Just a few years ago, the choice of electric vehicles was quite limited and many were prohibitively expensive. As many automakers move forward with full electrification of their fleets, options have multiplied and prices have become a little more reasonable. They’re also quite easy to drive, with longer range and faster charging. There are finally enough affordable electric vehicles on the market that we can narrow them down to a favorites list, so we did just that.
Below are the best electric vehicles you can buy right now for under $50,000. All prices include destination, which in some cases is enough to disqualify an otherwise great vehicle (we’re looking at you, Polestar 2).
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Base price: $43,175
The Ioniq 5 is an amazing electric vehicle. It looks stunning, has great electric car technology, has tons of utility and is even pretty fun to drive. There are three versions available for under $50,000, including the base model SE Standard Range (with 220 miles of range), the $47,225 SE RWD with more horsepower and an impressive 303 miles of range, and the more upscale SEL RWD ($49,775 Dollar). To stay under $50,000, however, you’ll have to forego all four-wheel-drive offerings. Even though the base trim doesn’t come with every amenity available, Hyundai is still kind enough to add enough content that you don’t really feel like you’re missing out on great, important tech. All E-GMP models from Hyundai and Kia (which include the next two cars on this list) can take advantage of 350kW DC fast chargers, keeping charging stops as short as possible.
Read our full review of the Ioniq 5.
Let’s EV6
Base price: $43,975
The Kia EV6 does so many things right from a mechanical and engineering perspective. It’s the complete package and extremely competitive in the EV space. In the meantime, the eye-catching design alone might be enough to sell you. It is mechanically similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but also offers a long range – up to 500 kilometers with rear-wheel drive. Like the Ioniq 5, the addition of all-wheel drive will still set you back just over $50,000 including destination, but we love the EV6’s rear-drive dynamics.
Read our full review of the Kia EV6.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Base price: $38,650
The Ioniq 6 is the best Hyundai/Kia E-GMP platform vehicle to drive and its aerodynamic shape makes it extremely efficient. The base version of the SE Standard Range costs less than $40,000 and offers a range of 240 miles. The longer-range, larger-battery SE RWD gets a whopping 361 miles on a single charge, all for just $43,600. You can upgrade to all-wheel drive for $3,500 and still get 316 miles of range. If you want more amenities, prices for the SEL RWD and AWD still start under $50,000. The sedan body style means you’ll sacrifice utility compared to the Ioniq 5, but the benefits will be worth it for some.
Read our full review of the Hyundai Ioniq 6.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Base price: $41,890
Ford shows its best with the Mach-E, combining the idea of a Mustang with the meaning of an electric car. It’s powerful, interesting and a crossover. And that last part is because crossovers sell and are practical too. For less than $50,000, you can get an all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive version equipped with Ford’s BlueCruise technology for hands-free highway driving. The Mach-E also benefits from a large front trunk (frunk) under the hood for additional storage space.
Read our full review of the Mustang Mach-E.
Tesla Model 3
Base price: $40,380
The Model 3 offers a very good price-performance ratio. The base rear-wheel drive model costs just over $40,000 and offers a range of 272 miles. Even more impressive, the Model 3 Long Range costs $49,130, has all-wheel drive, offers a range of 341 miles, and has a 0-60 time of just 4.2 seconds. Yes, it has some quirks, including too many vehicle features housed exclusively in infotainment menus, but the Model 3’s idiosyncrasies are easy to forgive based on the numbers above, and they’re things you quickly get used to or die you can possibly even estimate it. No wonder this electric vehicle is so popular.
Read our full Tesla Model 3 review.
Nissan Ariya
Base price: $44,555
The Ariya builds on Nissan’s EV expertise, which Nissan gained building the Leaf over more than a decade. It has a beautiful interior, drives like a luxury vehicle with surprising performance from the dual-motor model, and is generally priced on par with the competition. For less than $50,000, you have a few options. The base model is rear-wheel drive and offers a modest 216 miles of range, but you can also get all-wheel drive (and 205 miles of range) or rear-wheel drive with a more respectable 304 miles of range while staying within budget.
Read our full review of the Nissan Ariya.