Affordable Electric SUVs Under $35K Set to Launch in 2026

Despite higher costs after federal EV subsidies ended in September 2025, buyers are expected to see many more lower-priced options for EVs in 2026, including new electric SUVs priced at $35,000 or less.

According to a recent report by The Los Angeles Times, automakers plan to introduce at least six new electric SUV models in the U.S. this year priced at $35,000 or below.

Nathan Niese, global EV lead at Boston Consulting Group, told the outlet that EVs need to move further into the mass market and that the 2026 lineup is aimed directly at that goal. He added that 2026 could be a weak year for the EV market, and that these lower-priced new models could provide support.

EV sales expanded quickly in recent years as driving range and charging speed improved and federal subsidies of up to $7,500 drew in consumers. But after subsidies ended in September 2025, EV sales slowed sharply, with price cited as the main issue.

Of the roughly 60 EV and electric truck models sold in the U.S. last year, only three were priced under $35,000. The median starting price for an EV was $59,100, nearly $10,000 higher than the average for all vehicles.

Experts say continued declines in battery costs have improved EV cost structures, opening the door to a new value-focused segment of smaller electric SUVs.

Huiling Zhou, an analyst at BloombergNEF, wrote in a recent report that the end of EV subsidies is not necessarily a negative for the overall market, adding that automakers are working to lower costs and offer more price-reasonable models.

Against that backdrop, several electric SUVs priced at $35,000 or less are drawing attention for 2026.

The Chevrolet Bolt is returning after General Motors (GM) discontinued the popular small EV in 2023. The new model is described as similar in appearance and driving range, but it uses a lower-cost battery with a much faster charging approach than before. The base version has been on sale since January 2026, starting at $28,995.

A third-generation Nissan Leaf has also launched after a major redesign, the first in about eight years. The older CHAdeMO port is gone. The vehicle now has a CCS port on the driver’s side, a standard favored by many European and U.S. automakers, and Tesla’s NACS port on the passenger side. Pricing starts at $29,990.

Among Korean automakers, Kia is expected to join the lower-priced EV race with the Kia EV3. The EV3 is one size smaller than the EV6, but its boxy silhouette and other design cues are modeled after the flagship SUV EV9. Its price is expected to come in under $35,000.

Toyota plans to introduce the Toyota C-HR BEV, which is expected to offer close to 300 miles of range while keeping adequate interior space. The model is also expected to include AWD as standard, with pricing projected around $35,000. Toyota developed the vehicle platform jointly with Subaru in an effort to reduce costs.

The platform will also be used for the Subaru Uncharted, which is expected to be smaller than Subaru’s existing electric SUV, the Solterra, with an expected price of about $35,000. The base version is designed to trade an AWD option for about 15 miles of additional driving range.

Another model drawing attention is Slate, which has set a goal of delivering its first vehicles by the end of 2026. Slate is expected to omit features such as a touchscreen, ventilated seats, AWD, and even a stereo sound system, and it is positioning a mid-to-high $20,000 price range as its main competitive advantage.

BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]