Only 2 Electric Cars Have a Price Tag Under $30,000
There aren’t many new cars left under $30,000, so finding a new electric car under $30,000 isn’t going to be easy. With the country moving toward less reliance on fossil fuels, everyone is talking about electric vehicles. All the major automakers are adding electric cars to their product lineups as the demand continues to grow.
Despite the advantages of widespread EV use, one of the main complaints consumers have of electric vehicles is their price point, but not all EVs are expensive. Currently, two new electric car models have a starting price tag under $30,000.
Most electric cars cost as much as luxury vehicles
Most electric cars are basically luxury vehicles. Companies like Tesla, Lucid Air, and Mercedes all offer cars with loads of luxury. Meanwhile, electric vehicles sold by consumer brands tend to be SUVs, leaving consumers to contemplate the best choice for their driving habits, family, and lifestyle.
The exception to the rule is the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV and the 2023 Nissan LEAF. Both of these electric cars start at under $30,000.
The 2023 Chevy Bolt EV starts at around $26,000
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV has a consumer-friendly starting price of $26,595 before dealer fees and destination charges. According to Chevrolet, the price reflects a competitive reduction of $5,900 compared to last year’s model.
The four-door hatchback offers an EPA combined 120 MPGe with an electric driving range of 259 miles. The Bolt uses approximately 28 kWh to drive 100 miles and has a battery capacity of 65 kWh. The 200 hp FWD electric vehicle generates 266 lb-ft of torque and can accommodate five passengers.
Edmunds calls the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV a “smart pick for a low-priced EV,” saying, “The Chevrolet Bolt was early on the EV scene and we lauded it for its relatively spacious interior, fun-to-drive nature and solid amount of range.” They claim, “Those qualities are still present with the latest Bolt, and they’re joined by a nicer interior and excellent value.”
According to AutoGuide, GM is actively trying to make the Bolt lineup more competitive, with the automaker claiming “the Bolt lineup will have the second-highest advertising spend of any GM vehicle on sale.” It could be what the electric car needs to boost sales and meet consumer demand for a lower-priced EV in a competitive market.
The 2023 Nissan LEAF starts at around $28,000
According to a recent press release from Nissan, “The all-electric Nissan LEAF continues to play a key role in Nissan’s accelerating shift to electrification with a refreshed exterior treatment and new aluminum-alloy wheels for the 2023 model year.”
There are two available variants for the 2023 Nissan LEAF, the LEAF S and LEAF SV PLUS. The LEAF S gets its power from a 110 kW electric motor and 40 kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers 147 hp with 236 lb-ft of torque. It has an electric driving range of 149 miles and an MSRP of $28,040, which can potentially drop to $20,540 with the Federal EV tax credit on qualified purchases.
The 2023 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS has a larger battery (60 kWh lithium-ion), increasing its electric driving range to an EPA estimated 212 miles. The variant includes a 160 kW electric motor that puts out 214 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Inevitably, the SV PLUS carries a higher price tag of $36,040.
Using the Quick Charge Port, the LEAF S can get an 80% charge in about 40 minutes, with it taking about 60 minutes for the Leaf SV Plus.
Edmunds claims, “The Nissan LEAF isn’t as cool as a Tesla and doesn’t offer the latest in EV tech, but it’s one of the longest-running EVs on the road, offering an affordable and practical option for people wanting to drive a zero-emission vehicle.”
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