Autotrader: The Nissan Leaf vs. the Chevy Bolt: Two EVs compared

What we would change: Extend the range to make it more competitive; add a telescoping feature to the tilt steering column.

Overview: The 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus finally pushes beyond the 200-mile range limit with its larger 62 kWh battery pack. That achievement comes at a nearly $5,000 premium over the base Leaf with a 40 kW battery that delivers a range of 150 miles. Fortunately for Nissan Leaf buyers, the vehicle is still eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, which takes some of the sting out of the pricing. Overall, the recent redesign of the Leaf results in a nicely styled hatchback that has a great interior to go with the peppy performance of the electric powertrain.

What’s new for 2020: Leaf now comes standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, rear automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. S and SV models gain a new 8-in infotainment screen, while Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also now standard across the board.

Features and technology: With an electric motor making 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, the Nissan Leaf has plenty of performance on tap. Recharging using a 240-volt Level 2 connection takes 11.5 hours compared with 8 hours for the 40 kW pack, according to Nissan.

The Leaf S Plus comes with hill-start assist, e-Pedal, 16-in wheels, cruise control, push-button start, power windows, automatic climate control, a 4-speaker audio system with a USB port, an 8-in color display, and Android Auto and Apple AAPL, +3.70% CarPlay compatibility. Also included is a 100 kW quick charge port. SV models add 17-in alloy wheels, fog lights, and an upgraded 6-speaker audio system.

Read: The 10 electric cars with the longest range

Options include an electronic parking brake, a rear cargo cover, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, high beam assist, 8-way power driver’s seat, a 360-degree camera system, and a driver attention monitor. The SL Plus comes with leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, Bose premium audio, and an around-view camera.

What the future holds: Unless there’s another change in the battery to boost range, we don’t anticipate any major exterior or interior changes to the Leaf Plus. 

2020 Chevrolet Bolt

Base Price: $37,495

What we like: A range of 259 miles, which is one mile better than its closest competitor, the Hyundai Kona; SUV-like ride height; spirited performance.

What we would change: Use higher quality materials on the interior; offer adaptive cruise control; make available more safety- and driver-assists on lower trims.

Overview: The Chevrolet Bolt has been so successful for General Motors GM, +2.34% that the company is no longer eligible for the federal $7,500 tax credit by having sold more than 200,000 EVs and PHEVs like the Volt. While that puts Bolt at a disadvantage, there’s still plenty here to consider, including the range of nearly 260 miles which is good enough to make the Bolt a primary vehicle in a household. The larger 66 kWh battery also takes less time to recharge than the Leaf Plus with Chevy reporting that it takes 10 hours on a Level 2 charger.

What’s new for 2020: The addition of 21 miles of range. The rear and all-around view monitors have been upgraded with high definition cameras.

Features and technology: Power comes from a single electric motor producing 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The 66 kW battery pack also boasts a quick charge capability. The Bolt comes in two trims, LT and Premier. LT includes 17-in alloy wheels, auto HID headlights, keyless entry with push-button start, tilt/telescope steering column, Teen Driver, and automatic climate control. Bolt also has an 8-in driver information center, 6-speaker audio, and a 10.2-in color touchscreen.

Also see: Here are two stocks that stand to benefit from California’s electric-vehicle push

Premier models include 17-in wheels, roof rails, heated outboard rear seats, surround-view camera, and a rear center armrest. Options include a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system, wireless charging, and rear-seat dual USB ports.

What the future holds: The Bolt will be updated for the 2021 model year. In addition to a spiffed-up exterior, we’re looking for the use of higher quality materials in the cabin as well as the availability of adaptive cruise and other assists offered by the competition. 

Leaf Plus vs. Bolt: Strengths comparison 

Leaf Plus Benefits: Still eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit; nicer interior; more driver assists like ProPilot with its adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, lane-keeping, and centering assist.

Chevrolet Bolt Benefits: Longer range; shorter recharge time.

Leaf Plus vs. Bolt: Which is better?

If range is at the top of your shopping list, then, by all means, the Chevrolet Bolt is for you. However, we’d probably wait to see what the 2021 update brings. The Leaf Plus, while only good for 226 miles between charges, offers more in the way of driver assists to go along with its nicely turned-out interior. Range aside, as long as the federal tax credit holds out for Nissan, the Leaf Plus is a better buy. 

Compare the specs for these two cars at Autotrader.

This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.