The most affordable electric cars in Canada in 2023

Looking for the most affordable electric car in Canada? You're not alone.

As EVs become easier to find and to afford, more and more Canadian drivers are choosing to go electric. From hatchbacks to SUVs, we're seeing exciting new zero-emissions models enter the Canadian market each year, many within the $40,000 to $50,000 range. Electric models may cost more up front, but experts say the average driver can expect to save around $2,000 in fuel costs per year. Plus, government rebates on new electric vehicles could save you from $5,000 to $12,000 at the dealership. 

Whether you're looking for an eco-friendlier way to get around or simply want to stop spending so much money on gas, here are 12 of the cheapest electric cars for sale in Canada in 2023.

1. Chevrolet Bolt EV 2. Chevrolet Bolt EUV 3. Nissan Leaf 4. Mazda MX-30 5. Kia Soul EV 6. Hyundai KONA électrique 7. Toyota bZ4X 8. Kia Niro EV 9. MINI Cooper SE 10. Kia EV6 11. Volkswagen ID.4 12. Hyundai IONIQ 5

1. Chevrolet Bolt EV

One of the first mainstream electric cars, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is a compact and affordable electric hatchback. With its starting price of $38,943 before fees and taxes, this small EV offers excellent value. Plus, the Chevrolet Bolt is eligible for up to $12,000 in government rebates, making the price even more attractive. The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt is equipped with a 65 kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a 200-horsepower electric motor for an all-electric range of up to 417 km. As with all-electric cars, charging times and costs will vary depending on when, where and how you charge. The Chevrolet Bolt EV fully charges in about seven hours with a Level 2 charger and has an estimated average charging price of $11.64, ranging from $4.74 in Quebec to $24.83 in the Northwest Territories. 

Despite its size, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has a surprisingly spacious and well-equipped interior. Fold-flat rear seats allow you to transport larger items, while the comfortable backseat offers enough space for adult passengers. Standard comfort and convenience features include heated front seats and steering wheel, a 10.2-inch digital touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

2. Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Introduced in 2022, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a larger version of the Chevrolet Bolt EV. This compact crossover has a starting price of $40,548 before fees and taxes, making it the cheapest electric SUV on our list. Ask your dealer about federal and provincial EV incentives, which can lower the price by $5,000 to $12,000, depending on where you live. 

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is available in two trim levels, LT and Premier, both of which feature front-wheel drive, a 200 horsepower electric motor and a 65 kWh battery with an electric range of up to 397 km. This electric SUV offers a Level 2 charging time of about seven hours and an estimated at-home charging price of $11.64, based on Canada's average residential electricity cost of $0.179 per kWh. (For a better idea of the cost of at-home charging in your area, simply multiply the car's battery size in kWh by your province's cost of electricity per kWh.)

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt comes equipped with a variety of driver's assistance technologies, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a teen driver system and lane-keeping assistance.

3. Nissan Leaf

Practical and budget-friendly, the Nissan Leaf has been quietly leading the electric car revolution since 2011. This compact electric hatchback is available in three trim levels, with 2023 prices ranging from $41,248 to $49,848 before fees and taxes. Federal and provincial point-of-sale rebates are available, helping to lower the total purchase price by $5,000 to $12,000.

Base-level Nissan Leaf SV models feature a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery, a 147-horsepower electric motor and a range of 240 km. Nissan Leaf SV Plus and SL Plus models come equipped with a larger 60 kWh battery, 214-horsepower motor and a range of 342 km. Using a Level 2 charger, Nissan Leaf cars with 40 kWh batteries take approximately eight hours to charge with an estimated average cost of $7.16, while 60 kWh models require 11.5 hours with an estimated average cost of $11.74.

The 2023 Nissan Leaf offers heated front and rear seats, available leather upholstery and a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration and voice control. Standard safety technologies include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera system.

4. Mazda MX-30

The stylish Mazda MX-30 is a compact electric SUV with seating for five. Based on the Mazda CX-30, this eco-friendly crossover offers the stylish exterior and thoughtful interior that Mazda cars are known for. The 2023 Mazda MX-30 is available in two trim levels, GS and GT, with prices beginning at $42,650 before fees, taxes and rebates. All models are equipped with front-wheel drive and a 143-horsepower electric motor. The 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery delivers a range of up to 161 km, making it a better choice for city driving than long road trips. This quick-charging EV takes just two hours and 40 minutes for a full charge with a Level 2 charger, and at-home charging costs an average of $6.35 in Canada.

Unique features of the 2023 Mazda MX-30 include sustainable interior materials like cork and recycled fabric, wide-opening reverse-hinged rear doors that allow for easy loading and unloading, and an available 12-speaker Bose sound system.

5. Kia Soul EV

If you're looking for an affordable electric car with plenty of personality, the distinctive Kia Soul might be worth considering. The 2023 Kia Soul EV is available in two trim levels, Premium or Limited, with a starting price of $43,095 before fees and taxes. Available government rebates can reduce the final purchase price by $5,000 to $12,000. 

Base-level models (Premium) are equipped with a 39.2 kWh battery, delivering 134 horsepower and an all-electric range of 248 km. 2023 Kia Soul EV Limited models offer an extended range of 383 km and 201 horsepower thanks to the larger 64 kWh battery. Using a Level 2 charger, Premium models charge in just six hours at an average cost of $7.02, while Limited models take approximately nine hours and 15 minutes at an estimated cost of $11.46. 

With its boxy design, the Kia Soul EV offers more cargo space than other hatchbacks in its class and plenty of leg and headroom for adults. Available comfort and convenience features include heated front and rear seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control and a push-button start.

6. Hyundai KONA Electric

Compact and fun to drive, the Hyundai KONA Electric combines the charms of the popular gas-powered Hyundai KONA with a fast and efficient electric motor. Choose between two trim levels, Preferred or Ultimate, with a starting price of $44,599 before fees, taxes and rebates. The 2023 Hyundai KONA Electric comes equipped with a 64 kWh battery, delivering 201 horsepower and an all-electric range of up to 415 km. This electric car charges from empty to 80% with a Level 3 100 kW fast charger in approximately 47 minutes, while Level 2 charging takes around nine hours and 15 minutes at an estimated cost of $11.46. 

This five-seat electric SUV features heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat and a digital touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety technologies include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection.

7. Toyota bZ4X 

While Toyota has a well-established lineup of hybrids like the Toyota Prius, the Toyota bZ4X is their first battery electric car. This small electric SUV is available in three trim levels, with starting prices ranging from about $44,990 to $54,990. The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is currently only available in BC and Quebec and is eligible for government rebates, helping you save up to $12,000 off the purchase price.

Front-wheel drive models of the Toyota bZ4X are equipped with a 71.4 kWh battery and single electric motor, delivering 201 horsepower and a range of up to 406 km. All-wheel drive models feature dual electric motors and a 72.8 kWh battery, offering a slightly higher 214 horsepower but decreasing range to 367 km. The Toyota bZ4X has an average Level 2 charging time of 9.5 hours with an estimated charging cost of $12.78.

All Toyota bZ4X models come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a suite of advanced safety technologies. These include forward-collision warning with pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle detection; lane-departure warning with steering assistance; and dynamic cruise control.

8. Kia Niro EV

The electric Kia Niro is a five-seat compact crossover with a generous array of tech and safety features. Redesigned for 2023, the Kia Niro EV is available in three trim levels ranging in price from $44,995 to $52,995 before fees, taxes and government rebates. All models feature a 64.8 kWh battery, 201 horsepower and a total driving range of up to 407 km. Using a Level 2 charger, this EV charges in as little as six hours at an estimated average cost of $11.60, ranging from $4.73 in Quebec to $24.75 in the Northwest Territories.

The Kia Niro EV's suite of advanced safety technologies includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance and rear cross-traffic warnings with automatic emergency braking. Innovative options include a heat pump system that preserves the car's battery range in cold weather and remote parking assistance for parking at the touch of a button.

9. MINI Cooper SE

With its iconic Mini Cooper style and fun-to-drive nature, the MINI Cooper SE is an electric car well-suited to city life. The 2023 MINI Cooper SE is available in three trim levels ranging from $45,590 to $49,890 before fees, taxes and rebates. This compact EV is fast and nimble, featuring front-wheel drive and 181 horsepower. The modest 32 kWh battery delivers a range of up 183 km and a Level 2 charging time of just four hours at an estimated charging cost of $5.73.

Standard comfort and convenience features include heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and an efficient heat pump system. The 2023 MINI Cooper SE comes equipped with eight airbags, rain-sensing windshield wipers, advanced traction control and automated emergency braking.

10. Kia EV6

Sleek and stylish, the Kia EV6 is a five-seat electric SUV available in a variety of long-range and high-power configurations. This fast-charging EV ranges in price from $46,995 to $75,495 before fees and taxes, with most models eligible for government rebates. The entry-level Kia EV6 RWD Standard Range is outfitted with a 58 kWh lithium-ion battery and 167-horsepower electric motor, delivering a range of up to 373 km. Long Range models feature a larger 77.4 kWh battery, with rear-wheel models offering 225 horsepower and a top range of 499 km and all-wheel drive models featuring dual electric motors for 320 horsepower and a range of 454 km.

Designed for drivers on the go, the Kia EV6 charges from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes with a Level 3 DC fast charger (350kWh). At-home charging costs an average of $10.38 for 58 kWh battery models and $13.85 for 77.4 kWh battery models. Standard features include heated front seats, heated power-adjustable side mirrors, a push-button start and smartphone integration.

11. Volkswagen ID.4

Available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV comparable in size to the VW Tiguan. The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is available in three trim levels starting at $48,545 before fees and taxes and is eligible for up to $12,000 in government rebates, depending on where you live. 

The base-level Volkswagen ID.4 offers rear-wheel drive, a 62 kWh battery and a range of 336 km. The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro and Pro AWD come equipped with a larger 82 kWh battery. Pro models feature rear-wheel drive, 201 horsepower and a range of 443 km, while Pro AWD models offer all-wheel drive, 295 horsepower and a range of 410 km. With a Level 2 charger, the 62 kWh Volkswagen ID.4 charges in as little as 7.5 hours at an average estimated cost of $11.10, though the cost will vary depending on electricity rates in your area. Standard comfort and convenience features include heated seats, a heated windshield, dual-zone climate control with air filtration, and adaptive cruise control.

12. Hyundai IONIQ 5

Part of the Hyundai IONIQ family, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a fast-charging electric SUV. For 2023, three trim levels are available, ranging in price from $48,999 to $54,999 before fees, taxes and rebates. Base-level Preferred models feature a 58 kWh battery, 168 horsepower, rear-wheel drive and an electric range of 354 km.

Preferred Long Range models are equipped with a larger 77.4 kWh battery, delivering an extended range of up to 488 km and 225 horsepower. The top-of-the-line Hyundai IONIQ 5 Preferred Long Range AWD offers dual motors, all-wheel drive, 320 horsepower and a range of 414 km. 

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 battery charges from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes with a Level 3 350 kW ultra-rapid charger, and a five-minute top-up provides an additional 100 km of range. Level 2 charging times range from five to 6.75 hours, depending on battery size, with an average estimated at-home cost of $10.38 for 58 kWh models and $13.85 for long-range models. Standard comfort and convenience features in this five-passenger SUV include heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with audio controls, smartphone integration and adaptive cruise control.

Government rebates on electric vehicles

Thanks to government rebates, you could save a significant amount on a new electric vehicle. The federal government offers a $5,000 point-of-sale rebate on the purchase of eligible electric passenger vehicles as part of their Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicle program (iZEV).

Canadian drivers are eligible for one iZEV rebate per year. In British Columbia, you could qualify for up to an additional $4,000 off. Quebec has the most generous EV rebates, offering an additional $7,000 rebate. New Brunswick, PEI and the Yukon all offer an extra $5,000 off. Nova Scotia drivers can receive an additional $3,000 rebate, while in Newfoundland, drivers are eligible for an extra $2,500 off.

There are currently no provincial rebates in Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut or the Northwest Territories. EV rebates are applied at the dealership, with the amount taken off the post-tax total. The rebate amount may also be affected by car price and individual income. Ask your car dealer for more info.

How much does an electric car battery cost?

Electric car batteries can be quite expensive, ranging from about $5,000 to over $20,000 to replace, so it's important to keep this in mind when shopping for used electric cars. The good news is that most new electric vehicles come with an eight-year 160,000 km battery warranty.

Does it cost more to insure an electric car?

Insurance premiums are based on car value, driver risk and location rather than car fuel type. Overall, insurance rates for gas-powered and electric cars are fairly similar, with premiums determined by the car's price. Some Canadian insurance providers now offer discounts for electric vehicles, meaning it could actually cost you less to insure an EV.

Are public charging stations free?

Many Level 2 charging stations are free, though some charge a small fee of around $1.00/hour. Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, cost around $15.00/hour.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

The average cost of charging an electric car at a Level 3 fast charger is around $11.00, ranging from $5.36 for a Hyundai IONIQ Electric to $15.00 for a Tesla Model S. To determine the cost of at-home charging, multiply the car's battery size in kWh by the cost of electricity per kWh in your area. 

In Ontario, a new ultra-low overnight rate of $0.024 per kWh could significantly reduce the cost of EV charging. At this rate, charging a Hyundai KONA Electric would cost an estimated $1.54, much lower than the national average of $11.46. Check with your electricity provider to determine the best time to charge an electric car in your province.

Is it cheaper to charge an electric car at home or at a charging station?

The cheapest way to charge an electric car is at a free public charging station. The next cheapest option, and likely the most convenient, is to charge at home overnight when rates are typically the lowest. The fastest method of charging your electric car is also the most expensive. Ideal for road trips or when you're in a rush, Level 3 charging costs around $15.00/hr.

Ready to electrify your car hunt? Kijiji Autos offers a huge inventory of new, used and certified pre-owned electric cars for sale in your area and across Canada.