No doubt, electric cars are gaining popularity as they minimize fueling expenditure and also contribute to the environment but it is also true that these electric cars are expensive compared to ICE cars.
The good news is, that there are lots of affordable electric cars in the market that come with good performance as well as cool features that smoothly fit your needs. In this article, we’ll try to cover the top 7 most affordable electric cars for our readers who are crazy about electric cars.
According to me, two points must be kept in mind when purchasing an EV or any vehicle on a specific budget. The first and most important thing is of course its performance and the second one is its look.
So you have to check its range, acceleration, battery performance, and navigating system. These are some pretty basic points to keep in mind. The other thing is its design and styling. After all, looks matter a lot, right…? So, here are some of the most affordable electric cars you may love.
Top 7 most affordable electric cars: 7 cheapest cars under $40,000 in the USA
Chevrolet Bolt EV starting at 26500
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is the cheapest electric car in our list of the Top 7 most affordable electric cars. Despite being the cheapest electric car on our list, the Chevrolet Bolt EV not only comes with an edgy, chick look and find interior but it also has amazing features including good legroom and cargo space.
Comes with permanent magnet motors this electric car has a 66kWh battery that gives it good range. This 5-door hatchback drives on front wheels and can speed up from 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds which is pretty impressive.
It gives a range of around 259 miles which is quite enough for city commutes as well as for long trips. This electric car’s starting price is $26500 but unfortunately, the company discontinued its product and chances are it will return in 2025 with surprising features.
Nissan Leaf starting
This 5-door hatchback is another great option for you as Cheapest electric car in the USA. Its elegant and chic design gives it a bossy look while its fine detailed premium interior makes it look comfy, this dynamic electric car starts at $28040.
Nissan Leaf has two variations, the first one with a 40kWh battery that offers an EPA est. range of 149 miles and the other one with a 60kWh battery that gives 212 EPA-est miles in a single charge. You can pick it according to your needs and budget.
If we talk about its acceleration, it takes around 6.7-7.7 seconds to flash up 0-60 mph. This Nissan Leaf comes with smart features and a navigation system. Its 60/40 split folding seats give it good cargo space and apart from this it also offers enough boot space to make your ride convenient.
Mini Cooper SE
Mini Cooper SE is one of the most affordable cars with a chic look. This 3-door hatchback has a single electric engine that drives on the front wheel. Its small size makes it suitable for city commutes while its fun design makes it cute but stylish at the same time.
This electric car comes with a good interior and offers almost all the features such as a navigating system, voice command, parking assist, cruise control, and so on which are necessary for a modern electric car.
It has a 32.6kWh battery which takes around 36 minutes to get up to 80% charge using a level 3 DC charger. And if we talk about its range it offers 144 miles. Its acceleration is also good. It can speed up 0-60 mph in 7 seconds, which is impressive according to its price.
Let’s come to its price. Mini Cooper SC starts at $30,900, which I think is a great deal. Now, let’s move to the next electric car on our list.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
If high range, good space, style, and affordable price are your priority when choosing an electric car then this updated version of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2024 is gonna be a smart choice for you as its starting price is $34050
Kona Electric has a bossy yet classic that gives it a chic look while its extended space makes it more convenient to have a fun ride with your gang. This 5-seater SUV features a roomy interior with a premium touch and has enough for people and cargo volume.
Its 65.4kWh battery takes around 45-60 minutes to fully juice up depending on the DC fast charger you are using which could be better compared to other EVs available out there. If we talk about its acceleration it takes around 6.5-7.5 seconds to reach 0-60 mph while it offers a range around EPA est. 261 miles which is perfect for city riding as well as long drives.
ALSO READ: 7 Things you should know about the cost of maintaining an Electric car
Kia Niro EV
Kia Niro EV is another affordable electric car under $40000 and stylish enough to give tough competition to its competitor (starting at $39550/39600). Kia Niro EV 2024 comes in a futuristic design that makes it look smart and elegant.
Kia comes with a high-voltage battery that takes around 6-8 hours to juice up 10-80% at home using an AC charger and with a DC charger it can take around 45-60 minutes depending on the charger. Kia is known for its performance. It’s estimated when fully charged is around 280 miles while its acceleration rate is 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds.
Apart from its cool look and dynamic performance, the Kia Niro is also loaded with smart features (including a dual panoramic display, head-up display, connectivity, and much more) that give a fun drive to its driver.
2024 Fiat 500e
The Fiat 500e is a city car and its cute design gives it an adorable yet chic look. This small electric car starts at $34095 and comes with a fine interior and lots of features.
However, it’s a tiny electric car but still, it is loaded with smart features. From a wireless charging pad, Lane, and an automated driver assist with emergency brakes to a 360-degree view camera, navigation screen system, and much more, it gives its best to make your drive fun and convenient.
It has a permanent-magnet synchronous motor and a 42kWh battery that takes around 35 minutes to charge up to 80% using a DC fast charger. As you know, it’s a city car so we can not expect a high range but still, its average range is around 149 miles on a single charge while it accelerates 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds.
Tesla Model 3
If you want dynamic performance and luxury touch in electric cars then the Tesla Model 3 is for you. Tesla Model 3 starts with a price range of $38990 which is a cool option under $40,000 in our list of top 7 most affordable electric cars.
Loaded with smart features and detailed with premium interior, this electric beast not only gives an elegant and sporty look but is all set to make your ride smooth and electric. From its white seats to its wooden textured dashboard and smart navigating system, Model 3 covers it all to make you feel special.
If we talk about its engine, it has a permanent magnet synchronous motor and offers a 57.5kWh or 82kWh battery with an estimated range of 272 miles and 341 miles (depending on the variation you choose). The Tesla Model 3 can easily speed 0-60 mph in around 5.2 seconds or less which is pretty impressive. In short, the Tesla Model 3 is fast, smooth, and fun to drive and suitable for city commutes as well as for long drives.
Bottom line
So, these were some of the Top 7 most affordable electric cars that we have tried to convert in this article highlighting the range, acceleration, design, and of course the “cost”. All the data provided in this post is based on online research. It is advised to do proper research before making any decision. Hope you love it…!!