Are you looking for affordable electric cars (EVs) with Cruise Control? You’re in the right spot. In this article, we pin 4 affordable EVs against each other.
Cruise control has become a crucial driver-assist tool. It makes driving long-distance trips enjoyable. Automakers are making Cruise Control for EVs to be more advanced.
Sometimes you may even feel like Cruise Control is your assistant driver.
For starters, the Cruise Control will slow down if it senses a car ahead. Steer your vehicle back into the lane when you steer out.
What exactly is cruise control?
If you are unsure what Cruise Control is, here is a simple definition:
Cruise Control is a tool that gives drivers some respite, especially when they feel overwhelmed by fatigue.
The system uses sensors to imitate the way you drive. The only difference is that instead of accelerating, it uses an actuator to control the throttle and helps your car continue cruising at the same speed.
Most electric cars come with this helpful feature. However, you can also find SUVs with adaptive cruise control.
Here are some of the affordable EVs that offer Cruise Control:
Table of Contents
1. Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 is one of those EVs that tick all the boxes. Not only does it offer Cruise Control, but it offers agile performance and more cargo space.
This award-winning car from VW nicely pairs practicality with comfort. In this electric car, RWD comes with one motor and 201 horsepower.
The ID.4 has an “IQ.Drive,” suite that enables self-driving features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
We often find lane assist features in cheaper electric cars.
And if you are one of those few drivers concerned about how the Volkswagen ID.4 will perform in snow, we’ve got some great news. The ID.4 can handle snow, although expect it to slide now and then. Thanks to its all-season tires and ABS, you will still be able to control it and navigate the snow.
The regenerative braking system of the ID.4 helps it recapture energy significantly when you slow down the car.
Interior
Inside, the ID.4 is cozy. The cabin features comfy seats, a retractable steering wheel, and sliding rear doors. You get an option to go for cloth seats or faux-leather upholstery seats.
Cost
The 2021 ID.4 is available in three trims. The Pro, 1st Edition and Pro S. Here is how the three trims differ in price.
- The Pro trim costs around $41,000.
- The 1st Edition costs only $45,190.
- The Pro S is $45,690.
2. Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Then you also get a Chevrolet Bolt EUV. It is an SUV-lite version of the Bolt all-electric tall hatchback.
What makes it stand out from other models is its autopilot feature: Super Cruise. This feature allows you to take off your hands from the steering and let the Bolt EUV take over the steering wheel.
But there is a caveat:
The Super Cruise feature can only function on pre-mapped roads. When conditions become challenging, it automatically shuts off.
Interior
Inside, the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is spacious and cozy. It has 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space. When you fold the rear seats upright, you’ll get up to 56.9 cubic feet of space.
Cost
For Bolt EUV with Super Cruise, expect to pay $43,190, which is still affordable.
3. Hyundai Ioniq EV
With a price tag of $33,245, Hyundai Ioniq seems like the best option. So what exactly does it offer?
This compact hatchback comes with Adaptive Cruise Control as standard equipment. Other than that, it is a bit more agile than most people can expect.
The loniq EV can easily do 83 mph and speed from 0 to 60 in 30.3 seconds.
You also get lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking, while the Limited trim level offers blind-spot monitoring.
Interior
Open the door, and you will find a practical and immaculate cabin. All the materials are built from eco-friendly materials.
Cost
The most affordable 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric is the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric SE 4dr Hatchback. It costs $33,245.
3. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is an entry-level EV. If you’re looking for a fancy EV, I wouldn’t recommend it, though.
Let’s look at what brought us here, which is Adaptive Cruise Control.
Nissan ProPilot Assist powers the Leaf with an Adaptive Cruise Control. It can stop, start, and steer your car in traffic.
The problem with the Leaf is that it is sluggish.
It can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 7.9 seconds.
The battery doesn’t offer long-range, too.
You can only travel 150 miles, so you should expect to charge it from time to time.
Interior
Let’s check the cabin.
It is not pretty bad for the $27,400 price tag. The front seats have ventilated a sunroof and wireless charging.
Price
It starts at $27,400, which is reasonably low.
4. Polestar 2
If you haven’t heard of Polestar 2, I’ll forgive you. Most people don’t this EV.
This is a new EV from Volvo. With this car, Volvo is trying to compete with Tesla and other electric vehicle market leaders.
That said, the Polestar 2 offers highly adaptive intuitive Adaptive Cruise Control and other cutting-edge driver-assist features.
Outside, Polestar doesn’t look appealing. And it doesn’t go as fast as its rivals do. Otherwise, this is an excellent EV. Volvo has to improve those two areas.
Let’s have a peek inside.
Interior
The interior is sleek. There are no surprises there. Volvo always pulls out all the stops to offer a cozy interior.
The upholstery is supportive and comfortable. All materials are super quality.
Cost
The price is $45,900.
5. Audi E-Tron
E-Tron is another somewhat affordable EV with Cruise Control. The adaptive cruise assist features adaptive Cruise Control and active lane assist.
It also comes with a collision-avoidance assist.
You’ll also get a two-speed automated manual rear axle transmission that enables take-offs.
Outside, the Audi e-Tron looks stylish. The e-Tron delivers a calm ride and adrenaline rush-induced acceleration. Thanks to a motor at each axle, the combined output starts at 496 horsepower.
The motor produces 350kW of power (390kW in boost mode) and 630 Nm of torque, which is impressive compared to its rivals. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds.
At the same time, the RS e-Tron produces 440kW (475kW in boost mode) and 830 Nm and hits 100km/h in 3.3 seconds.
Interior
The 2022 Audi E-Tron interior layout. There is enough legroom, driving comfort, an in-car infotainment system, a dashboard, and more.
Cost
Pricing starts at $65,900 and qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit.
Final Thoughts
Cruise control in EVs is a must-have feature. Here is why:
You’ll sometimes want to take your hands off the steering. Or when you are a tad tired and need assistance.
Not only will Cruise Control increase the efficiency, but it will allow your EV to self-regulate speed.
That said, malfunctioning Cruise Control can be dangerous. For instance, if one of your speed sensors fails, the Cruise Control may stop working. This will be dangerous to you and other drivers on the road.
So, it’s always advisable to service your EV regularly.
Lastly, when you activate Cruise Control, that doesn’t mean you cease to become a driver. If your car crashes another car, you will be responsible.
When you activate cruise control, you should still need to be in control and attentive. Even as the car applies the accelerator, brakes, and steering.
Remember, Cruise Control is not safety but a driver assists feature. Avoid using cruise control in winter.
In the winter, especially when the roads are slippery, Cruise Control may cause the following:
- Cruise control may cause excessive wheel spin.
- Your car may slip on the snow and crash into another vehicle.