Chevy Volt vs. Nissan Leaf: An Armchair Debate

Chevy Volt vs. Nissan Leaf
When I visited the LA Auto Show two weeks ago it seemed that there were two definitive, yet conflicting themes: American muscle and electric vehicles.  While I could spend hours dissecting the sociological and historical implications of such polar opposite vehicles—one which seeks to smoke its tires and beat its rivals to the next light while the other wafts from signal to signal treading lightly on the environment—I, however, will focus on the car I feel is best for the consumer on an overall basis.

I will admit straightaway that I have driven neither car, seeing as Chevrolet and Nissan are both rather reluctant to allow aspiring writers to take spins in their vehicles. That said, here we go.
In this debate I figure the most crucial elements are 1) price 2) vehicle range 3) interior capacity (both seating and carrying) and 4) what you are gaining over a normal fossil fuel vehicle.  

Let’s Start with the Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is a five-door, five passenger vehicle that costs approximately $33,000 without the government rebate. With the rebate, Nissan claims that you can get the base model for around $25,000. The Leaf is rated for about a 100-mile range at an EPA-estimated 99 mpg equivalent. As for cargo capacity, Nissan the Leaf will be able to carry two golf bags in the trunk. In addition, the seats will fold down in a 60/40 configuration.

Now for the Volt
The Chevy Volt costs around $32,000, with a government tax credit, and can carry four occupants including the driver. It also boasts a cargo capacity of roughly 10.6 cubic feet with the seats up. To put this in perspective, the 2011 Honda Civic has 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While not class leading, the Volt it is definitely big enough for a couple of golf bags. Range is where the Volt really starts to gain some ground. The Volt using only battery power is rated to 35 miles, 65 less than the leaf. However, once the gasoline engine kicks in the Volts range increases by an astonishing 340 miles.

My Verdict
Around town and for short trips there is no question that the Leaf is the better option. It’s cheaper and can carry more people than the Volt. However, the biggest failing of the Leaf is the area in which the Volt excels the most—its range. The Volt manages to go 370 miles between fill ups/recharges, a distance that the Leaf can’t match. While the Volt might have a lower battery range, it makes up for it by being able to continue operating on past the 370-mile range in a matter of minutes, rather than having to wait four hours to recharge. It is for this reason that I believe the Volt to be the better of the two vehicles and is the one I would choose.

By: Chris McCarthy on Monday, December 13, 2010 02:52