
The 2018 Nissan Leaf is a strong new entry among mass-priced electric cars; its competitors offer lower range, higher prices, or a wait of a year or more to get one delivered.
The BMW i3 is a technically sophisticated small hatchback with excellent performance and 114 miles of range, plus an optional range-extending engine, but it starts $12,000 above the new Leaf.
The Chevy Bolt EV was last year’s It Girl among electric cars, with a whopping 238 miles of range, but it starts almost $7,000 higher.
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Volkswagen e-Golf are rated at 124 and 125 miles, respectively; the e-Golf is about the same size and price as the Leaf, while the lower Ioniq feels smaller but is more aggressively priced.
Finally, the Tesla Model 3 is nominally in production now, but with a reservation queue of 450,000 or so people, you’re not likely to get the 220-mile version that starts at $35,000 for at least a year if you’re not already on the list.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2018 Nissan Leaf is improved in every way over its aged predecessor: it’s better-looking, nicer inside, and has more power and battery range, at a relatively affordable price. |
The BMW i3 is a wonder of technology, but it's already been surpasses by EVs with longer range. |
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV remains the only affordable, available electric car that offers more than 200 miles of range. |
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 promises Tesla chic at mass-market prices, at least when less expensive versions arrive, but build quality should be any buyer’s biggest worry. |
The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is a Golf that happens to run only on electricity, but its range is now sub-par. |
MSRP From | ||||
$29,990 | $44,450 | $36,620 | $46,000 | $30,495 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy | Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy | Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy | Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy | Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
EPA Class | ||||
Midsize Cars | Subcompact Cars | - TBD - | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars |
Style Name | ||||
S Hatchback | 94 Ah | 5-Door HB LT | Mid Range Battery RWD | 4-Door SE |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front wheel drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Sedan | Hatchback |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic | Automatic | NA | Automatic | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2018 Nissan Leaf vs. 2018 BMW i3 | 2018 Nissan Leaf vs. 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV | 2018 Nissan Leaf vs. 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 2018 Nissan Leaf vs. 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf |