EV adoption has been slow, but several new low-priced EVs are due to launch in the U.S. and could help push the market forward. Here are seven affordable electric cars that should be available to American buyers between now and 2028, priced at under USD 35,000.
1. Subaru Uncharted (H1 2026)
The 2026 Subaru Uncharted, expected at U.S. dealers in the first half of the year, is a compact crossover with 8.2 inches of ground clearance and a Subaru-tuned suspension. All trims use a 74.7-kWh battery, battery preconditioning, a standard NACS port, and up to 150-kW DC fast charging (10-80% in about 28 minutes), plus an 11-kW onboard charger.
Standard features include a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, EyeSight driver assists, a power rear gate, and an all-weather package.
Premium FWD costs USD 34,995 (limited numbers), makes 221 hp, and targets 300+ miles.
2. Mitsubishi Lancer/Lancer Sportback EV (Mid-2026)
The vehicle will be based on the next-generation Nissan Leaf, and will be available starting in summer 2026, at dealer partners across both countries (U.S. and Canada).
Mitsubishi Motors North America, in an announcement made on May 6, 2025
Mitsubishi has confirmed that it will sell a rebadged Nissan Leaf in the U.S., marking its re-entry into America’s EV segment. The coupe-styled crossover will be launched this summer, and it should offer the same space, comfort, efficiency, and range of the Leaf. It’s possible that Mitsubishi could capitalize on the Lancer nameplate for this entry-level EV.
Higher trims should feature dual 14.3-inch Google-built-in displays; lower trims get 12.3-inch units. Both J1772 and NACS ports are expected to be fitted, supporting Plug & Charge and 150 kW fast-charging to 80% in about 35 minutes.
Battery options should include 75 kWh (214 hp, 261 lb-ft, about 303 miles) or 52 kWh (174 hp, 254 lb-ft). Heat pump and regen paddles on higher trims are expected to round out the features. Prices should range between USD 30,000-35,000.
3. Fiat Topolino (2026)
The Fiat Topolino is a tiny electric quadricycle, but it has retro Fiat 500 vibes. It gets a car-like front and rear, a two-tier lighting layout, satin chrome-look “bumper” trims, and black upper-body accents over the light green Verde Vita paint.
So much so that I’m happy to share that we’ll be bringing the Fiat Topolino to the U.S., with more details to come next year.
Olivier Francois, Fiat brand CEO, while revealing the Brittolino artwork at Art Basel Miami Beach, on December 8, 2025
Inside, it’s minimal and playful, with a Dolcevita Box on the dash, physical controls, a small driver display for speed and range, a USB-C port, and a phone holder instead of an infotainment screen. The strap-style door pull, big glass area, tilt-out window panels, and a forward-set glass roof stand out.
Pricing is unannounced, but we expect it to start at around USD 15,000 when it reaches the market later this year, aimed at holiday resorts, theme parks, golf courses, and residential gated communities.
4. Slate Truck (Late-2026)
The Slate Truck is a bare-bones, single-config EV pickup built for DIY personalization, including wrap-friendly surfaces and 100+ accessories. A flat-pack SUV Kit can turn it from a 2-seat pickup into a 5-seat SUV with additional safety hardware like a roll cage and airbags.
Key specification targets include a 52.7 kWh battery (150-mile range estimated) or an accessory 84.3 kWh pack (240-mile range), a 150 kW (201 hp) rear-mounted motor with 264 Nm (195 lb-ft), and an estimated 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds.
It offers a NACS port, with 120 kW DC fast charging (20-80% SoC in under 30 minutes) and an 11 kW onboard charger. Slate cites a 1,433 lb payload and 1,000 lb towing capacity. Reservations are open, and we anticipate prices to begin at under USD 30,000.
5. Kia EV3 (2026/27)
The Kia EV3 has been confirmed for the U.S., but the company hasn’t provided any other details. We reckon that Kia is targeting a price of around USD 35,000, and an EPA range of around 270 miles. Its aerodynamic 0.26 Cd body features vertical DRLs, five-spoke alloys, a clean tailgate, and a boat-tail rear for improved efficiency.
Inside, a ~30-inch triple-screen panel integrates a 12.3-inch cluster, 5-inch climate display, and 12.3-inch infotainment, with V2L capability and sustainable materials.
Two battery options, 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, power a 201 hp motor, 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds, and up to 373 miles WLTP. Fast-charging from 10-80% takes 31 minutes, with i-Pedal and Smart Regenerative braking standard.
6. Ford low-cost pickup truck (2027)
Ford has confirmed that its midsize electric pickup, launching in 2027 for about USD 30,000, will ride on the new ‘Universal EV Platform’ which is being developed in California.
It will be faster than our Mustang twin turbo. It will be fully connected with a brand new digital experience no one has seen in our country. It will offer, for the first time, fast charging; it will have amazing range; it can power your house for 6 days..you don’t need a generator, you just buy this truck! And we’re going to start the vehicle at 30,000 dollars.
Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, at the “Model T Moment” event in Kentucky on August 11, 2025
Powered by Michigan-made LFP prismatic batteries, it targets sub-5-second 0-60 mph performance, improved handling from a low center of gravity, and a frunk plus locking bed. The minimalist interior will include a floating touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, BlueCruise, and more passenger space than a Toyota RAV4.
It will have 20% fewer components, 25% fewer fasteners, and three-quarters of a mile less wiring, enabling up to 40% faster assembly at the Louisville facility in Kentucky.
7. Rivian R3 (2028)
The Rivian R3 is a hatchback-styled compact crossover positioned below the Rivian R2. Expected to be priced from around USD 35,000, it will be considerably cheaper than most EVs sold in the U.S.
Rivian plans to sell the R3 with two battery pack options, with the bigger one expected to deliver an EPA-estimated range of over 300 miles. The vehicle will likely be capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds if it comes in a tri-motor variant.
Customer vehicle production is planned to begin in 2028, starting with the midsize, 5-seater R2 SUV and R3 crossover.
From Rivian’s announcement about its new facility in Georgia, on September 19, 2025
An off-road-focused variant called Rivian R3X will also be available. While Rivian has yet to confirm the exact launch date, we expect the standard R3 to be on sale by 2028, rolling out of the company’s upcoming plant in Georgia.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
