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Electric vehicles are slowly taking over the automotive industry. While the U.S. is behind China and Europe in electric vehicle sales and production, America has made major strides toward the electric future in recent years. Popular automakers are beginning to announce and debut new EV models and nameplates regularly. Here are the three most affordable new electric SUV models.

Most affordable electric SUVs from highest to lowest starting price

Electric SUVStarting Price
2022 Hyundai Kona EV$34,00 (before federal electric vehicle tax credits)
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV$33,500
2022 Mazda MX-30$33,470 (before federal electric vehicle tax credits)

The 2022 Hyundai Kona EV is a zippy little electric SUV

A blue Hyundai Kona EV electric SUV is parked outdoors.
The Hyundai Kona EV | Hyundai

The 2022 Hyundai Kona EV is the South Korean automaker’s electric version of the popular subcompact SUV model. The Kona has been championed by critics and consumers alike because it is well-equipped for its price and fun to drive. The EV version powers that fun with a sustainable energy source, making it enjoyable to drive and environmentally responsible.

The Hyundai Kona EV starts at $34,000. It uses an electric motor to produce 201 horsepower. According to Car and Driver, the Kona EV can travel for up to 258 miles before needing to recharge. The Kona EV is the third-best electric SUV on the market. The little electric SUV handles well, but its cabin is cramped. The Hyundai Kona EV is also eligible for a $7,500 electric vehicle federal tax credit.

The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV is the second coming of an amazing EV

A tan Chevy Bolt EUV electric SUV is driving down the road.
The Chevy Bolt EUV | Chevrolet

The Chevy Bolt EUV may not make many headlines, but its compact car sibling, the Chevy Bolt, has been the subject of many tragic tales of battery fires. General Motors and Chevrolet are sticking with the Ultium electric vehicle platform. The automakers are just making some much-needed improvements before releasing the vehicles to the general public again.

The Bolt nameplate cost GM millions, but the American automaker is determined to see its cornerstone electric vehicles rise from the ashes like the phoenix. The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV starts at $33,500. It uses a single motor system to produce 200 horsepower. The Bolt EUV gets an impressive 247 miles of range. The electric SUV has a chance to make up for the Bolt nameplate’s fall from grace.

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 is affordable…it just isn’t practical

A gray Mazda MX-30 subcompact electric SUV.
A gray Mazda MX-30 subcompact electric SUV | Mazda

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 is the Japanese automaker’s first fully-electric SUV option. The MX-30 benefits from the quality and refinement that Mazda has been incorporating into recent SUV models but practicality is where it falters. The MX-30 has a driving range of a mere 100 miles.

The Mazda MX-30 won’t come near the top of any best electric SUV lists, but it does beat out rivals in affordability. The 2022 Mazda MX-30 starts at $33,470. It uses a single motor system to make 143 horsepower. The electric subcompact SUV is indisputably affordable compared to rivals… Practicality is another story. The Mazda CX-30 is also eligible for an electric vehicle tax credit of $7,500.

Electric SUVs are more practical and affordable than ever before

A white Hyundai Kona EV electric SUV is on display.
The Hyundai Kona EV is on display | Vachira Vachira/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Electric vehicles were once seen as rare in the automotive industry. Today, in 2022 most popular automakers are developing an electric SUV model to compete in the emerging market. This year’s electric SUV models are more practical than ever before, thanks to new technology and competition. The most affordable electric SUVs may not be the best electric models available, but some options are practical enough to satisfy the average consumer.

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