It’s no secret that electric vehicles are increasing in popularity in the United States and around the world. With volatile gas prices and irreparable environmental damage, drivers are ditching their internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for a money-saving, greener solution.

Unfortunately, lower operational and maintenance costs are often unattainable due to the higher upfront cost of buying an electric car — until now. The new lineup of cheap electric cars makes owning an electric car an affordable car-buying option for more budgets.

2024 Nissan Leaf: Leading with Value

With a starting price tag of under $30,000, the Nissan Leaf is one of the cheapest electric cars. The 2024 all-electric Nissan Leaf is an excellent entry-level electric vehicle (EV), perfect for first-time electric car buyers and those looking for budget-friendly EVs. The sporty front-wheel-drive midsize features ample passenger and cargo space, with comfortable seating for up to 5 passengers riding around campus or to work.

Nissan Leaf Price: $29,280

Características clave:

• Sleek interior
• Ample cargo and passenger space, one of the best in class
• Two battery and trim options
• Three charging options – 480V public DC, 240V home and public, or 120V in a pinch
• e-Pedal technology with regenerative braking
• Eco-mode for enhanced miles of range
• Front Wheel Drive
• Advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent lane intervention, blind spot warnings, and front collision warnings with automatic emergency braking

Performance: The all-electric battery gives the Nissan Leaf instant torque as soon as you press the e-Pedal. The base model, the Nissan Leaf S, features 147HP, a 40.0-kWh battery pack, and a range of 149 miles. The upgraded Nissan Leaf SV Plus gets 214HP, a larger 62.0-kWh battery, and a 215-mile EPA-rated range.

Overall Value: If you’re looking for a great starter EV, the 2024 Nissan Leaf is a prime contender with its low price point. With its shorter range, it’s ideal for city driving but may not be the prime choice for long-range commutes.

2024 MINI Electric Hardtop 2-Door: Style Meets Efficiency

Since MINI first introduced the MINI Cooper in the United States, it’s been a delightfully charming and somewhat quirky addition. Now, MINI is stepping into the EV world with their all-new 2024 MINI Electric Hardtop 2-Door, featuring the unmistakable design drivers have come to know and love. This all-electric hatchback starts at an excellent base price range, making it one of the cheapest EVs, and offers a spunky and fun city driving experience.

MINI Electric Price: $31, 895

Características clave: 

• Quick acceleration, 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds
• Two-mode regenerative braking
• Three charging options – 120V occasional use, home wall box, or the public charging at one of 50,000 charging stations
• Front-Wheel Drive
• Seats 4 adults comfortably
• Standard luxuries include heated front seats and steering wheel, dual zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and faux-leather seating.
• Advanced safety features like forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, and the option for self-parking assist

Performance: The 2024 MINI Electric retains the distinctive styling and exciting urban driving experience and brings it into the electric world. With quick acceleration, agile handling, and 181HP, the new EV version offers an exciting driving experience. Unfortunately, the 28.6-kWh needs to be recharged every 114 miles.

Overall Value: The 2024 MINI Electric has ideal offerings for car buyers looking for an eye-catching electric vehicle with a spunky driving experience. However, with one of the shortest ranges in our lineup, planning a route with sufficient charging infrastructure is essential.

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric: Compact Power

Although the hyundai Kona Electric isn’t new, it will be overhauled in 2024 as one of the cheapest electric cars. The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric is a redesign from the original, offering a striking balance of practicality and electric efficiency. This fully electric subcontract EV crossover will turn heads with its futuristic styling. Meanwhile, you and your passengers will enjoy the comfortable, more refined cabin interior and the quiet overall operation.

Hyundai Kona Electric Price: $34,050

Características clave: 

• Named the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2024 Top Safety Pick+
• Two battery options – 133HP and 201HP
• Three trim options – SE, SEL, and Limited
• Front-Wheel Drive
• Ample passenger seating, Best in Class cargo space, and a small bonus space in the front trunk
• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) connector to charge electric bikes, camping gear, etc.
• The upgraded interior includes features like a floating horizontal center pad with upgrades like a wireless smartphone charger, relaxation mode seat programming, ambient lighting, two additional V2L ports, and two 12.3inch displays
• Smart power tailgate allows you to adjust the opening speed and height to your lifestyle
• Safety features that come standard are blind-spot collision-avoidance warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, driver attention warning, and rear seat occupant alert, among others.

Performance: The fully electric SUV crossover delivers instant torque and perky acceleration. The redesigned Hyundai Kona Electric has two different battery options. The 48.6-kWh option has a range of approximately 200 miles. The other option with a larger battery offers a 64.8-kWh battery and up to 260 miles.

Overall Value: The improved battery and range of the 2024 model year, its commanding and rugged exterior, its upscale interior, and its advanced safety features make it a good choice for both city commuters and long-distance drivers.

2024 Fiat 500e Red: Iconic and Electrified

The previous generation Fiat 500 urban city car has been redesigned bumper-to-bumper, transforming the iconic Fiat into a fully electric vehicle (EV) while leaning into its predecessor’s lovable retro-modern appeal. The 2024 Fiat 500e is a battery-operated electric subcompact SUV, quickly becoming Fiat’s flagship electric motor car, complete with the Italian innovation we’ve come to expect. The Fiat 500e will have three different trim options, the first of which will be Inspir(Red), a red model that a part of Fiat proceeds is donated to Project Red. The next two are Inspired by Music and Inspired by Beauty, both loaded with advanced technology features and creature comforts at a higher price point.

Fiat 500e Red Price: $34,095

Características clave: 

• Slower acceleration, 0-60 MPH in 8.7 seconds
• Average range 149 miles
• Three unique trim options
• Three driving settings based on your needs
• Front-Wheel Drive
• Three charging options – Type 1 AC/DC for temporary charging, Level 2 for charging at home with a 48-amp current and 240-volt socket, or DC charging for fast public charging
• The Inspi(Red), also known as the 2024 Fiat 500e Red, enters the market at an enticing price tag, under $35,000.
• The Fiat 500e Red features a brilliant 10.3-inch infotainment system display with a touchscreen, automatic climate control, a 7-inch gauge cluster, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Performance: The 2024 Fiat 500e Red allows you to tailor your energy usage based on your drive. Normal mode delivers up to 117 HP and is ideal for drivers craving the pep and responsiveness of the traditional Fiat while still driving a greener solution. Range mode allows you to save some electricity by accelerating and decelerating using one pedal. Sherpa maximizes your energy range up to a 162-mile range, but it reduces some of the Fiat’s responsiveness and shuts down some of the auxiliary systems.

Overall Value: The Fiat 500e Red is a great entry-level car at an affordable EV price. Its design revives Fiat’s signature appeal with modern upgrades both inside and out. The subcompact design is ideal for urban driving but may be too cramped for longer trips.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6: Stretching the Budget for Premium Features

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan has the highest range of all vehicles in our lineup — up to 361 miles on a full charge. Although its starting price is slightly above the $35,000 budget, the aerodynamic yet athletic exterior, luxurious interior, and range make it an appealing option. It’s also the only budget-friendly EV in our lineup with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Price: $38,650

Características clave:

• Three attractive trim package options – SE, SEL, and Limited
• Ultra-fast charging option with 800V DC charging
• Interior and exterior vehicle-to-load (V2L) options
• Available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) 2024 Top Safety Pick+
• The exclusive Bluelink+ app allows car owners to schedule, start, or stop charging remotely, activate climate control features so it’s the right temperature upon entry, and even control the door locks
• Interior features include two 12.3 displays, 5 USB charging ports, digital key entry, voice recognition, and more
• Available safety features include Hyundai SmartSense with smart cruise control, surround view monitor, blind spot monitoring, parking collision avoidance assist, premium remote start parking assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, lane keeping assist, and more.

Performance: The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq is one of the few electric motor vehicles capable of charging using the 800 V DC charging stations, taking it from 10% to 80% charge in as little as 18 minutes. It can still conveniently be charged at the traditional 400V DC Level 3 charging stations as the others and the 240 V Level 2 home charger. The 77.4-kWh battery allows the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 to accelerate quickly, with impressive horsepower – the AWD brings 320 HP and the RWD 225 HP.

Overall Value: Although slightly over the $35,000 budget, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 still offers an exceptional value. With more than double the range of other competitors, additional power, and function, the 2024 stands out as a clear competitor.

Extended Warranty Considerations for Electric Vehicles

As more electric vehicle options are introduced, more cost-effective options will likely become available. Unfortunately, essential parts like EV batteries and electric drive trains still mean expensive car repair bills.

Electric Vehicle Factory Warranty

When you buy a new electric car, automakers guarantee that if the vehicle experiences mechanical failure due to an inferior part or an error during assembly, they’ll fix it at no additional cost.

Almost every new car comes with a bumper-to-bumper manufacturer’s warranty (or Garantía de Fábrica) that lasts a set amount of years or mileage. Usually, they’ll protect the car for up to three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, though the actual terms will vary based on your car dealership.

Additionally, new vehicles usually have a powertrain warranty that protects the vehicle’s most important components, usually up to five years or 60,000 miles.

High Voltage Battery Warranty

Some new electric vehicles also come with a unique electric vehicle battery warranty. If you’re lucky enough to have an EV manufacturer include a battery warranty with the purchase of an EV, it may be good for up to 8 years, or 100,000 miles. It’s important to read the fine print before assuming your battery is included in the warranty.

Extended Warranty for Electric Vehicles

When you’re buying an EV, it is important to know that no manufacturer’s or factory warranty lasts for the lifetime of the vehicle. While these comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranties provide peace of mind while the vehicle is brand new, eventually, the warranty expires, and EV owners are left paying out-of-pocket for expensive car repairs. And, regardless of your vehicle’s price, EV batteries are notoriously expensive to repair.

Although parts like the EV battery or the EV drivetrain are reliable and durable by design, eventually, these parts wear down and become susceptible to failure, even with proper routine EV maintenance. An EV extended car warranty can protect against these expensive repair costs and any important technology advancements and upgraded components.

Choosing the Right Extended Warranty for Your EV

When shopping for an extended car warranty for an electric car, more accurately known as an auto protection plan or a vehicle service contract, ensure that you have the most comprehensive warranty coverage for your EV or hybrid vehicle. Both hybrid and electric vehicles have unique needs, so you’ll want to read the fine details of each extended warranty plan and warranty provider to ensure maximum coverage with minimal exclusions.

Terms of Coverage for Hybrid or Electric Components

Not all EV extended warranties are created equal. Although advanced technology has its perks, your extended car warranty should cover high-cost EV repairs, such as the battery, drivetrain, charging systems, and electrical components. Take time to read through the terms and conditions, exclusions, and limitations so there are no surprises when you need to file a claim.

Transferable Extended Car Warranties

If you think you might sell your vehicle down the road, consider how a transferable EV warranty can enhance your vehicle’s resale value. If a prospective owner is looking for a maintained EV for sale, the extended car warranty may give them peace of mind that scheduled routine maintenance has been taken care of. Additionally, it builds trust and confidence if mechanical breakdowns are covered if something should break after purchasing.

Additional Extended Warranty Benefits

Another factor to consider when comparing EV vehicle service contracts is the additional benefits. If you find two electric vehicle warranty providers with similar EV coverage options, the additional warranty perks and benefits can significantly affect the overall value.

For example, third-party providers like Endurance Warranty offer vehicle protection plans that include a suite of standard benefits, like 24/7 roadside assistance and towing, trip interruption coverage, and rental car reimbursement. Additionally, every customer can maximize savings by activating a year of Beneficios de Endurance Élite. For a small activation fee, you’ll get tire repairs and replacements, key fob replacements, collision discounts, and more.

Find the Best Electric Vehicle Protection Plan for You

Just because you’ve chosen to save money on gas prices by buying an EV doesn’t mean you have to pay the price when disaster strikes. An extended EV warranty can give you the best of both worlds. Save money on your electric vehicle, fuel costs, and EV repairs with the best EV vehicle service contract for your lifestyle and budget. Endurance Warranty offers coverage for hybrid vehicles and fully electric brands like Tesla.

Contact a knowledgeable Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203. You can also request una cotización GRATIS en línea o shop our eStore to see coverage and pricing options now!

Find more helpful automotive articles on the Blog de garantía Endurance. Get answers to your frequently asked questions, learn about the compatibility of Tesla chargers, get maintenance tips for your hybrid or electric vehicle, and discover everything else you need to know about electric vehicles.