Electric vehicles (EVs) have experienced a tumultuous journey of adoption in the U.S. over the past few years. In 2021, General Motors announced its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, while Ford highlighted aspirations for as much as 50% of its American sales to be electric by 2030. However, circumstances change, and by 2026, the global automotive sector—including Ford and GM—has estimated losses of around $70 billion due to challenges in EV adoption.
Interestingly, the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric would have been featured in this list of the most affordable EVs available if the Korean car manufacturer had not halted its production for 2026. It’s evident that electric vehicles are facing significant hurdles lately, yet enthusiasts of this eco-friendly mode of transportation still have choices. For instance, there’s the Lucid Air Sapphire. This EV boasts 1,234 horsepower, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.1 seconds, and is priced at $250,000.
For those who find that price tag steep, the silver lining is that there is a wide range of more affordable EVs on the market. We’ve compiled five models ranging from around $36,000 down to under $29,000. Here they are, listed from most to least expensive—all prices reflect the base model, including destination fees.
Subaru Uncharted: $36,445
With the brand-new Uncharted subcompact EV, the collaboration between Subaru and Toyota that began with the Solterra-bZ4X twins now extends to the smaller Uncharted and Toyota CH-R. However, Toyota’s compact EV starts $2,000 above the Uncharted, primarily because it’s one of the few Subarus that lacks standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The base Premium model reduces costs by opting for front-wheel drive (FWD). It features a 75-kWh battery pack, offering a driving range of 308 miles and producing 221 horsepower.
Similar to many contemporary rivals, the Uncharted is equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, allowing for charging at Tesla Supercharger stations. Subaru claims you can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes. These entry-level Uncharteds are outfitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, and dual rear spoilers for a dash of style. Inside, buyers can enjoy a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Rear legroom measures 32 inches, which is somewhat limited, but the maximum cargo capacity—when the back seats are folded down—offers 60 cubic feet of space. Subaru’s EyeSight collection of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) equips every Uncharted with features like adaptive cruise control (ACC), forward collision mitigation (FCM), and a lane-keeping system (LKS), while Active Cornering Assist can automatically brake the inside front wheel to enhance handling in turns.
Toyota bZ: $36,350
Previously called the bZ4X, Toyota has removed the “4X” from its largest EV’s name, rebranding it simply as the bZ for 2026. The design has been updated, and an improved driving range is available, with the base XLE variant providing 235 miles on a full charge from its 58-kWh battery pack. However, for an additional $3,000, buyers can opt for the XLE Plus, which features a 75-kWh pack rated for 314 miles of range.
In both versions, a NACS charging port comes standard, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes using DC Fast Charging. Toyota (and Subaru) excels in infotainment touchscreen dimensions, as demonstrated by the 14-inch screen in the bZ. Standard technology includes wireless smartphone mirroring, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, dual wireless phone charging pads, and a 3-year trial of Remote Connect. This connectivity feature allows remote management of car functions such as door locking and engine start via Toyota’s app.
Additionally, it features Digital Key capability, facilitating digital sharing of car keys among owners. Like each EV listed here, the 2026 bZ comes with two rows of seating. With both rows in use, cargo space stands at 28 cubic feet, but folding down the rear seats increases it to 57 cubic feet. Rear legroom surpasses that of the Subaru Uncharted at 35 inches, and each new bZ is equipped with alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Fiat 500e: $32,495
Fiat’s electric 500 is a vehicle of