You’ve got $20,000 to spend on an EV: Here are some options
From Audis to Teslas, there’s a lot available in this price range.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Jonathan M. Gitlin
Automotive Editor
jonathan.gitlin@meincmagazine.com
Jonathan is the Automotive Editor at Ars Technica. He has a BSc and PhD in Pharmacology and followed up with postdoctoral work at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA, and the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY, then moved to the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health as a science policy analyst. In 2004 he started contributing to Ars Technica, covering the sciences with the occasional foray into racing games and motorsport. In 2014 he decided to indulge his lifelong passion for the car by leaving NHGRI and launching Ars Technica's automotive coverage. He lives in Washington, DC. In his spare time you might find him watching motorsport or hanging out with his cats. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgitlin/
Recent stories by
Jonathan M. Gitlin
Honda cancels the two electric vehicles it was developing with Sony
Sony Honda Mobility says the Afeela 1 and Afeela 2 are no more.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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So long, farewell: Saying goodbye to Audi’s best car, the 2026 RS6 Avant
With production now finished, we take one last ride in our favorite station wagon.
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Republicans in Congress add $250 annual federal EV tax to transport bill
Five principles should determine how you fund transport, says Consumer Reports.
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Feds say no need to recall Tesla’s one-pedal driving despite petition
It’s good news, but another federal Tesla defect probe deepened this week.
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A station wagon is entering one of the hardest 24-hour races in the world
Station wagons used to be family cars, but now they’re for going fast, too.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Here’s BMW’s first all-electric 3 series, the 2027 i3
The iX3 SUV was very good; we think the i3 sedan will be even better.
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F1 in China: I’ve never seen so many people in those grandstands
Formula 1’s new style of racing puts on an entertaining sprint weekend in Shanghai.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Most Read
Lucid announces midsize EV platform, says profitability lies with SUVs
Three smaller SUVs are in development, starting at under $50,000.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Rivian reveals pricing and trim details for its R2 SUV
The midsize AWD EV goes on sale this spring, single-motor versions in 2027.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Facing heavy losses, Honda cancels its three US-made electric vehicles
Tariffs, torn-up US emissions regs, and being uncompetitive in China are all to blame.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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A glimpse into tuner culture: Fast and Furious exhibit at the Petersen
The museum is celebrating 25 years of the original F&F film with a 23-car exhibit.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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2026 Australian Grand Prix: Formula 1 debuts a new style of racing
The key is understanding how to conserve energy across a lap. Oh, and be reliable.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Chevrolet killed it then brought it back, now we drive it: The 2027 Bolt
Faster charging, more modern infotainment, and a new LFP battery are highlights.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Climate change sucks, but at least it won’t kill your EV battery
Older EVs, but not newer ones, may lose up to 30 percent range in a warming world.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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115
Nerve damage, energy management, and Apple TV: F1 in 2026 starts today
Drivers aren’t happy about energy management, and one team won’t finish the race.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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There are plenty of great choices if you want to spend less than $15K on an EV
There’s a lot of good Hyundai and Kia EVs in this price bracket, plus the Bolt and i3.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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And the award for the most improved EV goes to… the 2026 Toyota bZ
Toyota’s small electric SUV is much-revised, much more efficient, and much better.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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178
Ford is recalling 4.3 million trucks and SUVs to fix a towing software bug
An OTA update will be pushed out in a few weeks; owners can also go to a dealership.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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2026 Lexus RZ 550e review: Likable, but it needs improvement
It’s not very efficient, and the synthetic gearshifts aren’t great, but I liked it?
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Lamborghini cancels electric Lanzador as supercar buyers reject EVs
Investing heavily in battery EVs would be “financially irresponsible,” CEO said.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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The 2026 Mazda CX-5, driven: It got bigger; plus, radical tech upgrade
Starting at $29,990, there’s a lot to like about the all-new Mazda, but it’s not perfect.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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174
Tesla slashes Cybertruck prices as it tries to move (unpainted) metal
The stainless steel pickup truck is Tesla’s first real flop.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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F1: Preseason tests show how different 2026 will be
Everyone’s trying to get mileage as F1 undergoes huge technical changes.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Chevy Bolt, BMW i3, or something else? At $10K, you have lots of EV options
Two of Ars’ favorite electric vehicles are now available for not very much money.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Ford is focusing on efficiency to make its 2027 $30,000 EV pickup affordable
A smaller battery means a cheaper truck, but customers still expect plenty of range.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Sideways on the ice, in a supercar: Stability control is getting very good
To test stability control, it helps to have a wide-open space with very low grip.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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What if riders don’t close a robotaxi door after a ride? Try DoorDash.
Robotaxis can’t escape the gig economy as Waymo tries to solve a human problem.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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2026 Nissan Leaf review: The best budget EV on sale right now
A week with the new Leaf in frigid weather did not cool our feelings for the car.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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America, it’s time to think beyond leather for luxury car seats
Some brands are already ahead of the curve, while others leave the US in the cold.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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279
Ive and Newson bring old-school charm to Ferrari’s first EV interior
Analogue dials, aluminum switches, and plenty of buttons for the Ferrari Luce.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Stellantis swallows $26 billion costs as it rethinks its EV strategy
The automaker follows Ford and GM in writing down huge sums after betting wrong.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Tesla slipped behind VW in European EV sales last year
Electric vehicle sales increased by 29% in 2025, even as overall sales grew 2.2%.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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China bans all retractable car door handles, starting next year
The pop-out door handle ban starts in 2027 for new cars, 2029 for existing models.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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605
How far does $5,000 go when you want an electric car?
You won’t be going on road trips, but a very cheap electric runabout is possible.
Jonathan M. Gitlin
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Tesla kills Models S and X to build humanoid robots instead
EVs that were once industry-leading have long since been left behind.
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