The popularity of electric vehicles is growing day by day, especially considering the cost of conventional fuels is rising. In the current scenario, the initial cost of getting an EV vehicle can be high, but there are affordable electric cars out there if you look closely.
This write-up aims to answer some of your common questions about buying an electric car. In the end, you can also see a list of the cheapest electric cars in 2023.
What is the cheapest electric car right now?
So, you are looking for an affordable electric car in 2023? Always make sure the car you choose is the best for you regardless of the price. Here are a few cheapest electric cars for your consideration. These will differ in features and specifications, and some are also among the cheapest used electric cars in the resale market.
Nissan Leaf
Base Price: $27,400 (+$975)
Tax Credit: Eligible for $7500 credit
Thanks to the new price cuts earlier this year, the Nissan Leaf is undoubtedly the cheapest new electric car. Apart from the Standard (S) variant, there are four other models- SV, S Plus, SV plus, and SL Plus, in the order of increasing prices.
The standard Nissan Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery that provides a limited range of 149 miles, making it suitable for shorter commutes. On the other hand, the Leaf Plus variants have a maximum driving range of 226 miles credit to the larger battery pack.
The Nissan Leaf comes with a standard fast charging port in the standard model. After the price cut, it also comes with a portable 240-volt charging cable.
The Nissan Leaf e+S, which has a 62-kWh battery, is also one of the cheapest electric cars in 2023. After deducting the tax credit, the effective price of one of these is approximately $25,875.
Mini Cooper SE
Base Price: $29,900(+$850)
Tax Credit: Eligible for $7500 credit
Mini Cooper was pushed to second as the cheapest electric car after Nissan Leaf cut prices. This is an updated version of the Mini SE released in 2020, including a new and improved electric motor.
You can find a 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery under the hood, which is best suited for shorter commutes like the Leaf. The car also comes with the same interior and tech features as the 2022 conventional hardtop and convertible models.
Even though the distance range is very limited, it is best suited for city dwellers and quality driving experience. Overall, it is best for a beginner who wants to get his hands wet in the EV sector- an affordable electric car with great style.
2021 Hyundai IONIQ Electric
Base Price: $33,245(+$1005)
Tax Credit: Eligible for $7500 credit
This compact hatchback has already made an impact on the US market. The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq is available as a gas-electric or plug-in hybrid. The 170 miles estimated range is what we expect from a 38.3 kWh battery pack and a 134-hp electric motor.
The interior and standard driver assistance tech highlights this four-door affordable electric car from Hyundai. It also comes with a DC fast charging capability and quality infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Even though other cars can rival the driving range, Hyundai offers exceptional warranties to the customers.
Mazda MX-30
Base Price: $33,470(+$1175)
Tax Credit: Eligible for $7500 credit
The 2022 MX-30 is the first step into the EV car market for Mazda, and it does not disappoint. The MX-30 is arguably the most stylish and cheapest new electric car right now.
This model comes with a 30-kWh battery pack that can give you an estimated 100 miles driving range. Since the Mazda MX-30 will be sold only in California before branching out to other states.
Apart from looks, the car’s driving range is a major letdown compared to similar models. The acceleration is perky, and the 143-hp electric motor drives only the front wheels- no all-wheel drive for now.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Base Price: $34,000 (+$1,185)
Tax Credit: Eligible for $7500 credit
Electric Kona comes with a powerful 64 kWh battery and DC fast charging capability. The bigger battery pack means the base price is a bit higher than the other affordable electric cars you saw above.
Compared to the gasoline Kona, the EV variant has unique styling and wheels along with a top-notch infotainment system. The interior holds a 10.25-inch instrument display and a touchscreen of the same size, along with a wireless charging capability.
Kona EV is known for its smooth handling and competitive driving range. The 10-year warranty provided by Hyundai is yet another reason you can go for this one.
Are electric cars worth it?
You are already planning for the future by jumping into the EV bandwagon. With the depletion of natural fuel and increasing prices, EVs will eventually replace fuel vehicles in the near future.
Electric vehicles are definitely worth it with lesser service costs and reduced emissions. You do not have to keep worrying about oil changes, part replacements, and any wear and tear.
Most people do not want to risk too much money buying an electric car- and most of them cannot afford a Tesla! As more and more companies are developing new technologies to keep the costs down, you can get into the electric car experience with affordable options very soon.
Will there ever be an affordable electric car?
The costs of gas vehicles are going up, and the pandemic has played a huge part in that price hike. At the same time, the best electric cars are still priced much higher than their gas counterparts. Since more and more companies are getting into the EV battlefield, you can expect these prices to drop with the arrival of new technology. So, yes, you can expect affordable electric cars in 2023 that are worth the wait.
How much will electric cars cost in 2030?
The primary factor determining the creation of the cheapest electric cars in a decade is battery technology. The more improvements in battery technology, the lesser the production costs will be, resulting in cheap electric vehicles.
Will electric cars ever be affordable?
Nobody knows what the future holds for EV technology and the marketplace. From recent trends, people are slowly adapting to the world of electric and hybrid vehicles-the latter having more sales.
What is the most reliable electric car?
One car that has gained the status of the most reliable car is the Nissan Leaf. Since EV technology is comparatively new, reliability analysis can be tricky. The most expensive to the most affordable electric cars can have some issues like fuel cars. But Nissan Leaf owners are happy with their purchase, and the reason is that it is one of the earliest EV models that came into the US market.
Nissan came out with Leaf back in 2011, and since then, they have perfected every aspect of the car to make it one of the most affordable electric cars in 2023.
How long will electric cars last?
At the end of the day, the reliability of electric cars is directly proportional to the lifetime of the battery pack used in the car. The EV battery pack life span can range from 15 to 17 years or around 200,000 miles in most cases. These can surely change for each EV model and company. Even though these are the figures advertised by the manufacturers, how you use your car will determine how long the car will last.
