Budget EVs: 10 Electric Cars for Around $20K

Going electric doesn’t have to drain your wallet. While most EVs carry a hefty price tag, there are surprisingly affordable options that give you the benefits of electric driving low running costs, minimal maintenance, and eco-friendly performance without breaking the bank. From compact hatchbacks to practical sedans, these 10 electric cars around $20K prove that going green can also mean saving green.

Nissan Leaf

Okay, the obvious one. The Leaf is like the Prius of the EV world. It’s been around forever. The early ones had really bad battery degradation, like the 2011-2015 models, you gotta be careful. But a later one, like a 2017 or 2018 SV? Much better. You’re probably getting 150 miles of range, which is totally usable. And they’re everywhere, so prices are low. I’ve seen them for like, $14,000 to $18,000. It’s not exciting, but it’s a solid, proven way to get into an EV.

Chevrolet Bolt EV

This is the one. Honestly, if I had twenty grand for a used EV, I’d be looking at Bolts all day long. The range is the killer feature—like 230 miles! That’s still really good even by today’s standards. Yeah, there was that whole battery recall thing, but most of them have had the battery replaced under warranty, so you basically get a new battery in a used car. It’s a win. You can find 2017-2019 models right around that $18,000 to $22,000 mark. It’s a no-brainer.

BMW i3

We talked about this before as a maybe-regret, but as a cheap city car? It’s actually kinda brilliant. The carbon fiber body is so cool, the interior is like a funky loft apartment. The pure EV versions have okay range, like 80-100 miles on an older one, so it’s strictly for around town. But the ones with the little range-extender motorcycle engine… those are more flexible. They’re so weird and they depreciated like crazy. You can find them for $15,000 all day. Just… be ready for those expensive, skinny tires.

Volkswagen e-Golf

This is the stealth EV. It just looks like a normal Golf, which is a good thing! It’s so well built, it drives really nicely, it’s just… a great car that happens to be electric. The range isn’t amazing, maybe 125 miles on a later model, but for most people’s daily drives, it’s plenty. It feels way more premium than a Leaf inside. A 2017 or so is probably right in that $16,000 to $19,000 range. It’s the choice for someone who doesn’t want to scream “I DRIVE AN ELECTRIC CAR.”

Fiat 500e

The compliance car! This thing is adorable. And honestly, it’s really fun to drive around town, it’s zippy. But the range is tiny, like 80 miles on a good day. So it’s literally only for city stuff. But the prices… oh man, they are low. I’ve seen them for like, $9,000. For that price, as a second car for errands? That’s almost disposable car territory. Just make sure you’re aware of the… uh, typical Fiat electrical gremlins. But for the price, the risk is lower.

Hyundai Ioniq Electric

This is the efficiency king. It’s not the flashiest thing, but it gets insane miles per kilowatt-hour. The range is decent, like 120-150 miles depending on the year. And it has all the great tech and features you expect from Hyundai. It’s just a really smart, sensible choice that flies under the radar. A 2018 or 2019 model should be sitting right around $18,000 or $19,000. It’s like the Camry Hybrid of the EV world—boringly excellent.

Kia Soul EV

The toaster on wheels! But, like, a cool toaster. The Soul EV has a ton of interior space because of that boxy shape, and the range is pretty good for the era, around 110-150 miles. It’s funky, it’s practical, and it’s got that great Kia warranty that might even transfer a little bit. You don’t see them as often as Leafs, but they’re out there. Probably looking at $17,000 to $20,000 for a 2017-2018 model.

Ford Focus Electric

This is another stealth one. It’s just a normal Focus, which is a decent enough car, but with an electric powertrain. The range is the main drawback, only about 115 miles. And the battery pack eats into a bit of trunk space. But because nobody really wanted these new, they’re super cheap used. Like, $12,000 cheap. If you find a nice one with low miles, it’s a perfectly fine way to get an EV for not a lot of money.

Smart Fortwo Electric Drive

Okay, even more of a city car than the i3 or Fiat. This is for someone with a very, very specific life. It’s tiny, the range is maybe 70 miles, but it’s perfect for squeezing into impossible parking spots. The ride is… not great. But they are so, so cheap. I’m talking $8,000 to $10,000. It’s an appliance, but for the right person in a dense city, it’s the perfect appliance.

Chevrolet Spark EV

People forget this thing even existed! It was a compliance car, like the Fiat, but it was actually kinda quick! 0-30 was hilarious. The range is pathetic, like 80 miles, so again, city-only. But they are dirt, dirt cheap. I’ve seen them for under $10,000. It’s not a car you buy as your only car, but as a cheap, fun little runabout? Why not.