Electric Cars Cheaper Than a Tesla

If a Tesla is your ideal electric vehicle but you don’t have the means to fork over $47,000 for the no-frills entry-level model, don't worry: There are some other possibilities — including a growing number of plug-in hybrids — to get you in the green-car game. Most recently, GM slashed the price on its 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV,  making it the cheapest EV on the market and only a little pricier than, say, a Honda Civic with a traditional gas engine. We’ve stacked a list of electric vehicles based on price, including tax rebates, where available, for a better bottom line. Check out what’s available by type, mpg equivalent, and range.

Related: The Electric Ford F-150 Has a New Purpose You Never Saw Coming

Base Price: $26,595 (no tax credit)

Type: Electric

Mileage: 120 MPGe

Range: 259 miles

The Bolt “not only looks more exciting inside and out, the redesigned electric hatchback also has enhanced features and a much cheaper asking price,” Car and Driver says. Even better, GM has just lopped $5,900 off the price, and the Bolt is expected to be the cheapest EV on the market once all 2023 model prices are announced. That's important, since it’s one of the few vehicles on this list that doesn’t qualify for federal tax credits. There’s also an EUV model that’s slightly longer, but the added weight creates a tradeoff between comfort and performance.

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Base Price: $46,990

Type: Electric

Mileage: 126 MPGe

Range: 272 miles

Now, let’s look at the benchmark. Tesla’s entry-level sedan with a top speed of 140 mph is the least expensive of its current lineup. Since Teslas no longer qualify for a federal tax credit, they lose some of their competitive edge in pricing. But that has not stopped buyers: The Model 3 was the second-bestselling electric vehicle in 2021, ranking just behind the more expensive Model Y.

Related: Surprising Things Tesla Makes That Aren't Electric Cars

Base Price: $19,900 after tax credit

Type: Electric

Mileage: 111 MPGe

Range: 149 miles

A lower price on the 2022 model doesn’t change that “the Leaf has simply fallen behind segment leaders such as the Ford Mustang Mach E and the Tesla Model 3 in both desirability and practicality,” Car and Driver says. The publication recommends the mid-level S Plus trim, which has an increased range of 226 miles and is still affordable (around $25,000 with tax rebates).

Related: 15 Reasons Why I Drive an Electric Car

Base Price: $23,250 after tax credit

Type: Electric

Mileage: 119 MPGe

Range: 114 miles

Like the Leaf, the electric Mini Cooper SE is a nice vehicle for running around urban areas. But its range of 114 miles rules out most road trips — unless you’re okay with frequent stops to recharge. MotorTrend says it’s “stylish, affordable, and quick, but other affordable electrics offer a better-rounded package.”

Base Price: $23,302 after tax credit

Type: Plug-in hybrid

Mileage: 119 MPGe / 55 MPG

Range: 29 miles electric / 620 miles total

Plug-in hybrids allow you to make short all-electric trips on the battery while offering the longer range of a traditional gas-powered vehicle. Some people go for weeks or months on a single tank of gas, depending on their driving habits. Car and Driver says the new model isn’t very exciting, but boasts “a roster of desirable standard features” and is “comfortable and conventional enough to be confused for a non-hybrid.”

Base Price: $24,743 after tax credit

Type: Plug-in hybrid 

Mileage: 133 MPGe / 54 MPG

Range: 25 miles electric / 640 miles total

Toyota’s Prius was at the forefront of the hybrid movement, and the Prime takes the next step, providing a plug-in battery capable of 25 miles of electric range to what was already an economical vehicle in terms of fuel efficiency. “Essentially, the more frequently you can plug in and charge, the less gas you’ll use,” which is true of all PHEVs, Edmunds says.

Base Price: $26,262 after tax credit 

Type: Plug-in hybrid

Mileage: 105 MPGe / 46 MPG

Range: 26 miles electric / 560 miles total

Kia’s smallest SUV “provides practicality and value in a petite package,” Car and Driver says. “Not only does the plug-in version have added value, it also provides an estimated 26 miles of pure-electric range and more satisfying driving manners.” 

Base Price: $26,500 after tax credit

Type: Electric 

Mileage: 120 MPGe

Range: 258 miles

“It offers everything we love about the gasoline-powered Kona but with an electric twist,” Car and Driver says of this subcompact SUV that offers a 201-horsepower motor with a range of 258 miles on a charge. “It doesn’t offer sport-car-level thrills, but for a subcompact SUV it’s compelling to drive.”

Base Price: $27,195 after tax credit

Type: Electric

Mileage: 92 MPGe

Range: 100 miles

Mazda’s first electric vehicle uses the same platform as the CX-30 subcompact SUV. While MotorTrend notes that the vehicle has multiple charging options and a unique exterior design, Its driving range of only 100 miles is small by all-electric standards. It will have a limited rollout with availability limited to California at first.

Base Price: $27,477 after tax credit

Type: Plug-in hybrid

Mileage: 105 MPGe / 40 MPG

Range: 37 miles electric / 520 miles total

This is the second year of the plug-in hybrid variant of Ford’s small SUV that uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine along with a rechargeable battery for an all-electric range that might not impress converts to electric, but a total range the EPA estimates will make up for it.

Base Price: $29,558 after tax credit 

Type: Plug-in hybrid

Mileage: 80 MPGe / 35 MPG

Range: 33 miles electric / 420 miles total

This new variant of the compact SUV “is much sportier than we expected,” says MotorTrend, referring to the pairing of a 90-horsepower electric motor with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. A 240V outlet will charge the battery fully in about two hours.

Base Price: $31,303 after tax credit 

Type: Plug-in hybrid

Mileage: 74 MPGe / 26 MPG

Range: 24 miles electric / 320 miles total

Mitsubishi redesigned the compact crossover Outlander for the 2022 model year, but not the plug-in hybrid version. (It’s expected at some point.) “As more and more compact plug-in hybrid SUVs hit the market, it’s harder to make a case for this aging Mitsubishi,” MotorTrend says, suggesting buyers wait for the redesigned model or look at competitors.

Base Price: $31,343 after tax credit

Type: Plug-in hybrid

Mileage: 80 MPGe / 29 MPG

Range: 17 miles electric / 480 miles total

This crossover is “decent,” according to U.S. News & World Report, but hybrid SUV shoppers shouldn’t put it at the top of their lists. While it comes with standard all-wheel drive and is comfortable, “the battery pack cuts into available cargo space and the Crosstrek Hybrid feels strained at high speeds.”

Base Price: $33,515 after tax credit 

Type: Plug-in hybrid

Mileage: 94 MPGe / 38 MPG

Range: 42 miles electric / 600 miles total

MotorTrend notes that this top-rated compact plug-in hybrid SUV is much quicker than the regular RAV4 or RAV4 Hybrid. “Factor in an impressive all-electric range of more than 40 miles, and this is a strong pick for a compact SUV,” it says.

Base Price: $33,705 after tax credit

Type: Electric 

Mileage: 112 MPGe

Range: 239 miles

“The Niro EV flies under the radar but has the features, range, and style to deserve more attention,” says Car and Driver, which recommends the basic EX trim package with a cold-weather option that can help improve driving range in cold weather.

Base Price: $34,158 after tax credit

Type: Plug-in hybrid

Mileage: 76 MPGe / 33 MPG

Range: 31 miles electric / 440 miles total

“For those who can look past the aggressive front-end styling and get used to the many buttons on the center console, the Santa Fe PHEV has appeal,” MotorTrend says. “It offers a compelling mix of comfort, technology, and versatility, all with the option of fuel-free driving.” The new model is offered in a limited number of states right now.

Base Price: $34,169 after tax credit 

Type: Electric

Mileage: 66 MPGe

Range: 230 miles

The pickup truck that’s generating lots of buzz builds on Ford’s top-selling gasoline-powered workhorse. Car and Driver notes that all-wheel drive is standard and the model is capable of towing up to 10,000 pounds. But it suggests opting for the better-equipped XLT trim and possibly the extended-range battery pack (good for 320 miles). Either adds a significant bump to the window sticker.

Base Price: $34,615 after tax credit

Type: Electric

Mileage: 117 MPGe

Range: 232 miles

Kia’s new small crossover/hatchback EV is an original design, which means “Kia was able to give the EV6 distinctively sleek styling as well as relatively roomy seating considering the car’s tidy overall dimensions,” says Edmunds, which calls it “pleasantly fun to drive.” 

Base Price: $36,150 after tax credit

Type: Electric

Mileage: 114 MPGe

Range: 303 miles

Hyundai’s all-electric crossover SUV debuts the Electric-Global Modular Platform to be used in upcoming models. It also features what MotorTrend calls “an ultra-futuristic look” in a vehicle that can be configured in a number of ways to increase performance and range.

Base Price: $36,485 after tax credit

Type: Electric

Mileage: 103 MPGe

Range: 247 miles

The other buzzy Ford EV is getting good notices from reviewers, but longtime Mustang fans aren’t always as enthralled. “While it seems sacrilegious that Ford would call a crossover EV a Mustang, pairing the iconic nameplate with an in-demand body style is smart marketing,” says Car and Driver, which gave it an Editors’ Choice award, calling it “a transcendent EV.”

Base Price: $37,348 after tax credit

Type: Plug-in hybrid

Mileage: 73 MPGe / 29 MPG

Range: 17 miles electric / 300 miles total

The four-door sibling of the electric Cooper SE is a small crossover SUV — with the emphasis on small, Edmunds says. “Mini says the Countryman will hold five adults, but four will undoubtedly be happier.” It also has a shorter all-electric range than many of the similarly priced plug-in hybrids.

Base Price: $37,595 after tax credit

Type: Electric

Mileage: 95 MPGe

Range: 241 mile

Edmunds calls the model “a tech-heavy electric crossover with the premium look and feel we’ve come to expect from the luxury automaker,” positioned to compete with Tesla’s well-established Model Y. 

Base Price: $38,400 after tax credit

Type: Electric

Mileage: 107 MPGe

Range: 270 miles

The Polestar 2 has “a handsome cabin and intuitive tech, but its average range doesn’t fully rectify its odd bodywork,” Car and Driver says of this “four-door hatchback with the proportions of a sedan and the ride height of a crossover.” There’s also a two-motor version with all-wheel drive and more power, but not as much range (249 miles) starting at $42,400 after federal tax breaks.

Base Price: $41,955 (no tax credit)

Type: Electric

Mileage: 97 MPGe

Range: 260 miles

This electric SUV is smaller than the brand’s Tiguan “but actually has a similarly spacious interior as the Tiguan and other small SUVs,” as well as a roomy cargo area and a raised seating position, Edmunds says. All-wheel drive is also available.