A lot has changed since we first published this list in 2022, most notably the demise of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. If that’s left you wondering if it’s still feasible to switch to battery power without going luxury, I’m happy to report the answer is resounding, “Yes!”
This list now has a dozen models on it, up from seven three years ago. The Tesla Model Y makes the cut for the fist time, thanks to the new Standard trims. Other new adds include the revamped Chevy Bolt, Subaru Solterra, and Toyota bZ. Even the frumpy Nissan Leaf makes it, thanks to a major facelift.
EVs are generally more affordable to operate on a daily basis. Charging at home is often the cheapest way to “fill up” any vehicle—gas cars included—but that depends on the cost of gas and electricity in your area. Regardless, maintenance costs run lower since EVs have no engine (no oil changes) or transmission, and fewer parts overall. One study found they require 31% less maintenance, and trips to the mechanic cost 22% less.
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Ready to start shopping? are the most noteworthy affordable EVs that are available now or hitting the market in the next year. Starting prices shown.
The popular Chevrolet Bolt returns in January 2026 after General Motors discontinued it for two years. We’re still waiting for the final details on America’s cheapest EV, but we know the revamped model features a new battery with faster charging. It’s about the same range as the previous Bolt EUV, at 255 miles. Chevy swapped in a Tesla-backed NACS charge port, so you can power up at Superchargers on the go, so this EV really has all the basics.
The tech inside also gets an upgrade, with a larger, 11.3-inch central touch screen powered by Google built-in—but no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. GM no longer offers those on its vehicles. But what it does offer is some of the best Level 2 self-driving software available, known as Super Cruise. If you upgrade to this package for $40 per month or $400 annually, you can drive fully hands-free on eligible roads. Pretty incredible.
Chevy kept the same Bolt EUV exterior for the new model—probably an easy way to keep costs down. But it comes in four appealing new exterior colors: Habanero Orange, Relic Green Metallic (LT only), and Atomic Yellow (only for the new, sporty RS trim).
If you have an idea of a Nissan Leaf in your mind, erase it. The woefully outdated EV has a new look for 2026, which is more spacious and SUV-like than its predecessor.
It gets up to 303 miles of range per charge, although the base model gets up to 288 miles. Still, that’s more than the Chevrolet Bolt. It has a built-in Tesla NACS port, so you can power up at Superchargers on the go (Level 3 charging). But it’s also the only EV to have a non-Tesla port for Level 2 charging as well, which maximizes your options to all stations and at-home chargers—not just Tesla.
Tech-wise, the base model features a 12.3-inch dash screen, an inch larger than the Bolt’s, while the upper trims have an even larger 14.3-inch dash. That’s almost as large as the Tesla Model 3’s 15-inch display. It also comes with a range of driving assistance features, such as lane keeping, pedestrian alert, and automatic emergency braking.
The new Nissan Leaf is available now to purchase or lease.
The Fiat 500e is the most adorable electric car on the list, but inventory is quite limited. You have to check your local dealer, but if you can score one, you might just fall in love with it.
It has just a 162-mile range, but at that size, you probably aren’t taking it on long road trips anyway. It’s a great option for around town, smooth to drive, and easy to park! You can choose from three drive modes, ranging from sporty and high-performance to energy conserving.
The surprisingly spacious interior makes for a comfortable drive, and the trunk fits your grocery bags. The CCS is not compatible with Superchargers, like most other EVs on this list, but the Fiat 500e is best enjoyed as a vehicle you charge at home and use for local trips.
The Fiat 500e Convinced Me Tiny, Low-Range EVs Have a Place in the US
The sporty Kona Electric has the largest interior of any vehicle on the list so far, making it a great option for longer drives and families.
It has a respectable 261-mile range, although the base model tops out at 200 miles, and does not have a Tesla Supercharger-compatible NACS port, unless you use an adapter. If you’re buying strictly on the price-to-range ratio, that means the Bolt or Leaf are more bang for your buck. But Hyundai’s tech is always top notch, and the Kona Electric has all the self-driving assists you could want.
The sizeable 12.3-inch dash screen offers Android Auto and Wireless CarPlay. It also has three USB-C charge ports sprinkled throughout the cabin.
Toyota’s one and only electric car is back for the 2026 model year with a new name: the bZ—not the bZ4X. Goodbye, alphabet soup.
It has a 314-mile range (up to 236 miles on the base model) and a built-in Tesla NACS port for Supercharging. The interior is among the nicest on this list. Toyota updated the center console for the 2026 model year, adding easy-access cell phone storage, a 14-inch touch screen, and “customizable ambient lighting” (read: mood lighting).
A suite of self-driving assists help keep you safe on the road. The pricier trims can even automatically change lanes for you.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV
Chevy likes to brag that the Equinox EV is “America’s most affordable electric car with 315+ mile range,” and it’s true. The Equinox has a lot to offer in terms of interior space, range, and tech.
It has the largest center dash screen on the list by far, at 17.7 inches, plus a deep bench of driver-assistance features. Like the Bolt, you can also upgrade to Super Cruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving software that allows you to sit back and “drive” hands-free, for $40 per month or $400 annually.
Given that Chevy offers both the Bolt and the Equinox, a trip to the dealer should be top of the list for all budget EV shoppers. You can also try out the swankier Chevrolet Blazer while you’re at it, which is just above $40,000, and has more a luxe feature set and interior.
The only downside of the Equinox is it still has the CCS port, not the Supercharger-compatible NACS port. GM plans to add one for the 2027 model, but in the meantime an adapter works just fine.
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Tesla introduced the Standard trim for the Model 3 and Model Y in early October in an effort to keep prices low and spur sales, now that the $7,500 federal tax credit is over.
The Model 3 Standard shaves off $5,000 from the next trim up, Premium, but you lose a few features. It has slightly less range, although still the most on this list at 321 miles. Tesla also reduced the acceleration and charging speed, and cut the panoramic roof and several audio speakers. The Standard trims also don’t come with AM/FM radio, have a less powerful air filter, and no Autosteer self-driving assistance. For those trade-offs, it’s worth considering other models on this list, unless you’re set on trying out a Tesla—then go for it!
The Ford Mustang Mach-E has the sportiest looks on the list, and its hands-free self-driving software rivals GM’s.
The Mach-E got some welcome upgrades for the 2025 model year, including a range-saving heat pump. But Ford neglected to swap out the CCS port for the Tesla-backed NACS. You’ll need an adapter to power up at Superchargers, but it’s quite easy to use, and keep in mind 90% of EV charging typically occurs at home. You can even store it in the Mach-E’s modest “frunk,” or front trunk.
The Mach-E is one of my favorite electric cars to drive, with its fast acceleration and smooth handling. I also preferred its Level 2 self-driving software, Blue Cruise, to GM’s Super Cruise, when I tried them. It costs a bit more, at $495 annually or $49.99 monthly, but I found it worked on more roads, and had a more seamless transition when it shut off than GM’s tech.
The Mustang Mach-E is already a good-looking EV, but Ford takes it up a notch with the 2025 version’s new Premium Sport Appearance Package. If you want to lean into the “Mustang” part of this car, that’s the way to go.
The Solterra has been Subaru’s only EV for several years, but the company is finally adding two more models in 2026: the Trailseeker and Uncharted. They’re scheduled to hit dealers early next year, so for now the Solterra is your main option.
The range is a bit low, at 227 miles, but it charges up relatively fast—in 35 minutes on a public fast charger—and Subaru optimized it to keep this charging rate even in cold weather, which can make batteries harder to juice up. If you live in a cold area, or love chilly outdoor adventures, that could be a game-changer for you.
True to its off-roading persona, the Solterra also features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. With X-MODE, you can set the wheel traction to perform well even in snow, dirt, mud, and uneven terrain. It also has a panoramic camera view, and standard self-driving assists to keep you safe.
Volvo designed its smallest EV for urban settings with exterior colors “inspired by Scandinavian forests, lakes and skies,” as the website says.
For the base price of $38,950, or a little over $40,000 including the destination charge, you get some luxurious features. That includes a panoramic roof, premium air quality filters in the cabin, advanced driver assistance and road safety features, and a range-preserving heat pump.
Tech-wise, it has 5G connectivity, multiple USB-C charge ports, wireless phone charging, a Google-built dash screen, and premium sound system. However, the range is a little on the lower end, at up to 261 miles, with no Tesla NACS port for adapter-free Supercharging.
The interior features sustainable materials with a luxury, yet pared-down feel. The Volvo EX40 is the next step up, starting at $56,445. For the full electric Volvo experience, you’ll want to check out the top-of-the-line EX90, a pricey 7-seat SUV with all of the automaker’s latest and greatest tech.
Kia is a leading EV maker at this point, with some of the best models available, like the EV6 and EV9. The Niro is its budget option, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering. If anything, it’s more reason to get to a Kia dealer and compare all of its EVs. The Niro also comes as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
The fully electric version has up to a 253-mile range, so it’s not the highest on the list, but it has other advantages. The spacious interior features more trunk room, and the tech is top-notch. The dash screen is a combined 20 inches, and Kia also offers a heads-up display, which is one of my favorite features. It projects key information onto the windshield, such as speed and turn-by-turn directions, so you can see it as you’re driving, with no need to strain your neck or eyes downward toward the other screens.
It has wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, and a Digital Key so you can share access with family and friends. On the Kia app, you can remotely start the AC or heating, so it’s the perfect temperature when you get in.
As for automated driver assists, expect automatic braking, lane keeping, smart cruise control, and “smart follow,” meaning the car can handle most of the heavy lifting on major roads while you sit back and manage.
This is the first year the Model Y has made the list, thanks to the new Standard trims Tesla introduced in early October. It shaves $5,000 off the purchase price, bringing it to $39,990 compared to $44,990 for the Premium trim above it.
The Model Y is easily the most popular electric car, and one of the most popular cars in general. The Standard trim could help you get into one, but the $5,000 going to sacrifice some key features. The question is: Is it worth it, or would you prefer another car on this list?
It boasts a high range of 321 miles, down from 357 on the Premium trim, with slower charging and acceleration. Tesla’s interiors are always bare bones, but the Standard version trims any remaining fat. It has no rear touch screen, no customizable ambient lighting, and no panoramic roof. It has a lower quality air filter, fewer audio speakers, no AM/FM radio, and no Autosteer self-driving assistive technology.
Happily, the Model Y Standard keeps a few perks, like two wireless phone chargers and a whopping five USB-C ports sprinkled throughout.
Are There Still State-Level EV Credits?
It’s essential to check the state tax credits available for your vehicle before purchasing, both of which can lower the price tag significantly.
State credits are relatively straightforward, such as New York’s $2,000 rebate program. Colorado also offers up to $6,250 off Level 2 home charger installation. To find the rebates and fees in your state, click on your state on the map in this link. Filter for EV fuel type and click on relevant rebate information.
The Tesla ordering page also makes it easy to see which state incentives apply to your purchase by asking for your ZIP code and then pulling in the relevant programs. But you still need to check the government website to confirm you qualify.
(Credit: Department of Energy)
Many states also require EV drivers to pay an extra fee every year, usually anywhere between $50-$150. This is intended to make up for the loss of gas tax revenue, which funds state projects, including road maintenance.
Can All EVs Use Tesla Superchargers?
Almost all non-Tesla EV brands can use Superchargers as of this year (here’s the full list), adding over 20,000 charging options to your road trips. The newest models come with a built-in Tesla port, called NACS. That means you do not need an adapter to plug in at the station.
However, you may still come across models at the dealer that have the legacy port, called CCS, especially on used models. Make sure you ask about an adapter, or buy one online. All major car companies sell their OEM-approved versions, such as Ford, which sell theirs for $200. There are also others available from third-party brands like Lectron, on sale for $182 as of this writing.
Ford adapter has the CCS port on one end, which matches the car, and the NACS port on the other, allowing the Tesla Supercharger cord to plug in. (Credit: Emily Forlini)
NACS end of Ford’s Tesla Supercharger adapter. (Credit: Emily Forlini)
