LEAF EV vs Volt MPG Showdown

By Eric Loveday

Eric Loveday

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Eric Loveday is a car enthusiast with a love for everything automotive. He purchased a 1970 Chevelle at age 16, quickly outgrew its dated engineering... More

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4,269 views Aug 12, 2009

Nissan LEAF Twitter

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In light of the recent announcement by GM on Tuesday regarding the mpg rating for the upcoming Chevy Volt, Nissan has pointed to the LEAF's mpg rating using the same EPA standards that list the Volt at 230 mpg in city driving.

Nissan was quick to point out that the 2011 Nissan LEAF EV would achieve an astounding 367 mpg using the same EPA guideline used for the Volt's mpg listing.

Additionally, the site Twitter.com/NissanEVs posted several tweets regarding GM's claims such as, "Nissan Leaf = 367 mpg, no tailpipe, and no gas required. Oh yeah, and it'll be affordable too!" They even posted a humurous photo of the Nissan LEAF as seen above.

A duel is beginning to form between two different types of vehicles from two different manufacturers and each claims their vehicle to be the best.

GM's approach brings a car to market that according to AutoBlogGreen, "It's sort of common wisdom that when the first Chevrolet Volt models become available in General Motors showrooms (or on eBay) in late 2010, they'll be priced at around $40,000. GM hasn't made any official statement declaring this specific price, but for now, $43,000 is the expected average transaction price, and GM will lose money on each Volt at that rate."

The downside to the Volt appears to be cost related, and Nissan has been quick to point out that their LEAF will undercut the Volt's price tremendously.   According to a report surfacing on Reuters, "The Leaf promises to be available in the U.S. next year at a price somewhere between $25,000 and $30,000 -- considerably less than the Chevy Volt. It will charge in eight hours at 220 volts providing a 100-mile range -- plenty for an urban or suburban errand runner for a family of five. The car is already being tested with real customers in Japan. Combine this with smart-grid technology to charge at off-peak hours, and you have an economical and green personal transportation solution."

So what we have are two vehicles, distinct and different in many ways, but both are attempting to become the car of the future.  Nissan's EV approach proves to return better EPA numbers at a lower cost, sacrificing overall range.  While GM's EREV approach costs significantly more, returns less mpg's, but has range capabilities far exceeding those of the LEAF.

As the battle wages on, only time will really answer the question of which vehicle is the better choice.  Will buyers overcome range anxiety and choose the LEAF, or will buyers be willing to fork over additional money for peace of mind knowing that the Volt's long range capabilities will not leave you stranded by the roadside.

The war of words, and specs has just begun and both companies are betting on their technology.  Through the use of Twitter sites GMBlogs and NissanEV, a new age type of marketing campaign has put both companies head to head.  Both attempting to one up the other.  This time with Nissan at  367 vs. 230, they are one step ahead.

Stay with us for more on this battle between companies and technological breakthroughs.

Source:  Reuters.com , Twitter.com.NissanEVs