While it is now clear the automotive sector is moving towards an electrified future, challenges remain in getting customers to invest their money in such vehicles. Stringent governmental regulations are seeking to encourage electric vehicle (EV) adoption, by penalizing those who have the most polluting vehicles. Many consumers are now at a point where they would be happy to give an EV a go, but financial barriers constrain many from making the leap from combustion-powered cars to electric.
Current high global oil prices have sent gas prices soaring, this may in itself push people towards electric-powered options sooner than many had anticipated. On a practical level, household budgets are highly constrained for many people at the moment, and this is pushing EVs further out of reach. Fortunately, there are still several models which offer great value for money and could prove to be great options for many buyers. It is worth acknowledging value for money does not simply mean the cheapest on the market. The following 2022 electric cars have earned their place because when considered as a complete package, they justify their price tags.
10 Volkwagen ID.3 ($43,353)
The compact and eclectically styled ID.3, is the first Volkswagen electric-powered vehicle to have been built from the ground up. In many ways, it is an electrified alternative to the Volkswagen Golf.
The car combines decent practicality, with a compact body form. Cargo space is a reasonable 385 liters, and that is enough to satisfy many buyers. The car's range varies from 217 miles up to 336 miles depending on the battery size selected. As a complete package, the car offers great value for money, starting at just over $43,000.
9 Honda E ($34,000)
Via: Netcarshow
The quirky Honda E is a retro-inspired electric supermini and will be the brand's first fully electric vehicle. The car can seat four adults, despite its compact size.
The entry-level model will have a power output of 136 hp, while a more expensive 154-hp version can also be chosen. The car will travel from 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which is decent enough, but maybe a little disappointing given the rapid performance we have come to expect from an EV.
8 Tesla Model 3 ($39,640)
Few brands are as widely known for selling electric vehicles as Tesla. Since the launch of its first model, the company has largely sold cars with price tags unachievable for many. The launch of the Model 3 changed that, and today many more people can own a Tesla.
The car has been a huge success, with over 1 million sold. The great value entry-level model provides a very usable 267-mile range. The car is fairly rapid too, with a 0-60 mph time of just 5.8 seconds.
7 Nissan Leaf ($27,400)
One of the original compact EVs, the Nissan Leaf is now in its 2nd generation and has recently been facelifted. In its largest capacity specification, the Leaf has a reasonable 200-mile range. This should satisfy many people for their regular, habitual driving.
The least expensive model is known as the Leaf S and comes fitted with a 147-hp electric motor and a 40.0 kWh battery pack. The Leaf will waft comfortably to 60 mph in around 7.4 seconds.
6 Peugeot e-208 ($36,515.52)
Via: Netcarshow
< The Peugeot e-208 is a smartly styled car, which should appeal to a range of buyers. The e-208 looks just like a regular hatchback, and therefore potential owners can easily see how the car could become a replacement for their current models.
The official range as stated by Peugeot is a decent 225 miles. This range is thanks to the car's 50 kWh battery, rapid charging comes as standard. Utilizing a 100 kW charger, the car will charge from 10-80% in 27 minutes.
5 Mazda MX-30 ($33,470)
Mazda has produced some seriously good SUVs in recent years. The interiors in particular have often been class-leading. The MX-30 combines these attributes with an electric powertrain.
The MX-30 provides an EPA-rated range of 100 miles. While this isn't the highest on this list, Mazda state it is highly usable as typical Americans only travel around 30 miles per day.
4 Mini Electric ($30,750)
The compact and retro-inspired Mini was updated in 2021. The car received an improved infotainment system and an increased number of personalization options became available. The Mini is decently rapid, with a 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds.
The car comes fitted with a 32.6kWh battery, which provides a usable 140-mile range. Fortunately, 50 kW rapid charging can significantly top the battery back up to around 80% in an hour.
3 Skoda Enyaq iV ($46,090)
The Skoda Enyaq iV is the first SUV from the brand to be powered by a fully electric powertrain. The Enyaq is a great value option for families looking to invest in an EV.
The car combines space and practicality, with a 252-mile range from the entry-level iV 60 model.
2 Renault Zoe ($26,000)
The Renault Zoe, just like the Nissan Leaf, was one of the original electric cars, especially in the supermini segment. The model has advanced significantly since the original version and now offers up to 245 miles of range. Providing the energy for this is a 52 kWh battery.
Via: Netcarshow
The entry-level motor is named the "R110" and produces 108 hp. Disappointingly, 0-60 takes around 11 seconds, which leaves a little to be desired from a modern EV.
1 Fiat 500 E ($16,311.74)
The least expensive option on our list is the new all-electric Fiat 500. The ever-popular city car has enjoyed massive sales success since its 2007 relaunch. Fortunately, the electric powertrain suits the car arguably better than its petrol predecessor.
Via: Fiat