In just ten years, electric cars have significantly improved. Through a combination of manufacturer investments and battery chemistry improvements, electric vehicles (EVs) are now available at lower price points and more range than ever before.
In fact, back in 2011 the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt were the only affordable (under $35,000) EVs on the market. While the Volt had 35 miles of electric range with a backup gas range extender, the all-electric Leaf had a meager 75 miles of range. Today, there are dozens of affordable EVs, both all-electric (or BEV) and plug-in hybrid (or PHEV). All of the BEVs are also capable of over 200 miles of range–much more than the original Leaf!
Here is a list of the best electric cars under $35,000. For the record, the listed cost includes the Federal Electric Vehicle Tax Credit if applicable. There are also additional state, local, and utility incentives, however, for simplicity these will not be included.
Top 8 Electric Cars Under $35,000:
1. Toyota RAV4 Prime – Summer 2020 Release
EV Type:PHEVRange:42 miles (electric); 600 (total)Efficiency:94 MPGeCost:$31,720
2. Hyundai Kona EV
EV Type:BEVRange:258 milesEfficiency:120 MPGeCost:$30,496
3. Kia Niro EV
EV Type:BEVRange:239 milesEfficiency:112 MPGeCost:$31,995
4. Ford Escape PHEV – Summer 2020 Release
EV Type:PHEVRange:38 miles (electric); 530 miles (total)Efficiency:100 MPGeCost:$27,285
5. Chevy Bolt
EV Type:BEVRange:259 milesEfficiency:118 MPGeCost:$33,000 (after national dealer discount)
6. Honda Clarity
EV Type:PHEVRange:47 miles (electric); 340 miles (total)Efficiency:110 MPGeCost:$26,820
7. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
EV Type:PHEVRange:32 miles (electric); 520 miles (total)Efficiency:82 MPGeCost:$34,340
8. Hyundai Ioniq PHEV
EV Type:PHEVRange:29 miles (electric); 630 miles (total)Efficiency:119 MPGeCost:$21,727
Honorable Mentions:
Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range Plus)
EV Type:BEVRange:250 milesEfficiency:141 MPGeCost:$37,990
Ford Mustang Mach-E – Fall 2020
EV Type:BEVRange:230 milesEfficiency:TBDCost:$36,395
