Tesla Model 3 vs Chevy Bolt vs Nissan Leaf: Which Will Win the Affordable EV Wars? [Video]

What’s the future of the affordable EV? Will electric cars overtake the traditional internal combustion engine or are they just a fad?

TFL’s Roman Mica spoke to Anton Wahlman, journalist and expert in the automotive industry, about his thoughts of electric cars and what will happen in the future. Roman interviewed Anton during the Miami International Auto Show in Florida earlier this week.

Some of the cars they talked about were the Nissan LeafChevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3.

2017 chevrolet bolt vs 2016 nissan leaf

Nissan is almost ready to release its second-generation Leaf, which will expand the range a driver can get on one charge. The first generation, which was introduced about six years ago, only got about a 73-mile range. The second generation is expected to get over a 200-mile range, which is more inline with what drivers actually ravel.

Anton explained that automotive makers thought that the 73-mile range was decent because they believed most people only traveled about 50 miles per day. However, if someone forgot something at their house or had to run an unexpected errand, the 73-mile range wouldn’t give them much leeway.

The 200-mile range, however, would give motorists the comfort to be able to travel their typical miles and then factor in any unexpected additional miles without worry.

tesla model 3 official

Electric cars are also better for people with different lifestyles and aren’t a one-size-fits all for drivers. For those living in a relatively warmer climate that doesn’t have drastic changes, an electric car would be the way to go. However, if someone needs to drive a truck and lives in a colder climate, an electric car may not be the best option, Anton explained.

Another issue some consumers might have with electric cars is the time it takes to charge the battery. Although technology is changing and recharging is improving every day, recharging still isn’t as fast as getting gas at the pump, which takes only minutes to do.

How soon will the electric car be equal or surpass the combustible engine? Find out by watching the complete TFL video above.