10 Affordable EVs Perfect for First-Time Buyers

When you’re a new car buyer, affordability is likely to be at the top of your list of priorities, especially if you’re shopping for an electric car. While the average EV costs more than the average gas-powered car, there are still tons of great electric options that won’t break the bank.

Just because you’re a first-time buyer doesn’t mean you don’t want something nice, though. Value is about keeping costs low without sacrificing when it comes to comfort and range. The budget electric market is a competitive space, which is great for the consumer because it means better value for money.

Exploring the most affordable electric vehicles in 2025, we’ve found ten options that are great for first-time buyers. We outline how much they cost, and which model offers the best value for money. We also dive into their performance figures. Where the federal tax credit applies, we also make a note of how this affects the price.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and TopSpeed. Models are ranked based on their starting MSRPs, from most expensive to most affordable.

10

2025 Kia EV6

Starting MSRP: $42,900

While technically the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a little bit cheaper than the EV6, Kia has moved production of their electric vehicles to the U.S., meaning that they qualify for the $7,500 tax credit. This sleek electric crossover features enjoyable driving dynamics and a fantastic suite of standard equipment.

Performance Specifications

The most affordable option in the EV6 features a single motor which powers the rear wheels. There are more powerful all-wheel drive models, however, putting out either 320 horsepower or 641 horsepower. Every models besides the entry level model features an 84 kWh battery instead, delivering up to 319 miles of range.

Pros

• Brilliant design
• A ton of fun to drive
• Super spacious interior

Cons

• Ioniq 5 is more affordable (if the tax credit gets revoked)
• The infotainment system is a bit clunky
• Base model doesn’t get the larger battery

9

2025 Nissan Ariya

Starting MSRP: $39,770

Nissan was one of the earliest competitors in the EV realm with the Leaf. However, it wasn’t until the Ariya came along that the Japanese brand had a competitive SUV. It offers smooth and composed power delivery and a cabin that is much more upscale than you’d expect for this price.

Performance Specifications

The Nissan Ariya comes standard with a single motor driving the front wheels. The most affordable model features a small battery, while pricier models come with an 84 kWh unit instead. The Ariya has a maximum range of 304 miles for front-wheel drive models and 272 miles on all-wheel drive models.

Pros

• Impressively sophisticated interior
• Comfortable ride
• The potential to be quick with all-wheel drive

Cons

• Base model’s range isn’t the best
• Handling is numb
• Top trims are pricey

8

2025 Kia Niro EV

Starting MSRP: $39,600

While the EV6 and EV9 are produced in the United States and, thus, qualify for the tax credit, the Niro is still produced overseas. However, the Niro is still competitively priced and comes loaded with features from the word go. Its cabin is also exceptionally comfortable.

Performance Specifications

Kia’s subcompact Niro EV comes with a single electric motor powering the front wheels no matter which model you opt for. There is also only one battery size on offer. However, with the Niro being so small, the 201 horsepower motor is more than enough to make it feel nippy. It also manages a decent amount of range for this price point.

Pros

• Well laid-out interior
• Loads of standard features
• Lots of storage space in the cabin

Cons

• Less range than direct rivals
• Not quick by EV standards
• Somewhat dull exterior styling

7

2025 Subaru Solterra

Starting MSRP: $38,495

The Solterra is the first fully electric vehicle developed by Subaru, and it is not bad for a first attempt. As is the Subaru way, the Solterra comes standard with all-wheel drive, which certainly bolsters its value. It can also travel further off the beaten path than most of its rivals.

Performance Specifications

All-wheel drive is certainly an attractive feature for those who find themselves often driving through wet or snowy roads. However, it comes at the cost of range in the Solterra. The most affordable model offers the best maximum range, with range decreasing as you climb the trim ladder.

Pros

• Standard all-wheel drive
• Some off-road capability
• Spacious interior

Cons

• Underwhelming range
• Gauge cluster is hard to see
• Charging is slower than average

6

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6

Starting MSRP: $37,850

In our opinion, the Ioniq 6 is one of the best EVs that you can buy today. Not only is it exceptionally affordable, it is stylish, comfortable, and offers impressive amounts of range on top models. Beyond that, it shows that electric vehicles can be fun and enjoyable, and don’t have to feel so sterile.

Performance Specifications

The most affordable Ioniq 6 features a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle. If you can spring for the base model with the larger battery we would, its price sitting at $42,800, as this boosts range to an impressive 342 miles. It also gets a more powerful 225 horsepower motor.

Pros

• Exceptional range rating
• Downright sporty driving dynamics
• Brilliant value for money

Cons

• Rear headroom is compromised
• Cargo capacity is low
• Somewhat controversial styling

5

2025 Toyota bZ4X

Starting MSRP: $37,070

The Toyota bZ4X was developed alongside the Subaru Solterra, which is extremely apparent as the two are nearly identical. The main difference being that Toyota offers a more affordable base model with front-wheel drive. Otherwise, the two are equally as spacious and comfortable.

Performance Specifications

You’ll find a single motor on driving the front wheels on the most affordable bZ4X model. Models with all-wheel drive get a slightly bigger 65.5 kWh battery pack instead, but it does little to keep range competitive. However, it does offer an exceptionally smooth ride.

Pros

• Impressive ride quality
• Roomy interior
• Quick enough for most

Cons

• Disappointing range
• Forgettable driving experience
• Gauge cluster is hard to see

4

2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Starting MSRP: $36,495

Not only is the Mustang Mach-E one of the most affordable new EVs that you can buy in 2025, but it also qualifies for the EV tax credit. The $7,500 incentive makes the total cost of this EV less than $30,000. It also features distinctive exterior stying and a sporty looking cabin.

Performance Specifications

Performance in even the most affordable Mach-E is pretty exceptional for the price you pay. On the base model a single motor powers the rear-wheels, with enough power to make the pseudo-Stang feel quick. More expensive models get access to a 91 kWh battery, with a maximum range of 320 miles.

Pros

• Great curb appeal
• Competitive range
• Top trims are absurdly quick

Cons

• Not as fun to drive as you’d expect from a “Mustang”
• After 60 miles per hour, acceleration drops off
• Obnoxious infotainment screen

3

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

Starting MSRP: $33,600

The Equinox EV is the cheapest new EV that qualifies for the federal tax credit. Including the rebate, the total starting cost of the Equinox would sit at $26,100. This makes it an absolute bargain. Even without the credit, the Equinox is a great entry-level crossover with plenty of standard features.

Performance Specifications

At this price point, it is hard to find an EV that offers a range that breaks the 300-mile mark. The standard 85 kWh battery pack adds tons of value to the base Equinox EV. The standard model features a single electric motor that drives the front wheels. A racier 300 horsepower all-wheel drive model is available, though.

Pros

• More range than all its rivals
• Exceptionally well-priced
• Available Super Cruise

Cons

• Cargo space is limited
• No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Some cheap-feeling interior bits

2

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric

Starting MSRP: $32,975

Hyundai’s subcompact Kona Electric is the most affordable electric crossover on the market right now, if we exclude the federal tax credit. With the Nissan Leaf looking ready to retire and the Chevy Bolt on hiatus, the redesigned electric Kona is in a prime spot to soon take the top spot on this list.

Performance Specifications

The Kona’s affordable price tag comes at a cost, both in areas of performance and range. A larger 64.8 kWh battery is available, though, boosting range to 260 miles. A more powerful motor is also available, putting out 201 horsepower. The Kona clearly puts comfort first.

Pros

• Excellently priced
• Bigger cargo area than you’d expect
• Very comfortable ride

Cons

• The antonym of performance
• Base model’s range is extremely low
• Frunk is small

1

2025 Nissan Leaf

Starting MSRP: $28,140

If all you’re looking for is a small electric car to get you around town, the Nissan Leaf is a great choice. It is extremely uncomplicated, with a simplistic interior and a traditional-looking exterior. The current generation year of the leaf may be phased out shortly. If you can find a new 2024 model, you may also be able to get a $3,750 tax credit for a mechanically identical car.

Performance Specifications

The base Leaf features a single motor that powers the front wheels. It doesn’t produce a ton of power, but it is still enough to make the hatchback feel peppy. Upgrade to the SV Plus model, and you get a 214 horsepower motor and a 62 kWh battery that ups total range to 212 miles.

Pros

• Super affordable
• Practical interior
• More spacious than it looks

Cons

• Limited range
• Charging rate is painfully slow
• Newer competitors are coming close in price