Top 2022 Electric Cars Under $40k

June 24, 2022

With rising fuel prices and the increased burden traditional cars place on our environment, many are looking to electric cars as the answer. Just a few years ago, moving to electric would have been unheard of for most Americans. There was no such thing as affordable electric cars. The cost of entry was just too high.

Thanks to the recent government incentives, a push by car manufacturers into the EV market, and agile manufacturing practices, the cost barrier for fully electric cars is now low.

List of the top 5 electric cars under $40K in 2022

A wide array of electric vehicles run for less than $40K. Don’t believe us? We’ve compiled a list of the best electric cars at this price point, under $40K.

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

This latest model has fixed the cramped back seat issue from previous models. The Chevy Bolt EUV offers an impressive 247-mile range per charge with five seats and two trim levels.

Additional features include:

1Best Cheap Electric Cars2Top Electric Sports Cars3Electric Luxury Cars4Electric Cars
  • Eight-year, 100K mile EV warranty
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • In-car WI-FI
  • Front cooled seats
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Around view camera
  • 125 MPGe in the city and 104 MPGe on the highway

Pricing: Starting MSRP of $34,495

Pros:

  • It provides the best-in-class EV range for the price point.
  • Lively handling
  • Modern body styling
  • Optional Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology
  • Faster charging over previous models
  • Comfortable front seats
  • Intuitive controls
  • Wireless smartphone integration
  • 10.2-inch infotainment system
  • Several interior touches that are typically only found in luxury cars

Cons:

  • Super Cruise autonomous driving is not available for the hatchback edition
  • Lots of up-charges for safety features that should be standard.
  • A 240-volt power outlet is required to take advantage of the faster-charging cable
  • The infotainment system is not the best in class

2022 Nissan Leaf

With more than five trim levels, drivers can choose a price point that works best for them. While it does not boast as great a range as other models on this list, the price is one of the lowest.

Additional Features Include:

  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
  • Apple and Android car play
  • Collision detection
  • Remote engine start
  • Lane keep assist
  • Eight-year, 100K mile warranty
  • 114 MPGe in the city and 94 MPGe on the highway

Pricing: Starting MSRP of $32,495

Pros:

  • Large interior cabin
  • An incredible array of driver-assist features
  • Economically priced
  • Easy to charge
  • Controllable via mobile app
  • Multiple USB ports
  • Great infotainment functionality

Cons:

  • Rear seats do not fold flat
  • Limited range for longer trips

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Also part of the Chevy family, this newly redesigned Bolt EV has cemented itself with a best-in-class range, a lower price, and a great driving experience. With two trim levels, this 5-seater is making waves with many EV officiants. As you will notice, the lack of negative marks makes this cheap electric car a real contender.

Additional Features:

  • Around view camera
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Power trunk/liftgate
  • In-car Wi-Fi
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • 131 MPGe in the city and 109 MPGe on the highway

Pricing: Starting at $32,495

Pros:

  • Best class range
  • Roomy interior
  • Lower pricing over previous years
  • 250 miles of all-electric range
  • Faster charging
  • One pedal driving button, allowing for battery recharging while braking
  • Easy use controls

Cons:

  • A lot of safety features do not come standard
  • 240v outlet is required to take advantage of faster charging

2022 Mazda MX-30 EV

This is Mazda’s first foray into the US electric vehicle market. Unlike the Chevy offerings, the MX-30 EV was built for a particular audience. The car was designed for drivers that wanted a sports car handling experience in EV form. That has been achieved with this model.

Now for the bad news. The driving range is one of the lowest in this category. However, this car is an excellent option for those who enjoy zippy, short-distance commutes.

Additional Features:

  • Heads up display
  • Curve adaptive headlamps
  • Remote engine start
  • Apple car play
  • Android Auto
  • Eight-year, 100K mile warranty
  • 98 MPGe in the city and 85 MPGe on the highway

Pricing: Starting MSRP at $34,695

Pros:

  • Plenty of luxury features
  • Incredible, sports-car-like handling
  • Upscale design
  • Fast charging
  • Freestyle back doors
  • Driver-assist safety features
  • Luxurious interior cabin

Cons:

  • Limited range
  • No all-wheel-drive option
  • Small cabin

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric

With its modern styling and incredible warranty, many people see the Kona Electric as one of the most exciting fully electric budget offerings on the market. With a great range and superior technology features, Hyundais’ second iteration stands to make a lot of drivers happy.

Additional Features:

  • Hill descent assist
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Lane keep assist
  • Blind spot system
  • Apple car play
  • Android Auto
  • 132 MPGe in the city and 108 MPGe on the highway

Pricing: Starting MSRP of $35,29

Pros:

  • Great power and performance
  • Sharp, responsive steering
  • Modern exterior styling
  • An interior that is both comfortable and attractive
  • Ample cargo space
  • Incredible sound system
  • Lots of safety features offered standard
  • Top-level safety ratings

Cons:

  • Rough shifting
  • The interior has lots of hard plastic components
  • Engine and road noise

This list of top electric cars for under $40K proves that the dream of going electric may not be as far off as people think. Drivers can say goodbye to the stress they feel at gas pumps for not much more than a standard engine car.

While any of these options would be great, it is essential to carefully think about how you intend to use your electric car. The one thing you don’t want to do is to purchase an EV that does not match your driving style or lifestyle.

With that said, there are so many models to choose from that finding the right fit at the right price is getting easier and more accessible.

Resources:

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