- Mini Cooper SE Hardtop
- Mazda MX-30
- Nissan Leaf
- Chevrolet Bolt EV, EUV
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Kia Niro EV
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Kia EV6
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- The Bottom Line
Electric cars have been gaining momentum in the marketplace, and they're more accessible than ever. With a big array of models available to choose from at different price points, the choice is yours. Modern transportation needs like green mobility and lower fuel costs push demand for electric cars higher. This article surveys 10 of the cheapest EV cars you can buy with your extra change from pocket or bank account!
Mini Cooper SE Hardtop
One cheap EV is the Mini Cooper SE Hardtop which has an EPA-estimated range of 114 miles. The car is a two-door, four-seat hatchback and features a 181 horsepower electric motor.
It is not as sporty in handling as you might hope, but this model still offers many amenities for the price, including a rear parking camera, keyless entry and start, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather seating surfaces on the interior with traditional shifter knob in the center console separating them from armrests upfront.
The car is also equipped with the latest assistive technologies, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The infotainment system includes a 6.5-inch color touch screen display, Bluetooth connection, and a nine-speaker audio system with satellite radio and HD radio capabilities.
Another advantage of this vehicle is that it delivers ample power to move around without breaking a sweat. Its maximum velocity is 140 mph, while the 0 to 60 mph acceleration takes under seven seconds on average.
Mazda MX-30
Mazda MX-30 is a vehicle sold by Japanese automaker Mazda as one of the best cheap electric cars. Its highest fuel efficiency of 144 MPGe and an EPA-estimated range of 101 miles makes it an ideal option for anyone looking to save on fuel costs and minimize their environmental impact.
MX-30 follows Mazda's Kodo design language, an aesthetic that is most notable for its distinctive proportions and flowing shapes. The MX-30 appears to be a small SUV with a compact crossover profile, although the compact car styling cues of the front and rear bumpers give it the appearance of a hatchback.
The car's overall shape is exceptionally low in the air, which gives it a somewhat chunky appearance. The combination of this front/rear weight distribution and tiny profile makes its handling characteristics feel stiffer than they really are.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is the cheapest electric vehicle that you can buy from a major automaker. This car has an EPA estimated range of 149-226 miles and a 147 horsepower electric motor. The interior has few frills but does have a standard 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Although the Nissan Leaf is not what most people are looking for, if you are on the market for an affordable EV or just want to know more about your options, this may be perfect for you.
This is a small commuter car, so it will not be the most thrilling or enjoyable vehicle to drive. The Nissan Leaf doesn't have many safety features that normally come standard on most cars. It has side curtain airbags and LED headlights, but nothing more than that.
Chevrolet Bolt EV, EUV
This is an electric car cheapest of the most on the market, with a very long range. It is a perfect car for the local commute or for rest of the cross-country road trip in America. Inside the vehicle, there are many new seats and a new instrument panel with a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch gauge display to show you how much battery power you have left in kilowatts, miles per hour, charge percentage, outside temperature, and more.
The dashboard looks elegant but modern too. There are three air vents at the center, and one is located on the left side of the front seats. They provide cooling air and help you reach the windows easily. The battery has a capacity of 65 kWh, which gives you a 200 hp.
Hyundai Kona Electric
An electrified Hyundai Kona Electric with a 201-hp electric motor driving the front wheels and a 64-kWh battery. It has an EPA estimated range of 258 miles, has four doors, and is compact.
The Kona Electric has all the latest technology that you need. It is both quick and efficient, with an EPA estimated range of up to 258 miles on a single battery charge. This allows you to go wherever you please without worrying about your vehicle. It also has an air suspension and a set of alloy wheels that allow you to get around without trouble. The interior is spacious enough for four people and offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen.
Kia Niro EV
Kia Niro EV is an electric car with a range of 239 miles and a 64 kWh battery that starts at $41,000. It includes driver assistance and safety features like a forward collision warning system and lane departure prevention.
With the release of its all-electric Kia Niro EV, the Korean manufacturer aims to upend the automotive industry and make electric vehicles more commonplace. This car offers a 64kWh battery with a 201hp electric motor. It comes standard with everything from driver assistance tech to an automatic braking system, usually found on pricier cars in this class.
Ford F-150 Lightning
If you're looking for a high-performance, inexpensive EV pickup truck, the Ford F-150 is your best bet. It's got dual motors and four-wheel drive to get you up those steep hills that you find in Appalachia or the Rockies.
The EPA hasn't estimated its range yet, but Ford estimates 230-300 miles on a full charge – which should be more than enough for most people. All told, it's one of the cheapest cars on the market, with a relatively long range and at least some off-road capability.
Volkswagen ID.4
Volkswagen's newest vehicle was released in 2021. It has many new tech features and a futuristic design, with a small SUV-like body. It's expected to be the best-selling car this year.
The car is great for those who want to make an environmentally-friendly change, but it is not popular for buyers that just want something fast and fun for the weekends.
The interior has some nice design touches like LED lights on each door handle that light up when they're opened and are nicer quality than most other company cars on the market today.
Kia EV6
Tired of the high price of gas and the long-term ramifications of climate change? Consider an EV6. This budget electric car is available in standard and long-range to suit your commuting needs. EV6 is America's first affordable electric car with a charge-point that can be installed outside your home!
The 2022 EV6 has both standard- and long-range battery packs, with single-motor RWD or dual-motor AWD powertrains. The EV6 can go from 10% to 80% charged in less than 18 minutes.
The EV6 features several advanced features, including a bi-directional regenerative braking system and Select Drive mode for maximum high-speed fun. Select Drive mode is perfect for city driving, as it encourages less energy usage.
While in town, the EV6 automatically modulates the throttle to maintain your speed on both uphill and downhill streets. In addition, you can adjust the regeneration rate to ensure that you always have ample battery power when needed.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a compact five-passenger all-electric vehicle available in two powertrain options. The standard battery pack includes a similar choice of standard- or long-range battery packs and either RWD or AWD.
Range, economy, practicality, and driving dynamics are the key features that make this car one of the best budget electric vehicles available to buy today. With only 220 miles of EPA estimated range, you need to be sure that you will be filling up your tank with electrics as often as possible before considering buying this vehicle. If you are willing to fill up with electrics as often as possible, this is a car that should not be ignored.
This is a good car with limited storage space because it can fit into standard parking spots and garages more easily than other models. If you need to travel at least 100 miles every day for work, this is also a great option due to its mileage and fuel economy.
The Bottom Line
This article just covered the most affordable electric cars you can buy. These cars are still new and untested, but they have one important thing in common – they're all electric. If you're looking to go green, or want to save money in the long run on fuel costs, then this article is for you!