As electric cars creep to the forefront of the automotive world, more and more drivers want to trade in the gas pump for a Tesla supercharger. If you’re one of them but don’t want to spend $100,000 on a new car, here’s the guide you need to find a cheap Tesla.

MORE:

How to lower Tesla Model 3 insurance costs

The Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla you can buy

Starting at a base MSRP of $48,190 for 2022, the Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest model from the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer.

It’s clear why the Model 3 is so popular with a wide range of drivers: it combines the fantastic electric car technology of other Tesla vehicles with a starting price that regular drivers can afford to pay. Essentially a pared-down version of the superbly powerful

Tesla Model S

, the Model 3 cuts costs by sticking to the basics: a single electric motor good for 271 horsepower and

272 miles of range

, standard rear-wheel drive, and Tesla’s advanced suite of “Autopilot” driver aids, including traffic-adaptive cruise control.

While those simple specs keep production costs for the base Model 3 RWD low, the car’s two upgraded trims cost more thanks to a dual-motor construction, all-wheel drive (AWD), and added features. Here’s how starting MSRP compares for the three 2022 versions:

Tesla Model 3 RWD: $48,190

Tesla Model 3 Long Range: $59,190

Tesla Model 3 Performance: $64,190

MORE:

2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance review

RECOMMENDED

Compare auto insurance policies

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

ZIP Code

Find insurance savings

How much cheaper is the Tesla Model 3?

Even the most expensive Model 3 is still over $1,000 cheaper than the next-cheapest Tesla car—the $65,000

Model Y

crossover. Here are the starting prices for the automaker’s other new models:

2022 Tesla Model Y Long Range: $65,990

2022 Tesla Model Y Performance: $71,190

2022 Tesla Model S: $104,990

2022 Tesla Model S Plaid: $137,190

2022 Tesla Model X:

$120,990

2022 Tesla Model X Plaid: $140,190

The only new Tesla model that could give the Model 3 a run for its (affordable) money is the long-awaited Tesla Cybertruck, set to release in 2023. Although there’s no concrete pricing information available yet, rumors indicate that the Cybertruck will start around $40,000—so there might be an even cheaper Tesla EV on the block before too long!

MORE:

The most common Tesla Model 3 complaints

How to find an affordable Tesla

Tesla prices are undeniably high, especially as supply chain shortages raise the overall cost of new vehicles. Use these tips to avoid overpaying for your Tesla:

Stick to the base model. The

Long Range model

is the most popular version of the Model 3, but it’s also over $10,000 more expensive than the base model (previously known as Standard Range).

Avoid unnecessary upgrades. Do you really need Full Self-Driving Capability—or can you live with Tesla Autopilot? Skipping options and packages can keep costs low (and you’ll save on your

Tesla insurance costs

, too!)

Go used. Maybe you don’t want to take on the risk associated with a car as old as, say, the original Tesla Roadster—but going just a couple of model years back could make your Model 3 even more affordable without sacrificing much reliability. For example, Kelley Blue Book puts the fair market value of a 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range at about $38,000 – $44,000.

Look for dealer incentives. Teslas are no longer eligible for federal tax credits, but you can still find special deals and financing offers from your local dealer.

MORE:

Is a Tesla head-up display worth it?

The best Tesla Model 3 competitors you can buy for under $50,000

If your heart’s set on a Tesla, the Model 3 is the cheapest you can buy. But if you’re just looking for a stellar electric car that won’t cost an arm and a leg, it’s worth looking into these affordable Tesla alternatives:

Kia EV6:

Starting at just $41,400 for 2022, the brand-new Kia EV6 is a highly practical, astonishingly stylish electric SUV with better range than the Model 3.

Chevrolet Bolt:

The 2023 Bolt EV starts at a mere $25,600, and you’ll feel the value behind the wheel—in good ways and bad. Spacious and practical, the Bolt doesn’t pack Tesla power.

Nissan Leaf:

The Nissan Leaf, which starts at $28,040 for 2023, has been the first lady of affordable EVs since its introduction in 2011. It’s still a worthy competitor to the Model 3, especially for drivers who aren’t fussy about glitz or speed.

BMW i3:

Discontinued in 2021, the compact BMW i3 is still a great option for fans of affordable luxury electric driving. That’s a mouthful, but the average list price for a 2021 i3 isn’t: KBB puts it between $40,000 and $45,000.

Toyota Prius Prime:

No, it’s not a fully electric car, but at a starting price of just $28,700, this advanced plug-in hybrid is definitely worth your time, especially with a sexy Tesla-esque facelift on the way for 2023.

MORE:

8 top Tesla Model 3 competitors