Announcement of the Winners for the 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors and User Experiences on the WardsAuto Podcast. Celebrating the top automotive designs that enhance driver and passenger comfort, convenience, and overall satisfaction.
Affordable Electric Vehicles Shine in 2025
More battery-electric vehicles have found their way into this year's winning crop, setting a new record compared to the previous year. For those seeking mass-market battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) priced below $35,000 in 2024, the selection may be limited, but there are some promising options on the horizon.
Senior Editor David Kiley and Lead Editor Christie Schweinberg highlight the 2025 Nissan Leaf, priced at around $28,140, as one of the most affordable and long-standing mass-market EVs. Despite some drawbacks like its older CHAdeMO charging port and smaller storage space, the Leaf offers an impressive range of around 212 miles.
Another contender in the affordable EV segment is the Chevrolet Equinox EV, a compact electric SUV priced just under $35,000. Hyundai's 2025 Kona Electric is another affordable option, offering a good range and mass-market appeal. The Ioniq 6 SE is noted as a reliable model, but pricing for 2025 specifics under $35,000 is less clear.
Kia and Volvo models such as the Kia EV6 Wind and Volvo C40 Recharge are also recognized as reliable options, available near or just under the $35,000 mark. However, they may trend slightly higher.
While premium brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer new electric models, they are generally not within the below $35,000 price point, positioning themselves more in the luxury segment. Ford is planning a $30,000 electric pickup truck for 2027, which could introduce more affordable electrified utility vehicles in the near future.
Overall, the best crop of 2024 mass-market BEVs under $35,000 primarily includes the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric, with some reliable offerings just around this price from Kia and Volvo. Buyers seeking affordable EVs face a limited but improving selection as automakers prepare lower-priced models for imminent release.
- The automotive industry is seeing an increase in the production of affordable electric vehicles, such as the 2025 Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric.
- The technology in affordable electric vehicles is continually improving, with models like the Kia EV6 Wind and Volvo C40 Recharge showcasing reliable performance.
- Finance plays a crucial role in the growth of the electric vehicle industry, as more consumers seek affordable options like the mass-market battery-electric vehicles under $35,000.
