Tesla
- Tesla launched new, more affordable versions of its Model Y and 3 electric cars this week.
- Limited cheap EV options are a key barrier to adoption, and automakers are rushing to fill that gap.
- Here’s how Tesla’s new vehicles stack up against the cheapest EVs on sale in the US.
Tesla is finally jumping on the affordable EV bandwagon.
Elon Musk’s automaker launched the Model Y and 3 Standard on Tuesday, after teasing more affordable models for years.
The stripped-back models come without marque Tesla features like Autosteer and rear screens and are around $5,000 cheaper than the classic Model Y and 3.
That price cut fails to match the $7,500 federal tax credit, which expired at the end of September.
A lack of affordable electric cars has been a key barrier to EV adoption, and Tesla’s new models — which start at $36,990 — come as many of its rivals push to roll out their own cheaper vehicles.
With that in mind, here’s how Tesla’s “most affordable vehicles” stack up against the competition.
Nissan Leaf
Simon Galloway/LAT Images for Formula E
Nissan unveiled a refresh of the Leaf, one of the first ever mass-market electric vehicles, earlier this year. Starting at $29,990, it’s the cheapest EV on the market in the US.
Chevy Equinox
Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Equinox, built by Tesla’s Detroit rival General Motors, starts at $35,100 in the US.
The all-electric crossover SUV has been a sales hit since launching last year, with GM saying July was the best month of sales for a non-Tesla EV ever.
Fiat 500e
Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images
Fiat only sells one vehicle in the US, and it’s this tiny 2-door electric city car.
The Fiat 500e will cost you $32,500 and only comes with around 162 miles of range, but it’s one of the few small electric hatchbacks available in the US.
Hyundai Kona
John Keeble/Getty Images
Hyundai has one of the largest selections of EVs to choose from in the US, and the Kona is its most affordable battery-powered option.
Customers can pick up the compact SUV, which has a range of up to 261 miles depending on the trim, from as little as $32,975.
Toyota bZ
Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images
Toyota has taken a back seat to the EV race, largely choosing to bet on hybrids instead — but the Japanese brand’s lone all-electric offering in the US is one of the cheapest options on the market.
The bZ SUV starts at around $34,900, compared to Tesla’s Model Y Standard, which costs $39,990.
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