Tragically, one of the factors that keep would-be electric car shoppers from buying a battery-powered ride is the initial purchase price. Few new EVs sell for under $35,000 in today’s market. In fact, just four models are market-ready and start at under the $35,000 mark, like the Nissan LEAF. 

Most new EVs sell for well over $35,000 in 2024 with just four coming in under the budget benchmark

It’s true; only four new EVs start at under $35,000 in 2024, with one notable model remaining under the $30,000 mark. The single sub-$30,000 holdout? It’s the 2024 and 2025 Nissan LEAF. 

The most affordable new EV starts at nearly $30,000. On the other hand, the 2024 Nissan Versa, the most affordable gas-powered sedan in America, starts at around $16,680. It paints a dismal picture for new EV shoppers looking to buy a cheap electric car. However, it also represents the value of the Nissan LEAF to the American market.

Sure, the base LEAF S will only cover an EPA-estimated 149 miles of range in 2024. However, that’s still a longer range than the pricier MINI Electric Hardtop and FIAT 500e. Of course, the 110-mile MINI Electric Hardtop has other merits. Specifically, the MINI offers a more enthusiastic driving experience than the all-business LEAF. The same can be said of the diminutive FIAT 500e. 

However, the Nissan LEAF’s presence as the only sub-$30,000 is a recent development. Chevrolet discontinued its Bolt EV and EUV models after the 2023 model year, both of which started at under $30,000. 

Still, if you want a new EV with a sub-$35,000 starting price, the Hyundai Kona Electric SE will cover 200 miles of range. That’s 51 extra miles of range over the Nissan LEAF, despite the Kona’s extra size. 

But for now, the 2025 Nissan LEAF S is the most affordable new EV on the market. That is, barring the return of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Equinox EV. We expect to see updated versions of the Bow Tie’s entry-level EVs later this year.Source: TrueCar