Best Electric Cars in and Around $30k (2022 Updated)

Last updated on March 8th, 2022 at 06:10 am

As global electric car sales continue to expand, an increasing number of buyers are becoming intrigued about the available possibilities. True, everyone has heard of Tesla and probably has a neighbor who has driven a Prius for the past decade. However, maybe you are now ready to join the zero-emissions celebration. Excellent work, you aging athlete! I’m sure you’ve previously Googled “how does electric vehicle charging operate” or something similar. Excellent job. Now, your next search should be “what are the lowest available electric vehicles?” My friends, your search is over. Below, we’ve prepared a list of the newest and finest inexpensive EVs.

#1. 2022 Nissan Leaf

Specifications:

• Price: $ 28,425
• Engine: Electric
• Transmission: Automatic
• Seating capacity: Five Seater
• Fuel Mileage: 123 mpg in the city and 99 mpg on the highway
• Horsepower: 147 hp
• Torque: 236

The headline for 2022 is that the Leaf’s standard-range trim level, termed the S, has been reduced by more than $4,000 in price. As a result, it is now the cheapest new EV on the market. The compact four-door hatchback was introduced in the United States as a 2011 model. It was one of the first electric cars accessible nationally; throughout the years, the Leaf has evolved with increased range and new safety technology. Additionally, it received a longer-range brother, the Leaf Plus, which had a larger battery. The Leaf’s base model has a 40-kilowatt-hour battery and a 147-horsepower electric motor. Although the cabin is sparsely appointed, it has a standard 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Along with the price reduction for 2022, Nissan sweetened the deal by including a standard fast-charging connection and a portable 240-volt charging cable.

Related: 10 New Electric Cars With The Best Range | 2022 Edition

Meanwhile, the Leaf Plus has a larger 62-kWh battery, increased range, and a more tolerable 214-hp engine. It is available in three trim levels, all of which have significant price reductions for 2022 — starting at less than $40,000. And include a standard fast-charging port and a portable 240-volt charging cable. The basic S Plus trim has the most range of the three at 226 miles; the top edges have a range of 215 miles.

#2. 2022 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop

Specifications:

• Price: $ 30,750
• Engine: Electric
• Transmission: 1-speed direct drive
• Seating capacity: Four Seater
• Fuel Mileage: 119 mpg in the city and 100 mpg on the highway
• Horsepower: 181 hp
• Torque: 199

Previously the least expensive EV in America, the Cooper SE Hardtop – a two-door, four-seat hatchback — has been surpassed by the Leaf for 2022. The Mini’s range is modest yet sufficient for everyday usage. The Cooper SE Hardtop’s sporty appearance and driving qualities, along with its 181-horsepower electric powertrain (capable of 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds), may appeal to consumers searching for a fun urban runabout or second vehicle. While range is restricted, Mini claims that the 32.6-kWh battery can be charged in roughly four hours using a Level 2 home or public charger with a capacity of 7.4 kilowatts. The 2022 version also receives the same cosmetic, interior, technology, and multimedia updates as the standard Mini Hardtop and Convertible models in 2022. Along with the average Signature trim level, the SE provides two more trim levels and a variety of customization choices.

The electric Cooper receives many improvements as the gas-powered Mini hardtop and convertible for 2022. It contains a redesigned front end, enhanced customization choices, and additional functionality. At the same time, Cooper Electric’s MSRP remains unchanged from the previous model year. It now has an 8.8-inch touchscreen, heated steering wheel, and lane-departure warning. Additionally, adaptive cruise control and new wheel styles in 16- and 17-inch widths are offered. Mini claims a limited edition will also be available with distinctive external and interior finishes.

Related: Top 10 Best Luxury Electric Cars of 2022 in The USA

#3. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Specifications:

• Price: $ 33,995
• Engine: Electric
• Seating capacity: Five Seater
• Fuel Mileage: 131mpg in the city and 109 mpg on the highway
• Horsepower: 200 hp
• Torque: 266

Chevrolet’s tiny electric hatchback received a facelift and a significant price reduction of more than $5,000 for 2022. Additionally, parent company General Motors is promising to assist consumers with the expense of installing a 240-volt home charger — a value proposition designed to offset GM’s loss of government incentives available to competitor EVs. Chevy also announced a second brother for the Bolt EV in 2022, a somewhat bigger SUV-like vehicle dubbed the Bolt EUV.

The Bolt EV’s most noticeable design modification is a more upright front end with “high-eye” daytime running lights, turn signals, and lower-set headlamps. It has redesigned seats and an updated instrument panel with a 10.2-inch touchscreen as standard and an optional 8-inch gauge display. Toggle and button controls are used in a novel shifter design. Most safety features are standard, except a rear cross-traffic warning, a 360-degree video system, and adaptive cruise control. DC fast charging is now standard on the 2022 Bolt EV, as is a new dual-level charge cable that can be utilized with either a 120-volt household outlet or a more powerful 240-volt household outlet, such as the one used to power a clothes dryer. The Bolt’s powertrain, which includes a 65-kWh battery and a 200-hp electric motor, is carried over.

Also Check: 10 Best 2nd & 3rd Row SUVs With Captains Chairs in 2022

Meanwhile, the Bolt EUV features the same base and engine as the Bolt, but is roughly 6 inches long, has more capacity, and has a somewhat shorter range. While the EUV is slightly more costly than the smaller Bolt EV, the beginning price is still lower than the Bolt EV in 2021. While the two Bolts seem identical, Chevy claims they share no exterior sheet metal. While the interior appearance and amenities are comparable, the EUV is the first Chevrolet to offer GM’s Super Cruise driver-assist technology for hands-free driving on suitable roads. It’s a $2,200 option available exclusively higher-priced Premier trim level. The EUV has standard fast charging, a new dual-level charging cable, and the Bolt EV.

#4. 2022 Mazda MX-30

Specifications:

• Price: $ 34,695
• Engine: Electric
• Transmission: Automatic
• Seating capacity: Five Seater
• Horsepower: 143 hp
• Torque: 200

Mazda’s first fully electric vehicle to be marketed in the United States, the MX-30, goes on sale in October in California, with a countrywide rollout planned “in the following years,” the carmaker said. The MX-30 is a compact SUV-style hatchback with a coupe-like roofline, rear-hinged half doors, and a minimalist interior design. Cork is used in the center console, animal-free upholstery is used, and recycled plastic bottle fibers are used for the door trim.

The electric motor of the CX-30 produces 144 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. It is powered by a 35.5-kWh battery and operates the front wheels alone; all-wheel drive is unavailable. Even among inexpensive EVs such as the Leaf and Bolt, the comprehensive EPA-rated range is unimpressive at barely 100 miles. Mazda includes a limited number of free loaner cars for road trips and $500 in ChargePoint credits for public charging or the installation of a Level 2 home charger.

#5. 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Specifications:

• Price: $30,290
• Engine: Gas/Electric I-4
• Transmission: CVT
• Seating capacity: Five Seater
• Fuel Mileage: 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway
• Horsepower: 219 hp
• Torque: 163

Toyota’s wildly successful small SUV, the RAV4, has gone electric to keep up with the times. The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUV, which will be on sale for the 2021 model year, allows drivers the option of utilizing either the gas engine or electric power alone. The RAV4 Prime will remain unaltered in 2022, but for the addition of standard LED headlights. Standard safety features on the 2022 RAV4 Prime are among the best in the industry. All-speed adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high lights are other features available. XSE-level Toyota models come standard with automated front and rear parking assist and brakes.

In addition to two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, the RAV4 Prime will have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine. The total output will probably stay at 302 horsepower. The RAV4 Prime reached 60 mph in 5.5 seconds during our First Test. Fuel efficiency and driving range are more critical than sheer power in a popular small SUV. In addition to its 94 mpg-e ratings, the RAV4 Prime can go 42 miles on electric power alone. 2022 RAV4 SE models with the lowest SE trim level get an 8.0-inch touchscreen display as standard equipment. There is also support for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. Upgrading to the XSE model brings the screen size to a whopping 9 inches. There are six speakers in each trim level’s sound system. Toyota provides a nine-speaker JBL audio system as an option on its top-of-the-line model. The RAV4 Prime XSE may be ordered with a 10-inch head-up display as an option.

Also Check: Top 10 Cars With Heated Steering Wheels in 2022

#6. 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV

Specifications:

• Price: $ 32,495
• Engine: Electric
• Seating capacity: Five Seater
• Fuel Mileage: 131 mpg in the city and 109 mpg on the highway
• Horsepower: 200 hp
• Torque: 266

Not only does the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV appear more dynamic on the inside and out, but the new electric hatchback also has upgraded features and a much lower starting price. While the futuristic sheet metal and newly refinished interior are the most visible modifications, it retains the front-drive-only motor that gives near-instant acceleration. Chevrolet anticipates that the 2022 Bolt EUV will range up to 259 miles on a single charge. It offers it a slight edge over the superb Hyundai Kona Electric. However, it is still miles behind the Tesla Model 3. The 2017 Bolt’s affordable pricing, spacious cabin, and gratifying driving characteristics, on the other hand, should be significant selling factors. The all-new 2022 Bolt EUV will appeal to those seeking a larger SUV-like vehicle with increased rear-seat room and optional Super Cruise hands-free driving.

The Bolt EUV will be completely redesigned in 2022, with revised external and interior aesthetics. While the hatchback’s electrical and mechanical components remain unchanged, it now has a newly optional dual-level charging connection and greater Level 2 (240-volt) charging capacity. Perhaps most significantly, and perhaps surprisingly, the new and improved Bolt EUV has a starting price of $5500 less than the old model, which began at $37,495.

#7. Hyundai Ioniq 2022

Specifications:

• Price: $ 24,645
• Engine: Gas/Electric I-4
• Transmission: 6-speed Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
• Seating capacity: Five Seater
• Fuel Mileage: 58 mpg in the city and 60mpg on the highway
• Horsepower: 139 hp
• Torque:109

Hyundai’s current approach to automobile production may best be described as “daunting.” There isn’t a single terrible design to be discovered to judge by the current crop of South Korean creations. A business-looking and driving electric crossover SUV is expected to debut in 2022.

You’ll never mistake the Hyundai Ioniq 5 for any other vehicle on the road since it doesn’t resemble any other vehicle. There is a character line running up the side, the front end has some Robocop vibes, and the back end looks like it came straight out of an 8-bit video game. The exterior jumble of sharp lines confounds and captivates the eyes. Strangers have inquired about my previous Hyundais before. Still, the Ioniq 5 drew considerably more attention than usual because of its unusually quiet arrival.

My colleagues don’t think much of the Ioniq 5’s interior, but I believe it’s very remarkable. The bright imitation leather on the inside of my Limited-trim tester made sure smudges were quite evident so that I wouldn’t have chosen it. Still, black is, mercifully, an option. But it all works because it’s uncomplicated and straightforward, which gives the impression of spaciousness, further accentuated by the building’s panoramic glass top.

Conclusion

As you’ll see, there are a plethora of EV cars available within a $30,000 budget. In less than a decade, EVs have significantly extended their range while being the same or less expensive than they were a decade ago.

Several states, local governments, utility providers, and air districts offer extra EV discounts. California, Colorado, and Oregon, for example, provide reimbursements of up to $2,000, $4,000, and $2,500, respectively.

Today, a typical plug-in hybrid costs about $25,000 and ranges around 30 miles on electricity alone. Similarly, a specific all-electric vehicle can be bought for roughly $30,000 and has a range of approximately 250 miles.

Automobile manufacturers are not content with it. Volkswagen, General Motors, Hyundai, and Kia intend to produce even more cheap EVs with an increased range in the coming years.