2020 Chevrolet Bolt vs 2020 Nissan Leaf

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Several years ago, environmentally conscious drivers were delighted when hybrid vehicles were introduced to the world. Green automotive technology has improved dramatically since then, and now all-electric cars are a legitimate option for many drivers. As batteries improve and range increases, these electric vehicles are becoming capable enough for short road trips in addition to daily commuting.

The Chevy Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf are two of the best electric cars for 2020. We often get questions from shoppers who want to compare these two options, and it’s easy to see why. The two vehicles have a lot in common, but there are also some important differences. Compare them in a few different categories to see what sets them apart. Since most people buy electric cars because of their efficient technology, it’s normally best to start by considering their capabilities.

Chevy Bolt Vs. Nissan Leaf Range and Performance

Battery range is one of the most important things to consider when you buy an electric car. Stopping at the pump isn’t an option, so it’s critical to have enough range so you can get where you need to go between charges. Running out of gas in a traditional car is inconvenient, but it’s normally not nearly as bad as running out of battery power in an electric vehicle. A nice stranger with a gas can wouldn’t be able to bail you out.

With that in mind, a lot of people choose the Bolt over the Leaf because they can trust it more to get them where they need to go. The 2020 Bolt EV has a battery range of 259 miles compared to the Nissan Leaf S Hatchback’s range of 150 miles. To put this in perspective, the 2020 Bolt can handle a day trip from Phoenix to Sedona and back on a single charge. 

The 2020 Leaf might be able to get you to Phoenix to Sedona, but you better hope you can find a charging station among the red rocks. To be fair, it’s possible to upgrade the Leaf with a better battery. It still gets slightly less range than the Bolt, maxing out at 226 miles from a single charge. Drivers who opt for a Leaf with the increased range can expect to pay thousands more for the upgraded battery. Every new 2020 Bolt, on the other hand, comes with the same long-lasting battery.

The Chevy Bolt offers a more exciting driving experience than the Leaf does. The Bolt comes with 200 horsepower, which is more than enough to make this electric car feel zippy. The Leaf is considerably less powerful with 147 horsepower, or less than 75% of what Chevy’s electric car has. The Bolt also produces more torque.

Based on all of this information, it seems clear that Chevy simply created a driving machine that’s superior to the Nissan model in almost every aspect of its performance. It’s more powerful, and it still manages to last longer. It makes sense that the legendary American car company would find a way to deliver efficient performance without sacrificing excitement. This is a big step for electric vehicles.

Nissan Leaf Vs. Chevy Bolt Size Comparison

One of the main ways the 2020 Bolt EV outshines the Nissan leaf is when it comes to size. The vehicle isn’t any bigger on the outside. In fact, the Bolt is actually a full foot shorter than the Nissan Leaf, which makes it easier to drive. This is especially important for people who spend a lot of time driving in cities or anywhere else where they have to maneuver through tight spaces. 

Somehow, though, the Bolt still feels bigger and more spacious on the inside. It has the versatility that attracts so many people to hatchback vehicles, which makes it ideal for hauling either people or cargo. The Leaf has a hatchback design, too, but it almost feels like Nissan was trying to turn it into a crossover and fell short. 

One of the most noticeable differences is that the Bolt offers three full inches of extra legroom in the rear seat. Backseat passengers in the Bolt will have 36.5 inches, while those riding in the Leaf will only have 33.5 inches. The extra inches can make a world of difference when you have a car full of adults who don’t want to feel like they’re crammed into a cramped rear seat. 

Bolt Vs. Leaf Features

The inside of a Chevy Bolt accomplishes something few other electric cars ever have– it feels incredibly normal. You can reduce your carbon footprint without feeling like you’re driving a golf cart. It’s still a normal car, it just doesn’t need gas. The Leaf doesn’t stand out too much, either, but it still looks and feels a lot like an economy car. The Bolt is normally more appealing to people who want something that looks sophisticated without being bizarre.

The Bolt also has better technology than the Nissan Leaf. Both vehicles have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but the touch screen and driver display are both larger in the Chevy Bolt. The Bolt EV also offers a 4G WiFi hotspot for those who need to stay connected on the go without burning through all of their cellular data.

Leaf Vs. Bolt Safety Features

The brakes are arguably the most important (though often overlooked) safety features on any vehicle. The 2020 Leaf uses traditional disc brakes. This is fine when it comes to stopping power, but it seems like a missed opportunity once you consider what the Chevy engineers have done. The 2020 Bolt uses partially regenerative electro-hydraulic brakes. 

In other words, every time you press the brakes in your 2020 Bolt EV, it will convert some of that kinetic energy back into electricity and store it in the battery. This is an advanced technique you might also find in some very expensive, top of the line electric cars. It helps increase your range because the car is actually finding a way to recharge its own battery while you drive around. The Leaf does make up for this a little bit with other high-tech safety features.

2020 Bolt Vs. 2020 Leaf Price Comparison

The least expensive Nissan Leaf costs slightly less than the 2020 Bolt. If you need the Leaf with a longer range, though, you’ll notice that the prices start to even out. In addition to its superior range and performance, the Bolt offers a more high-end driving experience. You’ll appreciate the refined technological interface in Chevy’s electric vehicle, and your passengers will be thankful for some extra legroom in the back. 

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Compare 2020 EV Cars

There are many benefits to buying an electric vehicle, and they’re on full display in the 2020 Chevy Bolt. This vehicle is technologically advanced, capable, and incredibly efficient. 

If you haven’t driven a new electric car, you’re likely to be blown away by what modern vehicles can do. Stop by one of the premier Chevy dealerships near you to see the Bolt in person and take it for a test drive.