The Cheapest Electric Cars of 2021 Won’t Break the Bank
There are plenty of new electric vehicles (EVs) on the market these days. While several new EVs will have you spending a pretty penny to ditch the pump, there are plenty of affordable electric cars worth your attention. In fact, according to U.S. News & World Report, some of the cheapest electric cars of 2021 won’t have you spending more than $40,000 on a base model.
The 2021 Chevy Bolt is one of the cheapest electric cars of 2021
When it comes to shopping for an affordable electric car, you can’t go wrong with the 2021 Chevy Bolt. Starting at $36,500, the new Chevy Bolt is one of the cheapest electric cars of 2021, U.S. News reports. That’s not all, either. In fact, depending on what state you live in, you could save a significant amount of money on this year’s Bolt by taking advantage of state EV incentives.
The 2021 Chevy Bolt is made to go the distance too. Boasting an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles, this year’s model will have you breezing by the pump all day, every day. And when it comes to charging the Chevy Bolt? It comes equipped with a standard 120-volt charging cord that delivers approximately 4 miles of range per hour of charging. Upgrade to available DC fast charging and this affordable electric car benefits from up to 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes of charge time. Not bad, right?
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is a cheap electric car under $40,000
Now, the 2021 Chevy Bolt isn’t the only affordable electric car that found itself on U.S. News’ list of the cheapest electric cars. As a matter of fact, U.S. News also included the 2021 Tesla Model 3 among its picks of the cheapest EVs. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. This year’s Tesla Model 3 starts at $39,990, making it a compelling pick for those on the hunt for a cheap electric car under $40,000.
While the Tesla Model 3 is certainly an affordable electric car, perhaps what’s most compelling about this new EV is its estimated range. Choose this new Tesla and you can count on the base model to deliver up to 263 miles of range. And when it comes to driving the Tesla Model 3? “The Model 3 accelerates quickly and effortlessly from a stop, and its sharp handling makes it a blast to drive,” U.S. News added.
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric is a budget-friendly new EV
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq is the kind of vehicle that can be had virtually any way that you want it. But if you’re shopping for an affordable electric car? U.S. News reports that the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is one of the cheapest electric cars of 2021. Starting at just $33,245, this year’s model is also eligible for up to $7,500 in federal EV tax credits. For those shopping for a cheap electric car under $40,000, that makes the Hyundai Ioniq Electric a rather compelling choice.
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric comes stock full of standard features too. Opt for the base model SE, and you’ll enjoy standard features like premium cloth seating, heated front seats, and an 8-inch display audio system featuring a high-resolution touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric can also be had with sought-after features like ambient interior lighting, a premium audio system, wireless device charging, and a 10.25-inch navigation system.
The 2021 Nissan Leaf is a cheap electric car with plenty of range
Odds are, you’ve heard of the Nissan Leaf. It’s one of the most well-known electric cars on the market. According to U.S. News, the Nissan Leaf is also one of the cheapest electric cars of 2021. It starts at $31,670 and, at its highest price, won’t have you spending more than $43,970. For those in the market for an affordable electric car, those prices aren’t all that bad.
While the new Nissan Leaf may be one of the lowest-priced EVs on the market, that’s not all it has going for it, U.S. News reports. This affordable electric car also boasts up to 226 miles of range and “easily keeps up with traffic.” It also offers up not only seating for five but plenty of cargo room too. And when it comes to features? U.S. News reports that this year’s Leaf comes outfitted with an easy-to-use infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2021 Mini Electric Hardtop is the cheapest electric car of 2021
As for the cheapest electric car of 2021? That honor went to the 2021 Mini Electric Hardtop. Starting at $29,900, the 2021 Mini Electric Hardtop is one of the most affordable electric cars on the market. It’s also eligible for up to $7,500 in federal EV tax credits, which is nothing to scoff at. And depending on where you live? This affordable electric car might also be eligible for state and local EV tax incentives.
Perhaps the only downside to this affordable electric car is its estimated range. While other new EVs on the list will have you driving well over 200 miles on a single charge, the 2021 Mini Electric Hardtop delivers an estimated range of up to 114 miles. The good news is that this electric car can be charged at more than 38,000 public charging stations across the county and can quick charge to 80% at 50KW in just 36 minutes.
Which affordable electric car is the best fit for your budget?
Shopping for an electric car under $40,000 doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with U.S. News’ picks for the cheapest electric cars in mind, shopping for an affordable electric car is a pretty manageable task. To determine which new EV is the best option for you and your budget, we recommend taking each of these cars out for a spin.