What electric cars are actually available right now

The electric car market has moved past the point where you have three choices. Most major automakers now sell at least one EV, and some sell five or more. The cars range from small hatchbacks under $30,000 to luxury sedans and SUVs over $100,000. What you can actually buy depends on your budget, what body style you need, how far you drive between charges, and whether your local dealers stock them.

This guide covers the real models on dealer lots or available to order, what they cost before incentives, how far they go on a charge, and what to look for when comparing them. It does not rank them or tell you which to buy — that depends on your specific situation and what matters most to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Electric cars are now sold by Tesla, Ford, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Audi, Volvo, Lucid, Rivian, and many others, with new models arriving regularly.
  • Prices range from around $27,000 for a base Nissan Leaf to over $100,000 for luxury models, and federal tax credits up to $7,500 may reduce the actual cost you pay.
  • Range varies widely — some models go 200 miles per charge, others go 300 or more — and real-world range depends on weather, driving style, and highway versus city driving.
  • Body styles now include sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, trucks, and crossovers, so you can find an EV in nearly any category you would buy as a gas car.
  • Availability varies by region and dealer, so checking what is actually in stock or on order in your area is the first step before comparing specs.

Popular affordable models under $40,000

The Nissan Leaf remains one of the cheapest new EVs, with a base model starting around $27,000 to $29,000 before incentives. It is a hatchback with a range of roughly 150 miles on the standard battery or 226 miles on the extended battery. It has been on the market since 2010, so dealer networks are established in most areas, and used models are available if you want to spend less.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV (a taller crossover version) start in the low $30,000s and offer around 259 miles of range. Chevy discontinued the Bolt after 2023 but has brought it back for 2024 and beyond. The Bolt is known for good range at a lower price than many competitors.

The Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV are compact SUVs starting around $34,000 to $38,000, with range between 253 and 305 miles depending on the model year and battery size. Both brands offer strong warranties — Hyundai and Kia typically cover the battery for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is a compact SUV starting around $38,000 to $40,000 with range up to 275 miles. VW has invested heavily in EV production and has multiple models in the pipeline, so dealer support is growing.

Mid-range models from $40,000 to $60,000

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most common EVs on the road. The base rear-wheel-drive model starts around $43,000 and has a range of roughly 272 miles. The long-range version goes over 300 miles. Tesla has its own charging network (the Supercharger network), which is a major advantage for long trips, though other EVs can now use many Superchargers as well.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a mid-size SUV starting around $41,000 to $45,000 with range from 224 to 312 miles depending on the battery and drivetrain. Ford has committed to building multiple EV models and has dealer networks across the country.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a sedan with a sleek design, starting around $42,000 to $45,000 and offering range up to 361 miles on the long-range battery. It is one of the most efficient EVs available, meaning it uses less electricity per mile than most competitors.

The Kia EV6 is a crossover starting around $42,000 to $55,000 depending on the battery and drivetrain, with range up to 310 miles. It has won multiple design and performance awards and is known for quick acceleration even in base models.

The BMW i4 is a sedan starting around $56,000 to $60,000 with range up to 301 miles. It combines traditional BMW styling with electric power and appeals to buyers who want a luxury feel without the full luxury price tag.

Larger SUVs and trucks from $60,000 and up

The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling EV in the world. The base rear-wheel-drive model starts around $52,000 to $55,000 (prices vary frequently), and the long-range version goes over $60,000. Range is 330 miles or more depending on the version. The Model Y is a mid-size SUV, so it is larger than the Model 3 but smaller than a traditional three-row SUV.

The Rivian R1T is an electric pickup truck starting around $71,000 to $75,000 with range up to 320 miles. It is one of the few fully electric trucks available, though it is more expensive than gas trucks in the same size class. The Rivian R1S is a three-row SUV version starting around $75,000 to $80,000.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric version of the best-selling truck in America. It starts around $55,000 to $60,000 for the base model and offers range up to 320 miles. It can tow and carry payload similar to gas F-150s, making it practical for buyers who need truck capability.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1 are full-size electric trucks coming to market in 2024 and 2025. Pricing and range details are still being finalized, but both are expected to compete directly with the F-150 Lightning.

The Lucid Air is a luxury sedan starting around $69,900 with range up to 516 miles on the longest-range version — the highest range of any production EV. It is aimed at buyers comparing it to Tesla Model S or traditional luxury brands like Mercedes or BMW.

What to compare when looking at models

Range is the distance the car can travel on a full charge. EPA estimates are the official numbers in the United States, and they are more reliable than manufacturer claims. However, real-world range varies based on weather (cold reduces range by 20 to 40 percent), driving style (highway driving uses more energy than city driving), and terrain (hills reduce range). If a car is rated for 250 miles, plan on 200 to 220 miles in winter or on the highway.

Charging speed matters if you take long trips. DC fast charging (also called Level 3) can add 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes on many newer models. Home charging with a Level 2 charger (240 volts) takes 6 to 10 hours for a full charge, which is fine if you charge overnight but not if you need to leave in a few hours. Check whether the model comes with a home charger or if you have to buy one separately.

Warranty varies by brand. Most cover the battery for 8 to 10 years and 100,000 to 120,000 miles. Hyundai and Kia offer longer battery warranties (10 years, 100,000 miles) than some competitors. Check the fine print — some warranties cover only defects, not normal degradation.

Availability is practical but often overlooked. Some models have long wait times or are not sold in your state. Call local dealers to ask what they have in stock or on order, and how long the wait is. A car that is cheaper but takes six months to arrive might not be the best choice if you need one sooner.

Charging network access affects long-distance driving. Tesla owners have access to the Supercharger network, which is the largest and most reliable in the US. Other EVs can use third-party networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint, but availability and reliability vary by region. Check the map for chargers on routes you drive regularly.

How federal and state incentives affect the actual price

The federal tax credit is up to $7,500 for new EVs and up to $4,000 for used EVs, but it has income limits and price caps that disqualify some models and buyers. As of 2024, the credit applies only to vehicles assembled in North America, which eliminates some imports. The credit also has a battery component requirement — the car must meet certain thresholds for where the battery materials come from.

Some states offer additional rebates or tax credits. California, New York, Colorado, and others have their own programs, and the amounts vary. A few states have point-of-sale rebates, meaning you get the discount at the dealer instead of waiting to claim it on your taxes. Check your state's energy office or environmental agency website for current programs.

The actual incentive you receive depends on your income, the car's price, where it was made, and where you live. A $45,000 car might cost $37,500 after a $7,500 federal credit, but if you live in a state with an additional $2,500 rebate and you may have access to for both, the real cost is $35,000. Conversely, a $70,000 luxury car might not may have access to for the federal credit at all if the price cap has been exceeded.

New models coming to market in the next two years

Chevrolet is launching the Equinox EV (a compact SUV expected to start under $35,000), the Silverado EV (a full-size truck), and the Blazer EV (a mid-size SUV). Ford is expanding its EV lineup with new versions of the Ranger and Explorer. Volkswagen is bringing the ID.Buzz (a retro-styled van) and additional ID-series models to the US market.

Hyundai and Kia are releasing new models in the Ioniq and EV lines, including the Ioniq 5N (a performance version) and the EV9 (a three-row SUV). BMW, Audi, and Mercedes are all expanding their EV offerings. Lucid is working on a more affordable model below the Air, and Rivian is developing a smaller, cheaper truck and SUV.

Availability of new models depends on production capacity and dealer allocation. Just because a model is announced does not mean it will be available in your area when ready. Check with local dealers for expected arrival dates and whether you can pre-order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find an electric car in the body style I want?

Yes. EVs are now available as sedans, hatchbacks, compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, three-row SUVs, pickup trucks, and crossovers. If you want a small sedan, look at the Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 6. If you want a truck, the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T are your main options. If you want a three-row SUV, the Rivian R1S and upcoming Kia EV9 fit that need.

What is the cheapest electric car I can buy new?

The Nissan Leaf starts around $27,000 to $29,000 before incentives, making it one of the cheapest new EVs. The Chevrolet Bolt EV is also in the low $30,000s. After a $7,500 federal tax credit, the actual cost could be $19,500 to $22,500, though you must meet income and other requirements to claim the credit.

Do all electric cars use the same charging plug?

No. Most new EVs in the US use the NACS connector (Tesla's standard), but some older models use the CCS connector. Charging networks are transitioning to NACS, and adapters are available. When comparing models, check which connector type it uses and whether chargers on your regular routes support it.

How long does it take to charge an electric car at home?

With a Level 2 home charger (240 volts), a full charge typically takes 6 to 10 hours depending on the battery size and charger power. A Level 1 charger (standard 120-volt outlet) takes 24 to 48 hours for a full charge and is rarely practical for daily use. Most EV owners install a Level 2 charger at home, which costs $500 to $2,500 including installation.

Which electric car has the longest range?

The Lucid Air has the longest EPA-estimated range of any production EV, with up to 516 miles on the longest-range version. The Tesla Model S Long Range and Model X Long Range also exceed 400 miles. For more affordable models, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers up to 361 miles, and the Kia EV6 offers up to 310 miles.