2023 Nissan Leaf VS. 2023 Chevy Bolt EV

Shopper interest in electric vehicles, or EVs, is rising. According to data from the Pew Research Center in 2021, 40% of non-EV owners are very or somewhat likely to purchase an EV as their next vehicle. But many of the latest models are also pricey; a Rivian R1T pickup, for example, starts at more than $70,000 and can easily cost more than $90,000.

Thankfully, there are lower-priced EVs on the market, and two compelling picks are the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt EV.

The Nissan Leaf is the pioneering EV for people wanting a low-price zero-emission ride. The 2023 model starts at $28,895 including destination fees, and the Leaf Plus model with a longer driving range has a starting price tag of $36,895.

Chevy has an eye toward value too. The Bolt EV used to cost more than $30,000, but for the 2023 model year, Chevrolet dropped the starting price to $26,595. Even a more well-equipped the Bolt EV 2LT model tops out at around $31,000.

Which one is the better buy? Car experts compared both EVs to find out.

POWER, DRIVING RANGE & CHARGING

Budget EVs used to be known for short driving ranges and little power, but that’s not completely the case with these rivals. The short-range Leaf S produces 147 horsepower and has an EPAestimated driving range of 149 miles. Those numbers are unremarkable, but the longerrange SV Plus model packs a more competitive 214-horsepower electric motor and a driving range of 212 miles. Experts also ran the Leaf Plus through its real-world range testing and managed to make it 237 miles on a full charge.

The Bolt EV only has one model to choose from, and it boasts 200 horsepower and an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles. It also went farther in real-world testing: 278 miles.