV. Speaking of which, the MX-30 is more about comfort than performance. Its rather paltry horsepower and torque precludes it from keeping up with other cars in its segment.
But all is not lost. Like other Mazda models, the car comes with a stylish cabin and excellent handling, as well as cargo space that tops most others on this list. The vehicle also features rear-hinged, half doors, creating a pillarless entry to the front and back seats. To make up for the lack of driving range, Mazda offers buyers complimentary loaner cars to take on long-distance trips.

Mini Cooper SE: A Sporty Option
Starting Price: $30,900
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 0-60 mph in less 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 rather 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.

Nissan Leaf
Starting Price: $28,040
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-sized 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 cutbacks that come with being one of the cheapest electric cars. Most notable is the lack of cargo space and rear leg room. But in the grand scheme of things, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value amongst EVs than the Nissan Leaf.

What’s the Cheapest Electric Vehicle? Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV
Starting Price: $26,500; $27,800
Like the Kona, the Chevrolet Bolt EV got a makeover for the 2022 model year and a significant price drop (more than $5,000). While the stuff under the hood remains mostly unchanged, the interior and exterior styling has been improved significantly. Other new features include a 10.2-inch touchscreen, more comfortable front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless compatibility, and a suite of standard safety features. Maybe most impressively, the Bolt EV has a 259-mile driving range. In terms of cost versus range, you won’t find a better deal. For comparison, the best-selling Tesla Model 3 has a 334-mile range but is almost twice as expensive.
The Bolt EUV is a newer Chevy offering that came on the market last year. 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 often carrying passengers. Despite its larger size, the Bolt EUV has nearly the same range as the EV.
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15 Thoughts on “The Cheapest EVs of 2023”
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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
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
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.
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.