In the last post, I spoke about how EV automakers are trying to cash in on the increasing fuel prices as EV demand has seen a spike in the last 10 months. But its not all doom and gloom, in this post, I will highlight the 4 most affordable EVs available today.
Well we know that electric vehicles don’t come cheap and leading EV automakers like Tesla that have been quite successful have always positioned EV’s as a luxury vehicle.
But recently many factors have impacted the rise of EV prices such as the raw material costs combined with inflation and not to mention the opportunity for automakers to increase price as the demand seems to shift from petrol-powered cars to EVs amidst rising fuel prices.
But the trend is changing and there has been a rise in the adoption of EV’s across the globe. Especially as countries are stepping up and integrating EV policies to catalyse adoption and even offer incentives or tax breaks to buy an EV. Therefore suggesting that if the free hand of the market prevails, then demand will likely go up and so should the supply eventually bringing the prices down. And I’m talking of the prices going below the actual ICE vehicles not just the overall cost with fuel savings.
So without further ado, let’s get to it and discuss the best 4 affordable EV’s available today.
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 EV – One of the most Affordable EVs starting at $38K
- Price (including destination): $38,790
- EPA range: 208 miles
Great news! The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV is now more affordable and caters well to the EV aspirers, especially those who are constrained by low budgets. The standard trim level starts at $38,790. The ID.4 trims are more stylish with new wheels, glossy finish and new colors, comes with a illuminated logo and a new 12 inch touchscreen making it look luxurious.
The ID.4 come in three trim levels; Standard, Pro, S, and the S Plus with two battery options, i.e. 62kWh and 82kWh. Estimated range is around 208 miles or 335 kms.
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric – (Another Affordable EV)
- Price (including destination): $35,295
- EPA range: 258 miles
The electric version of the Hyundai Kona comes has a streamlined smaller grilled front-end styling than gas-fueled versions of the small Hyundai. Kona is one of the top choices for the subcompact crossover SUV segment, with its bold design, car-like handling, and many standard features.
The standard 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric has a 201-hp electric motor offering nearly 260 miles of range on a full charge. The Kona Electric has a 64-kwh battery pack that can charge from just upto 80% in about 45 minutes when hooked up to a Level 3 DC fast-charger.
The Kona EV has a comfortable, with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system but can sit only 4 comfortably even though it claims that it is a five seater.
2022 Mazda MX-30 SUV EV
- Price (including destination): $34,645
- EPA range: 100 miles
Mazda’s first all-electric vehicle is the MX-30 SUV EV sports a stylish sharp exterior with a fairly, let’s say inadequate driving range. The EV Mazda MX-30 SUV comes with a 35.5-kWh battery pack that gives an estimated 100 miles EPA; powered by a 143-hp electric motor front wheel drive option only.
The exterior features include 18-inch wheels, automatic adaptive LED headlights with daytime LED running lights, LED tail lights, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, a sunroof, and rain-sensing wipers.
It has standard interior features with a 8.8-inch infotainment touch screen, an eight-way powered driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a keyless ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter and single-zone automatic climate control.
MX-30 is fun to drive on road and on rough patches and gives a with sharp handling. But poor acceleration, rivals such as Chevrolet Bolt, the Hyundai Kona Electric take the ranks any day.
2023 Nissan Leaf EV
- Price (including destination): $28,895
- EPA range: 149 miles for the base model
2023 Nissan Leaf EV’s are also front-wheel drive cars and it comes in two trims. The standard Leaf S comes with a 147-horsepower electric motor and a 40.0-kWh battery pack with a rather appalling 149 mile EPA. The upgraded Leaf SV Plus option demands some serious attention with its 214-hp electric motor and a larger 62.0-kWh battery with a 212 mile EPA. But even the basic trim gives more range than the Mazda MX-30 SUV EV.
All Nissan Leafs include DC fast-charging, and the drive is maneuverable and quite comfortable and it gives some snappy acceleration. The infotainment system is outdated and very basic to say the least.
Let me know your thoughts on the comments section below.
