Here are the 11 Cheapest Electric Cars you can buy (Cheapest is $28, 375)

[FAUlty Gator]

Cheapest Tesla is $42,000

For our brave new world where the people saying that everyone should buy expensive electric cars, but swear that no one can afford to pay back their college debt.

Rule #1: Don't be over 5'10".

This VW looks like the biggest one ($41,000)

$45,000 for this one. And it's not even the smallest one.

https://www.cars.com/articles/here-are-the-11-cheapest-electric-vehicles-you-can-buy-439849/

 

[Funky Bunch]

Might have to look into that VW. It's $33,500 after the tax credit.

 

[FAUlty Gator]

Might have to look into that VW. It's $33,500 after the tax credit.

That's the one I would go with. However, VWs are nightmares when they need service.

 

[B1GDeal]

I'm 6'2" and have driven several Tesla models and they have a ton of space both in front and in the passenger area. The VW is similar to our SUV crossovers in size, so they too have plenty of room.

The average price of a non-luxury vehicle stood at $43,072 in 2021, so these EV's are in that territory and will only see more in the next few years.

 

[OrlandNole]

OP should probably buy a bike. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it will help him lose weight so that he can fit into a normal sized electric vehicle.

 

[thewop]

If your car gets 25 mpg, gas price avg is $4/gal, 15k miles/year, you spend $2400/yr. On gas for the life of the vehicle.

That's $24k over 10 years if you keep the car that long.

Estimating $9 to fully charge an EV with a 200 mile range (thanks interwebs), your 15k miles/yr. will cost about 675/yr. Or $6,750 over the 10 year life of the car.

The cost difference in power is about $17,250 over the life of the vehicle. So if you're going to drop 35k on a gas vehicle, your break even on powering it is about $52,250 for an EV.

I didn't check many sources on the EV charge costs, but that seems like a reasonable ballpark. Of course if we get back down to 2.50 gas, the math changes, or if we go up to $5.

 

[B1GDeal]

If your car gets 25 mpg, gas price avg is $4/gal, 15k miles/year, you spend $2400/yr. On gas for the life of the vehicle.

That's $24k over 10 years if you keep the car that long.

Estimating $9 to fully charge an EV with a 200 mile range (thanks interwebs), your 15k miles/yr. will cost about 675/yr. Or $6,750 over the 10 year life of the car.

The cost difference in power is about $17,250 over the life of the vehicle. So if you're going to drop 35k on a gas vehicle, your break even on powering it is about $52,250 for an EV.

I didn't check many sources on the EV charge costs, but that seems like a reasonable ballpark. Of course if we get back down to 2.50 gas, the math changes, or if we go up to $5.

Then add the costs difference for maintenance on an ICE vs EV. Here's where the EV has a huge advantage.

 

[NCHawk5]

OP should probably buy a bike. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it will help him lose weight so that he can fit into a normal sized electric vehicle.

Hahaha you always are so witty

 

[abby97]

But how long do the batteries last? I can and have driven an internal combustion engine for 15 years, my cell phone battery lasts for about two before it stops holding a charge. What will the replacement batteries cost?

 

[OrlandNole]

If your car gets 25 mpg, gas price avg is $4/gal, 15k miles/year, you spend $2400/yr. On gas for the life of the vehicle.

That's $24k over 10 years if you keep the car that long.

Estimating $9 to fully charge an EV with a 200 mile range (thanks interwebs), your 15k miles/yr. will cost about 675/yr. Or $6,750 over the 10 year life of the car.

The cost difference in power is about $17,250 over the life of the vehicle. So if you're going to drop 35k on a gas vehicle, your break even on powering it is about $52,250 for an EV.

I didn't check many sources on the EV charge costs, but that seems like a reasonable ballpark. Of course if we get back down to 2.50 gas, the math changes, or if we go up to $5.

I think we're probably 10 years out for technology and markets to make EVs feasible from a purely economic standpoint.

 

[OrlandNole]

Hahaha you always are so witty

Thanks, man!

 

[thewop]

Then add the costs difference for maintenance on an ICE vs EV. Here's where the EV has a huge advantage.

I think my biggest question would be battery degradation. I tend to buy new then keep forever. My tendency is to believe you could keep a gas engine running a lot longer than batteries. Less to go wrong on an EV, but what's the battery cost over time? My previous calculation doesn't account for degradation at all.

 

[OrlandNole]

I think my biggest question would be battery degradation. I tend to buy new then keep forever. My tendency is to believe you could keep a gas engine running a lot longer than batteries. Less to go wrong on an EV, but what's the battery cost over time? My previous calculation doesn't account for degradation at all.

An average battery will last about 10 years and cost $5,000 to replace, which is on par with gas vehicle maintenance ($500/year).

 

[joelbc1]

But how long do the batteries last? I can and have driven an internal combustion engine for 15 years, my cell phone battery lasts for about two before it stops holding a charge. What will the replacement batteries cost?

Golf cart batteries will last 5-7 years normally.

 

[thewop]

An average battery will last about 10 years and cost $5,000 to replace, which is on par with gas vehicle maintenance ($500/year).

I'd really only compare the battery cost to engine repair/maintenance though. It'll still need tires, lights could go out, wipers, etc. It's mainly the power systems where the difference would come in.

Even at $5k, it would still seemingly hold an advantage, depending on how much the charge was degrading by year 10.

This wouldn't factor into my decision, but are we set up to recycle all these batteries? I'm envisioning toxic landfills of EVs scattered throughout the Midwest and west.

 

[soybean]

Mrs. Bean drives a 2020 Buick Encore. It is an OK car, but a bit snug for my tastes, but she loves it. She has about 15K on it and tells me at least once a month that when this car needs replacing she wants a EV. I feel myself both excited and dreading of the prospect.

 

[HawkeyeShawn]

An average battery will last about 10 years and cost $5,000 to replace, which is on par with gas vehicle maintenance ($500/year).

EVs require no other maintenance during that 10 years?

 

[SF HAWKEYE]

It seems odd to me that they don't offer a full size SUV yet. I need something with a lot of space. The Tesla X seems similar in cargo space. I realize EV are heavier than Gas cars, maybe that's why?

I looked at some larger SUV's coming out in the next couple years but some of them were still hybrids and don't have the range of the cars (only 40-60 miles) I put 30-40K miles a year on my SUV.

 

[An Iowa fan]

Interesting:

Retrofitted Tesla Travels 752 Miles on Single Charge with Startup's Battery Prototype

ONE has raised $65 million in a new funding round.

www.thomasnet.com

 

[isufan21]

If your car gets 25 mpg, gas price avg is $4/gal, 15k miles/year, you spend $2400/yr. On gas for the life of the vehicle.

That's $24k over 10 years if you keep the car that long.

Estimating $9 to fully charge an EV with a 200 mile range (thanks interwebs), your 15k miles/yr. will cost about 675/yr. Or $6,750 over the 10 year life of the car.

The cost difference in power is about $17,250 over the life of the vehicle. So if you're going to drop 35k on a gas vehicle, your break even on powering it is about $52,250 for an EV.

I didn't check many sources on the EV charge costs, but that seems like a reasonable ballpark. Of course if we get back down to 2.50 gas, the math changes, or if we go up to $5.

You should probably factor in the upgrades needed to add charging capability in the garage of your home. I believe that costs about $3000 if you need to have your electrical service upgraded. If no upgrades are needed I think it is around $1000. Most homes would require an upgrade depending on age.

 

[LuciousBDragon]

Mrs. Bean drives a 2020 Buick Encore. It is an OK car, but a bit snug for my tastes, but she loves it. She has about 15K on it and tells me at least once a month that when this car needs replacing she wants a EV. I feel myself both excited and dreading of the prospect.

Buick? That’s so you!

 

[soybean]

Buick? That’s so you!

She wanted heated leather seats and the Buick was the only one with them that she liked and was under the $30K price tag I allowed her. This Encore was listed as something like $38K on the lot...I bought it for $29,500 OTR with a warranty upgrade from 36K to 48K thrown in. Its is our first Buick and I was skeptical at first, but she loves it and other than oil changes we have had zero problems with it.

 

[beanerhawk]

She wanted heated leather seats and the Buick was the only one with them that she liked and was under the $30K price tag I allowed her. This Encore was listed as something like $38K on the lot...I bought it for $29,500 OTR with a warranty upgrade from 36K to 48K thrown in. Its is our first Buick and I was skeptical at first, but she loves it and other than oil changes we have had zero problems with it.

You allowed her?? LOL....

 

[Obviously Oblivious]

An average battery will last about 10 years and cost $5,000 to replace, which is on par with gas vehicle maintenance ($500/year).

That seems very reasonable actually.

 

[HawkeyeShawn]

That seems very reasonable actually.

EVs require $0 maintenance over 10 years? If so, then yes, it does seem reasonable.

 

[The Tradition]

200 mile range?

F*** that!

 

[jamesvanderwulf]

Nissan Leaf, MSRP 27,400 after subsidies 19,900...

2025 Nissan LEAF All-Electric Car

Explore the 2025 all-electric Nissan LEAF with instant acceleration, incredible range, and plenty of cargo space. Explore features, benefits, specs & more.

www.nissanusa.com

 

[Urohawk]

Tesla's batteries are fine:

According to Elon Musk on Twitter, Tesla car batteries are supposed to technically last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles, which is 1,500 battery cycles. That’s between 22 and 37 years for the average car driver, who, according to the Department of Transportation, drives about 13,500 miles per year.

Importantly, this is not the same distance that Tesla warranties. After 100,000 to 150,000 miles (depending on model),

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

Tesla's batteries are fine:

According to Elon Musk on Twitter, Tesla car batteries are supposed to technically last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles, which is 1,500 battery cycles. That’s between 22 and 37 years for the average car driver, who, according to the Department of Transportation, drives about 13,500 miles per year.

Importantly, this is not the same distance that Tesla warranties. After 100,000 to 150,000 miles (depending on model),

This. I have now had my Model S for 6.5 years. Battery has been holding steady around 90% of original capacity. I am a “run it into the ground” car owner (prior car was a Honda Accord I drove for 18 years) and have no concerns on this front.

The maintenance is also minimal - no regular maintenance needed, brakes get far less wear and tear, fewer fluids to deal with, etc.

Unless you are driving long hauls between cities EVs are completely practical and viable right now.

 

[Urohawk]

It seems odd to me that they don't offer a full size SUV yet. I need something with a lot of space. The Tesla X seems similar in cargo space. I realize EV are heavier than Gas cars, maybe that's why?

I looked at some larger SUV's coming out in the next couple years but some of them were still hybrids and don't have the range of the cars (only 40-60 miles) I put 30-40K miles a year on my SUV.

Here is your answer....

Rivian R1S: The Ultimate All-Electric SUV Experience

Discover the Rivian R1S, an all-electric SUV offering unparalleled performance, luxury, and sustainability. The perfect EV SUV for all your adventures.

rivian.com

 

[FAUlty Gator]

The big issues with them seem to involve having them as family vehicles. Size and the added time to long trips. My friend has the Tesla X and drove from Texas. Thing was awesome inside. But he said with charging stops the trip was an extra 5-6 hours. Added about 30% extra time. Not the end of the world but certainly not a plus.

 

[FAUlty Gator]

Here is your answer....

Rivian R1S: The Ultimate All-Electric SUV Experience

Discover the Rivian R1S, an all-electric SUV offering unparalleled performance, luxury, and sustainability. The perfect EV SUV for all your adventures.

rivian.com

Starting at $79,500. We're not all rich peepee doctors.

 

[Urohawk]

Starting at $79,500. We're not all rich peepee doctors.

To build an electric SUV with range you need big batteries to move that extra vehicle around which adds to cost. You basically get to pick two out of the three: range, cost, and vehicle size.

I wasn't commenting on cost. I was responding to the guy who said they're aren't any suvs. I have someone I work with who's nickname is "little Deb" who is about 5 ft tall and drives a Yukon. Her kids are grown so she doesn't need to drive them around. She gets 20 mpg. May be American's need to rethink what they need. Do a bunch of solo driver, non-farmer/constuction types really need pick up trucks as their daily driver?

 

[FAUlty Gator]

To build an electric SUV with range you need big batteries to move that extra vehicle around which adds to cost. You basically get to pick two out of the three: range, cost, and vehicle size.

I wasn't commenting on cost. I was responding to the guy who said they're aren't any suvs. I have someone I work with who's nickname is "little Deb" who is about 5 ft tall and drives a Yukon. Her kids are grown so she doesn't need to drive them around. She gets 20 mpg. May be American's need to rethink what they need. Do a bunch of solo driver, non-farmer/constuction types really need pick up trucks as their daily driver?

I know. I just wanted to call you a peepee doctor.

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

The big issues with them seem to involve having them as family vehicles. Size and the added time to long trips. My friend has the Tesla X and drove from Texas. Thing was awesome inside. But he said with charging stops the trip was an extra 5-6 hours. Added about 30% extra time. Not the end of the world but certainly not a plus.

If you can afford a model x you can afford plane tickets. Long drive problem solved.

 

[QChawks]

As soon as all the major car makers have SUVs/minivans and the suburban crowd makes the switch then you’ll see EV really take off. Any new trends always start with this group.

 

[HawkeyeShawn]

This. I have now had my Model S for 6.5 years. Battery has been holding steady around 90% of original capacity. I am a “run it into the ground” car owner (prior car was a Honda Accord I drove for 18 years) and have no concerns on this front.

The maintenance is also minimal - no regular maintenance needed, brakes get far less wear and tear, fewer fluids to deal with, etc.

Unless you are driving long hauls between cities EVs are completely practical and viable right now.

I’m not against EVs. In fact I’m thinking of shopping for one within the next 2 years. Why is there less wear and tear on brakes vs an ICE?

edit: never mind. A simple Google search provided my answer.

 

[Urohawk]

I’m not against EVs. In fact I’m thinking of shopping for one within the next 2 years. Why is there less wear and tear on brakes vs an ICE?

edit: never mind. A simple Google search provided my answer.

Regenerative braking....I rarely use my brakes on my model 3 unless in a hurry or someone stops in front of me. To give you an idea of how infrequent they are used, the brake pads often get dirt and rust in them so when stopping while going in reverse, they create a high pitched squeal.

 

[beanerhawk]

An average battery will last about 10 years and cost $5,000 to replace, which is on par with gas vehicle maintenance ($500/year).

$500 a year? Who is doing your oil changes? I spend about $180 a year in vehicle maintenance if that.

 

[FAUlty Gator]

$500 a year? Who is doing your oil changes? I spend about $180 a year in vehicle maintenance if that.

A real man changes his own oil. I go to Jiffy Lube.