2018 Nissan Leaf vs 2017 Chevrolet Bolt
Electric cars are clearly the wave of the future. Look at press conferences and auto shows for all major automakers, and you’ll note a variety of concept cars that are all-electric. Maybe it’s because drivers are sick of the high costs of gasoline, or maybe it’s because we are all becoming more ecologically aware. Either way, you can expect more options in the coming years. But what if you’re searching for a practical model today? There aren’t as many choices as you might expect, which is why so many find themselves comparing the 2018 Nissan Leaf vs 2017 Chevrolet Bolt.
Nissan has the obvious advantage being the first mass-produced electric vehicle, but as a newcomer, the Chevy Bolt has come out with more practical range. Then again, that also comes with a higher price-point. Whichever one you choose, it will likely come down to these two major factors. Range is an important consideration if you have a long commute or hope to take a road trip, as EV charging times aren’t nearly as competitive as simply filling your gas tank. On the other hand, if you can charge your car at night, why pay more to start?
2018 Nissan Leaf |
vs |
2017 Chevy Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| $29,901 | MSRP | $37,395 |
| 150 miles | Range | 238 miles |
| ProPilot Assist | Semi-Autonomous Features | N/A |
| 80% in 40 minutes (approximately 120 miles) | DC Fast Charging Time | 90 miles/30 minutes |
Which EV is right for you?
It’s difficult to argue with price, and Nissan is offering a compelling one with a starting MSRP of just $29,901. If you’re most interested in buying an electric car because you want to save money at the pump, it’s difficult to justify spending the extra on the convenience of additional range. Over the entire lifetime of your vehicle, you aren’t likely to ever make up the extra initial cost of purchasing the Bolt over the Leaf.
Range, however, is all about convenience. Though Nissan and Chevrolet list their charging times with different figures, the models effectively take the same amount of time to charge. This being the case, you’d have to charge the Nissan Leaf more frequently. Then again, if you have a charging port right in your home, which most owners opt to install, this is simply a matter of remembering to plug your vehicle in to charge overnight. Overall, for the daily drive most people will find that the difference isn’t vast, except for longer travels. The Bolt may have more range overall, but at the end of the day, an infrequent road trip might have you renting a car rather than risking a dead battery when there’s no DC charging station in sight.
The Chevrolet Bolt was upgraded for 2017, while the Nissan Leaf has a complete redesign for 2018. The model now has a more modern look that fits with hatchback aesthetics, while the Chevy Bolt has that distinct “EV look” that some might consider a touch bland.
Curious about the 2018 Nissan Leaf? Contact us here at Glendale Nissan to learn more about availability and options.
