page ad skin

Here Are The Cheapest EVs With Over 250 Miles Of Range

There are more long range EVs on the market than ever, but are there any with affordable price tags?

EV 101 VW ID.4
Updated: Apr 19, 2024 at 10:30am ET

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular and have taken over the roads in some places, but they are often more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts in many cases. That can make it hard to find a great value, but the good news is that several great choices offer more than 250 miles of range and won’t break the bank.

We’ve rounded up a list of the most affordable models with more than 250 miles of driving range here. Keep in mind that some of the models here are mid-range configurations that require an extra cost over the base models, but the prices are still quite reasonable, given the premium numbers assigned to some new EVs on dealers’ lots.

Here are the cheapest EVs with at least 250 miles of range.

Volkswagen ID.4

Gallery: 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

2023 Volkswagen ID.4
56 Photos
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen ID.4

  •          Price: $44,875 ($46,300 after $1,425 destination)
  •          Price including tax credit: $38,800, including destination
  •          Range: 291 miles
  •          Power: 282 horsepower

The Volkswagen ID.4 might not be the most exciting EV to drive, but its range and price make it a significant value, and it’s one of few vehicles that retained their tax credit eligibility heading into 2024. The ID.4 Standard delivers 206 miles of range and a reasonable $41,160 price tag before tax credits, along with generous driver-assist technologies and a comfortable interior. VW’s touch-based controls take some time to learn and can be frustrating to use while driving, but there are plenty of standard features to help make up for the complexity.

Tesla Model Y

Gallery: 2021 Tesla Model Y

2021 Tesla Model Y
27 Photos
2021 Tesla Model Y 2021 Tesla Model Y 2021 Tesla Model Y 2021 Tesla Model Y 2021 Tesla Model Y 2021 Tesla Model Y 2021 Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y

  •       Price: $44,990 ($46,630 after $1,640 destination and order fee)
  •       Price including tax credit: $39,130, including destination
  •       Range: 260 miles
  •       Power: 295 horsepower

The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling EV in the world, outselling even the cheaper Model 3 in the automaker’s catalog. It features a sparse but nice cabin with all controls and buttons contained virtually in the infotainment system. It’s also quick and offers surprising acceleration, though its ride can sometimes be a bit jostling. There’s also no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which could irk some buyers, but most report that Tesla’s in-house system works fine in most situations.

Tesla Model 3

Gallery: 2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland)

2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland)
73 Photos
2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland) 2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland) 2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland) 2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland) 2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland) 2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland) 2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland)

Tesla Model 3

  •           Price: $35,990 ($37,630 after $1,640 destination and order fee)
  •           Price including tax credit: $37,630
  •           Range: 272 miles
  •           Power: 271 horsepower

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 got a much-needed update, bringing fresh styling and more interior features. While it doesn’t qualify for tax credits, it’s still one of the most affordable electric vehicles on sale, and its generous range estimates make it an even more compelling buy. Additionally, it offers lively acceleration, at just 5.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, and it’s surprisingly engaging to drive.

Polestar 2

Gallery: 2024 Polestar 2

2024 Polestar 2
24 Photos
2024 Polestar 2 2024 Polestar 2 2024 Polestar 2 2024 Polestar 2 2024 Polestar 2 2024 Polestar 2 2024 Polestar 2

Polestar 2

  •           Price: $49,900 ($51,300 including $1,400 destination)
  •           Price including tax credit: $51,300
  •           Range: 320 miles
  •           Power: 299 horsepower

Polestar split from parent company Volvo a few years ago, but the brand retains the tidy Swedish style of its predecessor. The Polestar 2 offers five-person seating in an austere but futuristic cabin, and the automaker’s tech is easy to use without a significant learning curve. It’s available with performance suspension and can be outfitted with all-wheel drive, but all configurations offer lively acceleration and decent handling.

Kia Niro EV

Gallery: 2024 Kia Niro EV

2024 Kia Niro EV with the 2024 Niro Hybrid and 2024 Niro Plug-in Hybrid
22 Photos
2024 Kia Niro EV with the 2024 Niro Hybrid and 2024 Niro Plug-in Hybrid 2024 Kia Niro EV with the 2024 Niro Hybrid and 2024 Niro Plug-in Hybrid 2024 Kia Niro EV exterior 2024 Kia Niro EV exterior 2024 Kia Niro EV exterior 2024 Kia Niro EV exterior 2024 Kia Niro EV exterior

Kia Niro EV

  •           Price: $39,600 ($40,975 after $1,375 destination)
  •           Price including tax credit: $40,975, including destination
  •           Range: 253 miles
  •           Power: 201 horsepower

Kia’s image as the bargain-basement automaker is long gone, and the company’s electric models are among the most compelling buys on the market today. The Niro EV carries the bargain torch, however, bringing a fantastic starting price and a 253-mile range, an impressive list of driver assistance features, and manufacturer discounts to help it stack up against tax credit-eligible competitors. That range might seem short by today’s standards, but the Niro EV’s down-to-earth price tag and upscale interior help the Kia stand out in its increasingly crowded segment.

Toyota bZ4X

Gallery: 2024 Toyota bZ4X

2024 Toyota bZ4X
24 Photos
2024 Toyota bZ4X 2024 Toyota bZ4X 2024 Toyota bZ4X 2024 Toyota bZ4X 2024 Toyota bZ4X 2024 Toyota bZ4X 2024 Toyota bZ4X

Toyota bZ4X

  •            Price: $43,070 ($44,420 after $1,350 destination)
  •            Price including tax credit: $40,975, including destination
  •            Range: 253 miles
  •            Power: 201 horsepower

The Toyota bZ4X is a decent first effort from the automaker, but it’s far from the most thrilling EV to drive. It offers a comfortable interior, generous standard features, and a reasonable driving range. That said, it charges slower than most competitors and is short on cargo space. Toyota also gave it a minimalist interior that could feel foreign to some of Toyota’s faithful buyers.

Kia EV6

Gallery: 2024 Kia EV6

2024 Kia EV6
11 Photos
2024 Kia EV6 2024 Kia EV6 2024 Kia EV6 2024 Kia EV6 2024 Kia EV6 2024 Kia EV6 2024 Kia EV6

Kia EV6

  •            Price: $45,950 ($47,325 after $1,375 destination)
  •            Price including tax credit: $47,325, including destination
  •            Range: 310 miles
  •            Power: 225 horsepower

The Kia EV6 is closely related to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6 but brings a different attitude and unique styling. The cheapest Light RWD trim only offers 232 miles of range, but stepping up to the Light Long Range trim nets 225 horsepower and a longer 320-mile driving range. The EV6 also has a solid list of standard driver assistance features, easy-to-use tech, and a comfortable interior with plenty of space for five people.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Gallery: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE
71 Photos
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE

Hyundai Ioniq 6

  •           Price: $42,450 ($43,565 after $1,115 destination)
  •           Price including tax credit: $43,565, including destination
  •           Range: 361 miles
  •           Power: 168 horsepower

To say that Hyundai gave the Ioniq 6 striking styling is a complete understatement, as the car is far and away one of the most distinctive vehicles on sale today. It’s also a solid value, though it’s not currently eligible for federal tax credits. The base car offers an impressive 361 miles of range, and Hyundai equipped a long list of standard tech and safety features, including several desirable driver aids and smartphone mirroring with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Gallery: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
42 Photos
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai Ioniq 5

  •           Price: $45,850 ($47,225 after $1,375 destination)
  •           Price including tax credit: $47,225, including destination
  •           Range: 303 miles
  •           Power: 225 horsepower

The mid-range Ioniq 5 delivers a solid driving range, quick acceleration, and a good list of standard features. It is not currently eligible for federal tax credits, but it’s priced competitively, and its compelling feature set more than makes up for the lack of incentives. Additionally, no other EV offers retro-inspired “pixelated” styling elements that help make the Ioniq 5 a standout in its class.

More EV Deals

FAQ

Are all Teslas eligible for federal tax credits?

No, some Tesla models exceed the government’s price limits for credits, and others miss because of their manufacturing location.

Isn’t the Nissan Leaf an affordable EV, too?

Yes, the Nissan Leaf starts at just over $28,000 before destination. That said, its range tops out at 212 miles, so it is excluded from this list

Are EVs worth the extra money over gas vehicles?

Electric vehicles provide many benefits over comparable gas models, including a quieter, more relaxing driving experience and excellent off-the-line torque. Saving money on gas is another upside, but the time it takes to save enough to make up for the higher prices can be extreme.

Are there other affordable EVs available now?


Yes, beyond the Nissan Leaf, the Hyundai Kona EV comes with a reasonable price tag. The Fiat 500e and new Mini Cooper SE are both cheap, too, but their super-short driving ranges make them hard to recommend to the average buyer. Remember that lower prices typically come with shorter range estimates and fewer features, so it’s important to make sure you can live with any limitations that come with a cheaper purchase price.

Got a tip for us? Email: [email protected]
USA / Global
Our International Editions