Our US automakers are upping production of EV vehicles to meet not only new regulations to halt carbon emissions but also the demand from consumers. As of early March, Ford announced its goal to produce 2 million EVs annually by 2026. Meanwhile, the Japanese carmaker Nissan has invested 500 million into their USA plant to produce two models of EVs, and Chevrolet announced their plans to sell more than 400,000 EVs by the end of 2023. Needless to say, USA-made EVs are quickly becoming an available option at your local dealership.
For consumers, ramping up production doesn’t mean the price of EVs has gone up either. In fact, we found 2022 models that have decreased in price from their earlier predecessors. Check out these five 2022 USA-made EVs under $40,000.
Here are the 2022 models that made the list:
1. 2022 Nissan Leaf
For anyone looking to go green on a budget, the 2022 Nissan Leaf is for you. Starting at an MSRP of $27,400, it’s the lowest priced EV on the market for 2022. Better yet, it’s USA made out of Nissan’s plant in Canton, Mississippi.
This 4-door hatchback is great for around-town, shorter commute rides. It is spacious inside with plenty of backseat space for your friends, kids, shopping bags, or plants – as we welcome spring. When the backseat folds down, you’ll gain 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
When you get home, plug in and charge-’er-up to check off your to-do’s the following day.
The Leaf may not suit your lifestyle if you take long drives often. On a full charge, the Leaf gets a range of around 149 miles. Meaning, you will have to plan a few charges along your route if you are driving across the state (likely, any state). Also, per Business Insider’s review, the Leaf can use DC fast chargers, but only with an “aging” connector that is more difficult to come by at many new charging stations.
Learn more about Nissan Motor Co.’s $500 million investment into remodeling their Canton, Mississippi plant to produce more electric vehicles by 2025.
2. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
If you are looking for a little extra something – like design and style – out of your new EV, the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV will fit the bill! Better yet, its MSRP is over $5,000 lower than previous models, now starting at $31,500.
Chevrolet is keeping its “affordability, electric for everyone,” motto by helping drivers adopt EV into their lifestyles easily. One of the major hurdles buyers face is setting up a home charging station. However, Chevrolet “will cover the standard installation of Level 2 charging outlet” for those who purchase a 2022 Bolt EV. Not only that, they go the extra mile in offering a MyChevy App to assist their EV drivers in calculating their charge range and finding stations along their trip.
But let’s get back to the car and why Car and Driver rated it 8/10 stars. The Bolt EV is made at Chevy’s Assembly plant in Orion Township, Michigan. It’s a four-door hatchback with quick acceleration and a driving range of 259 miles on a full charge. An upgrade from previous models, the Bolt EV now offers duel charging cords for both Level 1 (120-volt) and Level 2 (240-volt) outlets. This is to help drivers avoid having to purchase separate home chargers.
For a full review of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, check out Car and Driver. They break down range capacity and how it will easily fit into the lifestyle of any commuter to weekend tripping activities.
3. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
You say you currently drive an SUV and are having a hard time considering downsizing? You don’t have to! The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV offers a larger cabin size and rugged exterior than the EV. And, by opting to keep your SUV, it doesn’t mean you are sacrificing price. This EV’s MSRP starts at a cool $34,495 and is made in the same USA plant as its smaller hatchback model, the Bolt EV.
SUV drivers will have to sacrifice a few features that they likely have come to enjoy. At this time, the EUV does not come with all-wheel drive and, due to its size, will sacrifice some range mileage compared to smaller vehicles. But not by much!
A fully charged Bolt EUV has a 250-mile driving range. Similar to the EV, it has quick acceleration, poised handling, large interior space with nice materials, and upgraded tech and safety features. According to U.S. News, the EUV is “a better bolt.”
4. 2022 Ford F 150 Lightning PRO
How could we not include an EV from the American-based company, Ford. Ford never lets their big, rugged, “Ford Tough” drivers down as they continue to build and improve upon their fleet creating the 2022 Ford F 150 Lightning PRO.
Ford touts this truck as “designed specifically to offer what you need for commercial use,” with quick pick-up, long-range, smart solutions, and a Pro Power Onboard – that turns the truck into a power generator. This may not be the family-style option like the others we listed in this article, but for those who require a truck like the F 150, while seeking the environmentally friendly benefits of electric, now have the option with the 150 Lightning PRO.
This EV is made in Ford’s Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan facility, with a starting MSRP price just a few dollars under 40k at $39,974. Deliveries at dealerships begin this spring.
5. 2022 Ford Escape SE Plug-In Hybrid
Now, not everyone can adopt fully electric vehicles – just yet. Without the EV infrastructure in place, it’s difficult for many Americans to transition. But, those seeking to maximize fuel economy while making a pro-environmental vehicle purchase should look at Ford’s 2022 Escape SE Plug-In Hybrid.
The hybrid option is the perfect purchase to help eliminate range anxiety. This hybrid offers a usable electric range for driving around town, and when you need to go further, it transfers to combustion. There is no need to worry about long trips with the kiddos having to stop to charge mid-way through your trip!
The few criticisms about this car come down to its inexpensive-feeling interior, like this review from Motortrend. Additionally, they would also have liked this car available in an option other than FWD. As Ford ramps up its production of EVs, we can surely expect more driving options and features to come available with newer models.
If you are contemplating an EV vs. Hybrid as your next auto purchase, it helps to seek additional input from people who have already made the purchase. Find out firsthand, from two of BlastPoint’s very own, about some of the Pros vs Cons of living in Pittsburgh as an EV and plug-in hybrid owner. Check out their perspectives in On the Road with an EV: Pros and Cons from an Owner’s Perspective.
Finally, as EV infrastructure is set to expand across the country, learn more about how BlastPoint’s platform is predicting levels of readiness in your area. Download the 2022 EV Adoption Outlook to see how “readiness” will impact infrastructure to help better inform your purchasing decisions.