Think you can’t afford an EV? Think Again, Maybe?
Sure, the pricetag of the Lucid Air is around $154,000, it’s a full electric spaceship. That’s out of the price range of most of us, and it’s not exactly typical of the market. The fact is, right now, you can drive a full electric car for a reasonable price. In fact, of our top ten selections only one breaks the $40,000 mark, and the prices actually start at around $27,000, with the mature Nissan Leaf.
The EVs on this list are all proven and reliable vehicles. Over 2.9 million plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles have been sold in the U.S. since 2010. Battery electric vehicles make up 3.4% of light-duty vehicles sold in the U.S. When you add hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, EVs now surpass 10% of light-duty vehicles sold.
Global electrical vehicle adoption is accelerating at breakneck speeds: world EV production is expected to top 4 million cars this year, with that number expected to balloon to more than 12 million in 2025. Deloitte projected that 2022 will be a tipping point for EV costs, making them cost competitive with their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.
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Nissan Leaf –$27,400 An EV with decent range that costs less than the rest? That’s the Leaf’s formula, and it’s a hard one to resist. With an EPA-estimated 149 miles of range, his Nissan can easily cover most daily commutes and driving situations. It’s also quick to accelerate and handles well. In terms of features, even the entry-level Leaf comes well equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, automatic emergency braking and a blind-spot warning system.
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Mini SE Electric –$33,900 Based on the Hardtop 2 Door, the Cooper SE is all about affordability as well as the usual style and fun. The Cooper SE got an update last year that added a standard digital instrument panel and a larger standard 8.8-inch touchscreen.
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Chevrolet Bolt EV –$31,500 The Bolt was substantially upgraded for 2022 and many of its prior shortcomings were addressed. Notably, the styling was refreshed, the front seats got more comfortable, and the new infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
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Hyundai Ioniq Electric –$33,245 The 2023 Niro EV gets a full redesign that gives it fresh styling and serious cabin upgrades, including animal-free materials and a headliner made of recycled wallpaper. Standard equipment is also generous, with a pair of 10.3-inch display screens provided even in the entry-level model.
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Mazda MX-30 EV –$33,470. Mazda’s all-electric MX-30 EV is the company’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) for North America. It has going for it, however the restyled, electrified sibling of the popular, gasoline-burning Mazda CX-30 — offers only 100 miles of range. Overall, the MX-30 provides a nicely done interior, good ride comfort, lots of standard safety and driver-assist systems, and a very Mazda-like driving experience.
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Chevrolet Bolt EUV –$33,500. With convenient and easy charging options, energy-optimizing tech and a plethora of EV perks, like saying “so long” to gas stations, Bolt EUV proves the future is electric. The Bolt EUV launched in 2021 with more interior space, a more modern look, and the option add the best hands-free highway driving system on sale today. Now, a massive price cut for 2023 is transforming what was already a good car at a reasonable price into a veritable bargain.
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Hyundai Kona Electric –$34,000. Lots of electric range, a well-appointed interior, and a g long list of standard features. It’s quick, nimble and, well, fun to drive. A refresh last year gave the SUV a number of tasty features. The Kona EV also massively outperformed its 258-mile EPA range estimate in our testing, covering a whopping 308 miles of range.
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Hyundai Ioniq 5 –$39,700. Hyundai designed the Ioniq 5 for EV comfort, giving it an unusually wide 118-inch wheelbase delivering a smoother, amore comfortable ride. Even with outsize 20-inch wheels, the Hyundai manages to glide past the firm, harsh fate of many of its counterparts.
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Kia Niro EV –$39,990. Standard equipment is generous, with a pair of 10.3-inch display screens provided even in the entry-level model at the Niro EV’s starting price. The Kia also delivers an EPA range estimate of 280 miles. The Niro EV fits nicely into the Hyundai EV lineup — it’s larger than the other vehicles on this list but still a bit smaller than compact electric SUVs like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Kia’s own EV6.
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VW ID.4 –$41,230. Okay, it’s not UNDER $40K, but at just above that threshold is the Volkswagen’s 2023 ID.4 SUV. Yes, it is the highest-priced EV on our list — and may be worth the extra scratch. It nicely pairs practicality with comfort and adequate driving range to allow drivers to make the switch from internal combustion. The ID.4’s EPA-estimated range of 250 to 260 miles is plenty for most EV buyers, and Volkswagen is throwing in three years of complimentary DC fast charging at Electrify America stations. Overall, the ID.4 has everything necessary to be an intriguing pick for an electric SUV.
