Electric vehicles are the way of the future, but given that a new Tesla will set you back over $50,000, this seems like a long way off for most of us. Of fact, Tesla is not the first company to release an electric vehicle on the market.
For that reason, we have taken the time to put up a list of the most reasonably priced electric cars from reputable manufacturers for 2024; let us get started.
1. Citroen AMI
Though it is not the most powerful car (actually not even a car) available, the Citroen AMI is the most reasonably priced. actually speaking, it is a quadricycle, which is a vehicle with four wheels by definition.
In essence, a 16-year-old who has yet to obtain a complete driving license can operate it as it is not a car.
You will not be taking long road trips with the Citroen AMI, but it is handy for short commuting in town because to its 47-mile electric range. Other features include only two seats and a top speed limit of 28 mph.
Furthermore, since an electric car produces no emissions, it is ideal for you if being environmentally conscious is your main reason for purchasing one.
Furthermore, because there are no loud engine noises to worry about, the drive is incredibly silent.
Though it does not move very quickly, this does not account for the cowboys on the road who might cause one with you, which is a serious issue when driving one of them.
What will it cost you? This inexpensive electric car will cost you $7,995 in cash.
2. Smart EQ Fortwo
With its 98-mile range, this two-seater hatchback is perfect for densely populated areas where parking may be difficult to come by. Its ample battery will allow you to reach your destination.
Unfortunately, because of its small size, it might be a more comfortable drive and can feel a little choppy while turning curves or traveling on the freeway.
These little automobiles have 81 horsepower and run on 17 kWh batteries.
The car has a touchscreen as well, albeit the screen is a little slow and the sat-nav is among the most poor available, but at least charging does not take long—with a 22 kWh fast charger, it will only take around 40 minutes.
One of these automobiles is among the least expensive electric vehicles; the current range of costs is approximately $20,100.
These kinds of used electric automobiles may also be less expensive.
3. Fiat 500 Electric
The well-known Fiat 500 is now an electric vehicle and is among the most affordable models available, making it a formidable contender in the market.
For your first electric vehicle, the Fiat 500e is a great option thanks to its incredibly simple design.
Despite having a similar appearance to petrol or diesel vehicles, it is distinguished from them by its innovative digital dial display and absence of an exhaust pipe.
The Fiat 500e also provides enough for four passengers, unlike the previous two vehicles on our list, however those passengers will need to be very little.
Not much room at all—not even enough to accommodate a child seat.
There are two battery options available: a 23.7kWh or 42kWh battery with a 115 or 199-mile range, respectively. Its battery can be charged in six hours using a 7.4kW wall box.
Additionally, there is a selection between two different motors: a 95- or 118-hp motor.
A new Fiat 500e should cost you at least $22,335 to purchase.
4. Volkswagen e-Up
The Volkswagen e-Up is an excellent little electric vehicle for quick commuting and effortless city driving.
But VW has not really changed this electric car; it is still a rather basic machine.
Its dashboard, doors, and basic heating controls are all made of the typical harsh plastics.
The e-Up also has a rather straightforward infotainment system.
Because the e-Up comes with a range of about 160 miles, it may not be equally convenient for very long trips; however, a fast charger can charge the car from empty to 80% in just one hour.
In terms of space, its interior has plenty of room for people of average height, both in the front and the back.
Even though new car production has ceased, many secondhand models are still available.
With a value ranging from $23,650 to $25,105, this automobile is undoubtedly among the least expensive electric vehicles available right now.
5. Renault Zoe
This low-cost electric vehicle is enjoyable to operate and is ideal for navigating major cities' rush hour traffic.
Along with being perfect for lengthy travels, its 239-mile range means you can get a good distance on a single charge. Plus, it has cruise control, so driving will be easy.
It shares a somewhat more capacious rear end with the Fiat 500e, but it is still very cramped, with room for a child seat.
The height of the Renault is another problem because taller passengers run the risk of banging their heads on the roof line.
It is noteworthy that this Renault received a score of zero stars in the Euro NCAP crash test, which involves vehicles being tested at 50 km/h against a rigid barrier that completely covers the vehicle.
The new Renault Zoe is priced at $29,995.
6. MINI Electric
Similar to the first MINI, the MINI Electric is establishing itself in the small car market, sporting the iconic MINI wheels and the same familiar appearance.
The electric version of the MINI, in contrast to the original, features roughly oval-shaped, matte-finish digital dials that display your speed, trip information, range, and power consumption.
It also features Apple CarPlay, a SatNav, and an entertainment system.
Additionally, charging is quick; a 50kWh rapid charger may do the task in around 35 minutes, whereas a 7.4kWh wall box charger will take three hours.
MINI Electric models are priced at $29,000 for a level 1 model, $31,000 for a level 2 model, and $34,500 for a level 3 model.
7. Peugeot e-208
This affordable electric vehicle has a 50kWh battery, a 134hp electric motor, and an amazing 225-mile range—largely because of mechanical improvements made in late 2017.
It is among the top long-distance electric vehicles on this list because to its range.
This model's minimal operating costs make it fantastic, but its spaciousness might use some work.
Although there is a fair lot of boat room, taller individuals may find the back seat area to be a little constrained.
The Peugeot is capable of comfortably maintaining a 70 mph cruise pace, in contrast to other electric vehicles.
This car may be purchased for between $30,195 and $34,645.
8. MG 5 EV
MG 5 EV is an affordable electric vehicle with a range of 249 miles and a 154hp motor with a 61.1kkWh battery, making it one of the first electric cars to be marketed as an estate.
With the same 154 horsepower motor and a 51 kWh battery, the less expensive variant can travel up to 199 miles before needing to be recharged.
Generally speaking, a home charge can take up to eight and a half hours.
This automobile was 2021's best-selling electric vehicle and is perhaps one of the most roomy affordable electric cars available. Its size makes it ideal for taller passengers, with plenty of leg and headroom and enough room for three to sit comfortably in the rear.
The interior of the car has two sizable screens on the dashboard that display a variety of features. The surrounds and dashboard are made of excellent-quality material.
Prices for the MG 5 EV start at $30,995 and go up from there.
9. Kia Soul EV
The Kia Soul EV is an amazing low-cost electric car that never fails to impress. It has an amazing 280-mile range, which allows you to finally take lengthy trips in an electric vehicle. It is also a pleasure to drive.
The Kia Soul EV was one of the earliest electric vehicles, but it has undergone optimization and time to reach its current state.
It has a 64 kWh battery that can be charged to 80% capacity in around one hour using a 100 kWh charger.
The automobile has several driving modes including regenerative braking, which basically uses the energy that would otherwise be squandered when slowing down a car to recharge it.
Unfortunately, one of the minor drawbacks of this car is that its boot is somewhat small.
Around $32,095 for the base model and $39,295 for the top variant is the price of the Kia Soul EV.
10. Nissan Leaf
Strongly built and aesthetically pleasing, the Nissan Leaf is a terrific car that performs admirably and is, quite honestly, one of the finest cars on our list (we have reserved the best for last).
It also sports a digital driver on display, smartphone mirroring, and sat-nav, among other things.
In addition, the Nissan Leaf has more passenger space than some of the other electric car models we have discussed, comfortably accommodating up to three persons in the backseat.
With a 7kWh charger, charging a 150hp Nissan Leaf at home can take 6.5 hours. The top-of-the-line Leaf e+ can travel up to 239 miles.
The motor is reasonably quiet while driving, just like in many other low-cost electric cars; nevertheless, in contrast to many other models, it handles the road fairly well and is not overly sensitive to bumps.
A brand-new top-tier Nissan Lead can set you back more over $36,000, but less expensive models start at $28,995.
Things To Understand:
Is buying an electric car worthwhile?
In addition to having a significantly cheaper cost per mile due to the higher cost of fossil fuels, electric automobiles often have regular maintenance costs that are roughly half that of gasoline or diesel vehicles.
If you have decided against buying an electric vehicle, check out some of the most affordable vehicles to operate (using ordinary fuel).
Which electric vehicle was constructed at the lowest cost?
At just $7,995, the Citroen AMI is nearly ten thousand pounds less expensive than the next most inexpensive electric automobile, while not being a car officially.
You can always rent out your automobile to recoup some of the costs if that worries you.
What drawbacks do electric vehicles have?
One of the main drawbacks of electric automobiles is that they are often not extremely long-range vehicles; most have a range of just 150 miles between charges.
Furthermore, even if they are more environmentally friendly modes of transportation, it concerns where the electricity that powers them comes from—coal-fired power plants do not produce any electricity at all.
Installing a point at home can be expensive, but there are government grants that can save you up to 75% on the setup cost. It will also require some way of charging.
Why do people oppose electric cars so strongly?
People who worry that their electric vehicle will not survive long enough to reach a charging station or that the charge periods will be excessively lengthy frequently experience what is known as "range anxiety."
What is the lifespan of an electric car?
Customer reports indicate that an electric car's battery should last approximately 200,000 miles before needing to be changed, and the majority of affordable electric cars are expected to last between ten to twenty years before they require replacement.
Is there a better option—electric or hybrid?
Because they require less upkeep and are more cost-effective in the long run, electric automobiles are an excellent investment. Additionally, they are better for the environment.
How long is the idle time of an electric car?
An electric car can idle for two hours without any problems on average; however, it will probably drain faster if you are stuck in stop-and-go traffic during that time.