Cheapest Electric Car 2024: Top Budget-Friendly EVs Revealed

Cheapest Electric Car 2024: Top Budget-Friendly EVs Revealed

Cheapest Electric Car 2024

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The electric vehicle market grows fast, and more cheap options now exist. People want green transport so many look for the cheapest electric car in 2024. This move to electric cars changes how we think about driving. Now, drivers can cut their carbon footprint without spending too much money.

This article looks at some of the best value electric cars coming out in 2024. We’ll check out models from small city cars to versatile crossovers that offer good value for money and cool features. While cars like the Tesla Model 3 and Volvo EX30 have made a splash, we’ll focus on finding the cheapest options for people who want to switch to electric. This guide will help you understand affordable electric vehicles, whether you’re buying your first EV or looking to get a new one.

Nissan Leaf: The Cheapest EV You Can Buy

Nissan Leaf Overview

The Nissan Leaf leads the way in the electric vehicle market making affordable EVs possible. It stands out as one of the cheapest electric cars in 2024 appealing to budget-conscious buyers who want to switch to electric cars. Buyers can choose between two battery options for the Leaf: the base model has a 40 kWh battery, while the higher trim comes with a 60 kWh battery [1].

The base model Nissan Leaf S comes with a 40 kWh battery. It produces 147 horsepower and can go about 149 miles on a single charge [1]. If you want more power and range, the Nissan Leaf SV PLUS might be a better fit. It has a bigger 60 kWh battery that puts out 214 horsepower and can travel around 212 miles before needing a recharge [1]. The Leaf SV PLUS works well for people who drive longer distances each day or take occasional road trips.

The 2025 Nissan Leaf base model costs $29,280 making it one of the cheapest new electric cars you can buy in 2024 [2]. If you want the top-end Leaf SV PLUS, it’ll set you back $37,330, which is still a good deal compared to many other EVs out there [2].

Pros of the Nissan Leaf

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  1. Affordability: The Nissan Leaf’s low starting price has an influence on its appeal for people who want to buy an electric vehicle without spending too much. It costs much less than many other electric models often by thousands of dollars [2].
  2. Low operating costs: Owners say the Leaf is very cheap to run, with some claiming it’s the most cost-effective car they’ve ever owned. Not having to pay for gas and needing very little maintenance contribute to its low running costs.
  3. Comfortable driving experience: The Leaf gives drivers a quiet and smooth ride because of its electric motor. Its battery pack sits on the floor creating a low center of gravity. This leads to less body roll and better handling.
  4. Standard safety features: The Leaf comes with a set of advanced safety tech. This includes warnings for forward collisions with automatic emergency braking, monitoring of blind spots, and automatic braking in reverse [2].
  5. Roomy inside: Even though it looks small on the outside, the Leaf has a spacious interior that can seat five people and offers plenty of storage. The hatchback design gives you 23.6 cubic feet of space for your stuff behind the back seats, which grows to 30 cubic feet when you fold the seats down [2].

Cons of the Nissan Leaf

  1. Short range: The Leaf’s range works for many daily commutes, but doesn’t match up to some rivals. The base model goes 149 miles and the SV PLUS reaches 212 miles, which fall below the average in today’s EV market [2].
  2. Charging hurdles: The Leaf has the less popular CHAdeMO fast-charging port making it harder to find compatible public chargers. This can cause problems for drivers who often need to charge at public stations.
  3. Old-fashioned look: The Leaf has seen updates over time, but its overall look might seem less current than newer EV models. This could turn off people who want a more up-to-date style [2].
  4. Poor resale value: The Leaf tends to have lower-than-average resale values, which might affect how some buyers see its long-term worth [2].
  5. Discontinuation plans: Nissan has revealed its intention to stop producing the Leaf soon. This might worry some potential buyers about ongoing support and the availability of parts in the future.

The Nissan Leaf might not have the longest range or the most cutting-edge features compared to its rivals, but it’s still a good pick for people looking to buy their first electric car without breaking the bank. Its cheap price tag low running costs, and practical design make it appealing to city folks and those who don’t drive far for work. But if you’re thinking about buying one, you should think hard about how far you need to drive and if there are enough charging stations nearby.

MINI Electric Hardtop: Compact and Affordable

MINI Electric Hardtop Overview

The 2024 MINI Cooper SE Electric Hardtop 2 Door blends classic MINI style with cutting-edge electric tech. This all-electric hatchback packs a punch starting with its eye-catching look and smooth lines. It boasts practical features to match its cool appearance making it one of the most budget-friendly electric cars in 2024 [1].

The MINI Electric Hardtop comes with an electric motor that puts out 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds showing off impressive speed for its compact size [2]. The EPA says it can travel 114 miles on a full charge. While this isn’t the longest range in its class, it’s enough to cover most daily drives and city trips.

Charging the MINI Electric is easy, with three different charging levels to choose from. When you use a Level 3 (Fast DC) charger, you can power up your MINI Electric to 80% in just over 30 minutes. This quick charging option makes the car more useful for people living in cities and those who can access fast-charging stations.

Advantages of the MINI Electric

  1. Compact Size: The MINI Electric Hardtop has a small size, which makes it ideal for city life. You can easily drive it through narrow city streets and park it in busy areas.
  2. Fun Driving Experience: MINI has a reputation for cars that are fun to drive, and the Electric Hardtop keeps this going. It accelerates fast, steers well, and handles making every trip a blast.
  3. Unique Mix of Old and New: The MINI Electric offers something special – a blend of nostalgic appeal and state-of-the-art tech that’s rare among other electric cars [5].
  4. Customization Choices: MINI gives buyers many ways to make their Electric Hardtop unique [6].
  5. Good Value: The MINI Electric Hardtop costs about the same as other EVs making it a good choice for people who want to switch to electric cars without spending too much. Also, buyers might get money back from the government and states, like tax credits and rebates, which can lower the total cost of owning the car [7].

Disadvantages of the MINI Electric

  1. Short Range: The MINI Electric Hardtop can go 114 miles on a single charge, according to EPA estimates. This doesn’t measure up to many other electric cars you can buy. If you often drive long distances, this could be a problem [8].
  2. Cramped Interior: The MINI Electric’s small size makes it great for city driving, but it also means you don’t get much room inside. The back seats are tiny, and you don’t have much space for stuff compared to other electric cars of its size.
  3. Firm Ride: The sporty suspension that makes the MINI fun to drive also gives it a stiffer ride. People who want comfort more than sportiness might not like this.
  4. Limited Availability: Right now, they make the new electric Cooper in China. They plan to start making it in Oxford England, in 2026. This could make it hard to get in some places, including North America, because of taxes on EVs built in China [9].

Though the MINI Electric Hardtop doesn’t boast the greatest range or the roomiest interior, it ranks among the cheapest electric cars in 2024. Its special mix of classic design enjoyable driving feel, and cutting-edge electric tech makes it a tempting choice for city folks and MINI fans wanting to go electric.

Hyundai Kona Electric: Wallet-Friendly Crossover

Hyundai Kona Electric Rundown

 

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric stands out as a strong contender for folks looking to buy an affordable electric car. It ranks among the cheapest electric cars you can get in 2024 giving you a great mix of features, range, and value for your money. Hyundai has redesigned this small battery-powered SUV giving it a sleek look and a range that keeps up with its rivals. This makes it a top pick for EV buyers who want to watch their spending [1].

The Kona Electric offers two battery choices. You can get the standard range model with a 48.4 kWh battery, which lets you drive up to 234 miles. If you need to go further, the long-range 65.4 kWh battery version can take you 319 miles before needing a charge. This makes the Kona Electric stand out among other affordable electric cars.

You can buy the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric starting at $32,875, which makes it one of the best deals for electric cars out there. The top-of-the-line Limited trim costs $41,050 to start keeping it a wallet-friendly option in the EV world.

Pros of the Hyundai Kona Electric

  1. Great Range: The long-range version of the Kona Electric can go up to 319 miles giving it one of the best ranges among similar cars.
  2. Good Value: At a starting price of $32,875, it’s one of the least expensive new electric cars you can buy in 2024.
  3. Roomy Inside: The new Kona Electric design gives more space in the back seats and has a wider opening to fit more stuff in the bigger cargo area.
  4. Advanced Features: The Kona Electric offers a bunch of smart tech goodies. These include a new-gen infotainment system and cutting-edge driver aids [2].
  5. Fast Charging: Got the big 65.4 kWh battery and 17″ wheels? You can add 100 miles to your range in just 15 minutes at a DC rapid charging spot.

Drawbacks of the Hyundai Kona Electric

  1. Slower Pickup: The new model doesn’t accelerate as fast as the older one because it’s bigger and heavier.
  2. Battery Recharge: The Kona Electric doesn’t take the longest to charge, but it’s not as quick as some other cars out there [1].
  3. Top Model’s Cost: The loaded Limited version comes with lots of features, but it might break the bank for some people.
  4. Firm Ride: The ride quality might feel too hard for some drivers when traveling on bumpy roads [1].
  5. Limited Availability: Production in South Korea could mean some markets have fewer cars to sell.

The Hyundai Kona Electric has a strong influence on the affordable electric car market. Its mix of range, features, and price tag makes it an attractive choice compared to pricier options like the Tesla Model 3 or Volvo EX30. It might not zoom off the line or juice up as fast as some, but its complete package offers great value to people who want to dive into electric cars without emptying their wallet.

Conclusion

The electric car market now has more cheap options giving buyers on a budget more ways to switch to greener transport. The Nissan Leaf, MINI Electric Hardtop, and Hyundai Kona Electric stand out as top picks, each with its own perks to fit different wants and needs. These cars show that you don’t need to spend a fortune to own an electric car making green driving easier to access than before.

As car makers push harder for electric vehicles, we can expect to see more affordable and feature-packed electric cars in showrooms. The fierce competition between manufacturers will spark new ideas and lower prices, which will help buyers in the long term. If you’re thinking about switching to electric now could be the right moment to check out these budget-friendly choices and be part of the electric car boom. ## FAQs

What is the cheapest electric car you can buy in 2024? The least expensive electric cars in 2024 are:

  • 2024 Nissan Leaf S: $29,280
  • 2023 Mini Cooper Electric SE: $31,895
  • 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric SE: $34,050
  • 2023 Volkswagen ID 4 Standard: $40,290
  • 2024 Tesla Model 3 RWD Standard Range: $40,380
  • 2023 Kia Niro EV Wind: $40,925
  • 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE RWD: $43,565

Are electric vehicle prices expected to drop in 2024? Electric vehicle prices look set to fall. Kelley Blue Book reports that new electric vehicles cost less now. In May 2022, they averaged $65,000. By May 2024, this had gone down to $56,648. This means a 15% decrease in price.

Which electric vehicle gives you the most bang for your buck? The electric cars in India that offer the best value include:

  • MG Comet EV: Rs 7.98 lakh – Rs 9.98 lakh
  • Tata Tiago EV: Rs 8.69 lakh – Rs 12.04 lakh
  • Citroen eC3: Rs 11.61 lakh – Rs 12.49 lakh
  • Tata Tigor EV: Rs 12.49 lakh – Rs 13.75 lakh
  • Tata Nexon EV: Rs 14.74 lakh – Rs 19.94 lakh
  • Mahindra XUV400 Pro: Rs 15.49 lakh – Rs 17.49 lakh

How can someone get the $7,500 EV tax credit? To get the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit, you need to file Form 8936, Clean Vehicle Credits, with your tax return for the year you got the vehicle.

Read More-Top Upcoming EV Cars in India for 2025: What to Expect

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