7 electric cars cheaper than the least expensive Tesla

Tesla once proudly boasted about a $35,000 fully electric sedan. Those days are long gone. Now the cheapest Tesla is the standard range Model 3, which starts at $43,990.

Last weekend, most Tesla models bumped up in price by $2,000. (The Model 3 standard range used to be $41,990.) And, on Wednesday, Tesla prices also went up in Germany and China.

That doesn't mean affordable EVs are out of reach. Beyond Tesla, EVs from Chevy to Nissan can be had for under $40,000, and they offer plenty of range, power, and other features — even if there's no Dog or Sentry Mode available.

Here are the EVs a more budget-friendly driver might consider.

1. Nissan Leaf

The OG EV Credit: NISSAN

Range: 150 or 226 miles

Starting price: $27,400

The OG electric sedan, the Leaf is a solid EV choice. Plus, it still qualifies for the federal tax credit, which Tesla lost access to even before the pandemic. (At the time of publication, all cars listed here except the Bolt EV and EUV still qualified.)

2. Mini SE Hardtop

Tweet may have been deleted

Range: 110 miles

Starting price: $29,900

It's a super-cute electric version of the classic Mini, but be forewarned: This two-door EV barely goes 100 miles on a single charge.

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3. Chevy Bolt EV

The Chevrolet Bolt EV used to be a top Tesla competitor. Credit: GENERAL MOTORS

Range: 259 miles

Starting price: $31,995

The Bolt used to be Tesla's main competitor, at least budget-wise. But battery-fire recalls on every single Bolt ever sold has put a damper on sales and public perception.

4. Chevy Bolt EUV

The newer, bigger Bolt EUV Credit: GENERAL MOTORS

Range: 247 miles

Starting price: $33,995

The EUV is a bigger version of the original Bolt, with Super Cruise hands-free driving built into the drive system. It just came out earlier this year, but fire risk literally blew up the EUV's appeal.

5. Hyundai Ioniq Electric

A more affordable electric ride Credit: HYUNDAI

Range: 170 miles

Starting price: $34,250

Hyundai has since spun out its Ioniq line for all its electric vehicles.

6. Hyundai Kona Electric

Electric SUV life in a Kona Electric Credit: HYUNDAI

Range: 258 miles

Starting price: $35,225

This one's another compact SUV from Hyundai that offers higher range than than the Ioniq — and, still, a lower price than a Tesla.

7. Kia Niro EV

A compact SUV for less than a Tesla Credit: KIA

Range: 239 miles

Starting price: $39,990

The Niro EV just makes it under $40,000 as Kia's fully electric version in its Niro lineup, which also has a hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

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