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You don’t have to dig deep into your pocket to switch to an electric vehicle.
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The cheapest electric cars you can buy include the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Bolt EV, and Kia EV6.
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The cheapest models start at $19,900, after accounting for the federal tax credit for EV purchases.
Want to buy an electric car? Electric vehicles tend to be more expensive than gas-powered ones overall, but not all EVs need to cost as much.
In addition to a few expensive examples sold by Elon Musk, many 2022 model electric cars can be had for less than $35,000, especially when you consider the $7,500 tax incentive from the federal government for EV purchases.
Sure, it’s not exactly cheap, but research has shown that electric car owners save a lot on maintenance, repair, and refueling costs over time.
One big caveat: Electric cars are currently in short supply, so finding popular models for sale at MSRP is easier said than done. Some, like the Ford F-150 Lightning, are sold at hefty dealer markups.
Nissan Leaf
Retail price (with federal tax credit): $27,400 ($19,900)
Environmental Protection Agency estimates range for the base model: 149 miles
The Nissan Leaf was launched in 2010 as one of the first mass-market electric cars. Now it’s the cheapest you can buy. An additional $5,000 over the base price gets you a larger battery pack that provides 226 miles of range.
Mini Cooper SE Hardtop
Retail price: $29,900 ($22,400)
EPA forecast range: 114 miles
The Mini electric car offers an attractive base price, but it comes at the expense of range. Buyers beware: Mini jacked up the price for the 2023 model.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
Retail price: $31,500
EPA forecast range: 259 miles
Chevrolet refreshes the Bolt hatchback for 2022 with a modern look and a reduced price tag.
A massive recall due to a battery fire meant Chevy stopped making Bolts for a few months, but now production has resumed and the company says it has resolved the issue.
Mazda MX-30
Retail price: $33,470 ($25,970)
EPA forecast range: 100 miles
For its first electric car, Mazda went all out with sleek styling and funky rear doors that swing back. But that gives the MX-30 a very poor driving range, less than half that of some rivals.
Mazda is selling the MX-30 in California to begin with.
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Retail price: $33,500
EPA forecast range: 247 miles
The Chevy Bolt EUV is all new for 2022. It shares a lot with the Bolt EV but is meant to be a small SUV rather than a hatchback. You get a little more interior space and ground clearance than the hatchback, but less reach.
Good news: Bolt EUV and Bolt EV get $6,000 less starting from the 2023 model.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Retail price: $34,000 ($26,500)
EPA forecast range: 258 miles
The electric version of Hyundai’s popular small SUV comes with excellent range and advanced safety technologies such as blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Retail price: $39,950 ($32,450)
EPA estimate range for base model: 220 miles
If you want all-wheel drive and more reach, you have to ride a horse. But the base Ioniq 5 model offers the same funky look and roomy interior as the more expensive versions.
Ford F-150 Lightning
Retail price: $39,974 ($32,474)
EPA estimate range for base model: 230 miles
The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro carries an MSRP of just under $40,000, but it could be years before they’re available at that price. The combination of hot demand and low supply meant dealers gave Ford a big price hike on Ford’s first serious electric truck.
Kia Niro EV
Retail price: $39,990 ($32,490)
EPA forecast range: 239 miles
The unobtrusive Niro EV is great for people who want an electric car that looks plain and unobtrusive, wrote our reviewer of the premiere 2019 model. Stay tuned: the entire Niro lineup is getting a major redesign for 2023, introducing a sleeker style and more electric range.
Kia EV6
Retail price: $40,900 ($33,400)
EPA estimate range for base model: 232 miles
The new Kia EV6 is for 2022. In testing, we were impressed by its sporty handling and head-turning appearance. Collect more money and you can earn extras like all-wheel drive and a range of up to 310 miles.
Read the original article on Business Insider