Prices of electric vehicles are generally on a steady decline every year. Although they are comparatively more expensive than gasoline cars, there are several electric vehicles whose prices are not too hard on the budget. Moreover, due to lesser maintenance costs, the price of an EV always balances out over time. In the long run, getting an EV can prove to be more economical than everyday gasoline cars. Although some believe that conventional vehicles are still better than EVs, the fact remains that EVs have come to stay.
Here have made a list of some of the cheapest electric vehicles that you can find in the market. Some of the EVs on this list are big on performance; some are big on carrying capacity, while others sport very high-tech infotainment and safety features. While there is a cheap electric vehicle for everyone, there is definitely one for you, and contrary to popular opinion, you don't need to rob a bank to acquire an EV.
10 2020 SEAT e-Mii Electric ($26,941)
The 2020 SEAT eMii Electric is a compact car designed mainly for city commuters. Powered by a 36.8 kWh battery, it has a range of 162 miles which is significantly more than its closest rival, the Volkswagen e-up.
You can charge the battery to 80% capacity from home in about four hours, and it also has fast charging capacity. The technology front offers an associated phone app that can be used to control lights and locks remotely.
9 2020 Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop ($30,750)
If you are looking for a pocket-friendly, electric vehicle to cruise around the city, don't look beyond the 2020 Mini Cooper SE. Although the modest 32.6kWh battery will only last for a mere 110 miles on a single charge, you will have fun driving it.
The cabin is comfortable enough, has heated seats and a good infotainment system. Safety features like the Forward Collision Warning and automatic emergency braking systems also ensure a safe ride.
8 2019 Nissan Leaf ($30,885)
Performance-wise, the 2019 Nissan Leaf is clearly behind the likes of Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt EV, but it compensates for this in other areas. The 40 kWh battery with the 110kW electric motor offers a range of 150 miles which means you should avoid highways that do not have charging points.
With a spacious cabin that seats five people comfortably and with ample space for cargo, the 2019 Nissan Leaf is not a bad way to spend your money.
7 2020 Nissan Leaf ($31,600)
Compared to rivals, the interior of the 2020 Nissan leaf is not too fancy, although it sports a 7-inch infotainment touch screen. The hatchback is powered by a 40 kWh battery and has a range of 149 miles on a single charge.
Five persons can sit comfortably in the roomy cabin, making it fit for use as a family car. Another area in which the 2020 Nissan Leaf stands out is the technologically advanced array of safety features it offers.
6 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf Electric ($31,895)
Though it trails behind in mileage, this is one EV that will give you good value for your money. Five can sit in comfort to enjoy the smooth ride it offers, making it ideal for families. Available space for cargo is small, but you can increase it considerably by folding the rear seats.
Also on offer are safety features like stability control, traction control, ABS on the four wheels, blind-spot warning, and several others.
5 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric ($33,045)
With a decent mileage of 170 miles, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric does not perform poorly. In addition to this, you can charge the battery to full capacity in six hours at home using a 240 volts charger. Alternatively, a DC fast charger could be used to do the work faster.
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The front seats are roomy, and as is typical with hatchbacks, it has a decent cargo carrying capacity. With extended warranties for the car and battery, it offers better value than its competition.
4 2019 Fiat 500e ($33,210)
The Fiat 500e, though designed for four passengers, has very cramped rear seats. Cargo space can be enhanced by folding the back seats. On the plus side, you can control music playback on the steering wheel music controls.
Safety features on offer include ABS, Driveline Traction Control system, rear parking sensors, 2-stage airbags, and cruise control. Compared to its main rivals, the VW e-Golf SE and the Nissan Leaf S, it does not offer as much as they do.
3 2019 Kia Soul EV ($34,945)
With a range of 111 miles, the 2019 Kia Soul EV constantly divides opinion. The 30kWh battery can be charged from 0-100% in five hours with a 240 volts system and recharge while driving. Although not too big on technology, it has an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Kia Soul EV can serve as a perfect family car depending on your needs since it has ample cargo space and a cabin that seats five passengers comfortably.
2 2020 Tesla Model 3 ($35,400)
Satisfactory acceleration, superior performance, seating for five passengers, and ample cargo capacity - The Tesla Model 3 is the perfect buy for those on a budget. What more can you desire in a four-door sedan? With a range of 220 miles and a charging time of about 30 minutes, you can take it out of town without fear of being stranded.
The Tesla Model 3 comes with a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen and fantastic safety features that guarantee it remains one of the favorites in its class.
1 2020 Chevrolet Bolt ($36,600)
Another EV that you can never go wrong with is the Chevrolet Bolt, and it comes with fantastic specifications. You need 10 hours to fully charge this impressive hatchback with a 240 volts charger and an impressive 259 miles to use up the juice.
With a mere 30 minutes of DC fast charging, your Bolt is good for 100 miles. The smooth and rapid acceleration, roomy interior, and various high-tech infotainment and safety features all combine to make driving fun.