Just because a car is powered by batteries doesn't mean it has to be expensive. These are the most affordable electric cars on the market right now.
EPA-rated range: 215 miles
With a base price under 30 grand, the Leaf stands tall as king of affordable electric cars. It’s also one of the longest-produced EVs, with a lineage tracing all the way back to 2010. The latest version has great range (for the price) and a slick yet unassuming design.
EPA-rated range: 110 miles
The first production electric Mini Cooper might not have the range of the Leaf, but the car makes up for it with impressive performance and a higher smile factor. Plus, it’s competitively priced with its gas-powered counterpart.
EPA-rated range: 259 miles
The Bolt is Chevy’s first production EV, a small hatchback designed for cities and short commutes. It’s had a checkered past with a massive fire-risk recall, but remains one of the most affordable electric cars on the market.
EPA-rated range: 247 miles
Think of the Bolt EUV as an SUV-ified version of the normal Bolt. It rides a bit higher, with slightly more space inside and a higher seating position. Range is roughly the same, as is the better-than-expected driving experience. This is, essentially, a Bolt made for ride-height-loving American shoppers.
EPA-rated range: 100 miles
The MX-30 is one of the cheapest electrically powered SUVs out there right now, though it’s hard to recommend. It has an EPA-rated range of just 100 miles, though our colleagues at Car and Driver were only able to squeeze 70 miles out of the battery in their tests. If you can live with that, you’ll be treated to nice Mazda handling, a sweet set of suicide doors, and a pleasant interior.
EPA-rated range: 258 miles
If you’d rather have a bit more range and two more real doors, theres also the Kona Electric. While we prefer the driving characteristics of the hot-rodded Kona N, the Electric has solid acceleration and plenty of range for most people. If you can put up with the weird grille-less face, it’s a great buy.
EPA-rated range: 275 miles
The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first attempt at an electric car here in the United States. It’s not very exciting and has an infuriatingly unintuitive interior space, but it does deliver a good amount of range for the price.
EPA-rated range: 253 miles
Want to lean deep into the weird design cues? Consider the Kia Niro EV. Its trippy two-tone body panels and French-car-inspired front end will make sure you stand out despite the lack of an engine.
EPA-rated range: 256 miles
The Ioniq 5 is certainly the coolest-looking car on this list. With a square-themed, retro-inspired design, it stands out amongst a sea of boring, uninteresting vehicles in a way no other affordable electric car can. Plus, it drives well and delivers impressive range.
EPA-rated range: 247 miles
The Mustang Mach-E is undoubtedly one of the sportiest cars in this bunch, utilizing a rear-drive platform and sporting some very Mustang-inspired looks. While it might not be a real Mustang, we love how it drives.
Keyword: Cheapest Electric Cars You Can Buy in 2022