The 10 Best EVs for College Students
Forward-thinking universities across the US are installing EV charging infrastructure to promote the on-campus adoption of electric vehicles. A campus that truly wants to shift towards sustainability will actively seek to promote EV adoption, and college students are an integral part of that.
Owning an EV as a student presents unique challenges, especially the price of the vehicle itself. But many great electric vehicle options for college students are practical and won’t break the bank.
1. 2023 Kia Niro EV
The 2023 Kia Niro EV has been thoroughly redesigned, and the 2023 exterior brings bold visual cues like the rear body panel finished in a contrasting shade. The Niro has an aesthetic slightly reminiscent of the Polestar brand, especially in white. The Niro EV starts at $39,550 for the Wind model and will do up to 253 miles of driving on a full battery.
This is a great EV for first-time EV owners and is also a practical choice for students due to the hatchback form factor. The tailgate is also powered, which is a nice touch. Another benefit of the Niro, and all EVs, for students is the cost-savings associated with eliminating trips to the gas station.
2. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Chevy hit it out of the park with the Bolt EV, especially regarding the amount of value you get for the entry price. The Chevy Bolt starts at $26,500, making it one of the best ways to enter the EV segment. For the price, you’re getting an EV with an appealing design and a serviceable 259-mile range.
Considering the price and the range the Bolt EV delivers, it’s difficult to beat the frugal Chevy EV. The hatchback body style is also a win for students that need added storage space. Inside, you won’t find one ofthe most luxurious EV interiors, but the Bolt is well-appointed with standard features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
3. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
The Chevy Bolt EUV starts at $27,800, and like the Bolt EV, it’s an awesome value proposition. Although, the range is a bit less than the regular Bolt at approximately 247 miles. Safety is important when considering a vehicle for a college student, and Chevy has packed the Bolt EUV with tons of standard safety features like front pedestrian braking, auto high beams, and forward collision alert.
4. 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric
The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric is the electrified version of the popular Kona SUV. The regular Kona’s styling is virtually identical to the EV version of the Kona, and both are very distinctive. Even though the Kona’s styling is the first thing you’ll notice, this practical Hyundai crossover has plenty to offer elsewhere.
The Kona Electric serves a very useable 258-mile range, which should keep college students range-anxiety free during the week. At 201 horsepower, the Kona Electric won’t be winning many drag races, but it’s more than powerful enough for the daily grind of college life. Hyundai’s all-electric Kona starts at $33,550.
5. 2023 Mini Cooper SE
The Mini Cooper two-door is one of the most beloved cars by auto enthusiasts the world over. The electric version of the Mini Cooper retains the same fun styling and cool personality, but with the addition of electric drive. If you’re looking for an EV with an extensive range, the Mini Cooper SE isn’t the car for you.
However, if you want an awesome electric vehicle for the daily commute around campus, the electric Mini can drive around for 114 miles before needing a charge. The Mini doesn’t make the list ofEVs with the most range, but the range is more than enough for most people’s daily commute. The Mini Cooper Electric starts at $34,225.
6. 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf
Electric vehicles can get quite pricey, especially when you’re on a college student’s budget. But you don’t need an ultra-expensive electric vehicle for college when there are excellent used cars like the VW e-Golf. A 2019 e-Golf can be purchased for around $21,000 on the used car market. This is an excellent deal for a sporty vehicle that features all the VW Golf’s excellent attributes with an electric twist.
As with the Mini Cooper SE, the VW e-Golf is based on one of the most popular vehicles among enthusiasts. The e-Golf looks mostly like a regular Golf and this is definitely a positive. Very much like the Mini, the e-Golf’s range also limits its ability to go on long road trips. But with a range of 125 miles, it’s a perfect vehicle for campus life.VW’s EV lineuphas great offerings, and a used e-Golf is no exception.
7. 2017 Kia Soul EV
The 2017 Kia Soul EV can drive 93 miles on a single charge, which isn’t much. Although, it does have a huge advantage over other EV competitors, and that’s the price. You can find a used 2017 Kia Soul EV for around $17k. If you’re set on purchasing an EV for college, this price is hard to beat.
Of course, this isn’t the type of vehicle you’d take on an interstate road trip, but it’s still a great college car to get around town. The fact that it only makes 109 horsepower should also give parents confidence that buying this for their college-bound children won’t inspire any Speed Racer impersonations.
8. 2023 VW ID.4 Standard
The bread and butter of VW’s US EV lineup is the VW ID.4, and for a good reason. This is a practical electric crossover that can do everything you ask and would make an excellent daily driver for a busy college student. The ID.4 Standard starts at $38,995 and will do 209 miles on a single charge. Even the entry-level Standard trim includes generous equipment, like LED headlights and wireless charging.
9. 2019 Tesla Model 3 RWD
If it were up to college students and not their parents, they’d likely choose a Tesla as their first EV. Nothing strange here; Tesla definitely wins in the cool department. But these vehicles are very pricey when new. Getting a used Model 3 RWD is more affordable for those who still want to go for the Tesla but on a budget.
Tesla’s Online Inventoryhas various used 2019 Model 3 RWD vehicles for around $32,000. You’re getting one of the most efficient EVs currently for sale, along with an excellent 240 miles of range. The 2019 Model 3 RWD is no slouch when it comes to performance, with a 0-60 MPH time of 5.3 seconds. A used Tesla Model 3 RWD might be the best EV deal out there.
10. 2023 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is an EV classic and the 2023 model looks great, starting at $28,040. With its tame design, this EV won’t draw a crowd, but it’s a great car for daily use. The Leaf offers up to 212 miles of range, which should help alleviate any worries of range anxiety. Its form factor also gives it great practicality, and you can fold down the rear seats to carry even more cargo capacity.
EVs Will Soon Become the Norm on Campus
As EVs continue to take over our roads, the influx of used EVs hitting the market will make them more accessible for college students. Universities are also expanding their EV infrastructure, with many offering free on-campus charging, making EVs attractive choices for students. The only thing missing is a government incentive for college students looking to buy an EV.
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