Until recently, the words “cheapest” and “electric cars” didn’t really belong together, as none were really cheap. Today, however, a few electric cars have come down to truly affordable territory, and another handful are no more expensive than other mainstream vehicles. That makes a new EV more accessible to more people than ever.
Prices quoted below include manufacturer destination charges but do not include any other mandatory fees like tax, title, or licensing. While you can add options and features to push prices well above those listed below or use state and federal incentives to get the prices even lower, these prices are based on the manufacturer’s price for the base trim level of each model. It’s not unusual to see some of the cars below on our monthly list of the cheapest lease deals.
Here are the 10 cheapest new electric cars in 2025.
1. 2025 Nissan Leaf: $29,280
The 2025 Nissan Leaf is now America’s least expensive electric car, thanks to Chevrolet putting the Bolt and Bolt EUV on hiatus, although the Bolt is due for a comeback in 2026. The cheapest Leaf is the Leaf S. It has 149 miles of range from its 40-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, front-wheel drive (FWD), one-pedal driving, automatic headlights, and standard smartphone integration. You can option the Leaf up to include features like ProPilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 60-kWh battery good for 212 miles of range, but it’s an $8,000 jump to the Leaf SV Plus.
See 2025 Nissan Leaf models for sale
2. 2025 Fiat 500e: $32,495
Super compact yet ultra stylish, the 2025 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED) is another city EV capable of up to 149 miles of range, yet can access Level 3 charging, which means you can add 31 miles of range in just five minutes or top the battery up to 80% in about 35 minutes. In base form, the least expensive 500e comes with not-so-base features like a 10.25-inch center display, LED exterior lighting, and automatic climate control.
See 2024 Fiat 500e models for sale
3. 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric: $34,425
The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric offers 200 miles of range in base form, with the option to upgrade to 261 miles of range from a larger battery. Still, even base SE models include LED projector headlights, dual 12.3-inch cockpit screens, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a host of other tech and equipment. Upgrades can add features like roof rails, a hands-free rear liftgate, Bose audio, wireless device charging, and more.
See 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric models for sale
4. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV: $34,995
Stylish, easy to drive, and with up to 319 miles of range, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV is one of the most well-rounded affordable EVs on the market. It’s also available with GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system that lets you take your hands off the wheel on hundreds of thousands of miles of Interstate and highway. The 2025 model year sees a number of more affordable variants hit the market, including the base LT1 with front-wheel drive, which comes standard with a 17.7-inch display, 19-inch wheels, and an 11.5-kW onboard charger.
See 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV models for sale
5. 2025 Toyota bZ4X: $38,465
The 2025 Toyota bZ4X sees a major price cut for the new model year, with the entry-level XLE trim now selling for about $6,000 less than last year’s model. The top-spec Limited model is also more affordable, saving $5,380 compared to last year. The new lower price makes the bZ4X’s 252-mile max range a bit more approachable, and new visual and safety features (depending on trim) add even more value.
See 2025 Toyota bZ4X models for sale
6. 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6: $39,045
A rarity among new EVs these days, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6’s sedan body style is sleek and futuristic but in a more organic way than the Ioniq 5’s design. It shares a very similar powertrain, with 240 miles of range in base form and RWD, and offers an excellent base equipment set, including Highway Driving Assist, the SmartSense driver-assist suite, a hands-free trunk, and dual 12.3-inch screens.
See 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 models for sale
7. 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E: $39,090
The price-lowering theme continues with the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is $3,500 less than last year. With a range of up to 320 miles and enhanced Ford BlueCruise driver assistance, the Mach-E is giving the Equinox EV a run for its money — and for yours.
See 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E models for sale
8. 2025 Subaru Solterra: $39,915
As with the related bZ4X, the 2025 Subaru Solterra is also much more affordable this year, shaving $6,500 or more from the list prices of each trim level. Like the bZ4X, the Solterra is a spacious and comfortable EV, but it lacks a serious maximum range option, with just 227 miles of range in its most capable configuration. On the other hand, the Solterra includes standard advanced all-wheel drive and lots of technology, and this year’s price cuts make it a much better value than it was previously.
See 2025 Subaru Solterra models for sale
9. 2025 Kia Niro EV: $40,995
The 2025 Kia Niro EV’s 253-mile range and slight price difference put it directly in competition with the Model 3, but the Niro EV’s hatchback/crossover SUV body style offers more cargo space and flexibility. The 201-hp electric motor is peppy, and the interior is high-tech with wireless device charging, dual 10.25-inch screens, a power liftgate, heated front seats, and more — all in the base Niro EV Wind.
See 2025 Kia Niro EV models for sale
10. 2025 Nissan Ariya: $41,160
The 2025 Nissan Ariya saw a significant price drop across the range last year, including the base model, which fell by more than $3,000. Those savings carry forward into 2025 with only minor price increases. The base Engage trim gets 216 miles of range and front-wheel drive, but up to 289 miles of range or all-wheel drive are also available for a premium.
See 2025 Nissan Ariya models for sale
10 Cheapest New Electric Cars
- 2025 Nissan Leaf: $29,280
- 2025 Fiat 500e: $32,495
- 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric: $34,425
- 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV: $34,995
- 2025 Toyota bZ4X: $38,465
- 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6: $39,045
- 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E: $39,090
- 2025 Subaru Solterra: $39,915
- 2025 Kia Niro EV: $40,995
- 2025 Nissan Ariya: $41,160
The Chevy Bolt is being discontinued.
I’ll buy one when they give them away in a few years because of grid failure – 3 for a dollar.
Or when they run out of sheeple to buy this battery junk – they’ll all be riding in the gas powered taxi.
Whats your take on Nissan Ariya
We bought a one year old off lease with 7000 miles on it. Had it for 5 months now. I’m a motor head and a car guy. I love it! My wife, who is not a car nut, says it’s the first car she’s had that she really loves. Her last car was a BMW. Grandkids car seats fit nicely. It fits our needs very well, cheaply, efficiently, effectively. We love estep. We love fueling up at home. Home charging covers our needs. We have a Honda Pilot for trips and towing but fight over who gets the Ariya.
What weather conditions are assumed for these ranges?
I wish they did a feature and option comparison.