10 Affordable Electric Cars

Electric vehicles have been a popular topic in recent years. Whether you’re for, against or neutral on the subject, sales of all-electric vehicles continue to grow around the world. It’s true that we often hear talk of a slowdown, but we must be careful. What is slowing down is not the sale of these vehicles, but the speed at which growth was anticipated.
That’s why some manufacturers are reviewing their plans.

One of the things that is sure to boost sales is the availability of more affordable models.

Here’s a list of the sub-$50,000 models that have been promised by various companies. It will be interesting to see what will be delivered to consumers in the coming months and years.

The list is presented in no particular order.

1 – Chevrolet Equinox EV

The Chevrolet Equinox EV made its debut this year, and the price of its base version (2LT) is already under $50,000. What we’re waiting for, however, is another entry-level version (1LT), this time under $45,000 (anticipated price). Considering the Equinox’s compact yet roomy size, and its range of over 500 km in front-wheel-drive configuration (459 km with all-wheel drive), we are talking about a very interesting proposition.

This model will likely be a big hit, and we know it’s coming. Expect it before the end of the year.

2 – Kia EV3/EV4

At last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia unveiled two all-electric models, the EV3 and EV4. To everyone’s surprise, these concept-like vehicles have been approved for production and are currently being prepared. We don’t have a price for the EV3 and the EV4 yet, which are expected to hit the market in 2026, but we can anticipate prices under $50,000. The former will be one to watch.

3 – VinFast VF 6

The VinFast VF 6 is one of the SUVs already shown on North American soil by the Vietnamese company VinFast, whether in Los Angeles or even Montreal. It was due to go on sale at the end of this year, but with VinFast, uncertainty often reigns as to when models will arrive.

We’re already seeing VF 8s on the road, and the author of these lines recently spotted his first VF 9, so there’s reason to hope. There’s talk of a US$30,000 price tag for this model, putting it under the $50,000 mark here.

4 – VinFast VF 3

The VF 3 concept caused quite a stir when it appeared at motor shows, and the announcement that it would reach production gave us great hope, as the anticipated price for this model would be around $20,000 US or around $30,000 Canadian. We imagine that it could be a few years before we see it on our roads, which means that subsidies may well have disappeared, but all the same, at around $30,000, it will be easy to find buyers.

Interesting.

5 – Jeep RENEGADE

Jeep has also promised us a very affordable electric model in the $25,000 US ($35,000 Canadian) range. The model, likely to be called the Renegade EV, is to borrow the format of the now-defunct SUV bearing the same name. It remains to be seen whether its styling will be an evolution style-wise. The problem with the Renegade wasn’t its looks, but its reliability and handling. Jeep has the opportunity to make amends here.

6 – Tesla

Tesla has been promising us a more affordable electric vehicle for some time now, but we must be careful with the guarantees made by this company and its big boss, Elon Musk. However, because Tesla is losing market share with the arrival of so many electric models, it will surely want to counter-attack at some point, and if it does, it will be with a more affordable model. Especially as it now has the stronger backbone to do so.

7 – Rivian

Rivian is another company that has vowed to offer consumers a more affordable model. In the pipeline is the R2 SUV, which could be priced at US$45,000. That puts it above the C$50,000 mark, but another model, the R3, would be offered at a lower price. This one might meet our criteria, but it remains highly speculative.

8 – Chevrolet Bolt EUV

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The Chevrolet Bolt bowed out after 2023, but General Motors is preparing for what’s next. This model was built on the company’s former electric vehicle structure. That’s why the decision was made to sacrifice it. However, given the outcry caused by this announcement, the company has revised its plans and decided to offer a future generation on the group’s Ultium platform. The model will only be offered in SUV form and will probably be ready for 2026. And the price is expected to be below that of the Equinox EV, perhaps under CAD 40,000.

9 – Ford

Ford is another company that has taunted a more affordable electric model, but considering the company’s recent announcements concerning the postponement of certain electric plans and the cancellation of a three-row SUV that was in the making, caution is in order. We can imagine, however, that the Dearborn firm won’t let its American rivals get the better of it and that we should see something more affordable in the next few years.

10 – Fiat 500e

Finally, let’s end our tour of affordable electric models round-up with the Fit 500e, which is already on sale. It’s still priced at $40,000 in base configuration, which isn’t cheap for a small car offering 240 km of range, but with subsidies, it’s a bargain on the market. And owners are delighted.

In conclusion, it’s clear that the electric vehicle market is evolving, with growing demand for more affordable models. Manufacturers, aware of this reality, are adapting their strategies to meet consumer needs, while taking into account production and cost challenges. There are many promises of vehicles under $50,000, but we’ll have to wait and see which of them actually materialize. The coming months and years will be decisive, and it will be interesting to follow the evolution of these offerings in a context where affordability will play a key role in the mass adoption of electric vehicles.

One thing’s for sure, BEQ Technology will be there to help you choose the best charging station for your needs!