• You don't need to spend a fortune to make the switch to an electric vehicle.

• The cheapest electric cars you can buy include the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Bolt EV, and Kia EV6.

• The cheapest model starts at $19,900, after factoring in the federal tax credit for EV purchases.

Looking to buy an electric car? Electric vehicles tend to cost more than gas-powered ones on the whole, but not all EVs need to break the bank.

In addition to some high-priced examples sold by Elon Musk, lots of 2022-model-year electric cars can be had for less than $35,000, particularly when you consider the federal government's $7,500 tax incentive for EV purchases.

Sure, that's not exactly cheap, but studies have shown that electric-car owners save big on maintenance, repairs, and fueling costs over time.

One big caveat: Electric cars are in short supply right now, so finding popular models for sale at MSRP is easier said than done. Some, like the Ford F-150 Lightning, are selling with huge dealer markups.

Nissan Leaf

Retail price (with federal tax credit): $27,400 ($19,900)

Environmental Protection Agency-estimated range for base model: 149 miles

The Nissan Leaf launched in 2010 as one of the first mass-market electric cars. Now it's the cheapest one you can buy. An extra $5,000 over the base price gets you a larger battery pack that provides 226 miles of range.

Mini Cooper SE Hardtop

Retail price: $29,900 ($22,400)

EPA-estimated range: 114 miles

Mini's electric car offers an appealing base price, but that comes at the expense of range. Buyer beware: Mini is jacking up the price for the 2023 model.

Chevrolet Bolt EV

Retail price: $31,500

EPA-estimated range: 259 miles

Chevrolet refreshed the Bolt hatchback for 2022 with modern looks and a price cut.

A large recall over battery fires meant Chevy stopped making Bolts for several months, but now production has resumed and the company says it's sorted out the problem.

Mazda MX-30

Retail price: $33,470 ($25,970)

EPA-estimated range: 100 miles