Introduction to Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3
Now in its second generation, the Nissan Leaf turns out to be a lot better looking than its predecessor. The new leaf looks much more stylish and conventional as compared to the previous gen which was a little too much inspired by nature. Anyways, looking at Nissan’s strategy it’s pretty obvious that Nissan is trying to target two main electric cars with its new Leaf. Namely, the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3. And Nissan pretty much nailed it. Before you go crazy in the comment section on how amazing Tesla is and how Nissan can never make a true Tesla killer. Allow me to explain how a Nissan Leaf can be the better electric car for the price.
Also Read: 2018 Nissan Leaf can now do 150 Miles in a Single Charge
Exterior and Interior
Okay! Let’s be honest here, 1st Generation Nissan leaf wasn’t a great looker by any means. Whereas the 2nd generation is a lot more stylish and fits right in with current Nissan lineup especially the Nissan Maxima. However, I wouldn’t argue if you believe the Tesla Model 3 is the better-looking car because it certainly is but only by a small margin. Model 3 is a bigger car and certainly more spacious. However, things are different when we talk on interiors. Tesla Model’s have never been known for their interior quality. Model 3 is no exception and its super minimal layout isn’t an eye candy for everyone. On the other hand, Leaf has a very conventional looking interior and looks a lot better too. It gives the driver and passenger a much more cocooned feeling. See for yourself and decide. In my opinion, the Model 3 has a very airy cabin which isn’t attractive at all.
- Tesla Model 3
2. Nissan leaf
Equipment and Price
So this is where things start to get interesting. Tesla model 3 offers
- Emergency Braking
- Eight Airbags
- ESA and Traction Control
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Dual Zone Climate Control
- 50kWh Battery (220mi range)
- Autonomous Driving Kit
- Premium Audi System
- 12-way power adjustable seats
Nissan leaf offers
- Emergency Braking
- Eight Airbags
- ESA and Traction Control
- 40kWh battery (150mi range)
- Semi-Autonomous Driving Kit
- E-Pedal (Regenerative Braking on Pedal Release)
- Self-Parking (Parallel and Straight)
- Climate Control
So in terms of equipment, both cars are pretty much neck to neck. Yes! Model 3 does have an extra advantage over the Leaf when it comes to electric range and engine performance but there is a price to pay for the extra fun. See, the thing is that Nissan Leaf offers almost similar equipment at a much lower price. $5000 to be exact whereas if you go crazy and tick all the options list you will find yourself around $50,000 mark for a fully loaded autonomous Model 3. A fully loaded semi-autonomous Nissan Leaf is around $39,000 which is a lot cheaper. It has all the necessary drivers’ aid, enough electric range to take you to work and back home, and supports fast charging; which can charge the battery up to 80% in just 30 minutes.
Better Production Line
This is another plus point for the Nissan Leaf as it is being produced in US, UK and Japan. On the other hand Model 3 due to its large pre-orders is facing a huge delay and sadly there is a single production factory only present in the US. Currently, there is no right-hand version of the model 3, making it unusable in countries with right-hand drive. Fortunately, Nissan Leaf has nothing to worry about all this. Both left-hand and right-hand models will be available at launch. Moreover, a better production line of Nissan will make it much easier to get the hand on. So less waiting time for people looking for an all-electric car.
Final Verdict
Both Model 3 and Nissan Leaf will be best sellers offering the significant amount of technology and performance for a reasonable price. However, lower price of Nissan Leaf might be beneficial for customers and people looking for a pure electric car might want to save some cash and go for the Nissan Leaf instead. Chances are you will see a Nissan Leaf much earlier than a Model 3 or any Tesla for the instant which makes it to Pakistan. Which will be a great achievement for Nissan in my opinion. Both cars will start being delivered to the customers somewhere in 2018 let’s see what is the general response from the public. But maybe it’s just my opinion that Nissan Leaf can do better.
What do you think? Share your opinion in the comment section below.
