The electric vehicle market in Canada has seen some huge changes in the past year. As vehicles with higher prices qualify for the federal government’s iZEV rebate program, many base prices have gone up in lockstep. Plus, most of the smaller EVs with lower ranges have been discontinued due to poor sales. Canadians can no longer buy a new Kia Soul EV or Mazda MX-30. The Chevrolet Bolt EV is not on sale for now while a new generation is being prepared, and the Mini Cooper SE 3-door also takes a hiatus as we wait for pricing on the next-generation 2025 model. Several new products and players have entered the fray. Quebec’s provincial EV rebate program, one of the most generous in the country, is beginning its phase-out. And with a federal election due for late 2025, the entire fate of nationwide EV rebates hangs in the balance.
What does all this mean for EV buyers today? If you want the benefits of being an early adopter—namely larger incentives and lower prices—now is a good time to make a move. It looks increasingly likely that rebates will be pulled before EV prices drop to a level that matches gas-powered vehicles. They’ll need to balance out before long for EVs to be competitive, but it may take months or years. The prices available to Canadian buyers on EVs today may soon look like a steal until this all gets sorted out.
Whatever your reason for seeking out an electric car, you’ll find there are options out there today that suit a wide range of needs and budgets. If your budget is on the tighter side, take a look below at our list of the top 10 cheapest electric cars you can buy as a new car in Canada in 2025. The prices listed include manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) plus delivery charges and other fees. This is an important point, though: our listed prices don’t include any available incentives, meaning you’ll actually pay between $5,000 and $12,500 less than the listed price, depending on where you live in Canada. See the FAQs at the bottom of this page for more details on changes to the iZEV rebate program and rebates from certain provinces and territories.
It’s also worth noting that the cheaper end of the EV spectrum still offers you up-to-date EV tech such as fast-charging lithium-ion battery packs, so you’re not losing out by not opting for the more expensive models at the dealership.
Prices are subject to change. Note that not all vehicles are currently being sold in all provinces.
Top 10 Cheapest New Electric Cars in Canada 2025
- Fiat 500e"
- Nissan Leaf
- Toyota bZ4X
- Kia Niro EV
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Chevrolet Equinox EV
- Nissan Ariya
- Polestar 2
- Vinfast VF 8
- Cheap EVs That Miss the List
- FAQs
2025 Fiat 500e: $42,190
Just as so many smaller, lower-range EVs are exiting the Canadian market, the Fiat 500e arrives. Previous generations have been sold in California, but 2024 marked its debut north of the border. And thanks to the thinning market, the Fiat 500e lands with the distinction of being the lowest-priced new battery electric vehicle available in Canada. Its tiny demeanour extends to its driving range and power output, which measure up at 227 kilometres and 117 horsepower respectively. It’s available exclusively with front-wheel drive (FWD). But the 500e is capable of both household and fast charging, its 42 kWh battery is covered by a transferable 8 Years or 160,000 km warranty, and its fun exterior and interior designs help it stand out. Can the Fiat 500e succeed where others have bowed out and convince Canadians they need a commuter EV? Time will tell.
Nissan Leaf: $44,596
One of the first mass-production EVs to arrive to the Canadian market remains one of the most affordable. It also happens to be one of the few truly small EVs left. However, even this enduring EV is preparing for its swan song: Nissan is phasing it out as it prepares to launch a new EV for 2026. As a result, the 2025 Leaf will be sold only in Quebec. The lowest-priced version is the 2025 Nissan Leaf SV, which has a range of 240 kilometres from its 40 kWh battery, while the Nissan Leaf SV Plus and its 60 kWh battery can run for an estimated 341 kilometres between charges. Both versions of the Leaf are FWD. Pricing on the latter begins at $50,346 for 2025, which means it’s also well within the threshold to qualify for incentives. The Plus also has a quick charge port that lets it accept a rate of up to 100 kW fast charging from a Level 3 charging station, making it a much more practical option for those seeking an EV that’s functional as more than a second commuter car.
Toyota bZ4X: $44,990
Toyota has a very long history with electrified cars, so it’s surprising that it took until the 2023 model year for the brand to launch a dedicated electric vehicle. This is another EV that had a rocky start: an issue with the wheel hubs forced a recall and stop sale on early 2023 models. Fortunately, those issues have been resolved and the Toyota bZ4X is back on the market, though in Canada it remains exclusive to the Quebec and B.C. markets for now. It has 201 horsepower and a 406-kilometre range with front-wheel drive (FWD), and 214 hp and 367 kilometres of range with an all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain. The latter is a rare feature offering in an EV at this price point. Pricing for 2025 had not been released as of this writing, but the 2024 Toyota bZ4X started in Canada at $44,990. Note the Subaru Solterra, which was developed concurrently with the bZ4X and shares dimensions and components, doesn’t make this list as its starting price is nearly than $10,000 higher.
Kia Niro EV: $48,576
A new generation of Kia Niro launched for the 2023 model year that sees it sold in hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric versions. As an EV, it’s powered by a 64.8-kWh battery and a 150-kW electric motor good for 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. The FWD Niro EV can recover its charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 45 minutes at a Level 3 fast charger with a maximum charging capability of 85 kW, and it sports an estimated peak electric range of 407 km. With spunky styling, great technology features, a popular subcompact SUV body style that’s fun to drive, and a reasonable price, the Kia Niro EV has plenty to offer.
Hyundai Kona Electric: $49,178
Since the federal government raised the price cap on its rebate program, there are far fewer EVs left in Canada priced below $50,000. The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is the last one on this list of the 10 most affordable EVs in Canada to slide in below this marker. Hyundai released an entirely new generation of the Hyundai Kona Electric for the 2024 model year. It’s configured as FWD and powered by the same a 64.8-kWh battery and a 150-kW electric motor found in the related Kia Niro EV listed above. Some may see its styling as highly futuristic, while others might view it as quirky—either way, it’s distinctive. And with the Kona Electric’s 201 hp, 188 lb-ft of torque, and 420 km range on nearly all trims, it delivers an impressive balance of performance versus price.
Volkswagen ID.4: $51,231
The Volkswagen ID.4 is up next on our list of affordable electric vehicles, though it’s important to clarify that this vehicle is under a stop sale order as of this writing due to defective door handles that allow water infiltration. 2025 pricing for the Volkswagen ID.4 has not been released as of this writing. We expect the ID.4 will keep its current sales model once it returns to market. The listed base price above is for the rear-wheel drive (RWD) model with the smaller 62 kWh battery pack, which has a shorter 332-kilometre range. With available dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), the ID.4’s range increases to 423 kilometres, which is long enough for road trips. In the rear-wheel drive Pro configuration, the ID.4 has 468 kilometres of range. It can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 36 minutes at speeds of up to 125 kW.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV: $51,532
As the next-generation Chevrolet Equinox debuts, with it comes an entirely new battery electric version. While we haven’t yet given this new electric SUV a road test, the initial stats are impressive on paper. It will be sold in four trims—2LT, 2RS, 3LT, and 3RS—all of which will be FWD by default with available AWD. When driven by two wheels, range tops out at an impressive 513 kilometres. AWD versions have ranges from 459 to 494 kilometres, depending on equipment. The 85 kWh battery is capable of fast charging rates up to 150 kW. The Chevrolet Equinox is one of the newest batch of General Motors vehicles that is shipping without the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone apps, relying instead on a Google Built-in infotainment system. Whether buyers will take to this is a big question mark, but the Equinox EV otherwise looks poised to be a hit.
2024 Nissan Ariya: $52,846
The Nissan Ariya wasn’t affordable enough to make this list for 2024, but its mid-year price drops was enough to net it a spot for 2025. While 2025 pricing is not available for the Ariya as of this writing, Nissan Canada shaved $3,000 off the EV’s base price midway through 2024, bringing it to a before-fees manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $49,998. The top Evolve+ trim with AWD saw a $5,000 price drop, bringing it down to $64,998 before fees. The trim walk is also simpler than it was initially. The base Ariya Engage is equipped with a single 214 hp, 221 lb-ft motor on the front axle for FWD and has a 66 kWh battery with a range of 348 kilometres. On the Evolve trim, Nissan’s e4orce AWD is equipped, giving it 335 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque and a range of 330 km. The top Evolve+ trim is offered with FWD, where it has 238 hp and 221 lb-ft with a range of 465 km from the upgraded 91 kWh battery, while AWD bumps power to 389 hp and 442 lb-ft and range drops to 438 km on a single charge.
2025 Polestar 2: $54,950
The Polestar 2 is a car that deserves more attention than it’s received. It’s got solid Volvo underpinnings, quality finishes, great drive dynamics, an available massive panoramic sunroof, and impressive power and range. Mostly, the Polestar brand suffers from a lack of reach and awareness since its studios are mainly based in major cities. Not only is the base single-motor Polestar 2 available for less than $55,000, but Polestar is putting another $5,000 on the hood as of this writing. The single-motor version has 299 hp and a range of 505 kilometres with 19-inch wheels. Two higher-priced dual-motor (AWD) versions are also available, one with 421 hp and 447 km of range and another with a Performance Pack delivering 476 hp and 408 km of range.
2025 Vinfast VF 8: $56,026
A new challenger approaches! Vinfast is a Vietnamese automaker start-up that’s focused entirely on electric vehicles. The first model to hit the market is the VF 8, a mid-size electric SUV. The Eco trim is the more affordable version, which comes with standard dual-motor AWD, power specs of 349 hp, and an 87.7 kWh battery capable of a 425 km range. In the Plus version, priced at $61,500 including fees, power increases to 402 hp and the range comes down to 391 km. Vinfast has more models on the way, including a three-row SUV, a compact SUV, and a subcompact SUV. As with any startup, you can expect more growing pains than usual, but that hasn’t deterred the buyers we’ve seen driving VF 8s on Canadian roads.
Cheap EVs That Miss the List
While we restricted our list to the 10 most affordable electric cars in Canada for 2025, there are plenty more options that don’t cost a whole lot more. The new 2025 Volvo EX30 is a premium subcompact crossover, the smallest SUV Volvo has ever made, and it starts at $57,139 including fees. The Tesla Model 3 starts in Canada at $57,263 for 2025 for the entry-level long-range RWD version. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric SUV and Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan both start at the same price of $57,678 as of this writing. 2024 pricing on the Ford Mustang Mach-E landed it at $57,690 to start. The 2025 BMW i4, one of our top picks for the best EV on sale in Canada today, starts at $58,247. And the Kia EV6 carried 2024 pricing starting from $59,176.
FAQs
What are the changes to the iZEV rebate program?
The iZEV rebate program allows a zero-emissions vehicle with a starting price below $55,000 and a purchase price of up to $65,000 after options (or $60,000 and $70,000 for larger vehicles) to qualify for rebates of up to $5,000. Every vehicle on this list of the top 10 most affordable EVs in Canada in 2025 qualifies for this rebate. Find out more in our guide to the iZEV rebate program.
Can I apply for a provincial or territorial EV rebate?
As of the start of 2025, provincial and territorial EV rebate programs are offered in British Columbia , Yukon, Northwest Territories, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. There are no provincial or territorial EV incentive programs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, or Nunavut. In most cases, EVs that qualify for the federal iZEV rebate program also qualify for territorial and provincial rebates where they exist. These rebates are stackable, meaning some Canadians can recover as much as $12,500 on the purchase of a new electric vehicle. In some cases, used EVs qualify for rebates as well, though the amounts are typically less generous.
Is it worth buying one of the cheapest EVs?
By paying a lower price up front for your new electric car, you’ll gain the maximum benefit from those federal and provincial incentives programs while benefiting from an EV’s lower maintenance and overall cost of ownership. All listed models include infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and some offer touchscreen operation, so you're generally not compromising on equipment. Most also include features that are also standard on gas-powered equivalents such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control.
What changes are coming to Quebec’s EV rebate program?
Quebec is beginning to phase out its electric vehicle rebate program. In 2024, Quebec reduced its rebate on a new EV purchase from $8,000 to $7,000. The province plans to gradually reduce the rebate amount annually until the program ends in 2027.
Note: Images may show US models.
