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The 20 Cheapest Electric Cars of 2022

2022 Fiat 500

The cost of electric vehicles held consumers with budgetary concerns back for the first few years of their production. As the technology becomes less expensive, the price of these ecologically beneficial vehicles is going down. Drivers concerned with the environment who don't mind the tax incentives are finding EVs more affordable than ever. Here are the 20 cheapest electric cars on the market for 2022.

2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric

20. 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Price: $51,700

Although nearly $52K for the base model may not sound affordable, for a Volvo, it is. The Recharge Pure electric is a luxury vehicle offering a comfortable ride and driving pleasure with fast acceleration. It's available in a choice of 3 trim levels with fast charging capability. The EPA range is 223 miles on a full charge. It's a bit outdated and only available in one drivetrain, but the driver and passengers won't complain about the luxury features for the price.

2022 Polestar 2

19. 2022 Polestar 2 Price: $47,200

Car and Driver explains that the 2022 Polestar is a hatchback-style vehicle with four doors in a sedan platform. The crossover is all electric and is similar to Volvo in a branding that spun off from the performance division. You can find the Polestar 2 in all-electric and plug-in hybrid selections. It's available in a front-wheel-drive version with a single motor with a range of 270 miles on a single charge or a dual motor option with fewer miles and AWD. The interior has many luxury features like an infotainment system with intuitive technology.

2022 Tesla Model 3

18. 2022 Tesla Model 3 Price: $46,990

Tesla's Model 3 has one of the most impressive driving ranges. US News reports that the 2022 edition gets 272 miles on a single full charge. It offers a spacious interior with sharp, crisp handling. It's appreciated for fast acceleration. Tesla led the way for the others to follow in EV technology and production vehicles. It's a small sedan that seats five with ample cargo space. If this is in your wheelhouse, it might be worth your consideration.

2022 Audi Q4 40 E-Tron

17. 2022 Audi Q4 40 E-Tron Premium Price: $44,295

Motor Trend recommends the Audi E-Tron from the German automaker as one of its most affordable electric vehicles for 2022. The E-Tron is a compact SUV with a chunky aesthetic as a part of its entry-level lineup of fully electric vehicles. A single electric motor generates 201 horsepower in a rear-wheel-drive edition. The mileage range is yet to publish. The E-Tron's EPA is around 260 miles on a single charge.

2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E

16. 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select RWD Price: $43,005

The Mustang Mach-E's base model is a rear-wheel drive edition with an estimated mileage range of 230 miles on a single full charge. The new Mustang appeals to drivers seeking cleaner alternatives to fuel-powered vehicles. The demand for the car is so high that it sold out weeks ago. You can still order your customized 2022 edition, but you can expect it to remain on back-order for about 20 weeks. Ford is working overtime to fulfill current orders. It's the least expensive in Mustang's all-electric lineup, but you can upgrade to the GT or Premium models if you don't mind the higher sticker price.

2022 Volkswagen ID.4

15. 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Price: $42,525

Volkswagen has gone over and above with its progressive EV technologies for the 2022 ID.4. It's the least expensive fully-electric vehicle in the brand's lineup, boasting a 201 horsepower engine. The rear-wheel-drive version can travel up to 275 miles on a full charge. If you prefer to upgrade to an AWD with a dual motor for an extra $3,680, you gain 94 additional horsepower but sacrifice the driving range to 251 miles on a full charge.

14. 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Price: $41,245

the Ioniq 5 is similar to the Kia EV6. It's the entry-level EV for the brand in an affordable SUV styling. The single rear-mounted motor with the 58 kWh battery generates 168 horsepower. The driving range is 220 miles on a full charge. You can upgrade from the base model to a dual motor with a higher kWh battery pack AWD for more power and zip, but you'll sacrifice the mileage.

2022 Kia Niro EV EX1

13. 2022 Kia Niro EV EX Price: $41,165

The 2022 Kia Niro EV EX is an all-electric car based on the same platform as the Hyundai Kona EV, with less excitement and a more practical approach. The cargo and backseat areas have more space but the cost is a bit higher compared with the Kona. The power is reasonable, and its acceleration takes you from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The mileage range is 239 miles on a single full charge. The interior is comfortable with plenty of leg room which makes it a great option in the $40k price range.

2022 Peugeot e-208

12. 2022 Peugeot e-208 Price: $36,515.62

Hot Cars points out Peugeot's e-28 as an affordable hatchback. The 50 kWh battery is built for rapid charging of up to 80% in 27 minutes. It's a stylish European model that has plenty of eye appeal and rider/passenger comfort on the interior. It's affordably priced in the EV market and offers up to 225 miles on a full charge. If you're near a station, a decent load of power will cost you less than a half hour's wait time.

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL

11. 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL Price: $35,185

Kona Electric has a lower price for 2022 than the previous model. It's cheaper by about 3 thousand dollars, reflecting the more reasonable pricing of electric vehicles as the newness of the technology begins to wear off. The Kona all-electric SEL has a driving range of 258 miles on a single charge. It's also eligible for tax incentives at the federal and state level to make it an even more affordable choice in EV driving. The hatchback styling offers plenty of cargo and leg space with a comfortable interior, agile handling, and decent acceleration.

2022 Mazda MX-30

10. 2022 Mazda MX-30 Price: $34,645

The Mazda MX-30 is an all-electric SUV that is new for 2022. If you're looking for a comfortable family vehicle, it's one of the most affordable. The model is limited to sales in California, and only 560 will be available for 2022. Although it's one of the least expensive models, the electric motor is a bit lackluster with 143 horsepower and an EPA driving range of only 100 miles on a full charge. The car's battery is just 50 kW and it doesn't charge very fast. There are a few reasons why it's so inexpensive, but if you're looking for an affordable commuter car for short drives, it's worth considering.

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

9. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Price:$34,495

The Bolt EUV is one of the best values for the price with high ratings from Car and Driver. the all-electric SUV is front-wheel-drive with a rating of 247 miles on a full charge. It's one of the best values in small EVs with dealers offering deep discounts of up to $6,000 to sweeten the pot for the upcoming 2023 edition. For the 2022 model year, you can get federal and state tax credits for buying a new 2022 electric vehicle.

2022 Honda E

8. 2022 Honda E Price: $34,000

The Honda E is a supermini vehicle that isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it's a small car that is ideal for a commuter. Its 136 horsepower engine is not the most powerful, but for a higher price, you can opt for the 154 horsepower edition. ratings show the car moves from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. It's a bit lackluster in performance with a short range of just 137 miles on a full charge, but it's decently priced and a nice option for short commutes.

2022 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop

7. 2022 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop Price:$30,750

The 2022 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop in an all-electric platform has the classic visual pizzazz of the mini with a modern updated exterior aesthetic. It's reasonably priced at just a hair under $31K for the base model. The two-door hatchback has a distinctive British eye appeal, but its driving range puts it in the bottom category of desirable EVs. It only gets 114 miles on a full charge, making it best as a commuter for short trips.

2022 Nissan Leaf

6. 2022 Nissan Leaf Price:$28,495

The Nissan Leaf is the first EV on our list to fall in the under $30K bracket. It's a budget all-electric car with modern aesthetics and a decent driving range of 149 miles on a full charge. It's Nissan's entry-level version that features a 147-horsepower electric motor with a small 40 kWh battery pack. If you want to upgrade that leaf for an extra $5K, you can get the Nissan Leaf S Plus to advance the mileage to 226 miles. The engine is more powerful with 214 horsepower and the battery pack is larger at 62 kWh. Whether you choose the Leaf or the Leaf S Plus, they're both exceptional values for the mileage.

Vauxhall Opel Corsa-e

5. Vauxhall Opel Corsa-e Price: $26,362.09

Opel announces its Vauxhall/Opel Corsa-e option at a remarkably loc starting price that is under $26.5K. the vehicle is all electric in a hatchback styling that augments the cargo space. The electric motor generates 136 horsepower and achieves 60 mph from a standstill in 8 seconds. It's not a fast car by any means. the top speed is rated at 93 mph. Its 50 kWh battery surprisingly works in conjunction with the motor to dish out a nice driving range of 222 miles, which is impressive given the engine power and small battery capacity.

2022 Renault Zoe

4. 2022 Renault Zoe Price: $26,000

The 2022 Renault Zoe is classified as a supermini car with an all-electric drivetrain. It's been around for a while, similar to the Leaf. Renault's engineering team has harnessed EV technology to improve the mileage rating of the vehicle to a whopping 245 miles on a single full charge. It's an entry-level vehicle equipped with the electric R100 motor producing 108 horsepower. It has a 52 kWh battery, and lackluster performance with acceleration taking 11 seconds to move from zero to 60. If you don't mind a laid-back ride, it's hard to beat the price of the Zoe.

Smart EQ For Two or Four

3. Smart EQ For Two or Four Price: $25,767

The Smart EQ for Two or Four is the quintessential tiny Smart Car. It's easy to spot them on the road because of their quirky design. The first Smart cars came out in 2020. It's one of the cheapest all-electric cars on the market today, but to save money, you'll sacrifice the mileage and pep you could get with other vehicles. It's a compact convertible that can accommodate two people with an 81-mile range on a full charge. It takes 12 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60. the 4-passenger version takes mileage down to 79. We're not saying it's the best, but it is one of the cheapest.

2022 Seat Mii Electric

2. 2022 Seat Mii Electric Price: $23,914.23

Just when you thought you'd seen rock bottom prices on the new electric vehicle options, Seat Mii' electric shows up on the scene. It's a compact EV that's priced under $24K in practical styling. The Mii has one of the smallest battery packs we've seen at just 36.8 kWh. Still, it has an EPA rating of a 160-mile driving range. Although not the best or most comfortable option, the price is low and it's an affordable option to drive a clean running vehicle to do your part to save the planet.

2022 Fiat 500

1. 2022 Fiat 500 Electric Price: 16,311.74

The cheapest all-electric vehicle for 2022 is Fiat's 500 Electric. Earlier versions were hailed as the best commuter car for city driving. It's been refitted with an electric powertrain that has the smallest battery pack of all EVs at 24 kWh. The electric motor is just 93 horsepower, so don't expect much pep from the tiny commuter. The base model is rated at a driving range of 200 miles if you upgrade to the high-range engine with 115 horsepower. Larger battery options are available for a higher price tag.

Benjamin Smith

Written by Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Smith is one of the managing editors of Moneyinc. Ben's been focusing on the auto and motorcycle sector since 2005. He's written over 1000 articles in the space and continues to learn about it each day. His favorite car is "any Bugatti" and he's a die hard Harley Davidson fan.

Read more posts by Benjamin Smith

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