If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive car in the next few months, you may have thought that an electric car was outside of your budget. Well, I have some good news for you… If 2012 was known as the birth year of the EV revolution (the first year of the Tesla Model S), then 2023 will be remembered as the birth year of cheap electric cars.
Of course, we’re using “cheap” a little playfully here and while the U.S. car market is by no means getting flooded with low-cost electric cars, some automakers are making a statement by launching entry-level EVs for under $35,000. In this article, we will dig into each model’s specs and features to help you determine if there’s an electric car that’s right for you.
Methodology
For the sake of time, we are going to take the liberty to assume that each of these cars are offering the required safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, and traction control. We will also assume that the basic creature comforts like air-conditioning, stereo, and power windows will accommodate that average budget-conscious consumer.
In turn, we will focus our attention on the features that any electric car purchaser should be concerned with. This includes things like range, safety features, warranty, and possibly most importantly…price.
Lastly, the cars are sorted by price and not preference. While I have an opinion that will surely show through, our reviews of the electric cars are listed lowest to highest price.
The 5 Most Affordable Electric Cars Available in 2023
| Make/Model | Price | Range | Warranty | Safety Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Chevy Bolt EV 1LT | $26,595 | 259 miles | Vehicle 3yr/36,000 mile Battery 8yr /100,000 mile | OK |
| 2. Nissan Leaf S | $28,040 | 149 miles | Vehicle 3yr/36,000 mile Battery 8yr/100,000 mile | Great |
| 3. Hyundai Kona Electric SE SUV | $33,550 | 258 miles | Vehicle 5yr/60,000 Battery 10yr/100,000 mile | Excellent |
| 4. 2023 MINI SE Base Hardtop | $34,225 | 114 miles | Vehicle 4yr/50,000 mile Battery 8yr /100,000 mile | Good |
| 5. Chevy Bolt EUV Premier w/Super Cruise | $34,895 | 247 miles | Vehicle 3yr/36,000 mile Battery 8yr /100,000 mile | Best |
1. 2023 Chevy Bolt EV 1LT: $26,595 [Lowest Cost EV of 2023]
Chevy is making a big commitment to EVs in 2023 by slashing the base of all the Bolt EV and EUV models by $6,000 from the 2022 price. This, in turn, made the Chevy Bolt EV the most affordable electric car on the market today.
At first glance, the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV 1LT doesn’t look much different than your typical gas-powered compact car, but on your second take, you will notice the lack of air intake (grill) on the front and a small badge on the rear that says EV. The 17” aluminum wheels are a nice feature for a base model vehicle, but overall the styling is very simple and unassuming.
Chevy Bolt EV 1LT Range and Power
If you are simply looking for a low cost electric car to commute to and from work then the Chevy Bolt EV 1LT may be the right choice for you. This compact EV, with a 65kWh battery and 250 miles of range, can surely get the average commuter to and from work multiple times before needing a charge.
However, if you believe all electric cars are going to smoke a Corvette off the line then think again. With the motor rated at 200 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, the Bolt EV 1LT reaches 60 MPH in just over 6.5 seconds. While that is three seconds faster than a gas-powered Chevy Trax, it’s double the time it would take in a Tesla Model 3.
Chevy Bolt EV 1LT Interior Styling
The Bolt EV 1LT’s interior comes standard with a sleek and modern 10.2” display that supports both Apple Car Play and Android. Sport mode, regen paddle shifter, and One Pedal Driving are all included with the base model.
For those in cold areas or those who want more comfortable seats, for just under $1,000 you can upgrade to the Comfort and Convenience Package and get your Bolt equipped with heated front seats, lumbar support, and a leather wrapped steering wheel.
myChevrolet Mobile App
The myChevrolet mobile app allows you to monitor your Bolt’s charging, view range, and search for available charging stations. The app can also let you know if a location is within range. However, many app users say that some of these features aren’t kept up to date.
Chevy Bolt EV 1LT Safety Features
The Bolt EV 1LT’s standard safety features are limited with only a rear-facing camera and Rear Seat Reminder (RSR) included. However, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCA), and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) can be added with the optional Driver Convenience Package for an additional $495.
Chevy Bolt EV 1LT Warranty
The Bolt EV1LT’s warranty is 8 years/100,000 miles for the battery and electrical components but only 3 years/36,000 miles for the rest of the car. While the battery warranty sounds reasonable the 3-year warranty for the rest of the car seems a little light compared to the competition.
Chevy also includes the first year of scheduled service with the purchase, but what services does an electric car need in the first year… washer fluid?
2023 Chevy Bolt EV 1LT: Overall Opinion
I applaud Chevy for making the move to drip prices for 2023 and taking the spot for the most affordable EV in the US market. The Chevy Bolt EV 1LT has just enough features to attract buyers that may have opted for a similarly gas-powered alternative.
That being said, with an out-the-door price of just under $30,000, I don’t believe it will attract the budget-conscious buyer where monthly payment is their biggest concern. That buyer will likely still opt for a lower-priced gas-powered vehicle and most electric vehicle shoppers will likely spend a little more money to get a better-optioned car.
2. 2023 Nissan Leaf S: $28,040
First launched in 2010, the Nissan Leaf is the veteran of the list of cheapest electric cars. Nissan is now on its second rendition of the Leaf, with the last style update nearly 5 years ago. The Leaf may get you to and from work, but the aged styling, with the hard body lines and sharp edges, surely isn’t going to attract any head turns in the rush-hour traffic.
Nissan Leaf S Range and Power
The Leaf S comes with a minuscule 40kWh battery and is limited to less than 150 miles of range. 150 miles may sound like enough range until you realize that your range is reduced by the use of the heater and air conditioning. Cold weather can also reduce the battery life by up to 20%.
Another complication is that Nissan uses the less common CHAdeMO charging connector that isn’t available at all public charging stations. Nissan and Mitsubishi are the only automakers to use CHAdeMO connectors. This combination could leave you stranded on a cold winter’s day.
The only option to upgrade the battery size is to jump up an additional $8,000 in price by opting for the $36,000 Nissan Leaf SV Plus, with a 60kWh battery.
The 147hp motor will propel the Leaf S from 0-60 mph in just over 7 seconds. The Leaf S top speed is also limited to 89 mph to help increase the Leaf’s range. So much for driving down the I-5 in SoCal.
Nissan Leaf S Interior Styling
Simple yet functional best describes the Leaf’s dash. Other than the lack of shifter, the Nissan Leaf S’ interior looks almost identical to its gas-powered siblings. Standard features include an 8” touch screen with recently upgraded Apple CarPlay and Android, 360-degree view, and single pedal operation with the E-Pedal.
Nissan Leaf S Safety Features
While the 2023 Nissan Leaf S may look like its predecessors, the new Leaf S includes a list of impressive safety features that are not even available with some of the other cars on the list. Nissan now includes Safety Shield 360 standard on all 2023 Leaf models.
Safety Shield 360 is a bundle of technology safety features including Forward Collision Avoidance w/Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance (RCCA).
Unfortunately, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) isn’t available on the Leaf S, nor is the Nissan Leaf Connectivity APP with Apple Watch connectivity. To get these features, you will need to spend a few more Benjamins on the Nissan Leaf SV.
Nissan Leaf S Warranty
Like the Chevy Bolt, the Nissan offers a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty on the car and an additional 8-year/100,000 mile warranty on the battery, but unlike the Chevy warranty, the rest of the Leaf’s power train is limited to 5-years and 60,000 miles.
2023 Nissan Leaf S Overall Opinion
Compared to some of the other options on our list of electric cars under $35,000, the Nissan Leaf is falling behind. Styling, safety features, and mostly the battery size makes the Leaf S a solid no for me. It seems to me that the Leaf S is a lost leader to get car shoppers to Nissan to upsell the more expensive and appropriately optioned Leaf SV.
3. 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric SE SUV: $33,550
At the time of this article, Hyundai was not offering the details of the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric SE SUV on their website. The features and specifications of the 2023 model are said to be the same as the 2022 model. Therefore, the details shared in this article are accurate to the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric SE SUV and may vary from the actual 2023 model.
Unlike many of the other electric cars on the list, (Nissan Leaf S) the exterior of the Hyundai Kona Electric styling is fresh, sporty, and fun. The rounded hood reminds me of an athletic sneaker that’s ready to pounce.
Hyundai Kona Electric SE SUV Range and Power
The Hyundai Kona SUV has the second longest range at 258 miles with its 64 kWh battery. This is an ideal range for an entry-level commuter electric car. The average commute in the U.S. is 35 miles round trip. Therefore, most drivers can commute all week and charge on the weekends.
While the range for the Kona Electric SUV is great, the nearly 9-second 0-60 time is nothing to brag to your muscle car-loving dad about.
Hyundai Kona Electric SE SUV Interior Styling
The first thing you will notice when you sit inside in the Kona Electric SE SUV is the large 10.25” instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Next to it is the 8” touchscreen perched proudly on the center of the dashboard that controls the Apple CarPlay or Android, and shares the screen with navigation and the many safety features.
The standard Kona Electric SE SUV comes equipped with cloth seats in either gray or black. To upgrade the interior Hyundai offers the Convenience Package for $3,500. This package adds a sunroof, LED interior lighting, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a wireless charger.
Hyundai Kona Electric SE SUV Safety Features
When it comes to standard safety features, the Kona Electric SE SUV outshines the rest of the cars on our list. The standard safety features include Forward Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blindspot Collision Avoidance (BCA) Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance (RCCA), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), Safety Exit Warning (SEW), and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA).
It seems to me that Hyundai spent extra time thinking about what a forward-thinking electric car driver would expect in safety features for their modern EV. To me, the attention to these safety features makes the Hyundai Kona Electric SE SUV a clear forerunner for any EV buyer.
Hyundai Kona Electric SE SUV Warranty
Hyundai also offers the best warranty of all the electric cars under $35,000 list with a 5-year/60,000 mile warranty of the vehicle, and a 10-year/100,000 mile warranty on the powertrain and battery. Hyundai also provides 3 years of complementary service and 5 years of roadside assistance. This shows that Hyundai is taking its commitment to EVs seriously.
Hyundai Kona Electric SE SUV Overall Opinion
The Hyundai Kona Electric SE SUV is a top choice for me. The safety features, range, and styling are outstanding for a sub-$35,000 price. Since I live in Colorado, I would opt for the Convenience Package adding heated seats and sunroof, and thus pricing the Kona just over our $35,000 limit.
4. 2023 MINI Electric Hardtop 2 Door: $34,225
As a self proclaimed electric hot-rodder, (having built a Tesla-Powered 1965 Ford Mustang) there is little in life that I would love to have more than a classic MINI Cooper powered by an electric drivetrain. The MINI Electric Hardtop 2 Door is aiming right for electric car buyers just like me. However, I can’t help but to think that they may have missed the mark on this version.
While the traditional MINI Cooper styling is a classic and needn’t be changed, the wheels on the MINI Electric are hideous and the headlight rings with the mumancu style grill remind me of a cross eyed catfish. I would have preferred that they kept the exterior completely retro, with little hint that it is an EV.
MINI Electric Hardtop 2 Door Range and Power
As if the looks weren’t bad enough, the MINI Electric only has a range of 114 miles on its 32.6 kWh battery. This range is far too low for my comfort level.
Fortunately, the 0-60 time is good at just over 6 seconds, but you’ll never get to experience it because your range anxiety will keep you from driving it hard.
MINI Electric Hardtop 2 Door Interior Styling
The MINI Electric has a much more spaceship-like dash and console compared to its MINI One father. The dynamic digital instrument panel monitors your speed and driving modes, while the large 8.8 center screen, surrounded with a 6-color ambient light ring, features Apple CarPlay and navigation.
Even though I don’t love the large ambient light ring, there is no doubt that the MINI’s standard interior is superior to all the other electric cars on our list. This is because, along with the chrome switches and fancy dials, all MINI Electric’s come standard with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, faux-leather upholstery, hands-free passive entry, and rain-sensing wipers.
MINI Electric Hardtop 2 Door Safety Features
The MINI Electric may fall short with some styling cues and battery range but it offers some nice safety features in return. The most important safety feature in my book is the Forward Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped) and a close second is Driver Attention Warning (DAW)—both are included as standard with the MINI.
MINI Electric Hardtop 2 Door Warranty
The MINI Electric Hardtop 2 Door comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile vehicle warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty. The MINI also comes with complimentary service for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles. This covers standard maintenance on items such as cabin filters, vehicle and battery check-ups, along with a 4-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance.
2023 MINI Electric Hardtop 2 Door Overall Opinion
There is no other car on this list that I wanted to like more, but the MINI Electric 2 Door just falls short for me. The styling is confusing and the range is just too low. Even on short commutes, my range anxiety would be going through the roof! I am hoping that MINI gets it right on future versions.
5. 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV Premier w/Super Cruise: $34,895
If you were liking the Chevy Bolt EV but wished it was just a little larger and offered more features all for less than $35,000… then the Chevy Bolt EUV Premier with the Super Cruize Package might check off all your boxes.
The standard Chevy Bolt EUV is six-inches longer than the Bolt EV and offers a more SUV-like design. However, unlike the previously reviewed Chevy Bolt EV 1LT, the Chevy Bolt EUV optioned with both the Premier edition and Super Cruise offers a truckload of safety features, technology, and creature comforts, and all for less than a scheduled service on a Bugatti Chiron.
Chevy Bolt EUV Premier Range and Power
The Chevy Bolt EUV Premier shares the same 65kWh battery as the Chevy Bolt EV 1LT, but has slightly less range rated at 247 miles. This may be due to the less aerodynamic design. Nevertheless, the Bolt EUV still achieves a 0-60 in under 6.5 seconds.
Chevy Bolt EV EUV Premier Interior Styling
The slightly larger standard Bolt EUV’s interior is nearly identical to the Bolt EV. However, adding the Premier Package provides you with many tech features including a rear-view camera mirror, 10.2” touch screen with HD Surround Vision for seeing a 360-degree view of the car’s surroundings, and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).
The Premier package also upgrades creature comforts by upgrading the interior with leather appointed seats, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated back seats. A must for those of us with harsh winter climates.
myChevrolet Mobile App
Like the Chevy Bolt EV, the Bolt EUV comes with the myChevrolet mobile app that allows you to monitor your Bolt’s charging, view range, and to search for available charging stations. The app will also allow you to preheat your EV in cold weather conditions.
Chevy Bolt EUV Premier WITH Super Cruise Safety Features
My favorite feature of this well-optioned Bolt EUV Premier is the highly-optioned technology package. The EUV Premier comes standard with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCA), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Highway Driving Assistance (HDA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Forward Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped).
For the real techno-geek, when you upgrade your Bolt EUV with Super Cruise it adds lidar technology to read the road in front of you for a Hands Free Driving (HFD) experience. The total cost for all this technology is included in the $34,895 price.
Chevy Bolt EUV Premier Warranty
The Bolt EUV warranty is the same as the Bolt EV with 8-years/100,000 miles for the battery and electrical components and 3-years/36,000 miles for the vehicle, with one year complimentary service.
2023 Chevy Bolt EUV Premier w/Super Cruise Overall Opinion
The Chevy BOLT EUV Premier with the Super Cruise option, may be the best deal on our list of electric cars for under $35,000. Great range, modern styling, and loads of technology will keep you and your family safe and amaze any of your muscle car-loving family members.
Final Thoughts
2023 may be the best year to take the leap and buy an electric car. If you’re looking for your first new car or maybe an environmentally friendly commuter car, there are now some great options for less than $35,000. Which car is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
Leave a Reply