Autotrader: The 10 most affordable electric cars on the market

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The world of electric cars is expanding all the time. With more electric offerings from more brands arriving on the scene every year, it creates more variety in alternative fuel vehicles while also making them more accessible. Electric cars are getting more practical and easier to afford. We’ve put together a list of the most affordable EVs on the market today. These models range from small hatchbacks to compact SUVs.

Here are the 10 cheapest EVs on the market based on starting MSRP before any federal, state, or local incentives.

1. 2021 Mini Electric Hardtop — $29,900

The 2021 Mini Electric Hardtop is the most affordable new EV in the U.S. It’s also one of the smallest. Its subcompact size yields a roomier interior than you might expect, thanks to the Mini’s traditional boxy shape. This Mini has an electric range of 110 miles, which is less than most competitors, but this hatchback is best suited as a city car rather than a long-distance cruiser. With a peppy electric motor and agile handling, it sacrifices none of the driving character associated with the brand. 

Learn more: What is EV, BEV, HEV, PHEV? Here’s your guide to types of electric cars

2. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV — $31,000

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV has been thoroughly updated with a new look inside and out and an attractive new price tag. The starting price is down quite a bit compared with the first iteration of the Bolt, now starting at just over the $30,000 mark. The Bolt remains a solid choice as an EV that can serve as a practical daily driver thanks to its spacious interior, modern tech features, and excellent range of up to 259 miles.

3. 2021 Nissan Leaf — $31,670

The Nissan Leaf


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The Nissan Leaf
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was the original mass-market EV. Now in its second generation, the 2021 Leaf is still a top choice in affordable, practical electric cars. This hatchback achieves between 149 and 226 miles of range, depending on which configuration you go with. Adding to its value proposition is an impressive list of standard features, which includes an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and a suite of driver assistance tech features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. 

4. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV — $33,000

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV


Chevrolet

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is an all-new compact crossover version of the Chevy Bolt. It adds some extra ride height and more legroom for the back-seat passengers without adding too much to the price tag. It has nine fewer miles of driving range than the Bolt EV, but an estimated 250-mile range is still pretty impressive. The Bolt EUV has plenty of standard and available tech features. This is the first Chevrolet model available with the outstanding Super Cruise hands-free semiautonomous driving system. 

5. 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric — $33,245

The Hyundai Ioniq


Hyundai

The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq is a small hatchback that comes in many forms, one of which is an EV. Its electric range is 170 miles, which lags behind some competitors, but the Ioniq Electric is one of the most efficient EVs in its class. With an EPA rating of 133 combined MPGe, this compact Hyundai
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has a very low cost per mile. It also has a surprisingly roomy interior and a user-friendly infotainment system, which all adds up to a good value on an efficient compact car that doesn’t burn any gas. 

More: Review: The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq, the affordable electric

6. 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric — $37,390

The Hyundai Kona Electric


Hyundai

If the electric version of the 2021 Hyundai Kona subcompact crossover is available in your state, it’s definitely worth a look. The Kona Electric is not only stylish, but it also delivers lively performance with over 200 horsepower. It also boasts an electric range of up to 258 miles, which rivals the Chevy Bolt. The Kona Electric is super efficient with a 120 combined MPGe rating from the EPA. The price might seem a little steep compared with the gas-powered Kona, but this SUV is generous with standard features and technology to make it worth it. 

7. 2021 Tesla Model 3 — $38,490

There’s a lot to love about the most affordable Tesla
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The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is both a great entry-level luxury sedan and a great EV making it a compelling package. You get a premium interior that’s loaded with tech features, engaging performance with agile handling and lively acceleration, and an outstanding range of up to 353 miles. Even the most affordable base model has a range of 263 miles and a fuel economy rating of 142 MPGe. If you’re in the market for an EV in this price range, you owe yourself a test drive of the Model 3. 

8. 2021 Kia Niro EV — $39,090

The 2021 Kia Niro EV is another electric crossover that is only available in some parts of the country. It benefits from a roomy interior for its size, a modern infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a good electric range of 239 miles. Like the mechanically similar Hyundai Kona Electric, the Kia
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Niro EV is priced quite a bit higher than its gas-powered counterpart, but it throws in a lot of desirable features to sweeten the deal. 

9. 2021 Tesla Model Y — $39,990

The 2021 Tesla Model Y is an appealing premium electric SUV for the masses. It has a reasonable starting price and all of the virtues of the Tesla brand like exciting performance, tons of modern technology, and an impressive range (up to 326 miles), plus the versatility of a compact SUV. The Model Y has an available third row of seats which adds to its flexibility, but it’s a little cramped back there. 

You might like: Volvo’s XC40 Recharge impresses for space, safety and value

10. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 — $39,995

The VW ID.4


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The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is a new player in the world of electric crossover SUVs. It signals that Volkswagen is serious about an electric future and we’re impressed with what we see so far. The ID.4 is stylish, roomy, and still manages to have the engaging driving character the Volkswagen
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brand is famous for. The electric driving range of 250 miles combined with SUV versatility makes the Volkswagen ID.4 an electric crossover you can use every day. 

This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.