Why spring may be the best time yet to buy an electric car

• Fluctuating gas prices are causing more car shoppers to consider purchasing an electric vehicle.
• Spring is considered a good time to buy an EV due to an increase in off-lease models becoming available.
• Automakers offered an average discount of nearly $8,000 on new electric cars in March.

Fluctuating gas prices have prompted car shoppers to consider giving electric cars another look — and now might be one of the best times to buy one.

Recharged.com said that spring is a great time to shop for a new or used EV because "March–May typically brings a wave of off‑lease EVs."

"Three‑year leases written in early EV boom years are expiring," the website said. "Shoppers trade in older EVs for the latest tech and longer‑range models. Weather warms up, making test drives and road trips easier to plan. Result: Excellent selection and variety, but prices can be a bit firmer."

The only time of year the website said might be better for buying an EV is late fall and early winter because "colder weather amplifies range anxiety, so fewer casual shoppers are in the market."

How much are carmakers discounting EVs this spring?

The average discount available on a new electric car in March was nearly $8,000, according to Cox Automotive. That's a discount as large as the previous $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs that President Donald Trump and Congress eliminated in September 2025.

"Incentives for EVs increased in March, helping improve the sales pace," Cox Automotive said.

Last month, the average incentive for a new EV was 14.6% of the average EV transaction price of $54,508. According to Cox Automotive, that discount is "more than double the industry average and an increase from 14.2%" of February's average EV price.

"One year ago, the average incentive package for a new EV was equal to 12.9%" of the average EV price, Cox Automotive added.

The average incentive in December was $10,446.12 as carmakers tried to entice shoppers disappointed by the loss of the federal tax credit in the first quarter in over a decade.

The average price of a new electric car in March was $54,508. The average price of a used EV is $34,821, according to Recurrentauto.com.

The website said used EVs are one year younger and have 30,000 fewer miles on them than comparably priced used gas-powered cars.

What are some of the most affordable EVs?

1. Nissan Leaf

List price: $29,990

What they said: "With over 15 years of proven dependability and the customer insights of almost 700,000 global sales, the all-new LEAF builds on the model’s DNA of reliable, affordable and attractive EV ownership, delivering strong value for the mass-market," Nissan said in a news release.

2. Fiat 500e Icona

List price: $34,745

What they said: The 500e Icona is "an all-new, all-electric take on the FIAT brand’s most storied and iconic model," Fiat said, adding that "the two-door fully electric 500e is the lightest passenger BEV [battery electric vehicle] in the segment, boasting an EPA-estimated combined range of up to 149 miles (240 kilometers), enabled by a 42-KWh battery with a Level 2 (11-kW) charge time of six hours."

3. Chevrolet Equinox EV

List price: $33,600

What they said: According to Chevrolet, the Equinox EV is "America’s most affordable 315+ mile range EV."