The Cheapest EV of 2024 Is Proof That America Needs Cheaper Electric Cars
Despite growing popularity year after year, electric vehicles (EVs) have had a difficult time rivaling internal combustion engine (ICE) nameplates and hybrids. Still, more affordable electric cars have made the segment more accessible. Today, the cheapest EV in America, the 2025 Nissan LEAF, remains a sub-$30,000 value proposition. However, it could also be indicative of the need for cheaper electric cars.
The 2025 Nissan LEAF keeps its starting price below $30,000, the cheapest EV in America for now– but is that enough?
The 2025 Nissan LEAF S, the model’s entry-level trim, starts at around $29,280. As a result, the LEAF is the cheapest EV on the market barring cost-effective alternatives like the return of the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Frankly, the LEAF is the only EV with a starting price below $30,000 in Q2 2024. For now, the closest battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to the LEAF S are the MINI Electric Hardtop and Hyundai Kona Electric SE, both of which start at over $30,000.
| EV make and model | Starting price (before fees) |
| 2025 Nissan LEAF | $29,280 |
| 2024 MINI Electric Hardtop | $31,895 |
| 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric SE | $34,050 |
However, even with a sub-$30,000 starting price, the Nissan LEAF’s value incentive might not be enough to draw in fence-sitting would-be EV buyers. For instance, Nissan also produces the most affordable gas-powered compact sedan on the market in 2024: the Versa.
My experience testing the Versa revealed exceptional value and fuel economy at around 30 mpg with a mix of highway and city driving. As such, potential EV buyers may consider a more affordable alternative without paying an obscene amount of money for gasoline.
So, while the 2025 Nissan LEAF S is the most budget-friendly EV in America, it’s expensive compared to gas-powered alternatives like the Versa, Mitsubishi Mirage G4, and Kia Forte. Beyond the availability of cheaper ICE cars, 100% tariffs designed to keep American EVs competitive domestically are roadblocks to cheaper foreign BEVs like those from China.
What’s more, with other cheaper EV options like the previous Chevrolet Bolt EV and the unfortunately styled Mitsubishi i-MiEV out of production, American buyers simply don’t have a new EV option for a comparable price to budget-minded ICE vehicles.
