The Cheapest Cars to Own in the US Are Chic, Retro EVs

When it comes to the total cost of car ownership, these stylish compacts are giving fuel-sipping hybrids a run for their money. A comprehensive study covering 50 new models has crowned a pint-sized electric city car as the most budget-friendly vehicle to own and drive in America. The retro-styled Fiat 500e takes the top spot, outpacing its rivals by a solid margin of around $1,300 per year in savings. But the real surprise? The second most economical EV on the list also hails from the same corporate family, signaling a broader trend in affordable electric mobility.