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Home / Auto / The 8 Best EVs for Under $40,000

The 8 Best EVs for Under $40,000

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Lydia Noyes

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Lydia Noyes

Climate Journalist

Lydia Noyes is an organic farmer and climate journalist. She is a member of the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism.

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Published on February 23, 2022

Owning an electric vehicle has never been more obtainable. Today, many models cost as much (or even far less) than the average price of a new vehicle in the United States.

Table of Contents
  1. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
  2. 2022 Nissan LEAF
  3. 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
  4. 2022 Kia Niro EV
  5. Chevrolet Bolt EUV
  6. 2022 Kandi K27
  7. 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
  8. 2023 Mini Cooper Electric

While news reports on EVs tend to focus on Teslas that are priced in the upper five figures, the reality is that emission-free cars are becoming more affordable every year.

Over the last few years, many automakers have committed to launching electric vehicles that are competitive to gas-powered models in both performance and price. Add in the potential for government tax rebates that reward you for making an ecologically sound choice, and buying an EV becomes a smart financial decision.

One of the most popular and budget-friendly EVs on the market

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

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Budget-friendly EV with a host of favorite features

2022 Nissan LEAF

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Hatchback EV option under $40,000

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric

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2022 Kia Niro EV

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2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

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2022 Kandi K27

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2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

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2023 Mini Cooper Electric

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If you’re looking to buy an electric vehicle in 2022, here are some of the best models on the market for under $40,000.

1

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

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Highlights: Long a classic, the Chevy Bolt makes a stellar choice for an electric vehicle. It boasts a long run time and quick charging capabilities to keep you on the road.

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Chevrolet Bolt EV at a glance

  • EV Range:  120 MPGe, 259-mile range
  • Battery Type: 65 kWh 350 V lithium-ion
  • Rated Power: 200 horsepower
  • Price: Starts at $31,500

As one of the most popular (and affordable) EVs on the market, the Chevy Bolt is well worth your consideration. It’s a small yet feature-packed all-electric hatchback with an impressive EPA range of 259 miles. Running out of juice shouldn’t be a concern, as the car’s fast-charging abilities let you add up to 100 miles in a 30-minute charging session.

Inside the car, you’ll enjoy comfortable seats and safety features like lane departure and forward-collision warnings. Opt for a premium package, and you can also enjoy adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera.

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2

2022 Nissan LEAF

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Highlights: Available with multiple power options, the Nissan LEAF is budget-friendly but heavy on the features that matter, including a solid drive range.

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Nissan LEAF at a glance

  • EV Range:  114 MPGe, 226-mile range
  • Battery Type: 40 kWh lithium-ion battery
  • Rated Power: 147 to 214 hp (based on engine size)
  • Price: Starts at $27,400

This compact hatchback is all-electric and travels up to 226 miles on a single charge. It’s a relatively basic car with a low purchase price, meaning it should suit the needs of a broad demographic of drivers. The LEAF is a five-seater car that’s available in two models: the Leaf and Leaf Plus. You’ll get a 40-kWh electric motor in the standard model (good for 150 miles), and 62-kWh motor in the Plus pushes the range to 226 miles with 250 lb of torque.

Each model comes with a push-button start, automatic temperature control, and a NissanConnect infotainment touchscreen that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll also get a full range of modern safety features like blind-spot detection, rearview monitoring, lane departure warnings, and forward-collision warnings.

While the car can charge from empty to full in 11.5 hours with a Level 2 240-volt charger, it’s possible to speed up the process to under an hour with DC quick charging.

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3

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric

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Highlights: As an electric hatchback, the Kona Electric has all the necessary features for long road trips and short city drives.

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Hyundai Kona Electric at a glance

  • EV Range: 120 MPGe, 258-mile range
  • Battery Type: 64-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
  • Rated Power: 201 horsepower
  • Price: Starts at $34,000

This fully-electric subcompact SUV has a roomy interior and hatchback design that makes it appealing as an everyday car. Even better, it runs up to 258 miles on a single charge to ensure you can get (almost) anywhere you need to go. The infotainment system (compatible with Apple and Android services) earns praise from owners for its responsive touchscreen and prominent volume and tuning knobs, making it easy to adjust settings without taking your eyes off the road.

As the winner of the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award, this car comes with a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides up to 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. With a DC fast charger, you can recharge it to 80 percent in under 60 minutes.

Also included are all standard safety amenities like blind-spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance, and more, as well as an adaptive cruise system that continues working in stop-and-go traffic.

As a company, Hyundai is working to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 through innovations in greener transportation systems like hydrogen energy.

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4

2022 Kia Niro EV

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Highlights: While less of a budget-friendly option, the Kia Niro is a standout electric vehicle known for its performance and reliability.

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Kia Niro EV at a glance

  • EV Range: 112 MPGe, 239-mile range
  • Battery Type: 64 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery
  • Rated Power: 201 horsepower
  • Price: starts at $39,990

Coming in at $39,990, the Kia Niro EV barely makes this list. But even with the higher price tag, this EV belongs on your shortlist. The 64 kWh battery generates 201 horsepower for a 239-mile driving range. This allows it to hit 60-mph in just 6.2 seconds, a quicker acceleration than competitors like the Chevy Bolt and Hyundai Kona Electric.

For your money, you get a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation and SiriusXM satellite road, as well as roomy seating, if with a decidedly plasticky interior. The car’s climate system even shuts off automatically when it detects the passenger seat is empty, consequently saving the battery.  

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5

Chevrolet Bolt EUV

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Highlights: Get the best of electric vehicles with sports utility with the Chevy Bolt EUV- an affordable car with premium touches.

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Chevrolet Bolt EUV at a glance

  • EV Range:  115 MPGe, 247-mile range
  • Battery Type: 65 kWh battery pack
  • Rated Power: 200 horsepower
  • Price: Starts at $33,500

This all-electric small SUV offers almost 250 miles in electric drive range. It’s a step up from the standard Chevy Bolt with its hatchback design and extra space for cargo and passengers. It also comes with a 10.2-inch touchscreen and an optional Super Cruise system for seamless driving. Just note it only comes with front-wheel drive, not all-wheel drive.

Performance-wise, this car will reach 0-60 in 7.0 seconds, putting it on par with its gas-powered counterparts.  

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6

2022 Kandi K27

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Highlights: Ultra cheap but light on speed and a long run time, the Kandi K27 can work for short drives in the city but may seem lacking for everything else.

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Kandi K27 at a glance

  • EV Range:  114 MPGe, 116-mile range
  • Battery Type: 17.69 kWh Lithium
  • Rated Power: 27 horsepower
  • Price: $11,999

Kandi Technologies Group, Inc is a Chinese auto manufacturer that recently set up headquarters in Garland, Texas, to manufacture this commuter-friendly car. That price is not a misprint—the Kandi K27 really costs less than $12,000. Factor in your state-specific tax rebates, and some owners can drive away with this fully functional electric vehicle for under $8,000.

This electric car is far from powerful, as it maxes out around 60 mph. Even so, it boasts a roomy interior and makes it well over 100 miles between charges. The car offers other surprising luxury features like an anti-theft system, speed-sensing door lock, over-speed and seat belt warning, and even a backup camera.

While it’s not the car you want with you on long or challenging drives, it’s well suited for quick city trips and may make for an ideal second car if you’re going to explore the world of electric vehicles without paying a premium price.

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7

2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

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Highlights: Suburu’s electric Crosstrek gives you range and speed at a fair price point, so long as you’re comfortable going with a hybrid instead of a fully electric vehicle.

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Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid at a glance

  • EV Range: 90 MPGe, 480-mile range
  • Battery Type: 8.8 kWh battery
  • Rated Power: 148 horsepower
  • Price: Starts at $35,645

Good luck finding an electric vehicle that can beat the Crosstrek Hybrid’s 480 miles. It achieves this range thanks to a hybrid power system that combines a battery with a gas engine so you can refuel however is most convenient. Driving with the gas engine charges the electric motor as you travel, so there’s less need to stop and recharge. But even so, you can get it to full capacity within two hours with a 240V outlet. That makes it our pick for a vehicle to take on long road trips.

Like the standard Crosstrek, this hybrid model has ample safety features and luxury add-ons like a heated steering wheel. It boasts a 90 MPGe range and is capable of off-road driving in all-wheel-drive mode. And unlike most electric vehicles, the Crosstrek Hybrid has a roomy interior that beats out competitors like Hyundai, Toyota, and Mazda for space.

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8

2023 Mini Cooper Electric

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Highlights: Fans of Mini Coopers will find a lot to like about this electric offering. But those who aren’t brand aficionados can find better stats and features elsewhere.

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Mini Cooper Electric at a glance

  • EV Range:  108 MPGe, 114-mile range
  • Battery Type: 35 kWh lithium-ion battery
  • Rated Power: 181 horsepower
  • Price: Starts at $29,900

Small but mighty, the Mini Cooper Electric is a fun car to drive. This two-door car packs in a 181 horsepower engine, along with luxury features like heated front seats, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and a large infotainment screen that supports integration with Apple CarPlay.

However, the Cooper’s small size means it sacrifices on the battery, as this car can only drive about 110 miles between charges. This makes it ideal for quick trips in an urban environment but less suited to a longer drive time. But rest assured, for days when the drive is longer, it’s possible to charge the Mini Electric up to 80% in 36 minutes with a fast DC charging station.

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Lydia Noyes
Lydia Noyes is one of the best known voices online writing about sustainable living. Lydia has written for Mother Earth News, the oldest and longest running sustainability magazine. She lives on a 33 acre organic hobby farm with her husband.
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Written by Lydia Noyes

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Lydia Noyes

Climate Journalist

Lydia Noyes is an organic farmer and climate journalist. She is a member of the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism.

  • Twitter

Published: February 23, 2022

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