What’s in a price? Good is cheap in electric vehicles

Cars.com has compiled a comprehensive list of the top 11 current cheapest electric vehicles. It’s a varied list; nine manufacturers are represented. Starting prices range from $28,375 to 44,445.

The average price of a new car in the United States for the first time recently surpassed $45,000. Most of the vehicles are eligible for federal and state tax credits and, in some instances, local rebates.

The current cheapest electric vehicle available in the United States is the 2022 Nissan Leaf. It has a starting price of $28,375 and has a range of 149-226 miles, with the official estimates to be determined.

Electric Vehicles: 11 at $45,000 or less

Here’s what Cars.com wrote:

“The news for 2022 is that the standard-range Leaf has gone on sale with a price cut of more than $4,000 for the base trim level, called the S. That makes it currently the most affordable new EV you can buy.

“The small four-door hatchback was one of the first fully electric vehicles available nationwide when it rolled out in the U.S. as a 2011 model; over the years, the Leaf has improved with more range and added safety tech.

“It also got a longer-range sibling, the Leaf Plus, with a bigger battery. The standard-range Leaf has a 40-kilowatt-hour battery and a modest 147-horsepower electric motor.

“The interior has few frills but does have a standard 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition to the price cut for 2022, Nissan also added a standard fast-charging port and portable 240-volt charging cable to sweeten the deal.”

Electric Vehicles: Lots of choices

The most expensive EV of the 11 cheapest current models is the 2021 BMW i3. It has a starting price of $45,445 and has an estimated range of 126-154 miles, expanding to 200 miles with an optional gasoline range extender.

Here’s what Cars.com wrote:

“BMW’s futuristic little i3, a four-seat hatchback, is being retired for the U.S. after the 2021 model year as BMW shifts its electric “i” models to more conventional-looking EVs, such as the upcoming i4 sedan.

“But 2021 i3 models will remain available for a time, if you’re looking for a distinctive small city car with limited range (the i3 has a 42.2-kWh battery) and a premium interior featuring natural materials. The i3’s body has a design with no middle pillar and rear-hinged half-doors for access to the rear backseat. It’s offered in a base model with a 168-hp electric motor in the rear and a sportier i3s trim level with a 181-hp motor; the latter can hit 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.”

“The i3 has fast-charging capability to hit 80% charge in 40 minutes; it can charge to 80% in five hours on a home charger. Unlike the other EVs on this list, BMW also offers the i3 and i3s models with a small, range-extending gasoline engine ($3,850).”

“Adding it cuts all-electric range to 126 miles, but then it runs as a series hybrid with an EPA combined rating of 31 mpg on premium fuel — though only for another 74 miles by dint of a small fuel tank, giving it a total EPA range of 200 miles from gasoline and electric power.”

Electric Vehicles: Rebates aplenty

Here’s the list of the top 11 current cheapest RVs in the United States, with year and starting price, excluding incentives.

2022 Nissan Leaf, $28,375;
2022 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop, $30,750;
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV, EUV, $31,995;
2022 Mazda MX-30, $34,645;
2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric, $34,650;
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric, $35,185;
2021 Kia Niro EV, $40,265;
2021 Volkswagen ID. $41,190;
2021 Tesla Model 3, $41,190;
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E; $43,995;
2021 BMW i3, $44,445.

To read the complete report, visit: Cars.com/Electric Vehicles