10 AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC CARS FOR EVERYDAY DRIVING

It is no news that electric cars are gradually becoming a more popular choice for daily driving. Even those who once had doubts about EVs are now considering them. But what makes an EV great for daily driving? First, running an electric vehicle as a daily driver has several benefits over gas-powered models. EVs are cheaper to run since electricity is cheaper than gas or diesel. They also have fewer moving parts than conventional cars, which means less servicing and repair costs. Besides, owners may also be eligible for tax credits or rebates for buying or leasing an EV.

As daily drivers, EVs are fun and convenient to drive. They have instant torque, which means they are quick off the line. Thanks to regenerative braking, some EVs can recover energy when slowing down or stopping. This reduces brake wear and increases battery range. Driving an EV is also more comfortable and relaxing since it is quieter than conventional cars. Additionally, EVs have smart features that enhance safety and convenience. Best of all, EVs are now more affordable – gone are the days when the EV market catered only to the very rich. As technology improves and awareness grows, more automakers are entering the EV market. With the wider range of models and features available, consumers have more choices and options to suit their needs and budgets. To save money on gas and maintenance, you might want to consider these ten affordable electric cars for everyday driving.

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV - $25,600

Starting at $25,600, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is one EV you should consider buying. It is a compact EV that offers a spacious interior, a smooth ride, and a range of advanced features. The Bolt has a 65 kWh battery pack that delivers an estimated 259 miles of driving range on a full charge. Recharging the battery takes about seven hours with a 240-volt outlet. But with a DC fast charger, you can add 100 miles of range in 30 minutes.

A single 200-hp electric motor provides quick acceleration and responsive handling. Drivers can choose from three driving modes to optimize their driving experience. Inside a nice cabin, the Bolt EV seats five passengers. Standard infotainment features include a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. For safe commutes, the Bolt EV also packs an impressive suite of driving aids.

RELATED: Why GM Was Right To Discontinue The Chevrolet Bolt EV

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric - $27,035

The 2019 Hyundai Kona EV is a remarkable entry in the electric vehicle market. It offers a long driving range of 258 miles, which is more than most of its rivals. This is thanks to a 64-kWh battery pack that needs about nine hours and 35 minutes to recharge with a 220-volt outlet. A single 201-hp electric motor delivers quick acceleration resulting in a 0-60 mph of about seven seconds.

The cabin is comfortable and quiet and comes with many standard tech and safety features. Some of them are two USB ports and a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Others include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and driver drowsiness monitoring. The Kona EV is a fun and practical SUV to cruise the urban jungle in. You can find a used one for $27,035.

2022 Nissan Leaf - $20,498

The 2022 Nissan Leaf is an all-electric compact hatchback that offers a low starting price, a spacious interior, and a range of driver-assist features. It comes in two versions: the regular Leaf with a driving range of 149 miles and the Leaf Plus with a 226-mile driving range. There is no shortage of power in either version, although the Leaf Plus, with its 214-hp motor, is quicker off the line.

Both versions have FWD and an e-Pedal system that allows the driver to switch between different regenerative braking modes. The Leaf also offers an optional ProPilot Assist system. This helps with steering, braking, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. Inside a roomy cabin, it features a straightforward infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. For $20,498, you can get a used 2022 Leaf for your daily driving.

RELATED: Why The Forgotten Nissan Leaf Is The Perfect Used EV To Buy In 2023

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric - $19,173

The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric is a hatchback that offers great value for an electric vehicle. A 38.3-kWh battery pack delivers a range of 170 miles, which is enough for most daily driving needs. Thanks to its fast-charging capability, it takes less than one hour to replenish 80% of the battery. With 134 hp on tap, the Ioniq Electric is no sloth off the line. The Ioniq Electric also comes with many standard features, such as active driving aids, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Other standard features include a rearview camera and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The interior is spacious and uses green materials. Hyundai backs the Ioniq Electric's powertrain with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. In general, the 2020 Ioniq Electric is a smart and affordable choice for a city lifestyle. On the market, used ones sell for as low as $19,173.

2019 Kia Niro EV - $28,000

The 2019 Kia Niro EV is an all-electric version of Kia's compact crossover. The spacious and practical interior, comfortable ride, and competitive driving range combine to make the Niro EV a perfect family car. Power comes from a 64-kWh battery pack that pairs with one electric motor to produce 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. This setup delivers a driving range of 239 miles which is more than what most people need for their daily commute.

The Niro EV comes with a standard fast-charger port that can add 100 miles of range in 30 minutes. At 6.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, acceleration is brisk off the line. It also packs advanced driving aids like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. The 2019 Niro EV is an affordable and versatile electric vehicle that can appeal to a wide range of buyers. Many good quality examples sell for less than $30,000 used.

2017 Kia Soul EV - $16,600

The 2017 Kia Soul EV is a compact electric vehicle that offers a spacious interior and a smooth ride. We love the Soul EV's design — a distinctive boxy shape that makes it stand out from other electric cars on the market. For infotainment, it has features like a rearview camera, a 5-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarpPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The Soul EV runs on a 27-kWh battery pack that pairs with an electric motor to make 109 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is good for a range of 93 miles on a single charge. Recharging with a 240-volt outlet takes about five hours, while a DC fast charger adds 80 percent battery capacity in about 30 minutes. The Soul EV also has a regenerative braking system and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Besides all these, the 2017 Soul EV also has attractive prices.

2014 Toyota RAV4 EV - $17,900

When new, the Toyota RAV4 EV was a unique vehicle in the market – it was the only all-electric SUV available in the US. For power, it features a powerful electric motor mated to a 41.8 kWh battery pack. The powertrain delivers 154 hp and either 218 lb-ft or 273 lb-ft or torque depending on the drive mode. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph in sport mode takes 7.2 seconds.

According to the EPA, the RAV4 EV can travel up to 103 miles on a single charge. To replenish the battery using a 240-volt outlet takes about six hours. The RAV4 EV also offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with a generous cargo capacity of 73 cubic feet behind the front seats. It also boasts a generous array of high-tech features, such as a touchscreen interface and a navigation system. Although it had a high price tag when new, it is more affordable now.

RELATED: Why The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Hybrid Will Make You Regret Buying An EV

2023 Mini Cooper SE - $29,900

The 2023 Mini Cooper SE is an electric hatchback that offers a fun and distinctive driving experience. Based on the Cooper S trim, the SE has a front-mounted electric motor that makes 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. It retains the agile handling of the gas-powered variant and can sprint from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. Boasting a starting price of $29,900, it is one of the most affordable EVs on the market.

However, it also has one of the lowest EV driving ranges in the industry. On a single charge, the Mini Cooper SE is only good for 114 miles. According to Mini, a DC fast charger can add 80% of juice in 36 minutes. The Mini Cooper SE is definitely not the best car for long road trips. But, it is the perfect electric city car for urban commuters who want a plucky and expressive electric car.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 - $41,600

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an all-new electric sedan that combines a statement-making exterior design with an anxiety-reducing driving range and an attractive entry price. It rides the same platform that underpins the Ioniq 5 SUV and the Kia EV6. Buyers can choose two battery-pack options and either an RWD single-motor setup or a dual-motor AWD version.

Both powertrains are strong enough for the daily driving needs of many. The most powerful configuration produces 320 hp and 446 lb-ft and can zip from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Depending on the configuration, the Ioniq 6 has a top driving range of about 361 miles. The quiet interior features an intuitive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Other standard features include navigation, four USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. The Ioniq 6 also has a 10-year/100,000-mile battery and EV components warranty.

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV - $27,800

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is an electric utility vehicle that offers a spacious cabin, a lively powertrain, and a range of advanced tech. While it shares a platform with the Bolt EV hatchback, the Bolt EUV has a longer wheelbase. It also shares the Bolt EV's 65 kWh powertrain. But the Bolt EUV gives a driving range of 247 miles on a single charge.

A 240-volt outlet can recharge the battery in about 10 hours, while a DC fast charger can add 95 miles of range in 30 minutes. With 200 hp and 266 lb-ft on tap, zero to 60 mph happens in about seven seconds. The Bolt EUV also offers nimble handling. Besides the excellent performance, it also features a straightforward infotainment system. Other features that make the Bolt EUV great for daily driving include exclusive features like a semi-autonomous driving system and an available sunroof.

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