The Best Electric Vehicle Battery Warranties in 2024

The Best Electric Vehicle Battery Warranties in 2024

Outside of warranty, electric car battery replacement costs range from $15,000 to well north of $20,000 in a fully-electric vehicle. It’s true that batteries should be much more affordable a decade from now, but that’s a lot of money on the line. To protect your wallet, EV manufacturer warranties should be a top consideration for drivers looking to go electric.

Federal law requires automakers to warranty EV and hybrid batteries for at least eight years or 100,000 miles. California requires a 10-year, 150,000-mile warranty on EV and hybrid batteries. Still, EV battery warranties vary considerably, especially when it comes to degradation.

These are the best electric vehicle warranties in 2024. The top of the list was unexpected to say the least!

The Best EV Battery Warranty

Rivian (8 years or 175,000 miles)

Surprise! The best EV warranty is offered by Rivian for the all-new R1T electric truck and R1S electric SUV. Coverage includes all components inside the high-voltage battery and 70% or more of the battery capacity for 8 years or 175,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Drivetrain components are also covered for 8 years or 175,000 miles. It can be unnerving to purchase a vehicle from a startup like Rivian, so at least they’re offering the best battery warranty there is. Learn more about Rivian’s warranty here.

Tesla Battery Warranty

Tesla’s electric powertrain warranty is split into two tiers. 

  • The Tesla Model S (starting at $99,990) and Tesla Model X (starting at $114,990) have 8 year or 150,000 mile electric powertrain warranties. Battery capacity retention is guaranteed to be at least 70% under warranty.
  • The Tesla Model 3 Long Range and Performance and all Tesla Model Y’s get an 8 year or 120,000 mile powertrain warranty. 
  • The most affordable Tesla today is the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, which gets an 8 year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. 

Learn more about Tesla’s battery warranty. 

The Best Battery Warranty For Affordable Electric Cars

Hyundai and Kia (10 years or 100,000 miles)

2022 Kia EV6

For electric cars under $65,000, you can’t beat Hyundai and Kia’s 10 year/100,000 mile EV warranty. The Hyundai EV warranty covers batteries, motors and powertrain components. There’s also the guarantee of at least 70% battery capacity retention. “While all electric-car batteries will experience degradation over time, ours will not degrade more than 70 percent of the original capacity during the warranty period.”

Hyundai’s warranty was a big consideration when I decided to purchase a 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 for my family. Learn more about the IONIQ 5, and the ups and downs of my own EV shopping experience.

Learn more about Hyundai’s electric vehicle battery warranty. You can find Kia’s EV warranty details here

The Rest of the Gang: 8 year/100,000 Mile Battery and Powertrain Warranty

In 2024, it looks like the industry standard for EV manufacturer warranties is 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This manufacturer warranty applies to the following electric vehicles in 2024:

The Worst EV Battery Warranty in 2024

We hope that the Blazer and Equinox EVs have a better battery degradation guarantee than the Bolt!

I’m surprised that GM is continuing to settle for last considering their much-publicized push to electrify their entire lineup quickly. The Chevrolet Bolt and GMC Hummer EV have 8 year/100,000 mile battery warranties with a notable catch. The battery retention portion of the warranty will replace the battery if it falls below 60% of the original capacity under coverage. See the full details here

Get the most when you sell your car.

Compare and choose multiple offers in minutes:

These Electric Vehicles Come with Free Charging in 2022

These Electric Vehicles Come with Free Charging in 2022

Electrify America

Electric vehicles are far from cheap, but many 2022 EVs come with free charging incentives that sweeten the deal. If you travel America’s interstates often, you’ll want to check out these free charging incentives. It adds up quickly!

Audi e-tron Free Charging: Electrify America

The new Audi Q4 e-tron includes 250kWh of complimentary charging at Electrify America. Audi e-tron GT buyers get three years of free charging at Electrify America. With an EPA-rated range of 241 miles with a 77 kilowatt-hour battery pack, you’ll be good to go for plenty of charging stops. The Q4 e-tron will take about 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. The much pricier e-tron GT can do the same in as little as 22 minutes. 

BMX i4 and iX Free Charging: Electrify America

The 2022 BMW iX SUV and i4 electric sedan will come with two years of 30-minute complimentary charging sessions at Electrify America charging stations. Depending on how much you travel, that could save you a few thousand dollars in public charging costs!

Chevrolet Bolt: Free Level 2 Charger Installation

This is a better deal than it sounds. Level 2 home charging is not cheap to install, unless you’re lucky enough to live where incentives abound. Chevrolet will cover standard installation of a Level 2 charging outlet for customers who purchase or lease a 2022 Bolt EUV or Bolt EV. Learn more here. Here’s our review of the 2022 Bolt and Bolt EUV.

Fisker Ocean Free Charging: Electrify America, Maybe?

The 2023 Fisker Ocean is looking like it will be a popular electric crossover once it arrives. Fisker has partnered with Electrify America, however it’s not been shared if there will be a complimentary charging incentive for Ocean drivers. Regardless, it’s an amazing vehicle (on paper for now). We’re big fans of the innovative Fisker Flexee lease program.

Ford F-150 Lightning Free Charging: Electrify America

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro

Yes, the truck we’ve all been waiting for does come with 250 kilowatt-hours of free charging at Electrify America. That’s equal to about two and a half fill-ups, or enough to drive about 700 to 800 miles in the F-150 Lightning. Once the incentive expires, expect a big charging session at Electrify America to cost about $25-35 in the F-150 Lightning. Learn more about the 2022 F-150 Lightning here

Wondering which EVs are available in 2022? Here’s the full list, with pricing and wait times updated regularly.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Free Charging: Electrify America

Just like the F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E drivers will get 250 kilowatt-hours of free charging at Electrify America. That’s enough to have about three or four free charging sessions on your first road trip. Here’s our review of the 2022 Mustang Mach-E, which by the way is one of the top-selling EVs in America (but still far behind Tesla).

Genesis GV60 Free Charging: Electrify America

The Genesis GV60 is the upscale sibling to my very own Hyundai IONIQ 5, but it comes with an even better charging incentive. Genesis GV60 buyers will get free 30-minute charging sessions for three years at Electrify America. 

Hyundai IONIQ 5: Electrify America

Hyundai IONIQ 5

Hyundai and Kia have raced towards the top of the EV sales charts since launching their twin electric crossovers (some would argue they’re oversized hatchbacks). The Hyundai IONIQ 5 comes with two years of unlimited 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America’s 800 stations nationwide. Electrify America is growing quickly, so it’s likely there are more than a few EA chargers along your most frequented routes. 

I recently bought an all-wheel drive IONIQ 5 Limited, and I love it. Here’s how I bought one at MSRP (no markup!), plus all you ever wanted to know about the vehicle in this CarEdge review

Kia EV6: Electrify America

Kia decided to do things differently when setting up their partnership with Electrify America. EV6 owners 1,000 kilowatt-hours of free charging at Electrify America stations. The EA incentive expires after three years. With the efficiency of the Kia EV6, 1,000 kWh of free charging is likely to be good for about 3,500 miles of driving. Full review of the Kia EV6

Lucid Air Free Charging: Electrify America

Lucid Air

Lucid has EXTENDED their free charging partnership with Electrify America. Now, all Lucid customers who place their vehicle order before June 30, 2022 will get three years of free charging at Electrify America. Better get that wallet out! The Lucid Air starts at $77,400, however prices for top-level trims exceed $170,000. See the details here

Nissan Leaf Free Charging: EVgo

America’s first mass-market electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, is still a solid bargain in 2022.

(Check out the only cheap EVs available today

Drivers purchasing or leasing a new Nissan LEAF receive $250 EVgo charging credits, which could last you a while with the Leaf’s 150 to 226 mile range. Here are the details from EVgo. 

Nissan Ariya Free Charging: EVgo

The first 10,000 customers who reserved a 2023 Nissan Ariya by January 31, 2022 get a $500 credit for EVgo’s growing network of charging stations. If you’re just now thinking about buying an Ariya, it’s a bit too late. Still, the Ariya is looking to be one of the nicest Nissan’s ever. Is it worth the price tag? Here’s what we think.

EVgo charging network
EVgo charging locations and roaming partners

Polestar 2 Free Charging: Electrify America

The Polestar 2 has several advantages over its competitors: it’s available now, starts under 50 grand, and features a no-haggle direct-to-consumer price. Another benefit of the Polestar 2 is a free charging incentive. The Polestar 2 comes with two years of free 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America stations. That could save drivers thousands of dollars, depending on how many road trips you take. 

Rivian Free Charging: Rivian Adventure Network

Although it’s fantastic that Rivian is building its own charging network (like Tesla did), it’s a bit of a letdown for Rivian buyers who hoped to get a free charging incentive at Electrify America. The map below is where Rivian plans to have Adventure Network chargers, NOT where they currently are. All buyers of the Rivian R1T electric truck and R1S electric full-sized SUV will get one year of free charging on the Rivian Adventure Network. 

Note: This map reflects Rivian’s plans for the future of the Adventure Network.

The upside? This charging network will be specializing in rural destinations like National Parks, National Forests and the like. That will be transformative for charging in America. 

Subaru Solterra: No Charging Incentive Yet

Despite announcing a ‘partnership’ with America’s third-largest charging network EVgo, there’s no free charging incentive for now. As mentioned above, EVgo has 800 public fast-charging locations and 1,200 Level 2 charging stalls spanning 68 metropolitan areas and 35 states.

Although we’re a Subaru household (prior to taking ownership of our new IONIQ 5), the Solterra EV’s range, charging speed and price are a real bummer. Here’s our full review of the 2023 Subaru Solterra. 

Tesla Free Charging? Not Anymore

Back in the early days of the Model S, Tesla did offer insanely good free charging incentives on its young Supercharger network. From 2012 to 2018, some Tesla vehicles had free charging for life. If you’re looking for free charging or generous federal EV incentives, you’ll have to shop elsewhere. 

Toyota bZ4X Free Charging: EVgo

Toyota bZ4X

The all-new Toyota bZ4X electric crossover takes an hour to charge (at a ‘fast’ charger), has merely okay range, and isn’t all that affordable, but at least you get one year of free charging at EVgo’s network of chargers. EVgo has 800 public fast-charging locations and 1,200 Level 2 charging stalls in 35 states. Here’s why we aren’t fans of the bZ4X. Just buy a RAV4 Prime! That’s probably what Toyota wants you to do anyway. 

Volkswagen ID.4 Free Charging: Electrify America

The ID.4 has one of the best free charging incentives available today. Although the 2021 model year’s offer of three years of UNLIMITED free charging has ended, the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 includes three years of free 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America stations. With the 2022 model’s quicker charging rate and improved charging curve, this should be enough for most sessions to be free. Rarely will ID.4 drivers need to stay plugged in for more than 30 minutes at a DC fast charger. Full review of the VW ID.4

Volvo Free Charging: Electrify America

Buyers of the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge get 250 kilowatt-hours of free charging at Electrify America. But that’s not all: Volvo is also enticing drivers with a year of free access to Electrify America’s Pass+ membership, which offers charging at a discounted rate. The Pass+ membership offers charging at about 30% lower rates than using the network as a guest, but membership normally costs $4 per month. 

CarEdge’s Take

Making the switch to an electric vehicle would be a no-brainer if they weren’t so darn expensive. It’s hard to find a cheap EV, but a few are out there. For many, free charging incentives are compelling enough to close the deal. Personally, I’ve saved a few hundred dollars in charging costs over the first few months of EV ownership by using my IONIQ 5’s Electrify America incentive. 

This begs the question: would you rather have faster charging times, or longer range? Does stopping for 15 minutes every 200 miles sound better than stopping for 45 minutes every 300? Let us know what you think the future of EV charging should look like. One thing is for sure, EVs are coming to roads near you.

Get the most when you sell your car.

Compare and choose multiple offers in minutes:

The 5 Most Marked-Up Cars in 2022 (Really, Kia?!)

The 5 Most Marked-Up Cars in 2022 (Really, Kia?!)

Over the past two years, the median household income in the United States has nudged upward from $67,500 to $75,500 as of March 2022. Meanwhile, new cars have risen from an average transaction price of $37,000 in early 2020 to $46,000 today, a 24% increase. The cost of transportation in our very car-dependent country has climbed above what’s possible for most driver’s budgets. Now, more than ever, price matters. These are the most marked up cars in 2022. 

Consumer Reports recently released eye-opening data on the price disparities between automakers as dealer markups amplify the madness of the auto industry in 2022. Kia is overwhelmingly the winner of the award for most ridiculous new car pricing in 2022

Kia Soul

2022 Kia Soul

The 2022 Kia Soul is a subcompact SUV that car buyers are eager to get their hands on. In fact, demand is so high that Kia dealers keep pushing the limits of Kia Soul pricing ever higher. In 2022, Consumer Reports finds that the average price for a Kia Soul in the US is 21% over MSRP

When we take a look at CarEdge Car Search, we see that there are just over 1,000 new Kia Souls for sale in America right now. The Soul is in short supply. Shockingly, some go for nearly $40,000! Sure enough, CarEdge Car Dealer Reviews shows that buyers are having a hard time finding a good deal on the Soul in 2022. 

Kia Sorento

Kia’s hot-selling mid-size SUV is also listed for 21% over MSRP on average. Kia has been able to keep a higher supply of Sorentos on dealer lots, with nearly 3,000 available nationwide. I just about dropped my coffee when I saw that Kia Sorento plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are listed for over $60,000 in some parts of the country. See the Sorento listings near you here

Kia Forte

The third Kia model with a 21% average markup in 2022 is the Forte budget sedan. The consensus among reviewers of the Forte is that it’s simply an ‘okay’ car. Is it worth $34,000? Some dealers seem to think so

Kia Sportage

With a 19% average markup, this typically affordable compact SUV is no longer cheap. The Sportage has a starting MSRP of $24,090, but it’s very hard to find one under $35,000, and some approach $50,000. Would you pay that much for a Kia compact SUV?

Kia Niro

2022 Kia Niro EV

The Niro is popular, having sold well over 20,000 units annually in the U.S. before the chip shortage slashed production. Does its popularity justify the 19% average markup on the Niro? The electric version of the Niro has seen the most ludicrous price increases. Although the MSRP for a 2022 Niro EV EX Premium is $44,650, dealer prices reach up to $52,000 before taxes and fees.

CarEdge’s Take

It’s not just new car prices that are out of control. At CarEdge, we’ve been tracking used car price trends, and it’s hardly any better at the auction house. Seasonal price trends have gone out the window, and supply chain disruptions continue to put a damper on any semblance of normalcy. We’ve seen new car inventory plummet and struggle to climb back at all.

What will it take for the car price bubble to burst? Supply will have to catch up to demand. Until that happens, dealers (and automakers) have the upperhand when it comes to pricing. Be sure to join the CarEdge Community to stay up to date with the very latest car price and inventory news. 

Get the most when you sell your car.

Compare and choose multiple offers in minutes:

Kia & Hyundai Fire Recalls; 6 Million Vehicles Impacted

Kia & Hyundai Fire Recalls; 6 Million Vehicles Impacted

October 2022 Update: Hyundai and Kia models with dual-clutch transmissions are subject to a new recall and stop-sale. Model year 2021 – 2023 vehicles are included. See the details below.

A recall remains in effect for the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. This recall is separate from another recall earlier this year in which nearly 6 million vehicles produced between 2011 and 2019 were flagged for separate fire risks. See the details and learn how to check if your VIN number is included below.

Let’s dive in to what you need to know about Kia & Hyundai fire recalls.

What Kias & Hyundais are being recalled for fire?

NHTSA Recall IDVehicle MakeVehicle Model(s)# Vehicles RecalledRecall Date
21V331KIA2013-15 Optima and 2014-15 Sorento440,2705/10/2021
21V308HYUNDAI2021 Santa Fe25/3/2021
21V301HYUNDAI2019-20 Elantra, 2019-21 Kona and Veloster125,8404/28/2021
21V303HYUNDAI2013-15 Santa Fe Sport151,2054/28/2021
21V277KIA2022 Kia Carnival2,7444/21/2021
21V259KIA2021 Seltos, 2020-21 Soul147,2494/13/2021
21V208HYUNDAI2021 Genesis G80, GV801473/25/2021
21V160HYUNDAI2015-16 Genesis, 2017-2020 Genesis G8094,6463/10/2021
21V161HYUNDAI2019-21 Genesis G705523/10/2021
21V137KIA2017-19 Cadenza, 2017-21 Sportage379,9313/4/2021
20V750KIA2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima, Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage294,75612/2/2020
20V746HYUNDAI2012 Santa Fe, 2011-13 and 2016 Sonata Hybrid, 2015-16 Veloster128,94812/1/2020
20V630HYUNDAI2019-2020 Kona6,70710/13/2020
20V543HYUNDAI2016-2021 Tucson652,0549/4/2020
20V518KIA2019 Stinger9,4438/27/2020
20V519KIA2013-15 Optima and 2014-15 Sorento440,3708/27/2020
20V520HYUNDAI2013-15 Santa Fe Sport151,2058/27/2020
20V399KIA2020 Sedona5,3857/8/2020
20V393HYUNDAI2011-2012 Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster272,1267/2/2020
20V121HYUNDAI2013-2014 Sonata206,8962/28/2020
20V100KIA2013-2014 Optima141,7742/21/2020
20V101KIA2011-2012 Sedona51,4652/21/2020
20V088KIA2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento228,8292/14/2020
20V061HYUNDAI2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring476,1112/4/2020
19V204HYUNDAI2013 Veloster16,4873/14/2019
19V120KIA2012-16 Soul378,9672/22/2019
19V101KIA2011-12 Sportage32,2962/15/2019
19V063HYUNDAI2011-13 Tucson120,0002/5/2019
18V934HYUNDAI2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-14 Santa Fe Sport150,73012/28/2018
18V907KIA2011-2014 Optima, 2011-2013 Sportage, 2012-2014 Sorento71,65312/19/2018
18V754KIA2018 Stinger16,01110/25/2018
18V704HYUNDAI2017-18 Ioniq10,57510/5/2018
18V666KIA2017-2018 Niro27,0309/25/2018
18V260HYUNDAI2017 Ioniq10,1564/24/2018
18V257KIA2017 Niro27,0294/20/2018
18V026HYUNDAI2006 Sonata, 2006-11 Azera87,8541/9/2018
17V586KIA2017 Sorento629/21/2017
17V578HYUNDAI2017 Santa Fe4209/20/2017
17V224KIA2011-2014 Optima, 2011-2013 Sportage, 2012-2014 Sorento618,1603/31/2017
17V226HYUNDAI2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport572,0003/31/2017
16V815KIA2008-09 Sportage71,70411/10/2016
15V568HYUNDAI2011-2012 Sonata470,0009/10/2015
15V015KIA2014 Forte86,8801/16/2015
11V256KIA2004-07 Spectra58,3224/25/2011
10V388KIA2010 Soul, 2011 Sorento35,1858/31/2010

Theta II Engine Class Action Settlement

Hyundai and Kia owners began suing the automakers in 2015 after they refused to pay to repair or replace the Theta II engine. Hyundai settled the class-action suit.

What is this lawsuit about?
The people who filed these lawsuits are called Plaintiffs, and the companies they sued, HMA, HMC, and others, are called Defendants. The Plaintiffs allege that the Class Vehicles suffer from a defect that can cause engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and engine fire. They also allege that engine seizure or stalling can be dangerous if experienced. Furthermore, the Plaintiffs also allege that some owners and lessees have been improperly denied repairs under the vehicle’s warranty. HMA and HMC deny Plaintiffs’ allegations.

Which Hyundai vehicles are included?
The “Class Vehicles” are 2011–2019 model year Hyundai Sonata, 2013–2019 model year Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and 2014–2015 and 2018–2019 model year Hyundai Tucson equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter genuine Theta II gasoline direct injection engines within OEM specifications.

What can I get from the settlement?

  • Warranty Extension
  • Reimbursement for Past Repairs
  • Reimbursement for Rental Car, Towing, Etc.
  • Compensation for Inconvenience Due to Repair Delays
  • Compensation If You Traded In or Sold a Class Vehicle
  • Compensation for Vehicle Involved in an Engine Fire
  • Rebate Program

2020-2022 Hyundai Palisade Recall

On August 22, 2022, the NHTSA issued a recall and stop-sale for model year 2020-2022 Hyundai Palisades in the United States. 245,030 Palisades are impacted. Affected new Palisades will not be available for purchase until they have received the recall fix.

The recall is due to a newly discovered fire risk that has resulted in three fires in Canada, and several instances of melted components.

A safety report filed with the NHTSA explains that debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

See if your Hyundai Palisade VIN number is included in this recall at Hyundai’s official recall checker.

2020-2022 Kia Telluride Recall

On August 22, 2022, the NHTSA also issued a recall and stop-sale for model year 2020-2022 Kia Tellurides in the United States. 36,417 Kia Telluride VIN numbers are impacted. The stop-sale means that affected new Tellurides will not be available for purchase until they have received the recall fix.

Just as with the Hyundai Palisade recall, the Telluride recall is due to a newly discovered fire risk that has resulted in three fires in Canada, and several instances of melted components.

A safety report filed with the NHTSA earlier this month explains the risk of concern. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch circuit board may cause an electrical short. If a short occurs, accumulated debris may ignite and cause a fire.

See if your Kia Telluride VIN number is included in this recall at Kia’s official recall checker.

2021 – 2023 DCT Recall

hyundai santa cruz recall
Hyundai Santa Cruz recall

A new Hyundai and Kia recall was issued in October 2022 for models equipped with dual-clutch transmissions. This includes the following vehicles:

Hyundai

2021-2022 Hyundai Sonata

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

2022 Hyundai Elantra N

2021-2022 Hyundai Velostar N

2022 Hyundai Kona N

2021-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

Kia

2021-2022 Kia Sorento

2021-2023 Kia K5

See if your Hyundai or Kia vehicle is included in this recall at the NHTSA’s official recall page.

Get the most when you sell your car.

Compare and choose multiple offers in minutes:

These Are the Only Cheap Electric Cars Available in 2022

These Are the Only Cheap Electric Cars Available in 2022

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

If you’re in the market for an affordable electric vehicle, you’ve likely already arrived at the realization that ‘affordable’ doesn’t mean cheap in 2022. In fact, our own CarEdge list of the best affordable electric cars features one car (the Tesla Model 3) that now starts just shy of $50,000. Are there any truly cheap electric cars available today? You may be surprised with what we found. 

2022 Nissan LEAF

After earlier rumors suggested that the Nissan LEAF was to be discontinued, a Nissan executive recently stated that the LEAF is here to stay. That’s GREAT news for EV affordability.

We must point out that General Motors decided to slash the price of the LEAF’s competitor, the Chevy Bolt, to steal the title of ‘cheapest EV in America.’ More on that below.

2022 Nissan Leaf EV

Price: Starting at $27,400

Range: 150 to 226 miles, depending on battery size

Charging Speed: Either 50 kW or 100 kW speeds, depending on battery

Tax credit: It qualifies!

Available at dealers now: See who has inventory at CarEdge Car Search: Nissan Leaf

Tesla is the face of electric cars today, but for years it was the Nissan Leaf at center stage. When Nissan brought the Leaf to market in 2010, it was a short-ranged novelty that somehow began to catch on. With just 73 miles of range on a good day, the first iteration of the Leaf was a bug-eyed appliance good for around town, but not much else. 

Over a decade later, and the 2022 Nissan Leaf is a lot better than the first. However, it’s still a budget vehicle, and you get what you pay for. Still, it’s a great entry point into EVs for many. The Leaf now has enough range to make regional travel realistic, but charging speeds have unfortunately remained too slow to make it easy. If you’re eager to get into an electric car for under $30,000, you’ll surely want to check out the 2022 Nissan Leaf. 

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV – The Cheapest Electric Car

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Price: Starting at $26,595

Range: 259 miles

Charging Speed: 55 kW speeds (adds 100 miles in 30 minutes of charging)

Tax Credit: The Bolt no longer qualifies for the federal EV tax credit, but state incentives may apply

The 2023 Chevy Bolt is the cheapest electric car today. It is available at dealers nationwide, as long as the mandatory recall fixes have been completed. See who has inventory at CarEdge Car Search: Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV 

General Motors has sold over 100,000 Chevrolet Bolt EVs since launching the subcompact crossover in 2016. In 2021, the Bolt gained a new sibling: the larger Bolt EUV. Shortly after the Bolt EUV joined the show, several Bolt battery fires spurred a very urgent recall into action. When all was said and done, battery supplier LG Chem was found to be responsible for the Bolt battery fires, and agreed to pay General Motors $2 billion in damages. 

Fast forward to 2022, and most Chevrolet Bolt’s (all for sale) have received new battery packs. The Bolt is a GREAT deal now that it’s fixed. If you’re never in a rush on road trips (or just plan to use the car around town), the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt is worth a look. It charges painfully slow, but hey, it is the cheapest electric car today.

If you check out used Bolts, request official documentation showing that all recall work was completed. The Bolt will be eligible for the new EV tax credit here in the United States, but only after 1/1/2023. See our full guide to EV tax credits for more info.

2022 Hyundai Kona EV

2022 Hyundai Kona EV

Price: Starting at $34,000

Range: 258 miles

Charging Speed: 100 kW speeds (180 miles added in 47 minutes)

Tax Credit: It qualifies!

Available at dealers nationwide. See who has inventory at CarEdge Car Search: Hyundai Kona EV

The 2022 Hyundai Kona EV is no Tesla, but it has decent range and room to fit most lifestyles. Plus, it’s really cheap AND still qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit.

For just $34,000 before incentives, you can become the owner of the original Hyundai EV. This front-wheel drive subcompact crossover gets 258 miles on the charge, exceptional range for a budget EV. Some owners get over 275 miles on a single charge. The Limited trim, top-of-the-line option comes in at $42,500.

If you plug in at home, charging to 100% from a 240-volt dryer outlet will only take you about 9 hours from 10% state of charge. That will get you a full battery overnight while you’re sleeping. At a fast charger, the Kona is behind the competition. In 47 minutes, the Kona Electric charges from 10% to 80% capacity.

The all-new Hyundai IONIQ 5 has stolen the show with more range, MUCH faster charging, and retro looks, but it starts closer to $45,000 with destination and availability is very limited. For those who are willing to give up a few luxuries, the Hyundai Kona EV is a solid choice. 

2022 Kia Niro EV

2022 Kia Niro EV

Price: Starting at $39,990

Range: 239 miles

Charging Speed: 100 kW at a DC fast charger (adds 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes)

Tax Credit: It qualifies!

Available at dealers nationwide. See who has inventory at CarEdge Car Search: Kia Niro EV

The Kia Niro electric version is the sibling to the aforementioned Hyundai Kona EV. Both source their power from a 64 kilowatt-hour battery, which is a tad smaller than more expensive electric cars. The Niro EV can charge at up to 100 kilowatt speeds at a fast charger. At least that’s better than the Nissan LEAF and Chevy Bolt.

The Niro EV’s back seat is slightly more spacious than the Kona’s, so it’s more popular with families and those with large pets. There’s also a plug-in hybrid version. For just a few thousand dollars more, keep in mind that you could check out the base trims of the newer Kia EV6, Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Volkswagen ID.4. 

2022 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop Electric

Mini Cooper electric

Price: $30,750

Range: 114 miles

Charging Speed: 50 kW speeds (about 90 miles of range in 36 minutes)

Tax Credit: It qualifies!

Available at select dealers nationwide. See who has inventory at CarEdge Car Search: MINI Cooper Electric

For just over $30,000, you can own an electric Mini. It’s practically a luxury golf cart! Jokes aside, it’s not a bad deal IF you don’t plan to go very far. With 114 miles of EPA-rated range, it’s a zippy way to scoot around town. 

Not-so-honorable mention: 2022 Mazda MX-30

Mazda MX-30 electric

Price: $34,695

Range: 100 miles

Available in California to those who don’t travel much. Check it out if you must at CarEdge Car Search: Mazda MX-30

Why didn’t I include Mazda’s first fully-electric vehicle on this list? It’s a brand-new model, yet it only gets 100 miles of range on a charge. That, and the fact that it is only sold in California as a regulatory compliance vehicle for now. Come on, Mazda! That’s not enough range to safely make it across Los Angeles!

CarEdge’s Take

An electric car under $35,000? Sounds like science fiction, but as you can see, a few can be had for what used to be considered average car prices. Most of these cheap electric cars don’t have the best range, the fastest charging or the need for speed, but they won’t drain the bank like a Tesla will. Let me know which cheap EVs you’re checking out in 2022. 

Some parting advice: consider all options, and test drive as many electric vehicles as you can. You’ll be amazed at what’s out there, and even more amazed at what’s to come

Get the most when you sell your car.

Compare and choose multiple offers in minutes: