Kona owner here - Hyundai forgot to test that charge port under winter weather conditions…it freezes sometimes lol solved it by adding insulation around it.
@@allentoyokawa9068 i feel sorry for you feeling the need to bash on people buying kia and Hyundai’s. The Koreans have caught up and surpassed many competitors.
I laughed at the Daddy Doug reference. Not everyone *wants* a Tesla either...I know...shocking controversial thing to say. But some people want to be able to fix their cars themselves. Opening the hood of that Kona, I can easily fit my hands and my wrenches to fix anything that goes wrong. I'm also willing to bet I can call up the dealer and...wait for it....actually get parts.
If you buy one of these so you “work on it yourself” well I hope you enjoy yourself and don’t have a friend with a model 3 because it’s one of worst car buying decisions anyone could possibly make.
@@dustinstorey6779 if you’ve seen my RUclips content you’d know. I am amassing a collection of shitty cars with pop up headlights. I don’t have friends.
@@craigquann I understand where you're coming from, especially if you're comparing EVs to older cars which have very simple electronics, but that's not necessarily what I'm talking about either. If you bump your car into a pole and damage your fender, Tesla won't sell you a new fender. They call it a "structural component" and will argue with you and berate you and tell you to go to a service center to spend ridiculous amounts of money and wait 6 weeks to get your car back. But also, electric cars are much easier to work on mechanically, once you understand that specific vehicle's setup and procedures for handling the high voltage lines, it's ezpz...just follow the steps. And guess who is more like to have this information more readily available? Anyone but Tesla.
been looking into the Leaf for a few weeks now and this was one of the most useful reviews I've found. Very practical and about actual everyday usage. thank you
Hi, I have been driving LEAFs since they came out. My commute is roughly 20 miles back road and byway mostly. I go back and forth and run errands most days with no range problems. And have only used my home level charge connection. I love the LEAF. I'm going to buy out my lease. I would buy brand new but I see too much coming up on YT, like 900 mile batteries. I'll wait a little longer for a brand new.
The important thing to know about the Leaf is that the battery is passively cooled. If it gets too hot and you are utilizing a fast charger, it will throttle the charger to a slower speed to prevent the battery from overheating. I've driven a number of Leafs that belong to my employer and they are fine cars. Not good road trip cars b/c of the battery cooling situation. However, if you usage pattern is mostly local, you will be well served by the Leaf. My experience is that basically you get one fast charge per day so ~400 out and overnight. Or, 200 miles out, fast charge and 200 miles back. Or use a planning app that helps you string together a series of shorter charges so the battery doesn't get as hot. Right now I'm shopping for a used '21 Kona or Leaf Plus. Will be happy to have either.
Also CHADEMO charging is a dying standard. Only a few cars use it anymore. However there is a CHADEMO to CCS adapter that appears in several videos that is being tested. Produced by a third party company. Works in Europe, partially works here in the USA.
yeah but the kona has liquid battery cooling, more torque, and more range. that's really what evs are all about. you cannot fast charge the leaf on any trips because the battery heats up so much. its fine for in and around town and modest commutes but for the same price you can just get the kona. the leafs garbage tier battery tech is inexcusable for the price.
The electric tech in the Kona is better than the leaf, but at that price point i would expect a slightly better interior. Hyundai products have come a long way.
Nice review! Definitely feel like Hyundai Kona is the better option for 1-2 passengers. For a family car, I think the Leaf is a better choice though, personally.
I agree, Isaac! I think the Kona is a nice car if you mainly need it for only 1-2 passengers. But the Leaf has a much bigger trunk and works better for families like us for example!
Not at all I think the leaf is ugly as sin compared to the kona the leaf is almost as ugly as a prius but I dont like that they just made Kona gas to ev conversion car not a dedicated ground up redesign... both interior are from 2010 and they are not that much cheaper the a tesla but are 10 years behind that seam like bad investment it like going out to buy lead acid battery for more money today when lithium-ion is cheaper and lasts 10x 100x longer depends on battery chemistry
In Europe you can get a 39 kWh Kona as well. And I agree with you on the Leaf - still have a 2015 24 kWh - nice roomy car - lowest maintenance cost of any car I have had. Actually the newer ones are just heavy facelifts the main chassis and many parts are identical. It is even more comfortable and more quiet than my model 3. As a second or third car for local short trips it is perfect. Strong and fast A/C and heating - super simple to drive. Is it sporty or fancy - not at all - is the tech old - oh yes and the gen. 1 looks like a frog.... Like my wife says - it is so ugly it is cute.
I'm interested in the ev6 vs ioniq5. Ive seen both up close at a show but I'd need to drive both around to see how they differ. I did drive a Kona electric too and it was ok for the price but for just a little bit more you can get an id4 which will be 35k once they start building in Tennessee. Drove better and interior was better quality but I really didn't like the design.
Maybe I'm old school, but I like the idea of a conventional dashboard display behind the steering wheel as opposed to a large center display for the important driver info (speed, mode, charge remaining etc). This helps keep your eyes on the road, though a heads up display ON the windshield like in a fighter jet would be cool. As Leno said in one of his videos, "Horse power sells cars, but torque wins races!" If I wanted a car for road trips of over two hours, then I'd want the range. For a daily driver around town, and trips under 50 miles one way, the Leaf would be OK, maybe even the one with the smaller battery But to give me a cushion, especially during the winter as batteries don't like the cold, I'd probably opt for the larger battery, the extra cost isn't that much.
I've learned the most important aspect of an electric vehicle is wether it has a battery cooler. It means everything for lifespan. The leaf does not have it. I don't know about many others because the info is hard to find
I agree, however. As a bit of an old timer, in the 1960's one of the most popular automotive writers was Tom McCahill who wrote for Mechanics Illustrated. He once said that if you don't think an engine is air cooled, just take off the fan belt! His point was liquid coolant still required an air transfer of it's heat. So, the question is how well Nissan has designed that transfer. Not having liquid coolant, hoses, a pump, and radiator sure simplifies things. Somewhere on RUclips I saw a Tesla motor opened because there was a coolant leak. Not a lot, but enough to cause a problem.
you're talking about liquid cooling, it's easy to find info. almost every EV has it, here, kona and niro EV have liquid cooling, so does chevy bolt, ioniq 5, kia ev6, mach e, id4, audi, Mercedes, everyone else is liquid cooled.
@@sbukosky nissan didn't design it well mate, it gets hot, lowers charging, performance, and lowers battery health, it's hard asf to do air cooling on a better, your old timer knowledge relates to gas cars, not EV's/batteries which re very different, can't get as hot, and cab't get as much air. everyone uses liquid cooling except nissan and mitsu
@@roboticvenom1935 where's the information? I want to see it on the spec sheet just like if a car has a i4 or v6. Also just because it has a cooler doesn't mean it keeps the batteries cool while the vehicle sits in hot climates
10:07 the epedal does NOT use any brakes untill the actual stopping of the vehicle. means: the last bit of roll (from when the RPM is too low for regen,)
Great review Nathan. One thing to note for community members though: the Leafs ChaDeMo connection is being phased out in favor of CCS. If you are planning on road-tripping in ombré Leaf, charger availability will be much more limited. I think the government is still mandating a minimum of 1 ChaDeMo plug at each DCFC station, and most companies are only providing the 1 plug. This mandate may go away though. If you are using the leaf around town, no worries though!
another thing to mention is that the Leaf doesn’t have active cooling/heating of the battery. The Kona does. This means that in extreme temperatures the battery on the Leaf will suffer a lot more. Also, if you plan to do long trips where you DC fast charge a lot, the Kona is a much much better experience. Other than that, the Leaf wins in terms of what you get for the money. I got the 2023 40kwh Leaf for $18k and it’s been awesome so far.
I'd say no to a new Nissan Leaf. The battery tech is very outdated. No thermal management ensures degradation with any kind of heat. Chademo is a dead charging standard that will not grow any further. They also suspiciously didn't submit the 2nd generation for a small overlap crash test.
Agreed. I'm a newer Leaf owner, I've experienced reduced fast charge speeds due to hot batteries (on road trips) and broken Chademo ports at charge stations. Makes for frustrating trips. Little battery degradation at this point, but yes possible.
Great review, I tried to get a KIA Niro but the actual cost and dealer system really is bad. They over priced me in every way you can think of. I got the 2021 Leaf S Plus. Which is really a great car. And the dealers are nicer and far better to deal with. My 2nd car is also an EV it's a 2020 Bolt LT. Which is a great little car. But driving wise, contort, and efficiency the leaf has it by a mile. I get well over 260 miles true range with it.
Hello Ariel, I was thinking of waiting for the 2022 bolt euv but production has halted. Do you feel the Leaf is a reliable car? Also do you believe the leaf is a smoother ride compared to the bolt?
@Daniel Honick the Leaf is far better for efficiency than the Bolt. But the Bolt is more fun to drive. Seats are better in the Leaf, but I hear that they are good seats in the Bolt 2022. I have a 2020 LT. Maintenance has both been great. The Bolt has advantages with the CCS charging and that it's water cooled. But they are well worth the cost.
the 2022 bolt EUV premier is better, $32k for it and it has heated and ventilated front seats, rear heated seats + hetaed steering wheel, 10" display + digital gauge cluster, more safety features, and 250 miles of range updated. and doesn't use chadmo charging like the leaf! also 11kw home charging is fast
Both cars were thoroughly described, including their advantages and disadvantages. And both are far less expensive than Tesla cars .Though the driving test is my primary concern, I believe it is a decent balance of room, affordability, and driveability. Very nice review. For a family car, i still think the leaf or the rivian is better..
The Nissan does not have an active cooling system like the Kona and is not able to fast charge without doing some degradative damage to the battery due to the production of heat. You can road trip in the Kona but not the Leaf for that reason.
The cost of used electric vehicles will be interesting to see. The charging cable buried under your stuff in the trunk may not be handy, but you don't have to store it there.
November 2024 I just purchased a 2022 Hyundai Kona Limited in Galactic Gray with 31,000 miles for $17,000 after the $4,000 tax credit which you do receive instantly at the time of purchase. The dealer turns in the paperwork and the government sends them a check in a couple weeks. I like that it is not complicated or gimmicky. It is a bit small for me as well, but it was such a great deal I couldn't pass it up. Also, the safety features and safety rating are so good that my full coverage insurance for it is only $86 a month. Try that with a Tesla. LoL
Having a longer range doesn’t just end in driving more in one time. Batteries degrade after about 500 cycles and need to be replaced after about 1000 cycles. Consider when you need to replace the batteries when you have less amount.
Love your reviews cuz I am a cheapskate too! Only wish the BoltEUV could have part of your review cuz I think it a good combo of space, price and driveability.
I found it funny at the end where you kept calling it the Kia Kona. One thing Nissan needs to do is switch over to CCS. Chademo is outdated and doesn't it only let you fast charge once per day?
Just drove a ford mach e today. Throughly impressed. Ford has a winner on their hands. I was surprised it didn’t have cooled seats though. The seats sat surpassingly well.
A MachE is the only electric car that I've driven but it was for long enough to get a good feel for it and the single pedal control. Very nice car and I'd like one. But need something that is sub $30K as it would not be my primary car. Also, Electrify America has no charging stations around me and there is only one Tesla station and that's just two or three located at a Tesla approved body shop. Infrastructure, people!
Charging infrastructure and length of time are the inhibiting factors. 150 mile range is fine for most situations IF charging was quick and available like fueling is now. Smaller batteries brings the price down to equal today's "values".
@@IKnewMickey Agree. It's the poor charging infrastructure and not quite there charging speeds that's more the issue that outright range of miles that's slowing adoption.
Haven’t done the math yet, but need to figure out if the gas savings is greater than the cost to replace a $5000-$7000 battery every 5-10 years, plus installation. I wanna go electric, just still not sure about battery technology.
I sold my leaf after a little over a year because of the non existent battery cooling and chademo. Car was not bad but the battery is rubbish. So I got a Hyundai Ioniq electric 28 and wonder why I got the leaf in the first place
Yeah, I'm afraid of the Leaf because I will probably have to pay for a battery replacement after 8 to 10 years. It is a lot cheaper though which might make up for it.
Glad that chevy is cheap on the 2nd hand used car market and when they are off lease that how I manage to afford the bolt ev with ccs charging included. And not worried about a 35k chevy bolt price Tage got for 24k for good price and milage of just 14500 miles when I pick it up. It was a steal.
Is there any mention in the Nissan ether, that they want to make a Nissan leaf hybrid? It seems as though Nissan made the leaf and skipped the ICE engine but yet they kept all the mechanics in the engine bay rather than making it a skateboard chassis vehicle.
Silly question. Why do seemingly all EVs and front drive gas cars still have a center console? There's no transmission there, so no need for a transmission tunnel, and thus that space could all be extra leg / foot room and potentially a front center seat. My admittedly old 2007 F250 has a bench seat, with the center folded down, it's got a nice elbow rest, storage and cup holders and such. But that can fold up and fit another person in a pinch, and I have tons of lateral knee and foot room which is fantastic on long drives.
With modern EVs range is less of an issue providing the infrastructure is in place. I’m in Scotland and my Q4 E-Tron is rated at 316 miles WLTP. In reality that’s likely to be around 250 miles. In the real world that’s around 4 hours driving, and by then I’ll likely be looking to stop for a comfort break/coffee stop anyway😂🏴
Tesla is popular because they don’t look like these little city bubble cars that everyone else is making. Just because it is electric doesn’t mean it has to look like a cheap econobox. They also fail to provide the additional storage of a front trunk and they are no quicker than their gas engine counterparts. While Tesla has many problems, their cars are compelling with range, speed and interior space. It would be much better though if they used traditional gauges.
Tesla has some great innovations and tech, however they seem to miss the mark and reinvent the wheel on items that are totally unnecessary. Things such as, electric door handles, climate vents controlled only on screen, removing turn signal stalks in favour of haptic buttons….even the new yoke wheel on the Model S and X is ridiculous and totally unnecessary. Quality has also been a major issue for Telsa. When you are paying a premium price for a vehicle, you should expect a premium product that is not flogged with panel gaps, fitting issues, etc.
Nice review. Good for local travel. I would never consider less then 200 mile range even for local. Electric is the ONLY way to go, put 12,000+ highway miles on my Model Y in just 4 months with no issues. I would never even consider going back to gas. My diesel SUV and Motorhome just sit for now. Purchased 1 gallon of gas so far this year for the lawn tractor.
I feel like this review is a bit biased to Nissan plus you didn't mention the varying trim levels of the Kona and that it starts at $34K and has better range with a significant improvement on efficiency--which is crucial for EVs, consumption of energy, maximizing range and charging.
You don't need a longer nose; you need designers they aren't lazy. See all those components under the hood? They'll fit much further down if the area is designed properly. Wasted space everywhere.
Yes - you do not have to buy a Tesla. But if you want a vehicle that has range you have only a few options. The recent real life test that I saw had Tesla Model 3 as top and Kia E-Nero as #2. There is a $5,000 difference in price between those two vehicles so which would you choose between these two? There are safety ratings to consider as well (I did not research the Kona or Leaf numbers). There are certainly other options then Tesla.
I am in the market for an EV. The 2022 Nissan Leaf S is the lowest MSRP mainstream EV. Not counting NEVs. It is one of the few EV to use a ChaDeMo charger port. Do they sell r make a ChaDeMo to CCS adapter? Also, the 2022 Nissan Leaf S is hard to find. Other trims are easier. Thanks. If I am wrong on any of the above, please let me know.
If you're using the EV for in-town errands and commutes, you may be charging at home with a Level 2 charger. For this, the Leaf works fine. If you're planning to do longer road trips with it, then you may prefer a vehicle with CCS. If that's the case, you should consider the Bolt EV or EUV.
My wife's next car will likely be electric. But that's going to be about 10 years from now. My next truck... Well we'll have to see. Barring some unforeseen circumstances, I'm not replacing either vehicle any time soon. But man the new Silverado ZR2 is definitely temping.
I don't like how Tesla looks. Also the limited number of dealers... these are both ok but the leaf doesn't not have a heated/cooled battery so that's a problem. I think the Bolts are super nice... yes they were recalled. So we're the konas but the issue with both was LGs battery and GM doing the right thing by replacing all bolt batteries. Bolt is also cheaper.
I’m wondering if Kia & Hyundai have resolve their issues with cars getting in fire? 🔥 As much as I like the Hyundai better, this issue makes me hesitant of buying it. So I might go for the leaf 🍃
Neither one of these cars have much relevance today since the new 2023 Chevy Bolt EV is going to start at around $27,000 and Bolt EUV is going to start at $28,700 and both give you around 250 miles of range. The EUV fully loaded model will be a maximum of approximately &37,000. This is going to be the future of smaller EV's. They are going to start at $25,000 to $30,000.
How many times you going to call that Hyundai a Kia? Haha I got my 2019 kona electric limited for 29k after uncle Sam gave me $7500 back in taxes.. and it came with a lifetime battery warranty
Interesting video. And you Nathen are more like me in your driving sensibilities. While being better and newer tech, there is a lot to be said about how the car fits you. Literally and physically. At the end of the day, between these two, I would come home with the Nissan Leaf. Good ride, good performance for my needs, falls within my range spec. Better physical fit for my body. (Headroom and leg spread out room), deeper more usable trunk. And noticeably lower price. The display could be higher resolution though. Also, like the single peddle driving. That low catfish Hoover vacuum cleaner nose nose is to low and out of proportion. The Hyundai Kona looks better with the better front end bumper height and has the nicer dash. But, the Nissan wins this round for me.
The Kona is small and way overpriced IMO. Plus, dealers are adding $5k markups putting them close to MachE pricing, which is ridiculous. Leaf is flawed with no battery temperature management and the CHADEMO charging which is being phased out
Regen braking is the engine going in reverse to put power back into the battery pack It makes you use LESS brakes EVs will need brakes serviced way less than ICE cars.
Leaf is better in the long run! Leaf has been out for a while so all the tweeks are worked out and it is quite a very reliable car! Prrsonaly, I wouldn't go Hyundai because even though they claim to be more efficient, they've been out only a few years and Korea has a bad reputation in that li-ion battery making!
The Kona has 4 drive mode. Hold down the Drive Mode button for 3 seconds to enter Eco+ mode. Tesla model 3 is cheaper than Kona. Tesla is not expensive as people think. Here in California, good luck on hunting for a working chademo public station. The Leaf has more power but the Kona has way more torque. Kona allow 100% torque from dead stop. Leaf has limited torque at standing still then it pick up power as speed climb. Kona drive far superior in roadtrip or canyon twisty road compare to Leaf. Slap on a real tire and the Kona will be chasing down sport cars on the canyon. Kona is cheaper for roadtrip vs tesla vs Leaf because of the countless available free CCS charging stations.
Model 3 is no longer cheap. Base RWD starts at $47,750 after dest and doc fee now. It's also a car and as such has a much more limited cargo capacity than either car. Agreed that the Kona is better than the Leaf. I'd argue even the Bolt is way better than the Leaf once the fire situation is sorted. It's cheaper and the new interior is very nice having been in one.
Great review, Nathan. Both cars were well detailed with the pluses and negatives of both. And both are far less money than Tesla cars. However, once again, the driving experience has much to be desired for me. Mainly, how much fun is a 1 speed transmission to drive, especially coming from a suitable 6 speed auto car like I have in my Volvo S60? There’s no driver involvement, and minimal driver engagement with these cars, despite the high torque and fast acceleration. Until this is addressed, along with no exciting motor sounds, I will not be an early adopter. So while these cars are possibly better for the environment, they do lack the joy of driving an ice. Thank you.
really? you say you are coming from a 6 speed auto? i'd recommend you to just go ahead and take a drive in the kona. i drive one and it reminds me of the mini clubmans i used to drive. it has great pick up, sits solidly on the road and has a similary go-cart feel without being too hard of a ride. if you were a stick shift guy I could see your point but a 6 speed auto is about as involved as a direct drive. the sound thing is of course purely taste and other than canned sound nothing todo about it. but, really, just go ahead and rent one for the day and give it a spin.
One clarification to my comment: I use my 6 speed auto in shiftable mode almost all the time, not as a fully automatic transmission. It’s a lot of fun for me.
it's not for pure fun, but EV's are still fun because they super good low end so they push you into the back of your seat and have great low end acceleration. But againnot everyone needs a sports car man. chevy bolt EUV for $32k is top tier.
WTF would you compare the M3 to electric vehicles. Especially these two? That is like complaining about the price of an F-150 and saying you can buy an M3 for less. Stupid comparison.
Why'd someone want any of these slow charging ICE conversion cars if they are not any cheaper than ID4? I love the push button gear selector on palisade and new Tucson, I don't know why Kona ev uses this weird shifter layout. They can simply borrow it from palisade and have a better designed push button.
I can’t understand that these ‘budget’ brands making cars that are as expensive as the teslas but clearly not as advanced. I can get it that Tesla has some quality control concerns and wait times, but ordering your own spec and getting so much more vehicle is tough to beat. $40k for a leaf is insane
Exactly, none of these other brands have a chance. And on top of being much better they are also the only vehicles with a reliable charging network. It’s much worse than anyone is willing to admit yet but it will become very clear in the next couple years.
You do realize that it's MSRP. My wife bought it few months ago and loves it. Monthly lease payment is less than than the monthly gasoline cost of the Infiniti QX60 we had.
@@prestonwoods8197 well I hope she got a good discount and really happy she likes it a lot. Most importantly she bought a vehicle with far less cost over time and no more trips to the gas station unless she needs an occasional snack.
leaf still hasn't learned their lesson. still no active liquid thermal pack management. this is the car that made ALL your nightmares about ev's come true. takes FOREVER to charge. short battery life (degredation) and nissan's epic failure to support their brand. hyundai? I give them kudos & a high five. great system, all the way around. pricing is right on par with tesla base model 3- although tesla no longer offeres that model- for now. one more down side to consider: the hyundai takes about 2x as long to charge as tesla- so if you go on a road trip- have some patience. for me- the extra $5k is WORTH IT for the model 3 range plus- 263 miles but dc fast charging on tesla network is LIGHTNING FAST by comparison... and tesla charge networks are ... EVERYWHERE and always working and cheaper to use than ALL the others.
This depends on how how you use an EV. For us, we charge our 2014 Leaf on a Level 2 charger, and the battery has only lost 1 capacity bar. We've had a very good experience with it. My main wish is that we had gotten the SV, which has a heat pump, as the resistive heater saps the battery a bit in the winter.
I would not buy the LEAF due to its battery management - that's why in the UK we get an 8 year warranty cover on the drive train and anywhere it is warm or can get warm eg USA and Australia the battery and drive train only gets 100,000 miles or 3 years of cover and due to this sales and resale value of the LEAF is not that good - others cars have overtaken it
Nissan for me. Sold by previous ownership. Sold by bad experiences with Hyundai. Sold by price of Nissan. Sold by comfort and relaxed ride quality of Nissan. And finally, the endorsement from Nathan. lol
We also have a choice to just buy a Toyota Hybrid RAV4 that starts at $26K and $32K well spec’d with 45-50mpg. Good enough while we wait for the charging networks to mature and battery tech to improve. I’m giving it 3-4 years till I seriously consider a full electric vehicle.
Kona all the way. Nissan leafs batteries degrade real fast, due to the air cooled battery pack. It's just an older architecture, not meant for a car that can do 200 miles of range.
Kona owner here - Hyundai forgot to test that charge port under winter weather conditions…it freezes sometimes lol solved it by adding insulation around it.
@@allentoyokawa9068 sorry you cant afford a nice car, sucks to suck...
@@allentoyokawa9068 i feel sorry for you feeling the need to bash on people buying kia and Hyundai’s. The Koreans have caught up and surpassed many competitors.
I feel sorry 4 you being a fool and buying a toyodie and nipssan
I laughed at the Daddy Doug reference. Not everyone *wants* a Tesla either...I know...shocking controversial thing to say. But some people want to be able to fix their cars themselves. Opening the hood of that Kona, I can easily fit my hands and my wrenches to fix anything that goes wrong. I'm also willing to bet I can call up the dealer and...wait for it....actually get parts.
If you buy one of these so you “work on it yourself” well I hope you enjoy yourself and don’t have a friend with a model 3 because it’s one of worst car buying decisions anyone could possibly make.
@@dustinstorey6779 if you’ve seen my RUclips content you’d know. I am amassing a collection of shitty cars with pop up headlights. I don’t have friends.
I'd be careful screwing around with electric vehicles. You need to be more electrician than mechanic. It's definitely got enough juice to zap you good
@@craigquann I understand where you're coming from, especially if you're comparing EVs to older cars which have very simple electronics, but that's not necessarily what I'm talking about either. If you bump your car into a pole and damage your fender, Tesla won't sell you a new fender. They call it a "structural component" and will argue with you and berate you and tell you to go to a service center to spend ridiculous amounts of money and wait 6 weeks to get your car back.
But also, electric cars are much easier to work on mechanically, once you understand that specific vehicle's setup and procedures for handling the high voltage lines, it's ezpz...just follow the steps.
And guess who is more like to have this information more readily available? Anyone but Tesla.
@@DirtSweatGears Tesla is like the Apple or HP of the car business. The bigger profit is made after selling the car.
I’ll give the Leaf one thing it’s the only Nissan 4 door car sold in the US that does not have a crappy cvt.
been looking into the Leaf for a few weeks now and this was one of the most useful reviews I've found. Very practical and about actual everyday usage. thank you
Hi, I have been driving LEAFs since they came out. My commute is roughly 20 miles back road and byway mostly. I go back and forth and run errands most days with no range problems. And have only used my home level charge connection. I love the LEAF. I'm going to buy out my lease. I would buy brand new but I see too much coming up on YT, like 900 mile batteries. I'll wait a little longer for a brand new.
The important thing to know about the Leaf is that the battery is passively cooled. If it gets too hot and you are utilizing a fast charger, it will throttle the charger to a slower speed to prevent the battery from overheating. I've driven a number of Leafs that belong to my employer and they are fine cars. Not good road trip cars b/c of the battery cooling situation. However, if you usage pattern is mostly local, you will be well served by the Leaf. My experience is that basically you get one fast charge per day so ~400 out and overnight. Or, 200 miles out, fast charge and 200 miles back. Or use a planning app that helps you string together a series of shorter charges so the battery doesn't get as hot. Right now I'm shopping for a used '21 Kona or Leaf Plus. Will be happy to have either.
Also CHADEMO charging is a dying standard. Only a few cars use it anymore. However there is a CHADEMO to CCS adapter that appears in several videos that is being tested. Produced by a third party company. Works in Europe, partially works here in the USA.
Extended family has 2019 Leaf. I love that car when driving it. I've tried Kona, it is not as nice as leaf inside unfortunately.
@@allentoyokawa9068 yeah Korea and? Korea has the best stuff...best phones, TVs and cars.
yeah but the kona has liquid battery cooling, more torque, and more range. that's really what evs are all about. you cannot fast charge the leaf on any trips because the battery heats up so much. its fine for in and around town and modest commutes but for the same price you can just get the kona. the leafs garbage tier battery tech is inexcusable for the price.
The electric tech in the Kona is better than the leaf, but at that price point i would expect a slightly better interior. Hyundai products have come a long way.
@@Moulds45 Japan still making the best in the world. Japan way better than Korea!
@@allentoyokawa9068 Korea ev is years and years ahead of japan...
Nice review! Definitely feel like Hyundai Kona is the better option for 1-2 passengers. For a family car, I think the Leaf is a better choice though, personally.
I agree, Isaac! I think the Kona is a nice car if you mainly need it for only 1-2 passengers. But the Leaf has a much bigger trunk and works better for families like us for example!
I guess I’m in the minority, I like the look of the new Kona EV front end, especially in white like that.
Not at all I think the leaf is ugly as sin compared to the kona the leaf is almost as ugly as a prius but I dont like that they just made Kona gas to ev conversion car not a dedicated ground up redesign... both interior are from 2010 and they are not that much cheaper the a tesla but are 10 years behind that seam like bad investment it like going out to buy lead acid battery for more money today when lithium-ion is cheaper and lasts 10x 100x longer depends on battery chemistry
Maybe, maybe not. But I definitely like mine.
@@lesstevens2370 Kona is ugly as sin
I love the model. Never liked Tesla. Especially the inside.
In Europe you can get a 39 kWh Kona as well.
And I agree with you on the Leaf - still have a 2015 24 kWh - nice roomy car - lowest maintenance cost of any car I have had. Actually the newer ones are just heavy facelifts the main chassis and many parts are identical.
It is even more comfortable and more quiet than my model 3.
As a second or third car for local short trips it is perfect. Strong and fast A/C and heating - super simple to drive.
Is it sporty or fancy - not at all - is the tech old - oh yes and the gen. 1 looks like a frog.... Like my wife says - it is so ugly it is cute.
I'm interested in the ev6 vs ioniq5. Ive seen both up close at a show but I'd need to drive both around to see how they differ. I did drive a Kona electric too and it was ok for the price but for just a little bit more you can get an id4 which will be 35k once they start building in Tennessee. Drove better and interior was better quality but I really didn't like the design.
@@allentoyokawa9068 why's that
bz4x is garbage, spec is kona ev
Maybe I'm old school, but I like the idea of a conventional dashboard display behind the steering wheel as opposed to a large center display for the important driver info (speed, mode, charge remaining etc). This helps keep your eyes on the road, though a heads up display ON the windshield like in a fighter jet would be cool.
As Leno said in one of his videos, "Horse power sells cars, but torque wins races!"
If I wanted a car for road trips of over two hours, then I'd want the range. For a daily driver around town, and trips under 50 miles one way, the Leaf would be OK, maybe even the one with the smaller battery But to give me a cushion, especially during the winter as batteries don't like the cold, I'd probably opt for the larger battery, the extra cost isn't that much.
I've learned the most important aspect of an electric vehicle is wether it has a battery cooler. It means everything for lifespan.
The leaf does not have it. I don't know about many others because the info is hard to find
I agree, however. As a bit of an old timer, in the 1960's one of the most popular automotive writers was Tom McCahill who wrote for Mechanics Illustrated. He once said that if you don't think an engine is air cooled, just take off the fan belt! His point was liquid coolant still required an air transfer of it's heat. So, the question is how well Nissan has designed that transfer. Not having liquid coolant, hoses, a pump, and radiator sure simplifies things. Somewhere on RUclips I saw a Tesla motor opened because there was a coolant leak. Not a lot, but enough to cause a problem.
@@sbukosky all the used Nissan leafs are cheap because their battery life has degraded significantly.
And I'm a Nissan fan and have an Xterra
you're talking about liquid cooling, it's easy to find info. almost every EV has it, here, kona and niro EV have liquid cooling, so does chevy bolt, ioniq 5, kia ev6, mach e, id4, audi, Mercedes, everyone else is liquid cooled.
@@sbukosky nissan didn't design it well mate, it gets hot, lowers charging, performance, and lowers battery health, it's hard asf to do air cooling on a better, your old timer knowledge relates to gas cars, not EV's/batteries which re very different, can't get as hot, and cab't get as much air. everyone uses liquid cooling except nissan and mitsu
@@roboticvenom1935 where's the information? I want to see it on the spec sheet just like if a car has a i4 or v6. Also just because it has a cooler doesn't mean it keeps the batteries cool while the vehicle sits in hot climates
10:07 the epedal does NOT use any brakes untill the actual stopping of the vehicle. means: the last bit of roll (from when the RPM is too low for regen,)
Great review Nathan. One thing to note for community members though: the Leafs ChaDeMo connection is being phased out in favor of CCS. If you are planning on road-tripping in ombré Leaf, charger availability will be much more limited. I think the government is still mandating a minimum of 1 ChaDeMo plug at each DCFC station, and most companies are only providing the 1 plug. This mandate may go away though. If you are using the leaf around town, no worries though!
another thing to mention is that the Leaf doesn’t have active cooling/heating of the battery. The Kona does. This means that in extreme temperatures the battery on the Leaf will suffer a lot more. Also, if you plan to do long trips where you DC fast charge a lot, the Kona is a much much better experience.
Other than that, the Leaf wins in terms of what you get for the money.
I got the 2023 40kwh Leaf for $18k and it’s been awesome so far.
I'd say no to a new Nissan Leaf. The battery tech is very outdated. No thermal management ensures degradation with any kind of heat. Chademo is a dead charging standard that will not grow any further. They also suspiciously didn't submit the 2nd generation for a small overlap crash test.
Agreed. I'm a newer Leaf owner, I've experienced reduced fast charge speeds due to hot batteries (on road trips) and broken Chademo ports at charge stations. Makes for frustrating trips. Little battery degradation at this point, but yes possible.
It's because it's a rebodied old platform. Just like new frontier and new Z. Nissan must be broke.
I'm also a very tall guy and lower the seat all the way, so talking about head room is useful!!
Great review, I tried to get a KIA Niro but the actual cost and dealer system really is bad. They over priced me in every way you can think of. I got the 2021 Leaf S Plus. Which is really a great car. And the dealers are nicer and far better to deal with. My 2nd car is also an EV it's a 2020 Bolt LT. Which is a great little car. But driving wise, contort, and efficiency the leaf has it by a mile. I get well over 260 miles true range with it.
Hello Ariel, I was thinking of waiting for the 2022 bolt euv but production has halted. Do you feel the Leaf is a reliable car? Also do you believe the leaf is a smoother ride compared to the bolt?
@Daniel Honick the Leaf is far better for efficiency than the Bolt. But the Bolt is more fun to drive. Seats are better in the Leaf, but I hear that they are good seats in the Bolt 2022. I have a 2020 LT. Maintenance has both been great. The Bolt has advantages with the CCS charging and that it's water cooled. But they are well worth the cost.
You have the 62km
the 2022 bolt EUV premier is better, $32k for it and it has heated and ventilated front seats, rear heated seats + hetaed steering wheel, 10" display + digital gauge cluster, more safety features, and 250 miles of range updated. and doesn't use chadmo charging like the leaf! also 11kw home charging is fast
Both cars were thoroughly described, including their advantages and disadvantages. And both are far less expensive than Tesla cars .Though the driving test is my primary concern, I believe it is a decent balance of room, affordability, and driveability. Very nice review. For a family car, i still think the leaf or the rivian is better..
The Nissan does not have an active cooling system like the Kona and is not able to fast charge without doing some degradative damage to the battery due to the production of heat. You can road trip in the Kona but not the Leaf for that reason.
@@kevinm2025 Hyundai ev is better than Toyodie lol
Why not road trip ? Base on what you say it still has fast charge. It's not like you road trip every week to see damages on your battery
@@spike378 yes but the battery overheats and thus lowers charging, and hurts battery health my guy.. ESPECIALLY if it's hot out
The cost of used electric vehicles will be interesting to see. The charging cable buried under your stuff in the trunk may not be handy, but you don't have to store it there.
November 2024 I just purchased a 2022 Hyundai Kona Limited in Galactic Gray with 31,000 miles for $17,000 after the $4,000 tax credit which you do receive instantly at the time of purchase. The dealer turns in the paperwork and the government sends them a check in a couple weeks. I like that it is not complicated or gimmicky. It is a bit small for me as well, but it was such a great deal I couldn't pass it up. Also, the safety features and safety rating are so good that my full coverage insurance for it is only $86 a month. Try that with a Tesla. LoL
I would appreciate a Kona EV Limited. Unfortunately, "Limited" seems to mean limited markets, VERY limited markets.
That Kona is just $5k less than an F150 Lightning? I think I’ll go with the truck…
Guaranteed a Lightning will be far more expensive when they are actually produced, even before huge dealer markups in many regions
Having a longer range doesn’t just end in driving more in one time. Batteries degrade after about 500 cycles and need to be replaced after about 1000 cycles. Consider when you need to replace the batteries when you have less amount.
Love your reviews cuz I am a cheapskate too! Only wish the BoltEUV could have part of your review cuz I think it a good combo of space, price and driveability.
Too bad GM botched the battery with LG. GM doesn’t make them right now. Too many existing cars to replace batteries.
@@smartelectriccar The Kona has an LG battery too. Hyundai also had a bunch of battery recalls for the same reasons as the Chevy.
I found it funny at the end where you kept calling it the Kia Kona. One thing Nissan needs to do is switch over to CCS. Chademo is outdated and doesn't it only let you fast charge once per day?
Nissan pack gets heat soaked, so yes it can only fast charge once. Pure city car only.
crappy toyodie and nipssan are years behind of hyundai in ev
Just drove a ford mach e today. Throughly impressed. Ford has a winner on their hands.
I was surprised it didn’t have cooled seats though. The seats sat surpassingly well.
A MachE is the only electric car that I've driven but it was for long enough to get a good feel for it and the single pedal control. Very nice car and I'd like one. But need something that is sub $30K as it would not be my primary car. Also, Electrify America has no charging stations around me and there is only one Tesla station and that's just two or three located at a Tesla approved body shop. Infrastructure, people!
Yes this would be a worthy competitor to model 3 not these city EVs
@@sbukosky ioniq 5 is top tier, sad you dont have a charger hopefully you get one soon. 10-80% in 17 minutes for ionqi, fastest charging ev
Thank you for pointing out the tax credit drawbacks. It's bs sometimes the manufacturer Jack up the price cause of the credit.
Yeah when the government gives $7500 to the customers, the dealers raise their prices accordingly. Supply and demand.
I own both the Kona and a Leaf Plus and I approve this message.
? Which one is your personal favorite?
@@brianleal87 the Leaf is more spacious but the Kona has better quality
I think for the price the Kona has a very high end look. impressive what you are getting for the money in both cars.
@@allentoyokawa9068 nipssan and toyodie evs are years behind hyundai
EV makers need to focus on 300+ mile range for under 50k USD to really get adoption.
Under $5k would still not work. Pure garbage.
Charging infrastructure and length of time are the inhibiting factors. 150 mile range is fine for most situations IF charging was quick and available like fueling is now. Smaller batteries brings the price down to equal today's "values".
@@IKnewMickey Agree. It's the poor charging infrastructure and not quite there charging speeds that's more the issue that outright range of miles that's slowing adoption.
mach e has that, ioniq 5 and ev6 close enough and have fastest charging to make up for it, smoke teslas even for 39k, 10-80% in 17 minutes 360 kw
Haven’t done the math yet, but need to figure out if the gas savings is greater than the cost to replace a $5000-$7000 battery every 5-10 years, plus installation. I wanna go electric, just still not sure about battery technology.
Nathan has always being my favorite TFL guy.
Please do more videos my man!👊🏼
I sold my leaf after a little over a year because of the non existent battery cooling and chademo. Car was not bad but the battery is rubbish. So I got a Hyundai Ioniq electric 28 and wonder why I got the leaf in the first place
Yeah, I'm afraid of the Leaf because I will probably have to pay for a battery replacement after 8 to 10 years. It is a lot cheaper though which might make up for it.
Batteries have a 100k warranty
Glad that chevy is cheap on the 2nd hand used car market and when they are off lease that how I manage to afford the bolt ev with ccs charging included. And not worried about a 35k chevy bolt price Tage got for 24k for good price and milage of just 14500 miles when I pick it up. It was a steal.
Is there any mention in the Nissan ether, that they want to make a Nissan leaf hybrid?
It seems as though Nissan made the leaf and skipped the ICE engine but yet they kept all the mechanics in the engine bay rather than making it a skateboard chassis vehicle.
Silly question. Why do seemingly all EVs and front drive gas cars still have a center console? There's no transmission there, so no need for a transmission tunnel, and thus that space could all be extra leg / foot room and potentially a front center seat. My admittedly old 2007 F250 has a bench seat, with the center folded down, it's got a nice elbow rest, storage and cup holders and such. But that can fold up and fit another person in a pinch, and I have tons of lateral knee and foot room which is fantastic on long drives.
I don't think they're wide enough for 3 real people to sit
With modern EVs range is less of an issue providing the infrastructure is in place. I’m in Scotland and my Q4 E-Tron is rated at 316 miles WLTP. In reality that’s likely to be around 250 miles. In the real world that’s around 4 hours driving, and by then I’ll likely be looking to stop for a comfort break/coffee stop anyway😂🏴
Love the q4 etron can't wait for it to come stateside. might be easier to get than id4
some cars do better in real world, match e is 250 miles but gets 310 doing 70mph
Tesla is popular because they don’t look like these little city bubble cars that everyone else is making. Just because it is electric doesn’t mean it has to look like a cheap econobox. They also fail to provide the additional storage of a front trunk and they are no quicker than their gas engine counterparts. While Tesla has many problems, their cars are compelling with range, speed and interior space. It would be much better though if they used traditional gauges.
Tesla has some great innovations and tech, however they seem to miss the mark and reinvent the wheel on items that are totally unnecessary. Things such as, electric door handles, climate vents controlled only on screen, removing turn signal stalks in favour of haptic buttons….even the new yoke wheel on the Model S and X is ridiculous and totally unnecessary. Quality has also been a major issue for Telsa. When you are paying a premium price for a vehicle, you should expect a premium product that is not flogged with panel gaps, fitting issues, etc.
Id 4 is the best EV right now, ownership cost and usability wise.
Nice review. Good for local travel.
I would never consider less then 200 mile range even for local.
Electric is the ONLY way to go, put 12,000+ highway miles on my Model Y in just 4 months with no issues.
I would never even consider going back to gas. My diesel SUV and Motorhome just sit for now.
Purchased 1 gallon of gas so far this year for the lawn tractor.
THIS was a great review. After that I kept hearing this more pronounced. Nice to hear others jumping onboard and pushing the ev waves
I feel like this review is a bit biased to Nissan plus you didn't mention the varying trim levels of the Kona and that it starts at $34K and has better range with a significant improvement on efficiency--which is crucial for EVs, consumption of energy, maximizing range and charging.
The frunk is overrated, and to have it, you need a longer front. Affordable BEVs it's what the market needs.
ours is pretty nice to have....
You don't need a longer nose; you need designers they aren't lazy. See all those components under the hood? They'll fit much further down if the area is designed properly. Wasted space everywhere.
@@jamesengland7461 I would rather have easy access to the components...then dismantling the front panels, just to replace a battery.
@@RogerM88 well, that was also lazy design, by Tesla. A simple access panel for the 12v battery should have been included.
Yes - you do not have to buy a Tesla. But if you want a vehicle that has range you have only a few options. The recent real life test that I saw had Tesla Model 3 as top and Kia E-Nero as #2. There is a $5,000 difference in price between those two vehicles so which would you choose between these two?
There are safety ratings to consider as well (I did not research the Kona or Leaf numbers).
There are certainly other options then Tesla.
Nathan, I liked the Doug DeMuro imitation. 😝
Yes, I agree was hilarious 😂😆🤣
This... is annoying, especially after being pointed out.
They put that cup holder there to hide the high voltage batter safety door
I wouldn't have a sun roof, they take away head room and will eventually leak. Button gear changing will eventually break down.
Do you recommend the Kia Niro 2022?
Where do I find these elusive Kona EVs? Sold only in a few states?
I am in the market for an EV. The 2022 Nissan Leaf S is the lowest MSRP mainstream EV. Not counting NEVs. It is one of the few EV to use a ChaDeMo charger port. Do they sell r make a ChaDeMo to CCS adapter? Also, the 2022 Nissan Leaf S is hard to find. Other trims are easier. Thanks. If I am wrong on any of the above, please let me know.
If you're using the EV for in-town errands and commutes, you may be charging at home with a Level 2 charger. For this, the Leaf works fine. If you're planning to do longer road trips with it, then you may prefer a vehicle with CCS. If that's the case, you should consider the Bolt EV or EUV.
I love that Kona, but they only sell it in a few states and Georgia is not one of them. They sell the Niro EV here, but the Kona is much nicer.
No way I would buy a car without ccs!! Nissan should be ashamed to still make a car with Chademo
My wife's next car will likely be electric. But that's going to be about 10 years from now. My next truck... Well we'll have to see. Barring some unforeseen circumstances, I'm not replacing either vehicle any time soon. But man the new Silverado ZR2 is definitely temping.
The Leaf is way past due for an update that includes decent battery temp management.
I don't like how Tesla looks. Also the limited number of dealers... these are both ok but the leaf doesn't not have a heated/cooled battery so that's a problem. I think the Bolts are super nice... yes they were recalled. So we're the konas but the issue with both was LGs battery and GM doing the right thing by replacing all bolt batteries. Bolt is also cheaper.
0:30, nice Doug DeMuro reference!
I’m wondering if Kia & Hyundai have resolve their issues with cars getting in fire? 🔥
As much as I like the Hyundai better, this issue makes me hesitant of buying it.
So I might go for the leaf 🍃
Go for a Leaf! Or you can also look at a Nissan Ariya or a Toyota ev!
Chevy say's it's new batteries never catch fire like the old ones.
Neither one of these cars have much relevance today since the new 2023 Chevy Bolt EV is going to start at around $27,000 and Bolt EUV is going to start at $28,700 and both give you around 250 miles of range. The EUV fully loaded model will be a maximum of approximately &37,000. This is going to be the future of smaller EV's. They are going to start at $25,000 to $30,000.
After the ignition switch fiasco, I’ll never buy GM. People died and instead of them owning up to it threatened to sue their families. Lower than low.
We get about 280-300 miles from our Kona EV.
How many times you going to call that Hyundai a Kia? Haha I got my 2019 kona electric limited for 29k after uncle Sam gave me $7500 back in taxes.. and it came with a lifetime battery warranty
Lifetime battery warranty? Do tell.
@@mtbse789 it's long asf, hyundai has the best warranties.. it's amazing, beats tesla
Great review Nathan. Thanks
Interesting video. And you Nathen are more like me in your driving sensibilities. While being better and newer tech, there is a lot to be said about how the car fits you. Literally and physically. At the end of the day, between these two, I would come home with the Nissan Leaf. Good ride, good performance for my needs, falls within my range spec. Better physical fit for my body. (Headroom and leg spread out room), deeper more usable trunk. And noticeably lower price. The display could be higher resolution though. Also, like the single peddle driving. That low catfish Hoover vacuum cleaner nose nose is to low and out of proportion. The Hyundai Kona looks better with the better front end bumper height and has the nicer dash. But, the Nissan wins this round for me.
No spare tire? Good thing I have one around my waist.
yeah idk why almost no new car has a spare tire...
Well, the Leaf gets all the credits($9000??), don't think the Hyundai gets Federal anymore because it is made in Korea. State might.
The Kona is small and way overpriced IMO. Plus, dealers are adding $5k markups putting them close to MachE pricing, which is ridiculous. Leaf is flawed with no battery temperature management and the CHADEMO charging which is being phased out
I never understood the fuss of phasing out current tech. IIRC china is moving to the chademo standard with increased rates of charging.
I think it's gonna take a loooooong time to phase out CHADEMO
@@cauthoncrazy EA has already started. They aren't installing new chademo units. The new Nissan isn't getting it either.
Thanks Nathan, great job!! Quick question for you as a Leaf owner, how are those regenerative brakes holding up and how much do they cost to service??
Im an EV idiot, but isnt the regen braking built into the electric motor? Didnt realize it was a serviceable/replaceable part.
@@graumail Maybe I am the idiot :)
The ones on my kid's abused 2016 are extremely strong. They are overbuilt for regenerative service, and are doing well after 20,000 + hard miles.
@@NathanDAdlen thank you sir!
Regen braking is the engine going in reverse to put power back into the battery pack
It makes you use LESS brakes
EVs will need brakes serviced way less than ICE cars.
Leaf is better in the long run! Leaf has been out for a while so all the tweeks are worked out and it is quite a very reliable car! Prrsonaly, I wouldn't go Hyundai because even though they claim to be more efficient, they've been out only a few years and Korea has a bad reputation in that li-ion battery making!
The Kona has 4 drive mode. Hold down the Drive Mode button for 3 seconds to enter Eco+ mode.
Tesla model 3 is cheaper than Kona. Tesla is not expensive as people think.
Here in California, good luck on hunting for a working chademo public station.
The Leaf has more power but the Kona has way more torque. Kona allow 100% torque from dead stop. Leaf has limited torque at standing still then it pick up power as speed climb.
Kona drive far superior in roadtrip or canyon twisty road compare to Leaf. Slap on a real tire and the Kona will be chasing down sport cars on the canyon.
Kona is cheaper for roadtrip vs tesla vs Leaf because of the countless available free CCS charging stations.
Model 3 is no longer cheap. Base RWD starts at $47,750 after dest and doc fee now. It's also a car and as such has a much more limited cargo capacity than either car.
Agreed that the Kona is better than the Leaf. I'd argue even the Bolt is way better than the Leaf once the fire situation is sorted. It's cheaper and the new interior is very nice having been in one.
Great review, Nathan. Both cars were well detailed with the pluses and negatives of both. And both are far less money than Tesla cars.
However, once again, the driving experience has much to be desired for me. Mainly, how much fun is a 1 speed transmission to drive, especially coming from a suitable 6 speed auto car like I have in my Volvo S60? There’s no driver involvement, and minimal driver engagement with these cars, despite the high torque and fast acceleration. Until this is addressed, along with no exciting motor sounds, I will not be an early adopter. So while these cars are possibly better for the environment, they do lack the joy of driving an ice. Thank you.
really? you say you are coming from a 6 speed auto? i'd recommend you to just go ahead and take a drive in the kona. i drive one and it reminds me of the mini clubmans i used to drive. it has great pick up, sits solidly on the road and has a similary go-cart feel without being too hard of a ride. if you were a stick shift guy I could see your point but a 6 speed auto is about as involved as a direct drive. the sound thing is of course purely taste and other than canned sound nothing todo about it. but, really, just go ahead and rent one for the day and give it a spin.
One clarification to my comment: I use my 6 speed auto in shiftable mode almost all the time, not as a fully automatic transmission. It’s a lot of fun for me.
it's not for pure fun, but EV's are still fun because they super good low end so they push you into the back of your seat and have great low end acceleration. But againnot everyone needs a sports car man. chevy bolt EUV for $32k is top tier.
I will stick to a V6 until enough charging stations
Problem is it’s too close to the M3 standard range price and that is a far better car
WTF would you compare the M3 to electric vehicles. Especially these two? That is like complaining about the price of an F-150 and saying you can buy an M3 for less. Stupid comparison.
@@DaveCM M3 is model 3 not bmw m3
Hyundai Ioniq 5 is your best next sized up EV as it's got plenty of room for 6 + footers and with more zoom zoom 😁
Now thats more TFL⚡E to come.
chevy bolt EUV is betetr then kona and leaf
How many miles can be charged overnight on a 115 volt outlet? I think that is a huge question for most people.
Usually 3-4 miles per hour charged depending on the vehicle. Life's a lot better with something like a dryer outlet, honestly.
Most people dropping 30 to 50k probably have a home and can get 50 amp installed.
@@chunkychuck Even at 10amps.
It would be interesting to see the effect on your electric bill. Especially with rising rates.
Still cheaper than gas.
way cheaper then gas
The name LEAF stands for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car.
Nathan and his "Kia Kona". That should have been caught in editing and added to a blooper reel.
kona probably feels like it has more get up and go because it has 40 more torques
Why'd someone want any of these slow charging ICE conversion cars if they are not any cheaper than ID4?
I love the push button gear selector on palisade and new Tucson, I don't know why Kona ev uses this weird shifter layout. They can simply borrow it from palisade and have a better designed push button.
Just an idea, kill the music in the background, it would be easier to hear.
Great EV options for those on a tighter budget.
can we do kia vs hyundai?
I would wait for the Kia or the Toyota electric crossovers.
Excellent review.
I can’t understand that these ‘budget’ brands making cars that are as expensive as the teslas but clearly not as advanced. I can get it that Tesla has some quality control concerns and wait times, but ordering your own spec and getting so much more vehicle is tough to beat. $40k for a leaf is insane
Exactly, none of these other brands have a chance. And on top of being much better they are also the only vehicles with a reliable charging network. It’s much worse than anyone is willing to admit yet but it will become very clear in the next couple years.
You do realize that it's MSRP. My wife bought it few months ago and loves it. Monthly lease payment is less than than the monthly gasoline cost of the Infiniti QX60 we had.
@@prestonwoods8197 well I hope she got a good discount and really happy she likes it a lot. Most importantly she bought a vehicle with far less cost over time and no more trips to the gas station unless she needs an occasional snack.
Nissan and Hyundai aren't strictly budget brands. They offer a range of vehicles from economy to high-end mainstream bordering on premium.
@@benjaminsmith2287 well these 2 cars are nowhere near premium unless we have different definitions of premium.
The bolt should be on this. GM needs to finish their stopsale already.
the Leaf should just get repleaced. I also think that the Ioniq 5 and EV6 are much better than these two for only a little bit more money
it is, ariya.
@@laloajuria4678 I bet you leaf will come back too with newer tech as well. I think Nissan said they're going to do several new EV over next few years
These car should cost no more than 18,000 dollars
Yes no more than 18,000 dollars
leaf still hasn't learned their lesson. still no active liquid thermal pack management. this is the car that made ALL your nightmares about ev's come true. takes FOREVER to charge. short battery life (degredation) and nissan's epic failure to support their brand. hyundai? I give them kudos & a high five. great system, all the way around. pricing is right on par with tesla base model 3- although tesla no longer offeres that model- for now. one more down side to consider: the hyundai takes about 2x as long to charge as tesla- so if you go on a road trip- have some patience. for me- the extra $5k is WORTH IT for the model 3 range plus- 263 miles but dc fast charging on tesla network is LIGHTNING FAST by comparison... and tesla charge networks are ... EVERYWHERE and always working and cheaper to use than ALL the others.
This depends on how how you use an EV. For us, we charge our 2014 Leaf on a Level 2 charger, and the battery has only lost 1 capacity bar. We've had a very good experience with it. My main wish is that we had gotten the SV, which has a heat pump, as the resistive heater saps the battery a bit in the winter.
Love fast lane reviews
That music though lol
Cool review.
I would not buy the LEAF due to its battery management - that's why in the UK we get an 8 year warranty cover on the drive train and anywhere it is warm or can get warm eg USA and Australia the battery and drive train only gets 100,000 miles or 3 years of cover and due to this sales and resale value of the LEAF is not that good - others cars have overtaken it
You cannot get the Kona EV in GA & AL.
Nissan for me. Sold by previous ownership. Sold by bad experiences with Hyundai. Sold by price of Nissan. Sold by comfort and relaxed ride quality of Nissan. And finally, the endorsement from Nathan. lol
Pedestrian… you keep using this word. I don’t think it means what you think it means 😜.
Great review. Thanks a lot. Very helpful.
is the Kona bidirectional
Nate, for an ape you're a hoot, man! 😎
Thanks for another great comparo video 👍🏻
#capacitivecurse Long live buttons and dials
We also have a choice to just buy a Toyota Hybrid RAV4 that starts at $26K and $32K well spec’d with 45-50mpg. Good enough while we wait for the charging networks to mature and battery tech to improve. I’m giving it 3-4 years till I seriously consider a full electric vehicle.
The three biggest drawbacks about Nissan Leaf: 1) CHAdeMO, 2) Air Cooled Battery, 3) only two adults can sit in back.
Kona all the way. Nissan leafs batteries degrade real fast, due to the air cooled battery pack. It's just an older architecture, not meant for a car that can do 200 miles of range.