Yahoo Autos 16 Cheapest Electric SUVs in 2022
Old habits die hard, or so the saying goes, and the case of combustion versus electric vehicles is no different. A stream of early adopters and EV converts are not to be ignored, though they hardly represent a majority of car buyers. Charging availability, lack of range, and price make up just some of the reasons that consumers are dissuaded from going electric. For certain consumers, a lack of charging infrastructure and usable range represent legitimate hurdles in the push towards the future.
Prices, however, are steadily dropping. As EV manufacturing infrastructure hits its stride, automakers have been able to pass along these savings to the customer. And in today's inflated car market, it may actually be cheaper to purchase and own an electric car. According to Energy Innovation Policy and Technology, the relative lack of maintenance and fuel costs in addition to state tax incentives make some modern EVs cheaper on a month-to-month basis than internal combustion counterparts. Here are 16 of the cheapest fully electric SUVs available today that are sure to keep you away from $8 per gallon gas pumps.
ALSO CHECK OUT THE MOST POPULAR SUVS UNDER $30K
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Built on the platform started by the Bolt hatchback, General Motors has added a lift and additional cargo space to create the SUV version of its popular EV. Chevy's Bolt EUV offers competitive range, ample power, and a full charge using DC power in a little over two hours. New for 2022, the Bolt EUV fits into the subcompact crossover family, rivaling similar models from Mazda, Kia, and Hyundai. The Bolt EUV will receive a price cut for 2023, starting at $28,195.
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Base price: $33,995
Powertrain: permanent-magnet synchronous AC; 200 hp, 266 lb-ft; 65.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
Range: 250 miles
Mazda MX-30 EV
Breaking away from its traditionally used "Kodo" design language, Mazda shaped the MX-30 EV with the idea that less is more. A boxy body and rounded edges characterize Mazda's first entrance into the world of EVs. Down on power and range, the MX-30 EV makes up for it in ergonomics and style.
Mazda MX-30 EV
Base price: $34,695
Powertrain: permanent-magnet synchronous AC; 143 hp, 200 lb-ft; 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery
Range: 100 miles
Hyundai Kona Electric
Like the Bolt EUV, Hyundai built on an existing platform to create the Kona Electric, a platform that was already a segment favorite. Adding a competitive powertrain, 258 miles of range, and an upgraded interior account for the bump in price over the base Kona. For about $38,000, prospective EV buyers can rest assured that the Kona packs a punch.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Base price: $37,495
Powertrain: permanent-magnet synchronous AC; 201 hp, 290 lb-ft; 64.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
Range: 258 miles
Kia Niro EV
Kia's Niro EV almost didn't make the list, and not for reasons of cost or quality. Rather, the Niro sits on the cusp of being a station wagon, which is not a bad thing. Regardless of body style designation, Kia's spacious EV offering moves up into the $40,000 price range. What the Niro offers, however, is standardized quality, featuring the right power and range in addition to premium infotainment and driver assist features at no extra cost.
Kia Niro EV
Base price: $40,265
Powertrain: permanent-magnet synchronous AC; 201 hp, 291 lb-ft; 64.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
Range: 239 miles
Volkswagen ID.4
Volkswagen's ID.4 sits on an entirely new chassis, weighing in at a hefty 5000 lbs. Despite this weight, the VW has been relatively popular since its launch in 2021. The ID.4 represents a shift in the segment, appealing to those looking for an entry level luxury SUV with electric power. Starting at $41,000, the ID.4 isn't likely to be cross shopped with the Bolt EUV, as it brings customers into the higher rungs of electric vehicle pricing.
Volkswagen ID.4
Base price: $41,190
Powertrain: permanent-magnet synchronous AC; 201 hp, 229 lb-ft; 77.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
Range: 240 miles
Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 represents the top-of-the-line fully electric vehicle offered by the company. Leaning into the futuristic angle of electric adoption, the exterior styling and cabin design lends the EV6 to being a novelty within the segment. Despite this, the mechanical features of the EV6 depend on the trim, providing ample if a bit low power in the Light trim and a competitive 446 lb-ft of torque in the GT trim.
Kia EV6
Base price: $42,155
Powertrain: permanent-magnet synchronous AC; 167-320 hp and 258-446 lb-ft; 58.0-77.4-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack
Range: 232-310 miles
Toyota bZ4X
Jointly designed and launched with the Subaru Solterra, Toyota's bZ4X sports concept car looks. A whopping 12.3-inch touchscreen controls audio, navigation, and climate control inside the bZ4X, emphasizing Toyota's attention to ergonomic design. The EV-only chassis design allows Toyota to keep the batteries low in the bZ4X, providing a more planted driving experience.
Toyota bZ4X
Base price: $43,215
Powertrain: permanent-magnet synchronous AC; 201 hp, 196 lb-ft; 65.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
Range: 252 miles
HyundaI Ioniq 5
If Hyundai's Ioniq 5 can be faulted, it is certainly not for the propeller-styled wheels. While the Kona Electric preceded the Ioniq 5, Hyundai believes the new Ioniq will lead the charge towards electrification for the US market. Offered in three different trims and all- or rear-wheel drivetrains, Hyundai's Ioniq 5 is the perfect market offering to compete with vehicles like Ford's Mustang Mach-E.
