Tesla alternatives: Four cheap electric cars

• Lease: $199 a month for 36 months
• Down: $999
• Availability: 50 states
• Driving range: 68 miles

The Smart EV's functionality is hampered by its lack of back seats and relatively limited driving range compared to other EVs. (To be fair, 68 miles is still much farther than most Americans driven in a typical day.) It's biggest selling point is still that it's really tiny, which makes it a breeze to park. Also, the electric drive system eliminates the most annoying aspect of the regular gas-powered Smart ForTwo: a rough-shifting transmission.

Another plus: Unlike many other cars on this list, the Smart EV is available everywhere in the United States or, at least will be very soon, according to Smart.

NEXT: Nissan Leaf