I Waited Years for an Affordable EV, Now the Kia EV3 and Several Other New EVs Finally Got It Right

The EV revolution promised affordability, but instead gave us $80,000 SUVs with yoke steering wheels and glitchy software. Now, a wave of cheap, no-nonsense EVs are coming to take the market, and they’re not asking for anyone’s permission. This has led to a lot of social media buzz about a variety of new EV announcements, including electrified versions of some iconic cars. Here’s a recent post on Reddit by Upset_Region8582 upcoming EVs: 

“I'm most excited about the Cars For The Masses, i.e. the humble but capable budget cars. To that end, I'm most excited about: Bolt EV refresh, Ford Compact Crossover, Kia EV3, Mini Cooper Refresh, and Rivian R3

(Honorable mention of Lucid Earth. Not exactly budget, but I'm curious if they can bring their high efficiency, long range secret sauce into a sub $50k base)”

HawkEy3 responded with:

“Mercedes CLA looks interesting.

Renault 5 could be cool, if it has V2H (vehicle-to-home)”

Qrkchrm added:

“My dream of an electric campervan might be coming soon. Ford is supposed to offer more than 200 miles of range on the new e-Transit and Mercedes has a completely new modular EV architecture for vans.

Mazda says the 2026 Miata will be "electrified" which might mean hybrid or plug-in hybrid, but there might be a chance it'll be a full EV. I'd love an EV convertible with a structural battery pack.”

Offroad 

Scout Automotive is a revived American brand originally known for producing durable off road vehicles in the 1960s and 1970s. Volkswagen Group relaunched Scout to develop electric vehicles specifically for the U.S. market. The company plans to release two models, the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra pickup, both designed for serious off-road use. These vehicles will feature body on-frame-construction, a traditional design favored for rugged terrain and towing strength. Production is expected to begin in 2026 at a new facility in South Carolina, with a focus on American manufacturing and adventure-ready performance.

Rivian is expanding its lineup with the upcoming R2 and R3/R3X . The R2, a midsize SUV starting around $45,000, is scheduled to begin production in 2026 at Rivian’s existing plant in Normal, Illinois. Designed for a broader market than the premium R1S, the R2 will offer over 300 miles of range and multiple motor configurations. It will have an NACS (Tesla standard) rear charge port positioned for easier street charging parking at Tesla Superchargers. The smaller R3 and its rugged variant, the R3X, were introduced alongside the R2 and will be positioned below it in both size and price. Built on the same midsize platform, the R3 targets buyers seeking a compact yet capable electric SUV. Production for the R3 and R3X is expected to begin by 2028 at Rivian’s future facility in Georgia, supported by a 6.6-billion-dollar conditional loan.

Electrifying the Past

Porsche has confirmed that production of the internal combustion 718 Boxster and Cayman will end by October 2025, making way for fully electric versions. These new EVs are built on a dedicated electric platform and have been spotted undergoing performance testing. Although initially targeted for a 2026 release, delays in battery supply, including issues with supplier Northvolt, may push the launch to 2027. The electric models are expected to offer 800-volt architecture and power outputs ranging from 380 to 600 brake horsepower. Porsche aims to preserve the dynamic driving experience of the current 718 lineup in these upcoming EVs.

Dropping the Price

The Volvo EX30 is a compact all electric SUV designed to be the most affordable and accessible model in Volvo’s growing EV lineup. Positioned as an entry level vehicle, it combines Scandinavian design with advanced safety features and sustainable materials. The EX30 is aimed at urban drivers and younger buyers who want a premium electric experience in a smaller, more affordable package. It offers multiple powertrain options and a range of up to 275 miles, depending on the configuration. Pricing is expected to start around $35,000, making it competitive in the compact electric SUV market

The KIA EV3 is a compact electric SUV that brings the design language and technology of KIA’s larger EV9 to a more affordable and smaller package. Positioned as an entry level electric vehicle, the EV3 is aimed at budget conscious buyers who still want modern features, stylish design, and competitive range. It will be built on the E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) platform and is expected to offer over 300 miles of range in higher trims. The EV3 targets younger and urban drivers looking for a practical yet advanced EV. Pricing is expected to start around $30,000, making it highly competitive in the growing compact EV segment.

The Slate truck is an upcoming electric pickup from Slate Auto, a startup based in Troy, Michigan, with financial backing from Jeff Bezos. The truck is designed as a no frills, highly affordable utility vehicle. With a focus on simplicity, it features plastic body panels, wind up windows, and no central infotainment screen. It features a modular design that allows it to be easily transformed into different types of vehicles using bolt-on parts and accessory kits. The base offering will be a single cab configuration with a choice of two battery sizes to suit different range needs. Slate is targeting tradespeople, small businesses, and budget minded drivers who want a durable electric work truck. Pricing is expected to start around $20,750, positioning it as one of the lowest cost electric trucks in the market.

The new Chevy Bolt is General Motors’ next generation affordable electric vehicle, redesigned to use the Ultium battery platform shared across GM’s EV lineup. It builds on the popularity of the previous Bolt while promising improvements in range, charging speed, and overall performance. Positioned as a budget friendly EV for everyday drivers, the new Bolt is expected to appeal to cost conscious buyers who want a practical and efficient electric option. It will feature modern styling and updated technology while keeping manufacturing costs low. Pricing is expected to start around $26,000, making it one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market.

The Chevy Equinox EV is one of the most affordable electric SUVs on the market, starting at around $34,995 with an impressive range of over 315 miles in its front-wheel-drive configuration. Positioned as a practical, mass-market option, it targets budget-conscious buyers looking for long range without sacrificing space or comfort. Its key strength lies in its value-to-range ratio, along with accessible financing options such as 0 percent APR and low lease rates. A standout feature is its customizable infotainment layout, designed for intuitive use. However, limited all-wheel-drive availability and slower charging speeds compared to rivals may hold it back for some.

Please Drop Your Thoughts in the Comments Below

What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of electric vehicles?

Are you in the market for an inexpensive EV? If so, what do you hope to pay?

Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car." His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.

Image sources: Scout Motors media kit, Rivian media kit, Volvo media kit, KIA media kit, Slate Truck media kit, Chevrolet media kit