To appeal to motorists interested in breaking into the EV market, many automakers are releasing EVs under $40,000.Each year, more EVs are introduced to the market as cost decreases and range increases. Owners of EVs can also benefit from federal tax credits and state incentives to lower purchasing prices.
If you’re seeking to buy an EV, this page includes some of the best deals available for around $40k in 2022, along with advantages, disadvantages, and redesigns to aid in comparison and decision-making.
Why Use an EV?
Over 1.8 million drivers have switched to electric vehicles, and according to a survey of U.S. adults, 39% are inclined to think about buying an EV as their next car. Cost savings and reduced emissions compared to conventional gas-powered vehicles are part of the alluring advantages that EVs have to offer. EVs incur lower maintenance costs, which in time save more over the course of the vehicle’s lifetime.
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV, a brand-new model beginning in 2022, is a Bolt with an SUV-like design. With room for five passengers, it has more cabin space but less luggage space. The Bolt EV’s tough exterior design, which comes in metallic colors, gives it a more conventional yet distinctive appeal.
For all Bolt EUV versions, Super Cruise technology enables up to 200,000 miles of compliant road-based semi-autonomous driving. The Bolt EUV has a level-two charging capacity of 11.5 kilowatts and a range of approximately 247 miles on a full charge. The MSRP’s entry point is $33,500.
Full redesigns are also made to the 2022 model. While the interior offers an upgraded design with superior materials and a fully digital gauge cluster, the outside showcases futuristic sheet metal and contemporary lines. This compact EV is powerful, with a zero-to-60-mph time of 6.5 seconds and a maximum output of 200 horsepower. The MSRP starts at $31,500.
2022 Nissan LEAF S
The 2022 Nissan LEAF S has a stylish and spacious cabin and offers fold-down rear seats and a large load area. Drivers can also benefit from cutting-edge technologies like voice recognition, door-to-door navigation, semi-autonomous driving, and Apple and Android compatibility.
The LEAF, which first paved the way for EVs, has slipped behind and now only offers an estimated 149 miles of range and 147 horsepower. Even though the LEAF S doesn’t have much power or range, its low price keeps it appealing. Only $27,400 is the MSRP at the base.
2022 Nissan LEAF S+
The 2022 Nissan Leaf S Plus is a higher-end version of the LEAF S. It has the same standard interior features as the LEAF S, like an eight-inch infotainment system that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and automatic climate control.
The S Plus boasts a more potent powertrain with 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, with a driving range of 226 miles, the vehicle is more cost-effective. Starting at $32,400, the 2022 Nissan LEAF S Plus
2022 SL Plus Nissan LEAF
The LEAF SL Plus, which starts at $35,400 MSRP, is the top model available in the 2022 Nissan LEAF trim series. The interior is more luxurious than that of other trim levels. It has leather seats, a top-tier Bose speaker system, ProPilot Assist, and a cargo cover that can be removed. The LEAF SL Plus includes the same inside features as the other LEAF models, including an eight-inch infotainment system and door-to-door navigation.
The SL Plus motor produces 250 pound-feet of torque and 214 horsepower, just like the S Plus motor. It boasts an estimated 215-mile driving range and a 62-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.
2022 EV Mazda MX-30
Mazda enters the EV market with the 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV. This EV is an intriguing newcomer with a contemporary design and chic, ecologically derived interior. It has an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
Although the projected driving range is only 100 miles per charge, it can charge in just 36 minutes using a level-three DC. The MX-30 only has 143 horsepower, which results in a poky driving experience. The base MSRP for this vehicle is $33,470, and it is currently exclusively sold in California.
2022 Electric Hyundai Kona
The electric version of the original gasoline-powered Hyundai Kona will debut in 2022. The Kona Electric offers 291 pound-feet of torque, 201 horsepower, and an estimated driving range of 258 miles despite not having AWD. It can be charged with a 100-kilowatt charging station in as little as 47 minutes.
It offers amenities like a wifi-enabled eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto integration, and a sleek and contemporary interior cabin. The MSRP is $34,000 upon launch.
2022 Volkswagen ID
Some people believe that the electric Volkswagen ID.4 will replace the first-generation Volkswagen Beetle in 2022. The ID.4 is comfortable to drive because it has a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a slim interior design, and technologies that are easy to use.
With 201 horsepower and a projected range of up to 280 miles, the ID.4 is both useful and stylish. A DC rapid charging station can also recharge it for 70 miles in just ten minutes. The ID.4’s initial MSRP is $41,230, but with federal tax credits worth up to $7,500, the final price is less than $40,000.
Electric Mini Cooper SE 2023 Hardtop Signature
One of the most affordable EVs available is the 2023 Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop, with an MSRP of about $33,900. It has been updated with new technology like a steering wheel with intuitive controls and driving assistance, as well as a luxury exterior that comes standard with LED headlights and Union Jack taillights.
This EV is more about pleasure than utility, with an estimated 114-mile range and 181 horsepower. It’s more suited for drivers looking for an electric go-kart for local transportation than for long-distance commuting.
2022 EV Kia Niro
The 2022 Kia Niro EV is a pleasant crossover to drive. It has a 10.25-inch touchscreen with split-screen capabilities. The interior has 53 cubic feet of cargo space, and the contemporary exterior design and blue interior accents give it a futuristic look.
With a range of up to 239 miles, 201 horsepower, and 291 pound-feet of torque, the Kia Niro EV is a viable choice for those seeking a more robust EV experience. The MSRP for the base model is $39.99.
2022 Audi Q4 40 E-Tron Premium
Audi has released a number of electric vehicles (EVs) in recent years, including the brand-new 2022 Audi Q4 40 E-Tron Premium. With controls that you can use by touching them, a toggle-switch gear selector, and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, this EV is as luxurious to drive as an Audi. The Q4 40 also has features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control that help the driver.
Featured Image: Pixabay @ mikenr1
