Cheapest Electric Car Canada

Are you tired of burning fossil fuels in your vehicle?

Drivers across Canada have recently had their wallets considerably lightened thanks to rising gas prices, leaving a lot of folks wondering which are the cheapest electric cars in Canada.

You’re looking for an EV that fits your lifestyle. You may look at some electric cars like Tesla and think it’s quite the price tag. Well, you have many more options now.

Fortunately, Money, Eh? has put together this list of some of Canada’s most affordable electric cars. Check out our list of the most affordable electric vehicles available in Canada.

What are the Cheapest Electric Cars in Canada?

The first to come to Canada, Nissan Leaf is currently the cheapest EV on our list. But with recent price cuts, the Chevy Bolt EV is also following suit. There are several great EVs in a reasonable price range we will also cover. Here are the cheapest all-electric vehicles.

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is one of the top mainstream electric vehicles in Canada. Nissan has a great history of making good quality cars at reasonable prices.

Nissan Canada officials unsurprisingly have provided the lowest price BEV (battery-electric-vehicle). Nissan’s consumer site has a variety of models available, but the base model is the lowest-range BEV compared to its counterparts or other brands.

Given the maximum 2022 range of the Nissan Leaf, at $33,375, this is a clear choice regarding cost within the Leaf range and the only Leaf model with a smaller 40 kWh battery.

With the Leaf’s price chop, all models have a starting price under $38K, making its compact EV hatchback the least expensive fully electric vehicle on the market.

All other trims are equipped with a Leaf Plus designation, indicating that it uses larger 62kWh batteries, more powerful front-mounted motors rated at 214 horsepower, and a maximum range of up to 363 kilometres.

Nissan has cut prices for the 2022 Nissan Leaf on all models by as much as $6,500, dropping the MSRP for the base model to $27,400. As a result, the 2022 Nissan Leaf, which benefits from a 2022 price cut, is now the least expensive long-range EV on the market.

Officials at Nissan Canada, unsurprisingly, did not name Chevy Bolt when talking about the price reductions Nissan has made on the Compact BEV hatchback but did point out that its status as a mainstream EV seller has been going on for over ten years.

Chevrolet Bolt

GM Canada is no slouch when it comes to these vehicles, either. For example, the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV’s base price is also reasonably priced compared to other models on this list, at an entry-level price of $40,990. So while the Bolt EUV is the more affordable crossover on this list, it is still a competitive car.

In its debut year, the Chevrolet Bolt was another leading electric automobile that became the first mass EV to reach a maximum driving range of 400km at around $40,000. Despite its shortcomings, the Bolt is an attractive and affordable alternative to other electric cars. Its engine is powered with a 200 hp motor and 260 pounds of torque, giving a surprising fast acceleration to the 0-100 km/h speed.

So what about these shortcomings? Earlier Bolt models faced issues with their software which killed the batteries. As a result, there was a wide recall for battery module replacements for affected Bolt owners to replace the traction batteries. Current Bolt owners will receive the software upgrade and warranty on their batteries.

GM spokesperson Lindsay Collins has stated that Bolt’s battery plant made some adjustments and has now continued Bolt EUV production.

That doesn’t mean BoltEV has any focus on it. On the contrary, it delivers an impressive 317 miles in the car with an entirely charged battery. The company has consumption ratings of 1.5 Le/100 km city, 2.1 Le/110 km highway and 2.80 Le/100 km combined consumption.

Also, with wider recent price chops, the Bolt has started the first EV pricing shock since the Nissan Leaf was unveiled. This should likely cause a notable price cut for most EVs coming on the market.

Kia EV6

Next on our list of the cheapest electric cars is the brand-new EV6. The stylish crossover provides all the looks to please any consumer with all modern safety technology which provides a great option. The engine offers 166 horsepower and 258 pounds of torque and weighs. You can quickly move into more powerful cars, pushing the EV6 off the cheap range. The EV6 is capable of travelling 373 miles in everyday conditions on charge. The long-range model is in its 499km range and pushes prices up too far.

Hyundai Ioniq

The Hyundai Ioniq Electric Hatchback is currently listed with $1,000 customer rebates at Hyundai Canadas Consumer Site. Although MSRP changes might not occur, look for major dealer rebates offered at dealerships with lower finance rates to help sweeten the pot for remaining Ioniq BEVs.

Reports have emerged from the US that the 2021 model year will be the final model year of the Hyundai Ioniq Electric hatchback. However, since no 2022 models are listed on Hyundai Canada’s consumer site, it is possible that significant rebate offers from dealers are coming in to help clear out the remaining models ahead of the arrival of the much-more-modern Ioniq 5 crossover SUVs at the beginning of next year.

Right around that time, Hyundai began to offer 0% finance on the IONIQ Electric, which is virtually unheard of in BEV.

Kia Niro EV

The Kia Niro EV brings many great attributes to an electric-curious buyer.

The Kia Niros lineup is a hybrid plug-in and electric vehicle, making it a versatile car in its portfolio. The Niro e-V comes with an ac motor that produces 201 hp and 280 pounds of power. Niro can travel as many as 385km using a full battery, making this vehicle perfect for an everyday commuter. The crossover offers a fuel consumption rating of 1.9 Le/100 km city and 2.25 Le/100 km highway. The package will cost just $44.95 from start-up, excluding rebates or incentives.

Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona Electric is undoubtedly a more attractive design than the CX-30, Chevy Bolt, or Leaf. Its warranty, service, and roadside assistance packages are among the most generous in the competitive group.

This Hyundai offering – the KONA Electric – has a lot of power, according to Canada Drives, and starts at the same price as the Hyundai IONIQ 5, for a $44,999 MSRP.

With a major price cut, the updated 2022 Kona Electric has recently dropped the price of its base model by $1,300, with the Ultimate going for $3,950 less as well.

The Hyundai Kona is typically purchased because of its attractive looks and feature-content values. However, there is much to love about the Hyundai Kona EV, including its $35,225 starting price, which includes destination charges but does not include a $7,500 federal tax credit.

Hyundai Kona Electric (2022) Manufacturers Site lists it at $43,699. In addition, the Hyundai Kona Electric can be eligible for a maximum of $8,000 rebates on the vehicle’s price.

Hyundai’s electric Kona crossover features excellent performance and an excellent attitude as an EV. Its 450-kilometre electric driving range results in 1.9 Le/100 km of city, 2.2 Le/100 km of highway and 2 Le/100km of combined consumption. The efficiency of the Kona Electric comes as no surprise because it has some serious horsepower and a 290-pound footing of torque. The Kona EV can reach 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.

Mini Cooper SE

Interested buyers looking at a unique electric car will likely find this at the Mini Cooper SE, the exclusive brand-based electric automobile. The latest Mini Cooper SE appears distinctive, although the distance is a relatively low range; the car can travel 183 miles on a single charge. It remains efficient based on 22.5 Le/100km city/city highway and 2.5 Le/100 km combined.

The Mini Cooper SE electric motor engine produces 183 horsepower and has relatively fast acceleration for the rear wheels. Plus, it is the only plug-in vehicle which can get 80% charging on a DC-powered charging machine within 35 mins using its fast-charging technology. So for those travelling longer distances, you can still do it with only 85% charges at once.

Mazda MX-30

Mazda’s new electric car will be launched in 2022 as the MX-30 electric crossover. The engine of the compact green SUV is not hefty, with the rotary generator turning a power output of over 143 HP. However, the 164km road distance makes customers very interested. It is a sleek and attractive entry into the EV segment and features the precise handling for which it is known today. The car also has an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a stylish large plug door. Mazda’s first electric car is currently one of the cheapest in Canada at $42,150 before federal subsidies.

With the sales limited to BC and Quebec for this model, you will want to look at the Mazda MX-30 2023 model or a used 2022.

Kia Soul EV

Kia Soul is a small electric vehicle turning heads with its modern design. Check out their federal and provincial rebates on this vehicle with an all-electric warm hatch. This has historically been one of the cheapest electric cars in Canada but has now been replaced with other Kia models.

Are Tesla EVs Getting Less Expensive?

The newest Tesla Model 3 was announced at $35,000, a major price cut. The cheapest Tesla Model 3 was recently priced at $46,990. This Tesla Model 3 base has become much more competitive. Canada Drives calls Teslas Model 3 a luxury, high-performance electric vehicle, and its pricing is also when you want additional features.

Until the company drastically drops its price on fully-loaded options, they are still expensive relative to other brands.

How much does the Canadian government give you for an electric car?

Incentives for electric and hybrid vehicle charging systems include a minimum of $5,000; longer-range plug-in vehicles have a maximum electric range of 50 km. There are also Provincial rebates available.

Will Canada increase EV incentives?

Ottawa hopes the government will provide a new charging station for Canadians in 2026. In a 2022 budget, Ottawa will invest more than $400 million in EVs from 2027 and nearly $7 billion to extend its incentive program from 2025.

What is the minimum price of an electric car?

How much are electric vehicles worth? Starting price in Canada for electrical automobiles is around $32,000 to $35,000. But you can find used models for less than that on Canada Drives.

How long do electric cars last?

Typically battery manufacturers’ warranties last from 5 to 8 years. However, according to some estimates, a battery can last 10 – 20 years before being replaced.

Do you want it new or used?

When gasoline prices are calculated at $2 per litre, as Canadians are experiencing this month, the estimated cost to own the Hyundai Kona jumps to $79,700 over eight years, which is almost $24,000 higher than an EV version. Not long after, Mazda Canada surprised many people by pricing its MX-30 EV crossover in the lower echelon of the BEV market.

While the updated Kona Ev’s lower starting price in 2022 at $43,699 barely missed our list, an emerging trend is emerging here. One made even more noticeable by generally rising prices across all vehicles these days, with new, compact BEV hatchbacks now starting at $37,498 as opposed to the 2021 model, which is still listed on the consumer Nissan website as having an initial sticker price of $44,298 in 2021. Likewise, Nissan’s popular Leaf model starts at $37,498 – meaning of all the cars on the list, this is probably the least expensive EV available in Canada.

EV Plug-in Stations are Less Expensive

Electricity costs to power a plug-in vehicle are significantly less than gas or diesel-powered, especially with rising fuel prices.

The Bolt EV gets a 120 MPGe rating, with an annual operating cost of $700. Once you add its starting price of only $38,198, it becomes one of the most affordable electric cars on this list, mainly once you consider any government rebates. With its ambitious pricing, decent cabin, and industry-leading five-year base warranty, the Bolt EV is an excellent choice.

Electric Vehicles in Canada are now even cheaper.

A new report found that owning an EV is cheaper over time despite its higher sticker price. The report, released Thursday by Simon Fraser University Clean Energy Canada Program, calculated total ownership costs over eight years for EVs and gasoline cars, driving them for 20,000 kilometres each year.

The new report also does not compare electric cars with hybrids, which generally operate with a mix of electricity and gas. However, recent research from Clean Energy Canada, released last week, which compared EVs to their internal-combustion equivalents, insisted buying an EV would already save a consumer at least $15,000 over the car’s lifetime.

Check out electric vehicle company stocks in Canada or the best first car to buy in Canada.