It looks like every car manufacturer with an established EV sedan is gunning for that sub $35,000 price with at least 215 miles of range and Nissan might be the first to get there.
The Tesla Model 3 and Bolt EV is about to get some serious competition from the 2019 Nissan Leaf once it gets its larger 60 kWh battery pack stuffed underneath its chassis. As per internal documents uncovered by our friends over at CarsDirect earlier this week (Oct. 17, 2019) initial order guides prepared to educate dealerships shows that the Leaf with a larger battery will command a $5500 premium over the base model Nissan leaf with a smaller battery.
With the 40 KwH Nissan Leaf with 151 miles of range priced at a smidge below $30,000 before taxes and destination charges, that means the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt killer with its 60 kWh battery gets a starting MSRP of around $35,500 (or $34,499 if you know what I mean.)
With a 50 percent larger battery pack, expect this new long-range Nissan Leaf to pack well over 225 miles of range which is more than enough for 95 percent of commuters and puts the Leaf from “drive around town EV” into that coveted, “Let’s take a weekend trip and drive the Leaf” spot.
Currently, the Chevrolet Bolt MSRP’s for around $36,620 before taxes and delivery but already delivers on that 238 miles of range. What the Nissan Leaf lacks against the Bolt EV is a stronger motor with the Leaf’s 147 HP and 236 lb-ft against the Bolt’s 200 HP and 266 lb-ft, so, it’s still up in the air if Nissan will throw in a larger motor.
As it stands, while the Bolt EV may be more powerful, the Leaf is much more refined and has a superior drivers assistance package with its pro-pilot suite of driving aids.
Surely, given the choice between the two, drivers may be swayed more towards this better priced and similar range’d Nissan Leaf.
However, as I wrote about earlier this week, look for the longer range Hyundai Ioniq, debuting in 2020, to bring up the rear with better value.
