Top 10 Most Affordable Electric Vehicles in 2023
Many Canadians are considering an electric vehicle as their next purchase, but range and availability remain a problem. Others think they’re simply too expensive. But consider this: the average new vehicle in Canada right now costs more than $50,000, and there are plenty of interesting EV options at or below that price.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 most affordable electric vehicles you can buy (or at least order) in 2023.
Note: The MSRPs listed here are all accurate at the time of writing. However, they are subject to change at any time. They do not include freight and PDI, other applicable fees, or applicable EV rebates. The range estimates are those posted by Natural Resources Canada.
10. Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5
MSRP: $46,995 and $48,999, respectively.
Range: 373 km and 354 km, respectively.
The platform-sharing Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 are The Car Guide’s Best Buy in the electric car/crossover segment. The EV6 boasts sportier styling, while the IONIQ 5 offers more interior space and better visibility. The prices listed above include the smaller 58kWh battery. If you want the longer-range 77.4kWh pack, prepare to pay $4,000 or $8,000 depending on the model. AWD requires another $2,000 or so. There’s still plenty of value and performance to be had, though.
MSRP: $45,590.
Range: 183 km.
The Cooper SE’s range is pretty disappointing by today’s standards, though enough to meet the daily driving needs of most people. The smaller and lighter battery preserves MINI’s signature handling. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel come standard along with navigation and a few driver assistance features. Beware of all those options that can jack the price in a hurry.
8. Kia Niro EV
MSRP: $44,995.
Range: 407 km.
It’s awfully rare to see an all-new or significantly updated model at the same price as its predecessor, but the 2023 Kia Niro EV hasn’t budged from its $44,995 MSRP. Standard content includes several driver assistance features, heated front seats and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Styling has been refreshed, though the components underneath remain unchanged.
7. Toyota bZ4X
MSRP: $44,990.
Range: 406 km.
For five fewer bucks than the Niro EV, the Toyota bZ4X offers a tad less range—1 km, to be exact. The base model lacks many desirable items like heated seats. If you want them, you need to pay $5,000 extra for the LE model. AWD requires another $5,000, pushing the price to $54,990. The Toyota bZ4X was developed in a partnership with Subaru, whose own Solterra starts at $54,295 and offers standard AWD.
MSRP: $44,599.
Range: 415 km.
The Hyundai Kona is a success story as the Korean brand’s best-selling vehicle right now and the most popular small crossover on the market. The EV variant stands out with generous range and lots of content for the price. Sure, AWD is not available and the interior is pretty cramped, but delivery times are much shorter than those of the IONIQ 5.
MSRP: $43,995.
Range: 336 km.
Following the elimination of the e-Golf, Volkswagen introduced the ID.4, a compact electric crossover that better meets the needs of North American customers. Now built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the ID.4 offers two battery options, the larger one available with either RWD or AWD. Pricing ranges from $43,995 to $52,995, and drivers can expect to travel anywhere between 336 km and 443 km with a full charge. The optional heat pump is a must, especially in colder climates like Canada.
4. Kia Soul EV
MSRP: $43,095.
Range: 248 km.
The Kia Soul EV has been around since 2015, which may be a surprise to some. The second generation, introduced for 2020, offers a 39.2kWh battery with a range of 248 km. Optionally, the Soul EV can be specified with a 64kWh battery that increases maximum range to 383 km. There’s a $9,000 premium for that, however. Most of the powertrain is shared with the Niro EV, and the Soul EV has proven to be efficient and reliable. Too bad it doesn’t come with an AWD option.
3. Mazda MX-30
MSRP: $42,650.
Range: 161 km.
The Mazda MX-30 is a polarizing EV, for sure. Many people rave about its sharp looks and fun handling, but the 161 km of maximum range (around 100 km in winter) are a real joke. This is 2023, for crying out loud. It makes sense to use a smaller battery to lower the price and the vehicle’s weight, but the MX-30 is not competitive at all in terms of performance and equipment. It works best as a family’s second car.
2. Nissan LEAF
MSRP: $41,248.
Range: 240 km.
Refreshed for 2023, the Nissan LEAF is now on the way out with the brand new Ariya taking over (slowly but surely) and a smaller crossover set to follow by mid-decade. Remember, the Japanese hatchback was one of the first EVs to hit the market. The base SV model carries a low price and is essentially aimed at city dwellers. With an extra of $6,000, the LEAF Plus boasts a larger battery and increases range to 349 km, allowing longer trips.
1. Chevrolet Bolt EV / Bolt EUV
MSRP: $38,548 and $40,548, respectively.
Range: 417 km and 397 km, respectively.
Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, the Chevrolet Bolt EV and its EUV variant are the best buy you can make in 2023. With federal and provincial incentives totaling $12,000 in Quebec, for instance, the former can be just as cheap as a base Honda Civic Hatchback, and cheaper still thanks to much lower ownership costs. The Bolt EV is a well-equipped car and, despite a major battery recall campaign, a pretty reliable one, too.