Want to buy an EV but still concerned about the cost and overall range? Not sure if it actually fits your budget? Worry not! Here are the electric vehicles currently providing the most range for your bucks!
Since autonomy range is directly proportional to the size of an EV’s battery and considering the fact that batteries are still quite expensive, going for a model providing the absolute maximum range can cost a pretty penny. However, things are improving quickly, with cheap EVs now providing well up to 250 miles of range — more than enough for most drivers in the US and Canada.
But which electric vehicle has the best range-to-price ratio? In other words, how much range would you get for every $1,000 spent?
That’s precisely the question we’ll aim to answer here, in the hope to help you get the most bang range for your bucks when buying your first EV, making the transition from petrol-powered vehicles a bit smoother. For instance, if an electric car was to cost $40,000 and offered a 500-mile range, then for every $1000 spent, it would fetch you 12.5 miles of range.
Of course, there is more to a car than battery range — performance, handling, interior space, comfort, and quality are all critical, too. Nonetheless, we wanted to keep things simple and focus solely on the numbers this time. Moreover, since all those other criteria are mostly a question of personal preference, it’s a lot easier to start by selecting a couple of models providing a range-to-price ratio fitting your budget, and then weigh out the add-ons, accessories, standard features, etc. later on and make an informed decision, tailor-made to your specific needs.
Quick note: we will leave the $7,500 tax credit out of the picture here since it’s still unclear when various manufacturers will stop being eligible.
So, without further ado, let’s have a look at the electric vehicles providing the best bang for your bucks when it comes to battery range, in ascending order.
2022 Kia Niro EV
5.97 miles/$1,000
The Kia Niro isn’t a particularly desirable EV in terms of design and quality. Indeed, its interior looks dated by 2022 standards, and the quality of the materials is nothing to write home about. Still, numbers don’t lie — the Niro EV costs $39,990 and provides a 239-mile EPA range, meaning you get 5.97 miles for every $1,000 spent.
Should you buy it, though? We think that are far better options in 2022. Most EVs mentioned below have more comfortable and higher-quality cabins while also providing better range-per-buck and better performance. Moreover, Hyundai offers the same crossover in a different guise, called the Kona Electric, which provides a longer range and comes at almost $6,000 less!
Moving on.
2023 Toyota bZ4X XLE FWD
6 miles/$1,000
Toyota’s first foray into EVs might not look that impressive on paper, but the quirky crossover has a lot going for it. For instance, unlike other electric crossovers on this list, the bZ4X has 8.1-inch ground clearance, making it a more viable solution for light off-roading.
And while higher ground clearance usually eats into range due to worse aerodynamics, the entry-level bZ4X can travel a good 252 miles on a single charge. That’s very competitive for the price, especially for an EV that comes standard with a heat pump, which most EVs on this list lack, significantly harming their effective range in winter.
Toyota also modernized the interior and included a large screen in the center featuring a new software. There is also an auxiliary color display in front of the driver, placed high above the steering wheel so the driver doesn’t have to take his eyes from the road.
Moreover, the bZ4X is offered in two drivetrain configurations: an FWD producing 204-hp and a slightly more powerful AWD variant churning out 218-hp, both providing solid but not ground-breaking performance.
Still, the biggest magnet for potential bZ4X buyers will be the warranty, though. Toyota claims its bZ4X will retain 90% battery capacity after ten years of use, a first in the business.
Unfortunately, while Toyota’s first fully-electric crossover starts at only $42,000, good luck finding one, though — the production capacity will be very low so you might have to wait before you can actually get your hands on one.
2022 Tesla Model 3 AWD Long Range
6.22 miles/$1,000
The Model 3 Long Range has the longest range on this list at 358 miles (80.5-kWh battery), making it a viable solution to replace your gas-powered car. Moreover, Tesla’s Supercharger network is the most prevalent in the US while also being much easier to use than most. And at $57,490 for this particular model, it’s a fierce competitor to other premium sports sedans.
Did I say sports sedan? Yes, although we are not talking about the Performance version, the regular Model 3 AWD can hit 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds — that’s BMW M3 territory! The Model 3 is also Tesla’s best-handling car, thanks to the taut suspension and very low center of gravity.
Inside, the Model 3 is an exercise in minimalism — there is only one 15-inch display placed on the center console and a few buttons on the steering wheel. This approach may not be everyone’s cup of tea and could be questionable when it comes to safety. Still, Tesla claims to have mitigated that with easily the best software out there.
Overall, if you have deeper pockets and want the longest possible range in an electric sedan, the Model 3 is a no-brainer. It’s quick, comfortable, and effortless to drive — all qualities that appeal to drivers looking for something a little more “high-end” than the previous EVs.
2022 Kia EV6 Wind RWD
6.6 miles/$1,000
The EV6 is arguably the best-looking EV on this list (although some might prefer the closely-related Hyundai Ioniq 5). But it’s not all about the looks — Kia did a great job differentiating the crossover from other offerings on the market.
Notably, the interior looks very hi-tech and quite premium, even giving Audi a run for its money. Moreover, the cabin is capable of comfortably accommodating four adults, with the front seats being especially pleasant.
Kia also chose to go the Tesla route by offering numerous battery and powertrain options. For instance, customers can soon opt for a 576-hp GT model, which can hit 60 mph in a staggering 3.5 seconds! Moreover, the regular Wind AWD model with “only” 320 hp can hit the same mark in just 4.6 seconds, which is still almost supercar territory.
However, we are not focusing on performance here; this article is all about battery range. Fortunately, the EV6 doesn’t disappoint here either — the entry-level $40,900 Light model comes with 232 miles of range, while the mid-level Wind provides 310 miles and costs $47,000. We’d actually recommend the latter, as it comes with a more powerful 225-hp rear-mounted motor.
Unfortunately, the Light and Wind trims aren’t equipped with a heat pump, meaning the overall range will take a hit in colder climates. On the other hand, the heat pump comes standard on the pricier Wind AWD model. Still, the EV6 supports the quickest-charging speed on the market, providing a 217-mile range boost after only 18 minutes of charging.
According to industry experts, the EV6 is one of the best EVs to drive in tight corners, though the suspension can be a bit firm for your daily commute. Nonetheless, most owners should be happy with the balance, especially considering how well the EV6 fairs in other areas.
2022 VW ID.4 Pro
6.79 miles/$1,000
VW’s first all-electric vehicle to hit the US shores is here to heal the wounds left from the Dieselgate scandal, and we have to admit, it’s a very good first try. The ID.4 might not look as sharp as other EVs on this list, but family buyers might actually prefer the rather “sedated” styling.
The interior is also nothing special, with several questionable material choices. Still, VW definitely wanted to make first-time EV owners feel at home inside, and it succeeded in doing that.
Besides, the ID.4 has a super-roomy cabin and cargo area, both among the best options in the category. Nonetheless, the best thing about the ID.4 is how much range it provides relative to the price, though. Namely, the entry-level Pro trim costs $41,230 and provides a 280-mile range, which is easily the best figure among similarly-sized crossovers, such as the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Toyota bZ4X. That’s not a surprise — the ID.4 packs a relatively large 77-kWh battery.
Much like its Japanese rival, the bZ4X, the VW comes equipped with a single 201-hp motor, though mounted on the rear axle. As a result, this is not a particularly quick EV — the 0-60 mph sprint takes 7.6 seconds. However, buyers looking for more power can opt for the 295-hp AWD model, which only needs 5.4 seconds to reach the same mark.
Overall, the ID.4 is not an electric crossover that wows but still got most things right — and that’s especially true of the range!
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE RWD
6.88 Miles/$1,000
Ever wanted a Lancia Delta Integrale in an electric form? Sure, you might think that connecting the Ioniq 5 to arguably the most legendary rally car is blasphemy, but hear us out.
For starters, we can all agree that the Ioniq 5 looks like the Delta Integrale, with its ’80s “synth-wave” styling making it look particularly sci-fi. It is also available with a dual-motor 320-hp AWD powertrain, enough for a 0-60 mph sprint in only 5.2 seconds. Okay, we got a bit carried away here, but darn it, we really love the Ioniq 5 at eManualsOnline!
But of course, since we are focusing on the range-to-price ratio here, we’ll only consider the entry-level RWD model packing the same 225-hp motor as the Kia EV6. As a result, you’ll get 303 miles of range from this powertrain, thanks to the sizeable 77.4-kWh battery, and all that for $44,000 — a pretty good offering if you ask me.
Also worth mentioning, due to its boxy proportions, the Ioniq 5 has one of the biggest cabins of any vehicle on sale today. There is ample space for front and rear passengers, and the cargo area is pretty substantial as well. The interior also looks quite retro-futuristic, with an excellent choice of materials and colors.
Besides, unlike the closely-related EV6, the Ioniq 5 has a very comfortable suspension, making it a great long-distance cruiser. Much like its Kia sibling, this EV can charge at a staggering 350-kW, enough for a 10-80% charge in only 18 minutes.
Unfortunately, the cheaper models don’t come with a heat pump, which is not to neglect if you’ll be using your EV during the cold months of winter.
2022 Nissan LEAF
6.98 miles/$1,000
The Nissan LEAF was one of the first viable EVs, even predating the Tesla Model S. Now in its second generation, it continues to sell in large numbers, mostly because it’s one of the cheapest and simplest ways to make the switch to a more eco-friendly means of transportation.
The entry-level LEAF costs just above $27,000 and provides a decent 149-mile range — not incredible but more than good enough for a city-oriented car. However, if you opt for the larger 62-kWh battery (S Plus trim), you’ll get a much better 226 miles of range for $32,400.
At 6.98 miles for every $1,000 spent, the Nissan LEAF offers one of the best range-to price ratio on the market. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the LEAF is a compact car, and as such, isn’t as roomy as other options on this list. Still, it’s cheap, reliable, and easy to live with in urban settings, making it a really interesting option.
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
7.37 miles/$1,000
At $33,500 and 247 miles of range, the Bolt EUV provides its owner with 7.37 miles for every $1000 spent, which is excellent in our books. Moreover, the Bolt ‘EUV’ is the “crossover” version of the Bolt, so it offers more room for rear passengers and cargo.
Chevrolet officially calls it a EUV which means that it’s essentially referring to the Bolt as an SUV. We don’t entirely agree with this one since it lacks an all-wheel-drive system. However, it is an excellent proposition when considering its price tag and the number of occupants it can comfortably accommodate.
Moreover, the Bolt EUV is a smaller crossover than most on this list (apart from the Kona Electric and Niro EV), and its price tag reflects that. Still, it has enough space for most families, comes with a lengthy list of standard equipment, and provides decent oomph for the money, with a 0-60 mph sprint in 7 seconds — what’s not to like?
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
7.59 miles/$1,000
The Kona Electric is one of the oldest EVs on sale and is also based on an ICE platform, which usually means lower range and efficiency. However, Hyundai’s engineers worked their magic and were able to extract 201-hp, good enough for a 0-60 mph sprint in just 6.6 seconds and an excellent 258-mile range from the relatively small 64-kWh battery. As a result, it currently offers the most range for your money, at 7.59 miles per $1,000 spent.
However, just like the Bolt EUV, the Kona Electric is a rather small urban crossover, meaning you won’t get as much cargo space inside. Notably, the interior is a bit tight, even smaller than the Kia Niro EV based on the same platform (though the Kona offers a longer range). Moreover, the quality of the materials inside the cabin could be better, and it doesn’t look particularly pleasing to our eyes (but of course, that’s really just a question of personal taste).
Still, the Kona Electric is a fine option for urban environments, and hard to beat for customers looking for the longest range on a relatively small budget. Sure, it’s not as fancy as a Tesla, nor nearly as sexy as the Ioniq5, but it does what it’s supposed to do, and will do so for year to come.
Verdict
This year we’ve seen many new electric vehicles arriving on the market. However, unlike in previous years, 2022 introduced models that regular people can actually afford. The current crop of family electric crossovers, including the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, VW ID.4, Toyota bZ4X, and Subaru Solterra, all offer a usable range, combined with spacious cabins and decent performances. In many regards, these might already be better options than their gas-powered counterparts, especially with the charging infrastructure improving steadily.
Moreover, things will only improve in the near future — Nissan will soon start selling the Ariya SUV in the USA, and GM has a plethora of EVs in the pipeline. Meanwhile, pickup enthusiasts can already buy the Ford F-150 Lightning, with the Tesla Cybertruck and Chevy Silverado EV just around the corner. Soon we might also see electric sports cars — Toyota already showed us some concepts, and Nissan confirmed that its Nismo division would soon start working on electric performance models.
Now, I know most of you aren’t quite convinced yet, but it’s now undeniable that electric vehicles are here to stay and will eventually take over the automotive landscape, like it or not. See it as removing a band-aid; you are much better embracing it and admitting that you’ll also have to make the switch sooner or later — trying to resist will only make it hurt even more…
