The Top 10 Best Value Electric Cars Available Now (Ranked)
#10 - Jaguar I-Pace
Starting at just under $70,000 is the luxury compact crossover SUV the Jaguar I-Pace. With a range of 234 miles, it’s very comparable to the other cars on this list. It does however have luxury upgrades, a sporty design, and a quick 0-60 time. While we wouldn’t say a nearly $70,000 car has a lot of value, something had to be #10 on this list. That tells more about the electric car market than it does about this vehicle being any sort of deal. As with all of the entries on this list, be sure to check your local area (state and electric companies) for rebates on electric vehicles and see if the car qualifies for the federal rebate (up to $7,500) offered on electric cars.
Photo © Jaguar
#9 - BMW I3
BMW’s first massed-produced zero emissions vehicle comes to us as the BMW I3. It debuted as a concept car in 2011 at the International Motor Show Germany, with commercial production starting in 2013. Pricing starts around $45,000 and it offers a range of 153 miles. That range is the second shortest on this list, with the price only exceeded by aforementioned Jaguar I-Pace, statistics that don’t really scream value. But, if you’re looking for a luxury brand and are not a fan of Tesla, there is value here when comparing to offerings like the Jaguar I-Pace or Audi e-tron. If you have a short daily commute and the ability to charge at home, then the range wouldn’t be an issue. For longer journeys, a vehicle with a longer range would be more suitable.
Photo © BMW
#8 - Mini Cooper SE Electric
Debuting in 2020, Mini electrified their Cooper to enter the electric car market. Mini Cooper fans will love the look, as it appears to look exactly like the gasoline powered Coopers of the past. With a price tag starting just under $30,000, it’s the most affordable vehicle on this list. However, its 110 mile range is the shortest on this list. The small price tag still builds value for his car which Mini Cooper enthusiasts will love.
Photo © Mini
#7 - Hyundai Ioniq
The first of two Hyundai vehicles that you’ll find on this list, the Ioniq (a made up word sprouting from ion and unique) is a fully electric hatchback car. It’s a little odd that they call this car a compact car and their other electric car (the Kona) a subcompact SUV because the Ioniq offers slightly more interior room than the Kona. That space and the slightly cheaper price are pretty much the only advantages the Ioniq has over their sister vehicle. The Ioniq starts at $33,000 and has an estimated range of 170 miles. For $4,000 more, we would lend towards the Kona, but if you’re a budget consensus consumer with a short commute, the Ioniq does offer value to you.
Photo © Hyundai
#6 - Nissan Leaf Plus
The Nissan Leaf has been around longer than any other vehicle on this leaf. Because of this longevity, the Leaf was the world’s best selling fully electric vehicle up until August 2020, when it was finally surpassed by the Tesla Model 3. The first version came in 2011 and had a total range of only 73 miles. They’ve come a long way since that first construction, as evidenced by the 226 mile range on the 2021 plus model of the Leaf. The base Leaf comes with a price tag of just under $32,000 (149 mile range) with the plus variate starting around $38,000. If you’re a Nissan loyalist and have a short commute, the base Leaf would offer good value to you.
Photo © Nissan
#5 - Kia Niro EV
Kia’s first entry to the all electric vehicle market is the Kia Niro EV. Their crossover compact SUV comes with a starting price tag of around $39,000 and there are many exceptional lease offers available (total price of less than $11,000 over a three year lease). Its 53 cubic feet of total cargo room is much less than the other crossover compact SUV (Tesla Model Y with 65 cubic feet of total cargo room) on this list. With a range of 239 and affordable leasing offers, the Kia Niro EV provides great value to its owners.
Photo © Kia
#4 - Chevrolet Bolt
Not to be confused with the discontinued electric hybrid Chevrolet Volt (a car we previously owned and love), the Chevrolet Bolt is Chevy’s first foray into the fully electric vehicle market. At the time of this post, the Bolt’s discounted started price started at just under $30,000, the lowest price on this list. That price, combined with its 259 mile range, gives the Bolt considerable value. Due to its small size, this is a great option for a young driver, perhaps going to college, that is interested in green technology and saving money on gas.
Photo © Chevrolet
#3 - Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai offers two fully electric vehicles, with their best offering being their subcompact crossover SUV, the Kona Electric. Boosting a range of 258 miles and a starting cost of just over $37,000, we give this car a slight edge over the smaller Chevy Volt. As with the Kia Niro and the Bolt, leasing can end up being a great deal for this car. Overall, very comparable to the Kia Niro but with about 19ish miles longer on the range.
Photo © Hyundai
#2 - Tesla Model 3
Tesla further cemented their stranglehold of the electric car market when they delivered on their promise of making a version of the cars at a more affordable price. The Model 3 has a starting price of $38,000 and an all electric range of 263 miles. For a $9,000 upgrade you can get the long range battery that would increase your range to 353 miles. As with all the Tesla vehicles that we will be mentioning on this list, paint, wheel, and autopilot options are all available for additional charges. Thinking about buying a Tesla? Use our referral code to get 1,000 free miles of supercharging! https://ts.la/david92802
Photo © Tesla
#1 - Tesla Model Y
If you love the Model 3 but need a vehicle with a little more room, then the Model Y is the car for you. With a starting price of $42,000 and a range of 244 miles, this vehicle provides great value when considering it’s an all electric, compact crossover SUV. For $8,000 more, you can upgrade to the long range battery, upping the range to 326 miles. If I were to buy any electric vehicle right now, it would be this one. The added storage space and rear legroom make it worth the added cost when compared to the Model 3, especially if you regularly have passengers in the back seats. Thinking about buying a Tesla? Use our referral code to get 1,000 free miles of supercharging! https://ts.la/david92802
Photo © Tesla
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