The Most Affordable EV’s and How to Protect Your New Investment
Affordable EVs come with a range of benefits, such as eliminating worries about gas prices and the freedom to drive solo in the HOV lanes! However, purchasing an electric vehicle can still be costly. For instance, the new Ford Lightning starts at $60,000, the Hummer EV at $108,700, and even the Mustang Mach-E starts at $47,495, not including current dealer markups. Fortunately, with more electric options on the market than ever before, budget-friendly choices for affordable EVs are now available, making it easier for consumers to embrace electric driving.
Chevy Bolt EUV
MSRP starts at $27,800 The big brother to the Chevy Bolt, the EUV provides a higher driving position and more spacious interior bringing it into the small SUV category. It offers Chevy’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, the first Chevy to do so. It provides an estimated range of 247 miles on a full charge.
The Bolt EUV also features one-pedal driving, controlled by using only the accelerator pedal to speed up and slow down, even bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. It also allows the Bolt EUV to capture energy by regenerative braking.
Nissan Leaf
MSRP starts at $27,800 The 2023 Nissan Leaf features new styling updates and 40 to 60 kWh batteries with 212 miles of range. You can also add on the Nissan ProPilot Assist which offers driving assistance features.
There are a number of safety feature/assistance add-ons available through Nissan, such as the Intelligent Driver Alertness or Intelligent Around View Monitor features.
Hyundai Kona Electric
MSRP starts at $33,550 The small SUV offered by Hyundai offers up to 258 miles of range. The Kona offers an optional Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go, along with all the more common safety features available today.
Charging can be done at home or at the ever-expanding network of Electrify America DC fast-charging stations. As of the beginning of 2023, the Kona came with a complimentary 250 kWh of charging (about 1,000 miles of power).
Mazda MX-30
MSRP starts at $34,110 Sold exclusively in California, the MX-30 was designed for the “typical” driver who drives approximately 30 miles per day. Hence the estimated range of only 100 miles for a fully charged battery.
The battery is capable of charging on standard AC power, as well as the faster DC chargers. The interior boasts the use of natural and sustainable materials, such as cork and recycled plastic bottles. Despite its small size, and a small battery, the MX-30 still boasts all the safety features of other modern-day vehicles.
VW ID.4
MSRP starts at $38,995 VW’s flagship electric vehicle has an estimated range of 275 miles. You also get unlimited 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America DC fast charges for 3 years with purchase. With an 11kW level 2 home charger the ID.4 can recharge in about 6 hours for the lower trim models. The ID.4 comes with a feature called the ID. Light.
Described as a way for your ID.4 to communicate with you. An intuitive light bar that runs across the dashboard, the ID. Light uses glowing visual and acoustic cues to telegraph incoming calls, brake warnings, charge status, and more.
Kia Niro EV
MSRP starts at $39,550 All new for the 2023 model year the Kia Niro EV has an estimated range of 253 miles. Boasting to be larger in all dimensions from previous generations and featuring driver-centric dual panoramic displays.
The Kia Niro EV also comes standard with 20 Safety Assist features. The onboard Power Generator can charge or power laptops, e-bikes, camping equipment, and more. The Niro EV also comes with 500 kWh of charging credits on the Electrify America network, which is equivalent to about 1,750 – 2,000 miles of free driving range.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
MSRP starts at $41,450 The Hyundai Ioniq 5 features 303 miles of range or 266 miles of range with all-wheel-drive. With 800V DC charging you can go from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes, one of the few electric vehicles that can handle these ultra-fast chargers. Get 2 years of 30-minute complimentary charging sessions when you purchase the 2023 Ioniq 5.
Toyota BZ4X
MSRP starts at $42,000 The BZ4X is the new kid on the block for an all-electric Toyota, the first they’ve offered since the Rav4 EV. It has an estimated range of 252 miles. Standard equipment includes a panoramic glass roof, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist.
Customers who purchase or lease a new 2023 Toyota bZ4X will get one year of unlimited complimentary charging at all EVgo-owned and operated public charging stations nationwide.
Tesla Model 3
MSRP starts at $43,990 Probably the best-known, and most popular, electric vehicle available today is the Tesla Model 3. A base Model 3 has an estimated range of 272 miles. The Model 3 has achieved NHTSA 5-star safety ratings in every category and subcategory.
You can use your smartphone as a key, and access all driver controls in the central 15-inch touchscreen. The all-glass roof extends from front to back, creating sky views from every seat.
Best Protection Option: Paint Protection Film
Paint protection film (PPF), commonly referred to as a clear bra, is a flexible yet durable polyurethane film applied to a vehicle’s painted surfaces. We use the Xpel Ultimate Plus line of PPF, which offers a 10-year warranty against cracking, peeling, fading, and yellowing. In addition to this impressive warranty, the PPF features self-healing properties that eliminate swirl marks from its surface. This clear bra effectively protects your vehicle from rock chips and other impact-related damage that can occur during everyday driving, making it the ultimate solution for preserving your paint.
If you’re a commuter who drives frequently, live in an area with ongoing construction, or encounter a lot of debris on the roads, maintaining your vehicle’s appearance is crucial. Affordable EVs and traditional vehicles alike can benefit from paint protection film, especially if you want to prevent rock chips and keep your vehicle looking pristine, particularly if you plan to sell it later.
When it comes to clear bras, you generally have two finish options: satin or gloss. A gloss clear bra will maintain your vehicle’s original appearance, while a satin clear bra will give it a satin or semi-gloss finish. For instance, if your vehicle is a gloss pearl white, wrapping it in a satin clear bra will transform it into a satin pearl white.
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Second Best Protection Option: Ceramic Coating
The ceramic coating utilizes nanotechnology to provide a completely invisible layer of protection. Nanoparticles, when applied to the surface, seal all the pores in the clear coat making the surface stronger, hydrophobic, and UV resistant. All while making the surface more resistant to swirl marks, etching, and water spots.
The nano-coating forms a semi-permanent bond with the surface of your vehicle’s paint, resulting in a “sacrificial” layer over the factory paint. So if the car does need some kind of paint correction you would be working on the ceramic coating and not your vehicle’s clear coat. Ceramic coating provides protection from contaminants as well as providing a deeply shiny, and glossy finish to your vehicle by bonding to the clear. These products are called permanent because they can be removed only through polishing or lack of maintenance.
Learn more about the Benefits of Ceramic Coat here!
Help Keep Your Interior Cooler: Window Tinting
When it comes to affordable EVs and how to protect them, one effective method is to invest in ceramic window tint. This tint not only darkens your windows but also provides significant benefits, including impressive UV rejection of up to 62%, depending on the chosen shade(s). While our standard window tint offers heat rejection, it doesn’t compare to the effectiveness of ceramic window tint.
By blocking harmful UV rays, ceramic window tint helps preserve your vehicle’s interior surfaces, preventing fading and cracking over time. Additionally, it keeps the inside of your EV from becoming excessively hot, which can lead to drying out and damage to surfaces. This “baking” effect can cause cracking, blistering, or fading and even harm interior electronic components. Investing in ceramic window tint is a smart choice for anyone looking to maintain the beauty and functionality of their affordable EV.
Learn More about WHICH TINT IS RIGHT FOR YOU? in our other blog post!