If you are interested in buying an electric car on a budget, you need to consider the economical models available. You may want to think about buying the cheapest electric cars.
Perhaps you want to buy a cheaper electric vehicle because the technology is continuously evolving, and there will be improved models in the near future.
Cheapest Electric Cars
Whatever your reasons, here are the cheapest electric cars you can buy right now.
2022 Nissan Leaf
With a starting price of under $30,000, the Nissan Leaf is one of the most affordable electric vehicles that you can buy right now. The base trim model is now on sale with a major price cut that will make it even more economical.
When it was first introduced in 2011, it was one of the first fully electric vehicles. Since that time, the Leaf has evolved continuously by getting better safety and longer range.
If you are willing to look further, you can buy the Leaf Plus, which has a bigger battery and thus a longer range.
The standard range Leaf is powered by a 147 hp electric motor and a 40kWh battery. The interior is quite modest. There is an 8-inch screen that will help you with navigation. You will also find Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Nissan has also included a charging cable of 240 volts and a fast-charging port in the model to make the deal even better. This is in addition to the price cut, which will make the model more attractive for buyers.
If you are interested in a greater range, then you can think about the Leaf Plus, which has a 62 kWh battery. The electric motor is also more powerful at 214 hp. There are 3 trim levels that you can select from.
And all of them now have big price cuts to attract buyers. Their starting prices are under $40,000. They have a portable 240-volt charging cable and a fast-charging port.
The basic Leaf Plus model has the longest range at 226 miles. Advanced trims give you a 215-mile range.
2022 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop
The Cooper SE Hardtop was at one time the cheapest electric vehicle available in the US. But now, the Nissan Leaf is selling at a lower price than the Mini Cooper hatchback. The range of the Mini is rather limited. However, it is adequate for daily use.
The sporty looks of the Cooper SE Hardtop and its good handling are worth considering. The 181 hp electric motor can go from 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds.
The Cooper also has compact dimensions that could make it a good car for getting around the city.
The company can charge the 32.6 kWh battery in around 4 hours using a public charger or a level 2 home charger.
The 2022 electric vehicle model has much of the same tech, interior, and exterior that conventional 2022 models have.
Besides the base trim model, you can choose from higher trims. Personalization options are also available for these trims.
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
The compact electric hatchback of Chevrolet got a major price cut for its 2022 model. And its looks are also now much improved.
The automaker is also helping buyers to install the 240 volt home charger. GM is providing this higher extra value since it is not eligible for federal credits.
There is also a newer model called the Bolt EUV, which is an SUV-type vehicle.
The Bolt EV now sports better looks with its improved headlights, turn signals, and daytime running lights.
On the inside, there are new seats as well as a new instrument panel that mounts the 10.2-inch standard touchscreen and the 8-inch gauge display. The new shift design makes use of buttons and toggles.
There is now more safety tech in the vehicle, such as adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, and the alert for rear cross-traffic.
The vehicle has DC fast charging available. There is also a dual-level charge cord that you can use with the 120 or 240-volt household outlets.
The Bolt runs on a 200 hp electric motor and is powered by a 65 kWh battery.
The Bolt EUV has many of the same features, but it includes differences like greater length, less range, and more space. This model is more costly compared to the compact Bolt EV.
However, the starting price of the EUV is still lower than that of the 2021 Bolt EV.
The two Bolt models look similar to one another. However, they don’t have any exterior sheet metal in common. Interior features and styling are more or less similar.
However, the EUV is the first vehicle of Chevrolet that provides the Super Cruise driver-assist technology of GM. This option costs $2,200 and is only available on the higher trim level, the Premier.
The EUV also has a fast-charging capability, much like the Bolt EV and the latest dual-level charge cable.
2022 Mazda MX-30
The MX-30 is the first fully electric vehicle to be sold by Mazda in the USA. The automaker has said that it will roll out other models in the coming years.
The MX-30 is a hatchback that looks like an SUV. The roof design matches that of a coupe. The half doors are rear-hinged, while the interior is minimalist.
You will find environmentally free materials inside, such as cork for the center console. The upholstery is made of synthetic animal-free materials, while the door trim is made of recycled plastic.
The CX-30 manages 144 hp from its electric motor. The 35.5 kWh battery drives the wheels on the front. AWD is not available.
The EPA-rated range is just around 100 miles which is lower than what you will find in the most affordable electric vehicles like the Bolt and the Leaf.
2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The 4-door hatchback is a member of the Hyundai Ioniq all-electric vehicles. Besides all the electric vehicles, you can also buy the plug-in hybrid or the gas-electric hybrid.
Previously, the range of the vehicle was just 124 miles. Now that has been upgraded to 170 miles making the vehicle more competitive.
The interior has plenty of space and feels pleasant. In 2020, the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay platforms were introduced on their standard 8-inch touchscreen.
Certain safety features and driver assistance technology features that were optional are now standard, like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
You also have options for a 10.25 in touchscreen, a blind-spot warning system, and lane-centering steering.
The DC fast charging capability is available for the Ioniq. The electric vehicle is powered by a 134 hp electric motor and a 38.3 kWh battery.
Later in 2021, the Ioniq 5 electric SUV is expected to be launched. The newer 2022 Kona Electric and the Ioniq 5 will no longer produce the hatchback, although the PHEV and hybrid versions will continue.
The Ioniq Electric is being offered to dealers in a few states with zero-emission vehicles requirements.
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
The 4 door subcompact SUV has styling and interior that matches the gasoline-powered Kona. The front is comfortable, but space is restricted in the cargo areas as well as the backseats.
An electric motor of 201 hp drives the front wheels of the Kona Electric. The battery has a 64 kWh capacity. The battery charge can go from 10 percent to 80 percent in just about 47 minutes, thanks to the DC fast charging feature.
Newer models have been rolled out for the Kona line in 2022. The Kona Electric styling upgrades such as new wheels. There are also changes to the interior, like the 10.25 in touchscreen and the 10.25 in the instrument display.
The center console has been redesigned, and wireless charging capability has been added.
The range and powertrain for 2022 are the same as what they were for the previous iteration. However, the starting price of the latest models will be $3000 cheaper than the 2021 model.
Kona Electric is being supplied to dealers in a few states where are targets for selling zero-emission vehicles. The bigger Ioniq 5 electric SUV will soon be offered for sale as well.
2021 Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV is a member of a hatchback lineup that includes PHEV and hybrid versions besides the all-electric vehicle. The EV model has the same 201 hp electric motor and the 64 kWh battery as the Hyundai Kona Electric.
The reason for this is that Kia and Hyundai are affiliated manufacturers. However, the Niro is better for families thanks to its bigger backseat.
Although the Niro was refreshed in 2020, it carries over many of its features into 2021. There is also the addition of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Some driver assistance tech features are standard. The fast-charging capability is an impressive 100kW.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 has a fair amount of room for its size. This electric vehicle also boasts better handling and a smoother ride. This is a key point because electric vehicles do not always have the best ride quality.
The turning diameter is only 33.6 feet. Drivers in cities will appreciate this feature since it will allow them to turn their cars more easily in tight spaces.
The interior boasts decent quality and a fresh design. The touch screen controls have an intuitive interface that is easy to use.
The 10 in touchscreen is available as a standard. You have the option to upgrade to a 12-inch touchscreen. The cargo capacity of the ID.4 is also fairly adequate.
The base model of the ID.4 is powered by a 201 hp electric motor and an 82 kWh battery. The car accelerates from zero to sixty mph in just 7.5 seconds.
The EPA-rated range is 260 miles. The higher trim level provides a larger set of standard features, but these reduce the range by about 10 miles.
Volkswagen has said that an AWD option powered by a 295 hp motor and 2,700-pound towing capacity will be available later in 2021.
You may like the following electric car articles:
- What to Do When Your Electric Car Runs Out of Charge?
- Disadvantages of Electric Cars
- What is the World’s Fastest Electric Car
- Benefits of Electric Cars Other than Just Being Cost-Effective
- Electric Car or Gas Car: Which is a Better Option?
- Why Is Tesla Better Than Other Electric Cars?
- Best 7-seater electric SUVs
- Can you tow an Electric Car if it breaks down
- What Happens if an Electric Car Gets Wet?
Bottom Line
Several options are available for you to buy from if you think about the cheapest electric cars in 2021. Do your research properly and make your decision.
My name is Matthew, staying in Seattle, Washington. Electric Vehicles (Electric Cars & Electric bikes) caught my attention for the last few years and my love for electric cars and bikes is everlasting. I spend many of my weekends traveling to various places all over various cities with my electric vehicle (e-bike and electric car). Here I am sharing my expertise, experience, and invaluable information about electric cars and electric bikes. Check out more.