With plenty of examples for sale under $20,000, the 2018 Chevy Volt is an absolute bargain. It's not fully electric, but we had to include it here because of its excellent electric range of 53 miles. Some people may never need to stop for gas if their commutes are short enough. On top of that, the Volt is surprisingly fun to drive and offers strong acceleration. The powertrain is smooth and refined, and it never stutters. 

The 2018 Volt also delivers great standard technology that includes an 8-inch touchscreen and solid safety features, such as blind spot monitoring.  

Chevrolet

Volt

2018 Chevrolet Volt

The original Nissan Leaf was a trailblazer — the one that started it all. As the first widely available EV, it didn't have much competition at first, but the situation has changed drastically since then. The 2018 Leaf lives up to the expectations with tons of cargo space and a solid range. Not least of its benefits is the price, which easily slides under our $20,000 mark. The base leaf delivers a 151-mile range, while an optional model can travel up to 226 miles. Both can be had for well under $20,000, too. 

While the Leaf's range numbers won't be suitable for road warriors on long journeys, there's plenty of mileage for commuting and running errands in town. The car's massive cargo hold and easy-to-use tech make it a pleasure to live with on a daily basis. 

Nissan

Leaf

2018 Nissan Leaf 

The Chevy Bolt offers a compelling blend of utility and functionality that's hard to beat in this price range. Though it's not a performance car by any stretch of the imagination, the Bolt feels lively and eager, and its low battery placement improves handling by lowering the center of gravity. Range lands at 238 miles, which is extremely solid for a car under $20,000, and the Bolt's excellent technology makes it easy to monitor usage, range, and efficiency. 

It's worth noting that the Bolt has undergone a major recall in recent months. All 2017-2022 Bolts were recalled for an elevated fire risk while charging. Chevrolet is fixing the cars free of charge, so you'll be able to get a replacement battery if the seller hasn't had the fix performed already.

Bolt

2017 Chevrolet Bolt

The i3 is a great choice for urban commuters with short drives. Its 81-mile range can be pushed to 150 miles with an optional range extender model, but even that is a hard number for many people to live with. That said, the i3 provides a comfortable ride and capable handling, and its upright hatchback shape allows it to fit an astonishing amount of cargo in back. Charging takes around 18 hours on household power (110V), but a 220V charger can cut the time to 3.5 hours. 

Inside, the i3 features a comfortable and forward-looking cabin with unique colors and gorgeous design. There's plenty of room for four people, but the funky half-door design for rear seat access can be difficult for some. 

2014 BMW i3

The all-electric e-Golf offers all of the great hatchback-y things that buyers love, such as extra space and spry handling, with an energetic zero-emissions electric powertrain. Range is light at just 83 miles, but the e-Golf's interior space and driving dynamics may be enough to put it on your shopping list. The hatchback's interior is comfy for up to five passengers, and the front seats are deep, well-padded, and wonderfully supportive. Tech is decent, too, with a standard 5.8-inch touchscreen , Bluetooth, HD radio, and more. 

Volkswagen

e-Golf

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf

The funky Kia Soul has come a long way since its days starring in commercials with dancing hamsters, and has grown into a useful, efficient crossover. The Soul EV offers wonderful storage space under its upright roof, and the electric powertrain delivers peppy acceleration and smooth power delivery, but only a decent range of 93 miles. Tech and comfort make up for it, with a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and more as standard equipment. Higher trims offer larger touchscreens and desirable features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and an upgraded audio systems are available. 

Soul EV

2017 Kia Soul EV

The gas-powered Fiat 500 is an engaging, fun-to-drive hatchback oozing with Italian style. The 500e builds on those characteristics with an all-electric powertrain. Though range is just 84 miles, the tiny 500e is extremely easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and its go-kart-like handling never ceases to provide a smile. Some may find the cargo space to be too tight and the back seat uncomfortable for adults, which to be fair is a feature of the 500e, not a bug. Its tiny size and bubbly shape are signature features of the car, so you should go into a purchasing decision knowing its limitations. 

500e

2018 Fiat 500e

The Ioniq PHEV still has a gas engine, but its 29-mile electric range and excellent gas fuel economy make it an attractive choice. While plain, the PHEV's interior, is clean, comfortable, and functional, and it's spacious enough for five people to ride comfortably. Tech is solid, as the standard infotainment screen runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also a decent number of available safety features, including blind spot monitoring, lane departure alerts, and automatic emergency braking. 

Hyundai

Ioniq PHEV

2018 Hyundai Ioniq PHEV

The C-Max is a little older than other models on our list, but its excellent cargo space, lively acceleration, and decent range warrant a closer look. The roomy hatchback offers a range if host 19 miles, but the battery can be replenished in just 2.5 hours. Additionally, the C-Max's interior is a nice place to spend time, with attractive styling and a tall driving position that offers a commanding view of the road. The downside here is that, despite its size and utilitarian shape, the C-Max doesn't offer an abundance of cargo space, and the ride can feel a bit harsh at times. 

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