Charge ahead with an affordable EV.
There are plenty of reasons to love electric cars. Because EVs provide instant torque, they can accelerate quickly and easily, which comes in handy when driving in stop-and-go traffic on city streets. Electric cars are also famously quiet, providing a peaceful ride. Additionally, most models are equipped with high-tech features, enhancing the overall experience.
With the increased EV competition over the last few years, there are now many options with a great electric mile range that are also quite affordable—so making the decision to switch to electric is easier than ever.
To help you in your search, we've compiled a list of the 10 best affordable used electric cars for 2022 shoppers, based on CarMax sales data and average pricing from October 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022. Please be aware that upper trim configurations and select model years may bring the prices of some of these vehicles over $35,000.
10. Kia Soul EV
The Kia Soul EV is a subcompact crossover that was introduced in 2014, based on the standard Kia Soul. It's a convenient and practical vehicle, with a boxy shape that offers large cargo volume, and a spacious and comfortable cabin that seats five. All models from 2014 offer 18.8 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 49.5 cu-ft with those seats folded. 2017-2019 models get an EPA-estimated 105 MPGe.
Look for the following standard features on the 2017-2019 Kia Soul EV:
16-inch alloy wheels
Bluetooth® connectivity
Automatic climate control
Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Learn more at our Kia Soul EV research page.
9. Mitsubishi i-MiEV
An excellent city car thanks to its compact size and maneuverability, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a supremely practical electric vehicle. The 2017 model is powered by a 49-kilowatt electric motor with a 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack, getting an EPA-estimated 62-mile electric range when fully charged.
Here are some of the standard features on the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV:
Heated front seats
Air conditioning
15-inch alloy wheels
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Explore more at our Mitsubishi i-MiEV research page.
8. Mercedes-Benz B250e
If you're looking for a luxurious EV, the Mercedes-Benz B250e might be the car for you. The 2017 model comes standard with a 177-hp electric motor and a 28kWh battery pack, getting an EPA-estimated range of 87 miles with a full charge.
Standard features on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B250e include:
Premium vinyl upholstery
Heated windshield
10-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar support
Seat memory settings
Learn more at our Mercedes-Benz B250e research page.
7. Volkswagen e-Golf
One of the bigger cars on this list, the Volkswagen e-Golf is an upscale and refined hatchback that's capable of providing a similar driving experience to the gasoline-powered Golf. 2017-2019 models are powered by a 134-hp electric motor that uses a 35.8kWh battery for an EPA-estimated 125 miles of range on a full charge.2 2017-2019 models are available in two trims: SE and SEL Premium.
The 2017-2019 Volkswagen e-Golf is equipped with these standard features:
16-inch alloy wheels
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
LED running lights and taillights
Find out more at our dedicated Volkswagen e-Golf research page.
6. Fiat 500e
If you're seeking a stylish and attractive EV, don't miss the Fiat 500e. It's a dynamic electric car that's fun to drive, with an exterior design that makes it stand out from the crowd. It looks identical to the gasoline-powered Fiat 500, and it drives and handles similarly, too. This small city car has a two-door hatchback body style, with 2017-2019 models powered by an 83-kilowatt electric motor (111 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque).
Standard features on the 2017-2019 Fiat 500e include:
Rear parking sensors
Cruise control
Leather-wrapped and tilt-adjustable steering wheel
Five-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Continue your Fiat 500e research to learn more.
5. Chevrolet Spark EV
The Chevrolet Spark EV is a compact car with seating for four. The 2016 model features quick acceleration and smooth handling, getting from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). The 2016 Spark EV is powered by a 105-kilowatt electric motor with 140 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque, and it gets an EPA-estimated 82 miles of range on a full charge.
The 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV is equipped with these standard features:
15-inch alloy wheels
Cruise control
Seven-inch touchscreen
Heated front seats
Explore more Chevrolet Spark EV research today.
4. Ford Focus Electric
If you want a bigger EV with more passenger and cargo space, consider the Ford Focus Electric. 2017-2018 models are available in a sedan or hatchback design, with the sedan offering 13.2 cu-ft of space behind the rear seats and the hatchback offering 23.3 cu-ft. The 2017-2018 Ford Focus Electric is powered by a 107-kilowatt (143-hp) electric motor with front-wheel drive, and it gets an EPA-estimated 115 miles of range on a full charge.
You can expect these standard features on the 2017-2018 Ford Focus Electric:
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Air conditioning
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
15-inch steel wheels
Go to our Ford Focus Electric research page to learn more.
3. Chevrolet Bolt EV
Packed with standard tech features and featuring an impressive range, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is a fun-to-drive city car with room for five in a spacious and comfortable cabin. 2017-2021 models are powered by a 200-hp electric motor and get 238 miles of EPA-estimated range on a full charge, which is more than enough for everyday life.
The 2017-2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV has these standard features on both trims:
Height-adjustable front seats
Automatic climate control
10.2-inch touchscreen
17-inch alloy wheels
Find out more at our dedicated Chevrolet Bolt EV research page.
2. BMW i3
The BMW i3 is an exciting electric vehicle with eye-catching exterior design. It's also nimble and dynamic, thanks to various technological innovations like the use of carbon fiber as the main material for the car's body. The rear-hinged back doors, the striking wheel design, and the unique rear window shape make the BMW i3 look like something from a futuristic sci-fi movie. 2017-2021 models have a 33kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 170-hp electric motor, offering an EPA-estimated range of 114 miles on a full charge.
Standard features on the 2017-2021 BMW i3 include:
LED headlights and taillights
Navigation
Automatic air conditioning
50/50 split folding backseat
Go to our BMW i3 research page to find out more about it.
1. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is a five-seat hatchback that offers a quiet and enjoyable driving experience, equipped with lots of driver-assistance and convenience features. 2017-2021 models come standard with a 30kWh battery and a 107-hp electric motor. These models are fitted with advanced driver-assistance features—including forward collision warning with automatic braking—and get 149 miles of EPA-estimated range when fully charged.
Here are some of the standard features on the 2017-2021 Nissan Leaf:
Five-inch central display
Bluetooth connectivity
Heated front seats
Automatic climate control
Continue your Nissan Leaf research to learn more.
It's easier than ever to find an affordable EV. Whether you're looking for a compact city car for commuting or running errands around town, or a larger vehicle to take on long-distance trips with the whole family, you'll have no problem finding the perfect fit.
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