Cheapest Electric Cars for 2026: The New EV Economy
There are ever increasing and increasingly more impressive ways to go electric for less.
Illustration by Alan MuirDesign DirectorPhotography by Manufacturer and MotorTrend Staff
Affordability has long been a major concern for those looking to make the switch from internal combustion to electric-powered vehicles, but things are starting to change. As the EV market matures and the technology continues to evolve, automakers have been bringing an ever-growing number of compelling electric vehicles to market at prices that are within reach of a much broader range of buyers.
While the average price of a new vehicle currently hovers around $50,000, most of the EVs on this list start below $40,000. Some offer lengthy range, others practicality or performance, and then there are those simply aimed at getting you into an electric vehicle without an eye-watering price tag.
We’ve assembled this list of the cheapest electric cars and SUVs across several categories and ranked the vehicles from least to most expensive according to each manufacturer’s current base price, including the destination fee, which is standard MotorTrend practice for vehicle pricing. For more information, including each vehicle’s full specifications, follow the link at the bottom of each entry.
Slate Truck | $26,400
Although it’s not the sub-$20K phenomenon we originally expected (mainly due to the expiration of the $7,500 Federal EV tax credit), Slate’s pickup is still the cheapest EV on sale today. Of course, in order to reach that level of affordability, the fledgling automaker had to make a few concessions.
In practice, this translates to standard features like steel wheels, crank windows, a phone mount instead of a central touchscreen, and a single rear motor that’s good for 181 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, which we found adequate in our initial First Drive. But the Slate Truck’s modular design allows for a wide array of customization, ranging from factory-installed wraps to full-blown five-seat SUV conversion kits (all of which add to the bottom line, of course). Its estimated range of 205 miles should also be enough for most folks’ day-to-day needs, while its 1,550-pound payload and 2,000-pound towing capacity give the Slate Truck the ability to do some actual work.
Chevrolet Bolt | $28,995
After returning to the lineup for the 2027 model year after a several-year hiatus, Chevy’s most affordable EV will disappear again soon, making the latest Bolt a last-chance proposition for anyone who wants one. That’s a shame, because its combination of a sub-$30,000 starting price, 262 miles of EPA-estimated range, and simple, straightforward design makes the Bolt an unusually compelling entry point into EV ownership.
There are some compromises, naturally. The Bolt’s 210-hp electric motor is perfectly adequate rather than particularly exciting, the ride can get unsettled on rough pavement, and the front seats aren’t especially comfortable. Still, the Bolt does a lot right for the money, and the RS trim adds a few more amenities for about $4,000 above the base LT. If what you want is an uncomplicated and incredibly cheap EV, do yourself a favor and check out the Bolt before Chevy pulls the plug again when production ends in early 2027.
Read our full review of the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt
Kia EV3 | $31,385
The all-new Kia EV3 is a subcompact SUV that undercuts most electric crossovers while offering a surprisingly generous list of standard equipment. The least expensive base Light comes with a 58.3-kWh battery and an EPA-estimated 220 miles of range, but stepping up to the Wind brings an 81.4-kWh pack and as much as 321 miles of range with front-wheel drive.
The EV3 also gets a built-in NACS port, making Tesla Supercharger access a straightforward proposition, while DC fast charging can take the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. In our First Drive, we praised the EV3’s reasonably quick acceleration and confident handling, but we also noted that the EV3’s subcompact dimensions could be limiting for buyers who need more interior space. Still, with a distinctive design, useful technology, and genuinely impressive range, this is one of the more interesting new entries in the affordable EV market.
Nissan Leaf | $31,485
The Nissan Leaf has undergone a dramatic transformation for its latest generation, trading its familiar hatchback shape for a more crossover-like design while remaining one of the most affordable EVs on sale today. The Leaf also gained substantially more range, additional power, and a more modern charging setup as part of its redesign.
The Leaf S+ is the base, lowest-priced trim for now, which is powered 75-kWh battery and a 214-hp motor producing 261 lb-ft. We recorded a 0–60 time of 6.8 seconds in an uplevel Platinum+ trim with the same powertrain that we tested. Nissan estimates up to 303 miles of range for the Leaf S+. All versions use a Tesla-style NACS port for DC fast charging and a J1772 port for Level 2 charging at home.
Then there’s the curious case of the Leaf S, using a less powerful 52-kWh battery powering a single front-mounted motor producing 174 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque with an estimated range of about 200 miles. The Leaf S was originally expected to start around $27,500, but Nissan has yet to announce when the base model will launch in the U.S., if ever.
Subaru Uncharted | $36,445
You can make any number of cracks about Subaru being in uncharted territory, charting a new path, etc., but it’s basically just reskinning Toyota’s C-HR EV. That’s not to say that’s a bad thing, as the compact Subaru SUV strikes its own sharp-looking pose, and its 74.7-kWh battery pack can push the Uncharted to as much as 300 miles of driving range with the cheapest, front-drive model (AWD versions are also available).
There’s just enough Subaru in the Uncharted, with its slightly lifted stance, and other Subaru-specific touches, to keep fans of the brand from straying over to the Toyota dealership.
Toyota bZ | $36,575
Toyota gave its first mass-market EV a much-needed makeover last year, replacing the bZ4X name with the simpler bZ and addressing some of the original model’s biggest shortcomings in the process.
The most significant changes are in the battery lineup. The standard and cheapest bZ uses a 57.7-kWh pack that provides 236 miles of EPA-estimated range, while the available 74.7-kWh battery raises that figure to 314 miles. An NACS port is now standard for DC fast charging, and Toyota includes adapters for J1772 and CCS connections. The bZ can also accept up to 150 kW of DC charging, which amounts to a meaningful improvement over the outgoing model’s 100-kW maximum.
Although the 2027 model is largely a carryover from last year, the bZ’s updated styling and improved specifications should keep it competitive among affordable electric SUVs.
Read our full review of the 2027 Toyota bZ
Chevrolet Equinox EV | $36,795
The Chevrolet Equinox EV makes a compelling case as an affordable electric SUV, pairing a relatively low starting price with the kind of range typically associated with more expensive EVs. In our MotorTrend Road-Trip Range test where we run an EV from 100 to 5 percent charge at a steady 70 mph, the Equinox EV covered a respectable 262 miles.
The trade-off, however, is performance: The base front-wheel-drive model took 7.4 seconds to reach 60 mph in our testing, making it leisurely by EV standards, and the Equinox EV’s 150-kW maximum charging rate is mid pack among its rivals.
The Equinox’s 17.7-inch touchscreen helps make up for some of its shortcomings, though; it delivers crisp graphics and as well as access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. The catch is that the Equinox EV doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Still, its combination of price, range, space, and useful technology makes the Equinox EV an easy contender for budget-minded EV shoppers. While the 2027 model carries over mostly unchanged from last year, the switch from a CCS port to standard NACS charging is a notable (and welcome) update.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 | $36,900
Our 2023 SUV of the Year has become even more compelling thanks to a recent refresh that elevates both form and function. The updated Ioniq 5 boasts styling refinements, increased battery capacity, and newly added compatibility with Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, all of which contribute to its continued status as one of the top contenders in the electric SUV category, affordable or otherwise.
The base 168-hp rear-wheel-drive SE Standard Range is EPA rated for 245 miles of range with its 63.0-kWh battery pack, while higher RWD trim levels offer 225 horsepower and feature a larger 84.0-kWh battery that extends range to over 300 miles. (Higher-spec dual-motor AWD and a track-tuned Ioniq 5 N performance model are also offered.) And thanks to its 800-volt electrical architecture, the Ioniq 5’s charging speeds are among the fastest in this group; Hyundai says the larger battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes when plugged into a DC fast charger.
Fiat 500e | $37,695
Fiat’s diminutive EV offers tons of personality and engaging driving dynamics, but the stylish runabout is ultimately more of a short-range city car than a road-trip machine.
All 500e models have a single motor rated at 117 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque that drives the front wheels and delivers a 0–60 time of 7.9 seconds. The latest iterations of the 500e are also equipped with a 42-kWh battery that the EPA estimates to be good for 149 miles of range. A DC fast charger can bring the pack from 5 to 80 percent state of charge in 27 minutes.
Tesla Model 3 | $38,630
Tesla’s Model 3 remains one of the most compelling ways to get into an EV, and the recently added rear-wheel-drive base model makes it even more accessible. Despite its lower price, the entry-level Model 3 is rated for an impressive 321 miles of range, giving it enough juice for everything from daily commuting to longer road trips. Its 5.8-second 0–60-mph time won’t set your hair on fire, but it’s still more than enough pep for everyday driving. The Model 3 also continues to benefit from Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network and constantly evolving software, including the company’s increasingly sophisticated Full Self Driving driver assistance technology (for an additional monthly fee).
We’ve liked the Model 3 since its introduction, and the 2024 Highland update addressed several of our longstanding complaints with a quieter cabin, improved interior, and revised suspension tuning. Ride quality can still be an issue on rough pavement, though, and Tesla’s minimalist interior won’t appeal to everyone. Even so, a starting price below $40,000 makes the Model 3 an attractive entry point into Tesla ownership.
Toyota C-HR | $38,675
The doppelganger to the Subaru Uncharted, the new C-HR, not to be confused with the last, gas-powered model of the same name, is intended to be an uplevel alternative to the cheaper bZ. Available in dual-motor AWD versions only, the C-HR draws its power from Toyota’s more powerful 74.7-kWh battery pack and boasts 338 horsepower, which makes it plenty quick. It’s also decently efficient and is EPA rated at 287 miles of range in its base SE configuration.
The C-HR benefits from all the improvements made to the bZ, including a native NACS port for easy access to the Tesla Supercharger network, up to 150-kW charging speeds, and other enhancements designed to make it more useable as an EV and a daily commuter.
Kia EV6 | $39,445
With standout styling, fast charging capabilities, and sporty driving dynamics, the Kia EV6 has become one of our favorites in the compact electric SUV segment.
The cabin is intuitively laid out and features a slick-looking curved display that houses both the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system. The latter supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The cheapest Light RWD base model offers 237 miles of range from a 63.0-kWh battery and features an 800-volt DC charging system that allows the EV6 to recharge in as little as 20 minutes on a DC fast charger. RWD models with the upgraded 84.0-kWh battery produce 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, pushing the crossover to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. That should be enough shove for most needs, but stepping up to a dual-motor AWD model increases output to 320 hp and 446 lb-ft, cutting about two seconds from the 0–60-mph time. Kia also substantially reduced the prices of the Light, Wind, and GT-Line trims for 2026, making the EV6 an even more compelling option in the increasingly competitive EV market.
Ford Mustang Mach-E | $39,840
Our reigning top pick in the electric compact SUV segment, the Ford Mustang Mach-E may have a name that stirs controversy with pony car fans, but its combination of engaging driving dynamics, smart design, and a wide range of trim packages makes it a serious contender among today’s more affordable EVs.
The standard-range RWD model offers 264 horsepower and 260 miles of range on a charge; the available extended-range battery increases the latter figure to 320 miles. AWD is optional for most trims, but performance-tuned variants like the Mach-E GT and Mach-E Rally are equipped with both AWD and the extended-range battery by default. Standard-range models can charge at up to 110 kW with a suitably fast charger, while the extended-range battery increases the maximum charging rate to 150 kW.
The 2026 model year ushered in several changes to the roster of available options and features, including a new California Special package, which pays homage to the original 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS with heritage-inspired styling tweaks.
Subaru Solterra | $39,945
Like its platform mate, the Toyota bZ, the Subaru Solterra faced a challenging debut back in 2023. However, Subaru recently made some crucial improvements that have elevated the Solterra’s overall appeal and capability. The latest model introduces a redesigned battery pack with a preconditioning system, along with increased power output, an upgraded all-wheel-drive system, and additional driving range.
While the lack of a flat floor still compromises second-row comfort, the Solterra’s standard all-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance give it genuine off-pavement versatility, an advantage few other compact electric SUVs in this price range offer. The new 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery also delivers 288 miles of EPA-rated range, which is a notable gain over the previous version, while maximum DC fast-charging speed rises from 100 kW to 150 kW.
Kia Niro EV | $41,195
The Kia Niro EV remains a practical choice for shoppers looking for an affordable electric crossover with a compact footprint and a well-designed interior. Its cabin is nicely built and thoughtfully laid out, while the Niro’s modest dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and around town.
The Niro EV isn’t available with all-wheel drive, and its ride can feel harsh on rough pavement, but a 6.5-second 0–60-mph time provides enough acceleration for most daily driving. Every Niro EV is rated for up to 253 miles of EPA-estimated range, though its 85-kW maximum DC charging rate is lackluster by today’s standards. The Niro EV soldiers on largely unchanged since its 2023 debut as Kia prepares to hand its spot in the lineup over to the the new EV3.
Tesla Model Y | $41,380
The Model Y received a substantial refresh for 2025 that brought in sharper exterior styling, redesigned seats, upgraded interior materials, and revised suspension tuning intended to improve ride quality. The changes made the popular crossover feel more polished without fundamentally altering its powertrain lineup.
A new base RWD model is now the entry point, with stripped-back styling, less power, and fewer options, but with 321 miles of range, giving the Model Y a useful blend of performance, efficiency, and—most important—affordability. The 2027 model year also ushers in a new extended-length, three-row version of the crossover called the Model Y L.
Rivian R2 | $46,485
Our top pick among midsize electric SUVs, Rivian’s latest SUV might look like a shrunken version of the R1S, but the R2 rides on a new vehicle architecture that employs different construction methods and a revamped battery cell design. And perhaps more important, the R2’s sub-$50,000 starting price expands Rivian’s reach into far more accessible territory than the models that came before it.
Its two-row cabin seats five, while thoughtful storage solutions and clever touches throughout the interior make good use of the available space. The R2 is also surprisingly capable off the pavement without sacrificing the refined road manners designed to make it easy to live with every day.
The lineup starts with a 350-hp rear-drive Standard model, while the R2 Premium gets dual-motor all-wheel drive with 450 hp and up to 330 miles of range. At the top of the lineup, the R2 Performance (pictured) produces 656 hp and 609 lb-ft of torque, good for a claimed 3.6-second 0–60-mph time. Every R2 gets a native NACS charging port, and Rivian estimates a 10 to 80 percent charge in less than 30 minutes under ideal conditions. Shoppers should note that while the Performance trim is available now and the Premium trim is expected in late 2026, the Standard trim with the $46k base price won’t arrive until the spring of 2027.
Chevrolet Blazer EV | $46,795
The Chevrolet Blazer EV combines distinctive styling with a comfortable ride and an upscale cabin, qualities that helped the RS AWD model earn MotorTrend’s 2024 SUV of the Year award. Its launch wasn’t entirely smooth, however, as early software problems led to a stop-sale and other teething issues. Chevrolet addressed many of those concerns with software updates and new features, helping the Blazer EV settle into a more competitive position among mainstream electric SUVs.
For 2027, Chevrolet gives the Blazer EV a native NACS charging port, eliminating the need for an adapter when using compatible Tesla Superchargers. The lineup also gets revised charging equipment, with J1772 AC, CCS1 DC, and PowerShift AC adapters available, while new Charging Essentials and Premium Charging packages offer additional Level 2 and DC fast-charging equipment. The trim structure and available configurations have also been adjusted, giving buyers more ways to balance price, range, and performance.
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