As more and more people become more environment-savvy, and with gas prices staying at a high standard, electric cars have been rising in popularity as a cleaner option for drivers. Despite its zero-emission advantage, many people are still in doubt on whether to buy one. Especially in regards to its price, considered, for many, way more expensive than a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle. There is hope, after all. Many of electric car models available are surprisingly affordable, with prices that will surprise even the most skeptical of the car customers. The ranking we bring today shows what are the best affordable EVs available in the market.
Here are the 10 best affordable electric cars.
10 10. Hyundai Kona
This electric SUV, introduced to the market in 2018, delivers efficiency without lowering standards in comfort and style. Starting at $37,000, the 2019 model comes with “agile handling, an upscale cabin, and an easy-to-use infotainment system,” as a US News report said.
With an all-electric powertrain, the Kona comes a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers 201 horsepower, with a range of 258 miles. It also comes with a seven-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo, and two USB ports.
9 9. Chevrolet Bolt
The Bolt is compact that is coming with some impressive features. Starting at $36,620, it comes with 200 horsepower in its electric engine, delivering 266 pound-feet of torque. When it comes to acceleration, the car goes from zero to 60 in just six seconds. Charging is also impressive. "When it comes to charging, the Bolt takes just over nine hours to completely charge with a 240-volt charger. If you opt for DC fast charging, your Bolt will have 90 miles of charge in just half an hour," the report said. Other features in the Bolt include a 10.2-inch touch screen, WiFi spot, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
8 8. Kia Soul
Famous for its funky design and for its TV commercials, the electric version of the Kia best-seller does not disappoint when it comes to quality, maintaining the high standards of its gasoline counterpart. With an initial price of $33,950, the Soul has a great fuel economy of 124 MPGe in the city and of 93 in the highway. Although the EV version was first sold in select states, it is now available in all dealers. Other features include a touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rearview camera. Optional items include park assist, auto-dimming rear mirror, and trunk cover.
7 7. Honda Clarity
Although this model has been on the market for over a decade, only a recent all-new version of the Clarity has proven to be a right decision for Honda. Starting at $33,400, the EV comes in with a luxurious interior, but it lacks agility while on the road.
The stereo sound system also proves to be a little complicated to use. On the plus side, the Clarity makes a decent fuel economy: 114 MPGe in both city and highway, thanks to its 161 horsepower electric engine that enables a range of 89 miles. Other features include an 8-inch touch screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivities, keyless entry, and automatic dual temp air conditioning.
6 6. Chevrolet Volt
As it is the only plug-in hybrid on our list, the Chevy Volt behaves much more like an electric vehicle than it does as a hybrid. With an initial price of $33,220, it offers "exciting acceleration, an impressive array of tech features, and great fuel economy, even for a hybrid. It’s more like an EV than most plug-in hybrids, with a longer range and a higher electric-only top speed," the report said.
The Chevy model can travel for 53 miles on electric mode, with a combined engine of 149 horsepower. Other features include USB ports, Wi-Fi, and a rearview camera. Optional items include lane keep assist and collision warning.
5 5. Fiat 500e
Being at the bottom of most car rankings, this Fiat model may not bring a lot of excitement, but it is the only subcompact car with an electric version available. Another drawback is that the model is only available in the states of California and Oregon.
Starting at $32,995, the 500e has a range of only 84 miles, which doesn't sound good for highway trips, but it makes a good commuter car in the city. The small size makes the 500e great to park in tight spots. "Standard features include FCA’s Uconnect infotainment system with a 5-inch touch screen, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth. Unfortunately, that’s where the standard features end. A 7-inch touch screen is available," the report stated.
4 4. Volkswagen e-Golf
Volkswagen certainly brought the best of both worlds in the e-Golf, combining the traditional hatchback design of the Golf with a powerful electric engine. The result: a hot hatch that fans will love. With an initial price of $30,495, the electric VW hatchback comes equipped with a 134-horsepower electric motor, that delivers an acceleration that has only been seen in gasoline-powered cars, with a good handle.
Just like the old Beetle models, the e-Golf's battery is located below the rear seats, giving a low center of gravity that helps in some maneuvers. The car's range is of 125 on a full charge, which can be done in less than six hours. Standard items include a digital cockpit, replacing the traditional dashboard gauges, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a rearview camera for back-ups.
3 3. Nissan LEAF
Nissan's best selling EV was redesigned last year, only to add more technology and longer ranges. This car may be one of the most expensive in the subcompact category, but it is one of the most affordable among all kinds of electric cars.
Starting at $29,990, the Leaf comes equipped with a 147-horsepower electric motor, delivering a range of 151 miles on a single charge. That may not seem much when compared to other EVs of its category, but it is a decent amount for the price. Standard items include satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a five-inch color display. Optional items include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and ProPilot System, which was described by US News as "a semiautonomous system that can help the Leaf drive itself, even in traffic, for short periods of time."
2 2. Ford Focus Electric
This version of the famous Ford model may not be as exciting as the gasoline-powered versions for those who love speed. With an initial price of $29,120, this Ford EV is equipped with a 143-horsepower engine, delivering a 115-mile range on a full charge and a fuel economy of 107MPGe, which doesn't sound very impressive, but it is reliable and gets the job done when you need it. A drawback of the Focus is the charging process. "The electric hatchback takes just over five and a half hours to be fully charged with a 240-volt outlet. If you use a household outlet (120-volts), it will take 20 hours," the US News report said.
1 1. Smart Fortwo Electric Drive
If you are environmentally savvy, city person, who is conscious about the impact your driving makes on Earth, this is the car for you. Starting at $24,650, the Fortwo Electric Drive has a fuel economy of 124 MPGe in the city and 94 in the highway for the coupe version.
The convertible model, the other option of the Fortwo, gets 112 MPGe in the city and 91 in the highway. Its range of 58 miles on a single charge is definitely smaller than most EV models available, and it needs three hours for a full charge using a 240-volt charger. The Fortwo scores big points in the city, where "this subcompact EV can fit in almost any parking spot, making it the ideal vehicle for people who have difficulty finding parking on city streets," as stated in the report.