New Nissan Leaf to Cost Less than Tesla Model 3, Chevrolet Bolt

TopSpeed

By Ciprian Florea

Published Aug 11, 2017

Elon Musk isn't going to like this

The Nissan Leaf is one of the most successful electric cars available right now, but the first-generation model is getting a bit long in the tooth, and it's quite dated when compared to the much newer Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt. A second-gen model is underway for a 2017 launch, but Nissan is still mum on the details, and we know a bit about its design thanks to a few leaked photos. Fortunately, a Russian website got its hands on a few spec sheets, and we now know a lot more about the upcoming EV.

Arguably the most important piece of information leaked here is the pricing. Apparently set at $29,990, the base price of the new Leaf undercuts the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt by $5,000 and $7,500 respectively. That's a solid plus for the Leaf, but how does it fair on the performance front? Well, output is rated at 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, a significant bump over the 107 horses and 187 pound-feet in the current model. This rating places it below the Chevy Bolt, which comes with 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. A comparison to Model 3 isn't yet possible as Tesla has yet to release the full details. The battery capacity is at 40 kWh, down from the Bolt's 60 kWh and the Model 3's 50 or optional 75 kWh capacity, but up from the previous Leaf's 30 kWh.

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What Else is New?

Granted, the new Leaf isn't quite on par with the Tesla Model 3 and Chevy Bolt, but the price difference makes up for that. Tipping the scales at 3,433 pounds, the new Leaf should also be quicker than its predecessor from 0 to 60 mph, and even though it might not beat the Model 3 to the benchmark, the final spec list should be solid. After all, it's not like you'll be taking your EV to the drag strip and, given the current electric car market, I think it's more important to have an accessible car in terms of pricing rather than one that would beat a sports car in a straight line.

Size-wise, the new Leaf is very similar to the outgoing model, so don't expect massive gains in terms of space. At least the new design looks significantly more modern and appealing, even when compared to the Model 3 and Bolt. The standard features list looks solid too. There's satellite radio, cruise control, power steering, keyless ignition, stability control, traction control, power windows, a five-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth, and four audio speakers. The safety package includes five airbags, four-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, ignition disable, ABS, and an occupant sensing airbag feature. On the options list, you will find heated door mirrors, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, among other features.

While the base model will retail from $29,990, the Leaf SV will start from $32,490, and the Leaf SL will fetch $36,200 before options. All told, you can get the range-topping model for the same amount of cash you'll have to pay for a base Tesla Model 3 or Chevrolet Bolt EV. The warranty is the usual 36-month or 36,000-mile overall and 60-month or 60,000-mile for the drivetrain.

What Else is New?

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