3 Cheap EVs You Can Buy on a Budget in 2026
Now might be the best time to invest in an electric vehicle (EV). A third of Americans surveyed in a report from the Pew Research Center said they are "very or somewhat seriously" considering buying an EV as their next vehicle.
Some of this decision-making is likely fueled by the ongoing Iran War and fatigue setting in after months of paying more at the pump. Saving money on gas and enjoying other financial incentives like fewer repairs could be a win-win for your budget, depending on how much you drive.
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It doesn’t hurt EVs are becoming increasingly affordable either. We did our homework to find the best EVs you can buy on a budget of $35,000 or less.
Here’s what we found, ranking from cheapest to most expensive EVs.
2027 Chevrolet Bolt
Starting price: $28,995
Affordability is one of the biggest reasons to buy a 2027 Chevrolet Bolt. Its MSRP is well under $30,000, making it cheaper than any other EV on the market (and extra noteworthy given this is a 2027 model).
Ranked No. 5 in Kelley Blue Book's (KBB) Best Electric Cars list, the Chevrolet Bolt lives up to its name with fast charging speeds and a 6.8-hour charge time. There’s also plenty of room with five seats inside. Few critiques exist for the Bolt beyond lacking Apple CarPlay or a more thrilling design compared to other EVs.
2026 Nissan LEAF
Starting price: $31,535
The Nissan LEAF has long been recognized as being one of the most affordable EVs for drivers today.
What makes the 2026 model stand out, however, is its most recent redesign. The Nissan LEAF has been elevated to look more like a small SUV than its previous hatchback iteration. Yet, the price tag has not dramatically increased to reflect these changes. A 2025 Nissan LEAF has a starting price of $29,255, according to KBB, meaning the 2026 model has only gone up by $2,280.
Sure, it takes more time to charge than the Bolt with reported charge times clocking in anywhere from eight to 12 hours. But the new look combined with excellent range and comfortable interior makes this one worth taking on a test drive.
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
Starting price: $34,470
Barely making our $35,000 cutoff is the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric.
While the LEAF’s 2026 model may look like an SUV, the Hyundai Kona Electric is an electric SUV. This five-seater charges up quickly (anywhere from 5.1 to 6.9 hours, according to KBB) and can drive up to 261 miles on a fully charged battery.
Its only major downside for budget shoppers is the price tag. The Kona Electric does cost a few thousand dollars more than the LEAF or Bolt.
Editor's note: Each vehicle's starting price was sourced from Kelley Blue Book.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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