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Cheap Electric cars

By on June 7, 2013

 

Leasing an electric car isn’t just a pricey option for the rich. In fact, there are some very reasonably priced options out there.

Fiat 500e

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Lease: $199 a month for 36 months
Down: $999
Driving range: 87 miles

Electric cars are no longer just a high-priced option for the privileged. Sure, if you want a Tesla Model S, an all-out luxury car with a nearly 300 mile driving range, then you’re going to pay luxury prices. But, especially if you live in California, there are reasonably priced options out there.

Electric cars are particularly attractive if you’re leasing. When you lease an electric car, the leasing company takes that $7,500 federal tax credit and uses it to reduce your monthly payments right up front. No waiting for your tax return.

The Fiat 500e pictured above not only gives you the instant gratification of a relatively cheap lease, it also gives you an added benefit. It’s hugely fun. And that’s not to mention the cool design. If you don’t need long driving range, there’s little reason not to choose this over a gasoline version which leases for about the same amount. Unfortunately, it’s only available in California.

 

Chevrolet Spark EV

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Lease: $199 a month for 36 months
Down: $999
Driving range: 82 miles

 

Chevrolet used its smallest model, the Spark minicar, as the basis for its new all-electric car. Thegasoline-powered Spark gets by with just 84 horsepower and 83 foot-pounds of torque, a pittance by today’s standards. The Spark EV’s electric motor, on the other hand puts out 130 horsepower and 400 foot pounds of torque. Yes, it’s a heavier car, but that power should more than make up for it. (We’ll let you know more once we’ve driven it.)

 

 

Smart Electric Drive

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Lease: $199 a month for 36 months
Down: $999
Driving range: 68 miles

 

The Smart EV’s functionality is hampered by its lack of back seats and relatively limited driving range compared to other EVs. (To be fair, 68 miles is still much farther than most Americans driven in a typical day.) It’s biggest selling point is still that it’s really tiny, which makes it a breeze to park. Also, the electric drive system eliminates the most annoying aspect of the regular gas-powered Smart ForTwo: a rough-shifting transmission.Another plus: Unlike many other cars on this list, the Smart EV is available everywhere in the United States or, at least will be very soon, according to Smart.

Nissan Leaf

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Lease: $199 a month for 36 months
Down: $999
Driving range: 75 miles

It seems like only yesterday that the Nissan Leaf first went on sale, but it’s already become the granddaddy of mass-market electric cars. Practical — it seats five — and surprisingly quick, there’s plenty to recommend it. And you don’t have to live in California to buy one.

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