Electric cars are a modern, eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. These vehicles run solely on electricity, which is stored in rechargeable batteries and then used to power the motor. Electric cars are better for the environment and offer many advantages over traditional vehicles, including lower operating costs, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.
What are the benefits of owning an electric car?
Owning an electric car is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run. You’ll spend less on fuel and maintenance with lower operating costs than a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle. Additionally, electric cars have significantly improved efficiency, which means you’ll be able to travel farther on a single charge.
Electric cars produce considerably fewer emissions than traditional vehicles, making them an environmentally friendly choice. With the ability to charge your electric car overnight at home, you won’t have to make frequent trips to the gas station, saving you even more time and money.
Researching electric car options
If you’re searching for electric car options, we want to help you find the perfect choice for your long-term needs. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 cheapest electric cars on the market today. We’ll delve into greater detail about each one, outlining their key features and specifications. This additional information will help you compare each electric car in terms of price, range, performance, and more.
Whether you’re a first-time electric car buyer or a seasoned pro, you’ll find what you need to know to make an informed decision. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make the best choice for your needs and budget. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect electric car without the hassle of endless research and comparison.
Criteria for selecting the top 10 cheapest electric cars
Before looking at the cheapest electric cars on the market, consider the most important criteria when choosing one.
Price is one of the key factors to consider when choosing an electric car. Prices can vary, which is why we’re looking at the base MSRP of each vehicle. The MSRP is the manufacturer’s recommended retail price. That provides a solid baseline for evaluating the affordability of each car electric vehicle.
Range is the second factor to consider in your decision-making process. Electric cars have come a long way in terms of their range capabilities. The range refers to the maximum distance an electric car can travel on a single charge. An electric vehicle’s range is a key deciding factor for many drivers. A longer range can give you peace of mind for long road trips or daily commutes that cover a significant distance. We will discuss the range of each of the top 10 cheapest electric cars to help you narrow down the ones that fit your driving needs.
While electric cars are known for their efficiency, performance is still essential for many drivers. Performance can be measured by top speed, acceleration, and handling. We will include these numbers and compare each vehicle’s performance in our top 10 list. That helps you better understand how each one handles everyday driving conditions.
There are many other essential convenience and safety features to consider when choosing an electric car, such as cargo space, comfort, etc. We’ll highlight the best-selling features of each of the top 10 cheapest electric vehicles to help you make an informed decision.
The 10 cheapest new electric cars
Many people want to know, how much is the cheapest electric car? The cheapest electric car 2022 model is the Mini Cooper SE starting at $29,900. Remember that MSRPs listed for each vehicle don’t include any incentives or federal tax credits. You might find a better deal than what is listed here. Search results will differ if you’re looking for the cheapest used electric car. We’ve also included several options that rank as some of the least expensive electric cars in the mid-range and luxury categories.
Read on to learn more about our list of the 10 cheapest electric cars, ranking from lowest to highest price.
Mini Cooper SE
The Mini Cooper SE is a fun-to-drive electric car with a unique, distinctive design and a reasonable starting price of $29,900. In terms of range, the Mini Cooper SE has an EPA estimated range of 110 miles on a single charge. Performance-wise, the car features a 181-horsepower electric motor that provides lively acceleration and a top speed of 93 mph.
The Mini Cooper SE is also practical for city driving. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate through tight spaces. It has a standard 6.5-inch infotainment display, automatic climate control, and an available rearview camera. The interior is stylish, with high-quality materials and a fun, playful design that fits the Mini brand.
Volkswagen e-Golf
The Volkswagen e-Golf is a compact electric car starting at $32,190. It has a range of 126 miles on a single charge, which is suitable for city driving and shorter commutes. Performance-wise, the VW e-Golf has a 134-horsepower electric motor providing quick acceleration and nimble handling. Additionally, the e-Golf is equipped with a range of safety features, such as a rearview camera and a forward collision warning system.
As for additional features, the e-Golf offers a modern infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touch-screen display and a comfortable interior with premium materials and ample legroom.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf starts at $32,550. It has a range of 150 miles per charge, making it suitable for daily commutes and short trips. The Leaf offers a smooth and quiet ride, with quick acceleration and a top speed of around 90 mph. The Leaf’s interior is spacious and comfortable, with ample cargo space and various features like heated front seats and a rearview camera. The Nissan Leaf has a five-star safety rating, making it one of the safest electric cars on the market.
Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is another affordable electric car option, starting at $33,450. It has a range of 170 miles per charge, slightly longer than the Nissan Leaf. The Ioniq Electric is known for its responsive handling and smooth ride, making it a fun car to drive. It has a sleek, aerodynamic design and comes equipped with convenient features like a large touch-screen display and wireless phone charging. The Ioniq Electric is also known for the eco-friendly materials used in the interior, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious people.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is another popular electric car, starting at $36,620. In terms of range, the Bolt EV boasts an impressive 259 miles on a single charge. Regarding performance, the Bolt EV features a 200-horsepower electric motor that provides quick acceleration and smooth handling. Additionally, the Bolt EV is equipped with a suite of safety features. Examples include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Are you looking for additional features? The Bolt EV offers an available infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touch-screen display and a spacious cargo area with up to 56.6 cubic feet of storage.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most popular electric cars available today. It has a sleek design, impressive performance, and a competitive starting price of $38,190. The Model 3 offers a range of up to 358 miles on a single charge, making it one of the best options for long-distance driving.
Performance-wise, the Model 3 is quick and nimble, with a top speed of 145 mph and acceleration from zero to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. In terms of features, the Model 3 comes with a large, centrally mounted 15-inch touch-screen display that provides access to all the car’s controls. The Tesla is packed with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking and a rearview camera.
Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV is a bit pricier, starting at $38,850, but it offers a longer range of 239 miles per charge. It has a sporty and athletic design, quick acceleration, and a top speed of around 100 mph. The Niro EV is spacious and comfortable. It has a well-equipped interior with features like heated front seats and a large infotainment display. The Niro has a five-star safety rating, making it a safe choice for families.
Did you know you can try the Kia Niro EV before buying one? Flexcar offers a convenient subscription-based service allowing you can drive a Niro EV before purchasing one.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 is a luxury electric car, starting at $44,450. The i3 has a range of 153 miles on a single charge. This range is suitable for city driving and shorter commutes. Performance-wise, the i3 features a 170-horsepower electric motor that provides brisk acceleration and agile handling. The i3 has various advanced systems, including front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. The i3 offers a premium interior with luxury materials, a futuristic design, and a large infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touch-screen display and cutting-edge connectivity options.
Jaguar I-PACE
The Jaguar I-PACE is an all-electric luxury SUV that offers a unique combination of style, performance, and features. With a starting price of $69,850, it is one of the more expensive electric cars on the market. In terms of range, the I-PACE has an EPA estimated range of up to 234 miles on a single charge. Performance-wise, the I-PACE is quick and agile, with a top speed of 124 mph and acceleration from zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The I-PACE is configured with an all-wheel-drive system, making it ideal for driving in inclement weather. In terms of features, the I-PACE offers a spacious and luxurious interior with high-quality materials and advanced technology features.
Audi e-tron
The Audi e-tron is a luxury electric SUV that offers a high level of refinement and technology. With a starting price of $74,800, it is the most expensive electric car on our list. In terms of range, the Audi e-tron has an EPA-estimated range of 222 miles on a single charge. Performance-wise, the e-tron is quick and responsive. It has a top speed of 124 mph and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.
The Audi e-tron also features an all-wheel drive system, which provides confident handling and traction in all driving conditions. Other features include a spacious and well-appointed interior with advanced technology features, such as a large infotainment display, a premium sound system, and a wide range of advanced safety features.
Comprehensive overview of the top 10 cheapest electric cars
We examined the top 10 most affordable electric vehicles currently available. We’ve considered various factors to provide you with the tools needed to make a well-rounded assessment, such as:
- Price.
- Range.
- Performance.
- Other key features.
The best deal for an electric vehicle can mean something different to each person. Your individual needs and preferences are subjective. For example, if you prioritize range, the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Ioniq Electric are great options, as they have ranges of around 150 miles on a single charge. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a car with high performance, the BMW i3, Audi e-tron, and Jaguar I-PACE are worth considering.
In terms of value for the price, the Mini Cooper SE and Volkswagen e-Golf are both relatively affordable and offer good performance. At the same time, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is an excellent option for those who want a long-range electric vehicle without breaking the bank. Finally, if you’re willing to pay a premium for a car with advanced technology and features, the Tesla Model 3 might be the answer.
The future of electric cars
The future of electric cars is promising, with new models being introduced rapidly and the cost of batteries continuously declining. As technology advances, electric cars will become increasingly affordable and accessible, making the transition to electric vehicles even smoother. Governments worldwide are also offering incentives and investing in charging infrastructure, further enabling the widespread adoption of electric cars.
Electric cars are a wise investment for the future and offer many benefits, from reduced environmental impact to cost savings. The least expensive electric cars highlighted here provide a fantastic starting point for your research. Each of these electric vehicles offers unique advantages. With the continuous development and improvement of electric car technology, we expect electric vehicles to play an increasingly important role in the future of transportation.
Flexcar’s try before you buy
Whether your goal is to reduce your carbon footprint, save on fuel costs, or embrace the latest technology, electric cars are the way to go. Are you apprehensive about whether an electric car is right for you? Consider a Flexcar to find the electric vehicle that’s right for you. Forget the short test drive. Flexcar gives you the means to try out multiple electric vehicles in a realistic day-to-day setting, so you can find your perfect match.
You can also use Flexcar instead of buying an electric vehicle. Our subscription service is the ideal way to continually upgrade to the latest and greatest in electric vehicle technology. Rather than decide on one vehicle that you’ve been making payments on for years, Flexcar!
Over time, your electric vehicle needs may change. When they do, Flexcar’s convenient subscription model lets you swap out or upgrade to a different vehicle whenever you need.
