What Are the 10 Best Electric Cars to Lease in 2022?

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Written by Nick Versaw

Updated June 23rd, 2022

Even with tax credits and rebates, electric vehicles can be expensive. And while you’re likely to save money due to lower fuel and maintenance costs, buying a new EV outright can be tough on any budget. Buying a used electric car is an option, but you may miss out on some new technology available in the latest models.

That’s why leasing an electric car can be a win-win situation. Not only are monthly lease payments typically lower than monthly loan payments, but you’ll be able to drive home with the latest EV battery technology and driver-assist features at your disposal.

We’ve put together this list of the best electric cars to lease in 2022. Since electric car lease deals may come and go, check with your local dealership or visit the automaker’s website to make sure they’re still valid.

The 10 Best Electric Cars to Lease in 2022

To find the best electric cars to lease right now, we focused on battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which have both an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Drivers who want the backup power of an internal combustion engine should instead consider hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) or plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).

We also chose to include higher-end EVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQS and BMW i4 because EV lease deals may put them within reach of more buyers. The list is in order of lowest to highest monthly payments, so it’s easy to find an EV in your price range. 

Whether you’re looking to reduce your emissions or spend less on gas, here are the best electric cars to lease this year: 

1. Nissan LEAF

The Chevy Bolt and Nissan LEAF are often compared to each other due to their similar size and affordability, but the Nissan LEAF only gets 150 miles of range (unless you spring for the Plus model with a long-range battery). Lease deals start at $209 per month for 36 months, with $4,059 due at signing. 

MSRP: $27,400

Due at signing: $4,059

Monthly payment for 36 months: $209

2. Chevrolet Bolt EV

The Chevy Bolt EV is a trusty hatchback that gets 259 miles of range per charge. The Bolt is a great deal for the price, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $31,500. Current lease offers include a monthly payment of $219 for 36 months, with a fee of $0.25 per mile if you drive more than 30,000 miles during the lease period.

MSRP: $31,500

Due at signing: $2,539

Monthly payment for 36 months: $219

3. Mazda MX-30 EV

The MX-30 EV is Mazda’s first electric vehicle and is available to lease for $279 monthly, with $2,999 due at signing. California-based lessees may also be eligible for a $750 Clean Fuel Reward. The driving range is only 100 miles, so it isn’t the best electric car to lease for long-distance driving.

MSRP: $33,470

Due at signing: $2,999

Monthly payment for 36 months: $279

4. Kia Niro EV

The Kia Niro is a crossover SUV available in electric and hybrid forms. The EV has an EPA-estimated range of 239 miles and can add 100 miles of range every half hour using DC fast chargers. With lease deals starting at $3,499 up front and $299 in monthly payments, the Kia Niro EV is an affordable family car.

MSRP: $39,990

Due at signing: $3,499

Monthly payment for 36 months: $299

5. Polestar 2

Like the Tesla, the Polestar 2 isn’t cheap, but if you’re looking for a less expensive luxury EV, you can lease the Polestar 2 for $5,490 due at signing and $490 in monthly payments. This EV gets 270 miles of range per charge and is available with either a single-motor front-wheel drive or a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain.

MSRP: $45,900

Due at signing: $5,490

Monthly payment for 36 months: $490

6. Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the more affordable Teslas, but you’ll have to pay $46,990 up front if you want a new one (and wait several months for delivery). Lease deals are available directly from Tesla, starting at $499 per month, and you can even choose from the latest model year.

MSRP: $46,990

Due at signing: $4,500

Monthly payment for 36 months: $499

7. Audi e-tron

The Audi e-tron comes in multiple editions, including an SUV and a Sportback. As of June 2022, the e-tron SUV Premium quattro is available with $5,552 due at signing and monthly lease payments of $658. The e-tron has a range of up to 222 miles per charge and is compatible with the myAudi app so you can control your charge remotely.

MSRP: $65,900

Due at signing: $5,552

Monthly payment for 36 months: $658

8. Volvo XC40 Recharge

The Volvo XC40 Recharge is an electric SUV that gets 223 miles of range on a single charge. It features built-in Google Maps navigation, Harman Kardon speakers, and a front trunk for additional cargo space. Lease deals start at $715 per month, with $4,225 due at signing.

MSRP: $51,700

Due at signing: $4,225

Monthly payment for 36 months: $715

9. BMW i4

The BMW i3 has been discontinued in the U.S., so unless you want to purchase a used i3, the best electric car to lease from BMW is the i4. You can drive home with a new 2022 i4 eDrive40 for $769 per month and a down payment of $3,375. Or, keep an eye out for one of these new and upcoming electric BMWs like the iX.

MSRP: $54,530

Due at signing: $5,069

Monthly payment for 36 months: $769

10. Mercedes-Benz EQS

Finally, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is the most expensive EV on our list, but it has some unique features, such as a 56-inch curved glass hyperscreen, voice control, and haptic feedback. As Mercedes expands its EV range, other options include the EQB and the GLC Coupé, a plug-in hybrid.

MSRP: $102,310

Due at signing: $9,103

Monthly payment for 36 months: $1,259

Should You Buy or Lease an EV?

Is it better to buy or lease an electric car? That depends on your budget and how long you plan to drive the vehicle. If you plan to own the car for a while, it may make more sense to buy it outright. You may be eligible for the federal electric car tax credit and other local incentives available to EV owners but not lessees.

On the other hand, if you have your eye on an expensive electric car, like the Mercedes EQS or even the Porsche Taycan, you may find that the lease price is more affordable than the MSRP. Monthly payments are usually lower for a lease than for a loan, so an EV lease may give you access to a car that you wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise.

Keep in mind that all of the electric vehicle lease deals we’ve mentioned are national lease deals advertised by the manufacturer, and actual offers may vary by location or dealership. Some EVs, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, are available through special programs that differ from a standard lease.

Find the Best Electric Car to Lease or Buy

Deciding whether to buy or lease an electric car is a big decision, and both options have their pros and cons. The best EV lease deals give you access to the latest models, such as the Tesla Model X, but without the wait times associated with ordering a new vehicle direct from the manufacturer.

With a lease, you won’t have to worry about maintaining your car’s resale value, but you may have to pay more for insurance and stay within your annual mileage limits. Always do the math and read the fine print before accepting a lease offer.

If you’d rather shop around for a used EV, just enter your ZIP code here to get started:

Nick Versaw Managing Editor

Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in creating educational content about insurance and other related topics. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.