With rising fuel prices and the constant maintenance needs of traditional internal-combustion cars, electric vehicles are again rising across Canada. EVs not only eliminate the need for gasoline, but they also have dramatically less required maintenance over the years and require fewer repairs. And on top of all that, they produce no emissions. Plus, national and provincial rebates help lower their cost.

If you’re in the market for the cheapest electric car in Canada to handle your daily commute, you’re in luck. The auto industry has recently leaned heavily into the EV segment, leading to an influx of more affordable electric cars with longer driving ranges.

Below are some of the cheapest electric cars in Canada and a way you can save even more cash on your next EV by checking out the pre-owned market.

The Cheapest Electric Cars in Canada

The words “cheap” and “electric vehicles” really don’t mix well together, as the technology behind electric vehicles (EVs) remains relatively expensive. However, the costs have come way down, allowing manufacturers to install more advanced battery packs and more efficient and powerful electric motors than ever.

Below, we look at some of the cheapest electric cars you can buy in 2023 and what they offer.

Source: Top Gear

Nissan LEAF

MSRP: $41,248
Range:
240 km

The Nissan LEAF was a trailblazer in the automotive world when it debuted nearly a decade ago. Today, it’s fallen behind others in the EV segment but remains a solid option due to its affordability.

The 2023 Nissan LEAF SV comes standard with a 40-kWh battery pack that affords it a 240-km all-electric driving range in its base setup. While this range is modest compared to its competitors, it’s plenty for the average commuter. If you need more range, upgrade to the SV Plus or SL Plus trim levels and get a 60-kWh battery pack that bumps its range to 349 km.

The LEAF’s base powertrain delivers 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque — the latter gives it a nice zip off the line. But the real selling point of the LEAF is its efficiency of 1.9 Le/100 km city, 2.4 Le/100 km highway, and 2.1 Le/100 km combined. In the Plus trims, the power jumps to 215 hp, but its consumption equivalents also increase to 2 to 2.1 Le/100 km city, 2.4 to 2.5 Le/100 km highway, and 2.2 Le/100 km combined

And you can get all this for a starting MSRP of just $41,248 making it the cheapest EV on the list before provincial and national EV incentives. The LEAF Plus’ base MSRP checks in at $46,998.

Source: Chevrolet

Chevrolet Bolt EV

MSRP: $41,147
Range: 417 km

When it debuted, the Bolt EV was another trailblazing electric vehicle, becoming one of the first mass-produced EVs with over a 400-km driving range for under $40,000. Today, it’s not as mold-shattering as it once was, but the Bolt EV remains a competent and affordable option.

This electric hatchback’s powertrain delivers 200 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, translating into a surprisingly quick 0-100 km/h time. But that’s not the Bolt EV’s focus. What it does best is deliver a 417-km driving range on a fully charged battery. In efficiency, its consumption ratings of 1.8 Le/100 km city, 2.2 Le/100 km highway, and 2.0 Le/100 km combined consumption ratings.

Today, the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV remains an affordable EV option, with a starting price tag of $41,147 before any incentives.

Source: Forbes

Mini Cooper SE

MSRP: $45,590
Range: 183 km

Buyers seeking an EV with a distinct personality will find this in the Mini Cooper SE — the brand’s sole dedicated EV model. While it looks unique, the Mini Cooper SE has very limited driving range, checking in at just 183 km. That said, it’s still efficient at 2.0 Le/100 km city, 2.3 Le/100 km highway, and 2.1 Le/100 km combined.

The Mini Cooper SE’s electric motor delivers 181 horsepower to the front wheels and offers relatively zippy acceleration. Plus, if you take advantage of its DC fast-charging capabilities, the Cooper SE can get an 80% charge in just 35 minutes on a DC Fast Charger. So, if you want to travel longer distances, you still can, albeit an 80% charge at a time.

The 2023 Mini Cooper SE is also relatively affordable at $45,590 before incentives.

Source: Edmunds

Chevrolet Bolt EUV

MSRP: $43,147
Range: 397 km

Like the Bolt EV’s powertrain but need a crossover? The Bolt EUV will fit your needs.

The Bolt EUV takes the competent bolt powertrain and puts it under a compact crossover body. This results in a slight drop in electric driving range, bringing it to 397 km. The tradeoff is a higher ride height and roomier cabin, which may be more than worth it to some buyers.

The Bolt EUV’s efficiency also dips a bit, checking in at 1.9 Le/100 km city, 2.3 Le/100 km highway, and 2.1 Le/100 km combined.

Despite its larger body and roomier cabin, the 2023 Bolt EUV isn’t dramatically more expensive than the base Bolt EV. Its MSRP rings in at $43,147 before incentives and rebates.

Source: Road & Track

Mazda MX-30

MSRP: $42,650
Range: 161 km

Mazda leaped into the EV realm in the 2022 model year with its all-new MX-30 electric crossover. This small, green SUV’s powertrain isn’t overly impressive at 143 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. Its 161-km driving range leaves buyers desiring a lot too. Its fuel consumption equivalents check in at 2..4 Le/100 km city, 2.8 Le/100 km highway, and 2.6 Le/100 km combined.

What the MX-30 does offer is a sleek and stylish entry into the EV segment and the precision handling the brand is known for. It also includes a standard 8.8-inch infotainment screen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mazda’s first-ever EV also happens to be one of the cheapest electric cars in Canada with a starting MSRP of $42,650 before government incentives in 2023.

Source: Guide Auto

Hyundai Kona Electric

MSRP: $47,252
Range: 415 km

Hyundai Kona Electric is a compact crossover with wonderful style and attitude and plenty to offer in the EV realm.

It boasts a 415-km all-electric driving range, which translates to consumption ratings of 1.8 Le/100 km city, 2.2 Le/100 km highway, and 2.0 Le/100 km combined. This efficiency is despite the Kona Electric having some serious pop under its hood with 201 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of immediately available torque. This launches the Kona EV to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds.

The Kona EV also has many high-end features to satisfy most buyers, including a standard 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more.

All this, and the 2023 Kona Electric’s base MSRP is just $47,252 before incentives and rebates.

Source MotorTrend

Hyundai IONIQ 5

MSRP: $51,652
Range: 354 km

Hyundai crossovers, the all-new IONIQ 5 is a great option from this Korean automaker.

The IONIQ 5 boasts a sleek and eye-grabbing look that will make you look twice but is not too over the top. Powering this small crossover is an all-electric drivetrain that pumps out 168 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque standard. This sprints the IONIQ 5 to 100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds. It also has two more potent powertrains, including the 225-horsepower Premier Long Range model and 320-horsepower Preferred Long Range AWD model. These two spring to 100 km/h in 7.3 and 5.1 seconds, respectively. Unfortunately, these high-powered models fall outside the range of affordable electric cars in Canada.

This electric SUV delivers a 354- to 488-km driving range and consumption ratings of 1.8 to 2.1 Le/100 km city, 2.4 to 2.6 Le/100 km highway, and 2.1 to 2.4 Le/100 km combined. When you plug into a 350-kw fast-charging station, the IONIQ 5 can reach an 80% charge in just over 17 minutes.

This all comes with a starting price of just $51,652 before rebates and incentives.

Source: Car and Driver

Kia Niro EV

MSRP: $47,866
Range: 407 km

The redesigned 2023 Kia Niro lineup includes a hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and EV, making it one of the more diverse vehicles in this automaker’s lineup. The Niro EV rolls in with an electric motor that delivers 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque — plenty to get this small crossover moving quickly.

The Niro EV can travel up to 407 km on a full battery, making it perfect for the typical commuter. This crossover delivers fuel consumption ratings of 1.9 Le/100 km city, 2.3 Le/100 km highway, and 2.1 Le/100 km combined.

It can charge to 80% in as little as 43 minutes on a 350-kW DC fast charger.

This is all available at a tidy $47,866 base price before rebates and incentives.

Source: EV Database

Kia EV6

MSRP: $50,066
Range: 373 km

Kia EV6. This stylish crossover has all the looks to satisfy any buyer and includes all the latest entertainment and safety technology, making it a solid option.

Under its skin is a base powertrain that delivers 167 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. You can move into higher-powered models (up to 576 horsepower), which are surprisingly fast, but that quickly pushes the EV6 out of the cheapest electric car realm.

The EV6 can travel up to 373 km on a charge in its standard setup. There is a Long Range model with a 499-km range, but that again pushes the price too high. The Kia EV6 Standard Range’s consumption numbers are as follows: 1.7 Le/100 km city, 2.4 Le/100 km highway, and 2.0 Le/100 km combined.

The base Kia EV6 starts from $50,066 before incentives and rebates.

Source: The Car Connection

Volkswagen ID.4

MSRP: $46,632
Range: 443 km

The Volkswagen ID.4, an all-electric SUV, arrived in 2021. The ID.4’s MSRP starts from $46,632.

As a relatively new model, the ID.4 has a nice assortment of standard features, including a seven-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, dual-zone climate control, digital gauge cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10-inch touchscreen, and more. The standard safety equipment is even more generous. It includes front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, rearview camera, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and more.

The VW ID.4’s range on a single charge spans from 336 km with all-wheel drive (AWD) to 443 km with RWD. On a 135-kW DC fast charger, the ID.4 can get approximately 100 km of range in just 10 minutes on a DC fast charging station.

Source: The Car Expert

Kia Soul EV

MSRP: $45,916
Range: 248 km

The 2023 Kia Soul EV has been around since 2015 and was Kia’s first-ever electric vehicle. The Soul EV’s MSRP starts from $45,916.

The newer Soul EVs come with all the latest equipment buyers expect in a new vehicle, including a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a wireless phone charger, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated from seats, and much more. It also has loads of cargo room, with 1,735 litres of space with the rear seats folded. With upright rear seats, things can be a little tight with only 663 litres.

The Kia Soul EV’s electric range has varied greatly over the years. It began at just 149 to 150 km in 2015 through 2017 then jumped to 179 km in 2018 and 2019. Finally, from 2020 through 2023, it has an all-electric range of 248 km with the 120-Ah battery pack and 383 km with the 180-Ah battery.

Get an Even Cheaper Electric Car in the Pre-Owned Market

While the cheapest new electric cars are tempting, you can save even more money in the pre-owned market.

While used EVs don’t qualify for the national incentive program, they may qualify for some provincial incentives. Add that to the huge savings by going pre-owned, and you can keep a lot more money in your bank account.

Here are some starting prices for some of the most affordable electric cars in Canada on the pre-owned market after just two years, according to Kelley Blue Book.

  • 2021 Chevrolet Bolt: Average starting price $42,714
  • 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric: Average starting price $42,740
  • 2021 Kia Niro EV: Average starting price $43,228
  • 2021 Nissan LEAF: Average starting price $38,998
  • 2021 Kia Soul EV: Average starting price $41,303

Get the Cheapest Electric Cars at Clutch and Shop at Home

At Clutch, Canada’s first 100% online pre-owned auto retailer, we have a wide range of the cheapest electric cars in stock. And with an expansive used EV inventory, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect electric car for you and your family.

All our electric cars undergo a 210-point inspection and reconditioning process to ensure they’re ready for the road. We then back them up with a 90-day or 6,000-km warranty. Plus, you get a 10-day or 750-km test-own period. If you don’t love your Clutch pre-owned electric car, you can return it for a full refund or exchange it for another.

At Clutch, you search for and buy your pre-owned EV 100% online — no need to set foot in a dealership. And our no-haggle pricing ensures you’re always getting the best possible price. Once you find the perfect EV for you, we’ll set up financing, evaluate your trade-in vehicle, and deliver the vehicle to you.

Check out our vast inventory of quality pre-owned electric cars today and choose the ideal one for you.