2021 Chevy Bolt EV vs 2021 Nissan LEAF – Electric Car Comparison

Electric vehicles have made huge advancements over the last decade. What started as an option for those looking to go green now has blossomed into a market segment of stylish electric vehicles that are fun to drive and ultra-efficient.

If you’ve been looking at electric vehicles in the Youngstown, Ohio, area, you’ve probably heard about the Chevy Bolt EV and the Nissan LEAF. Both cars operate using only electricity, but beyond that, how do you separate them? That’s why we put together this head-to-head comparison to help you better understand their differences. In that way, you can make an informed decision when you’re ready to go green.

Curb Appeal

Electric vehicles have ditched the small, practical look in favor of a sporty design. Electric cars like the Bolt EV and Nissan LEAF still sit squarely in the compact sedan category but don’t let the type fool you. For example, Chevy’s Bolt EV features a futuristic design with low-profile horizontal LED headlights and an angular front fascia with a textured grille. The front windshield slopes sharply back, but its width offers expansive views of the road.

Its chiseled sides and 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels give the Bolt EV an athletic stance. The roofline arcs slightly down, and the black C-pillar gives the appearance of a floating roof. The rear fascia features a roof-mounted rear spoiler and a hands-free liftgate that houses the LED taillights. The Bolt EV looks exciting as it rolls by quietly on electric power.

Meanwhile, Nissan’s LEAF looks remarkably similar to the Bolt EV but slightly smaller and softer. Its angular front fascia gives it a peregrine stare, although the large halogen headlights make it look more like a wide-eyed bird than a hawk. Its smooth sides gently slop over the wheels but lack the sharp lines of the BOLT EV.

It does feature lower sides and front rockers for a sporty look. Also, the LEAF roof appears to float, but the rear liftgate slopes gradually back and spoiling the effect. It rolls on 16-inch wheels on the lower trims, with only the top LS Plus coming with 17-inch wheels.

Electric Power and Performance

Chevy’s Bolt EV features an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery providing instantaneous response for impressive power and acceleration. The electric motor puts out 200 horsepower and achieves a 0-60 mph time in 6.5 seconds. Still, the Bolt EV has a composed ride that feels up to any challenge, whether that’s an acceleration from a stand-still, sharp control in corners, or passing cars on the highway.

The Bolt EV uses regenerative braking technology and a one-pedal driving system. With the regenerative braking system, lifting your foot off the accelerator engages the brakes, slowing your Bolt EV down. In addition, Chevy added a paddle to the steering wheel that increases your regenerative braking power when pressed. This paddle can bring you to a complete stop. Of course, you still have a brake pedal on the floor for emergencies.

You get a 259-mile driving range on a full charge with the Bolt EV. Using a standard 240-volt connection, you can fully charge the battery in 10 hours. Using the fast-charging Level 3 charger, you can recharge a range of 100 miles in 30 minutes. You also get a Level 2 charger installed in your home free when you purchase the Bolt EV.

Nissan’s LEAF features your choice of two electric motors and two lithium-ion batteries. This capable front-wheel-drive platform with the smaller electric motor gives you 147 horsepower while the larger motor provides 214 horsepower. The larger motor comes on the upper trims only. You also get the benefits of regenerative braking, though the LEAF doesn’t include a steering-wheel-mounted paddle.

The driving range of a fully-charged LEAF with a larger battery reaches 226 miles and takes 11.5 hours to achieve a full charge. On the smaller battery, you get 149 miles of range on a full 8-hour charge. The fast-charging option provides an 80% charge in 40 minutes on the smaller battery and 60 minutes on the larger battery. Both the Bolt EV and LEAF have their separate charging networks in Youngstown.

Interior Comfort and Convenience

The five-passenger Bolt EV offers premium leather seats and boasts rear legroom of 36 inches. The sport-inspired steering wheel has all your infotainment and driver-assist controls in convenient reach. A false floor in the rear cargo area lets you hide away valuables from prying eyes. In addition, the 60/40 split-folding rear seat allows you multiple cargo configurations.

Your advanced in-vehicle tech runs through the touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability allow you to sync your cellphones for hands-free operations. You can send and receive calls, access your favorite apps, stream your playlists, and more using intuitive voice commands.

The five-passenger Nissan LEAF features cloth upholstery on the lower trims and leather on the top tiers. You get a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with all your controls on the higher trims. The cargo area offers plenty of space, though it doesn’t have a hidden storage area. Instead, Nissan uses an available cargo cover that swings up and out of the way when you open the liftgate. The cover does hide what’s beneath but limits the height you can stack your gear.

Also, you get a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability in the LEAF. Other technology includes Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity.

Pricing & Incentives

Now, driving electric vehicles come with the added perks of state and federal tax credits. These credits vary by state but can go as high as $7,500. The Bolt EV comes in two trim levels, with the base model starting at $31,000 and the top tier starting at $35,195. The Nissan LEAF offers five trim levels, with the base model starting at $27,400 and the top-of-the-line model starting at $37,400. When comparing amenities to pricing, the Bolt EV offers much more in its base model than the three bottom trims on the Nissan LEAF.

When you consider all the facts, the Bolt EV out-performs the Nissan LEAF at nearly every turn. The Bolt EV delivers an electric vehicle’s power, driving range, and economy with the comfort and convenience amenities normally reserved for luxury vehicles.

At Cochran Chevrolet, we understand what EV drivers want. That’s why we stock an expansive inventory of electric vehicles. We invite you to browse our inventory online or stop by for a personalized demonstration. One of our friendly, knowledgeable team members will show you the best of the Bolt EV and let you take it for a test drive.