[alnvilma]

My absurd, overvalued Toyota in this market, allowed me to trade for an equal value Leaf S Plus., nearly new 2021. I won’t argue the merits of trying GM again. [ Pacifica hybrid LG fires now too! ]
There’s enough ChadeMo chargers around if needed (rarely) and 220 mile range is plenty Even IF I lose 10% thru degradation in a couple years. Statistics on 2nd generation batteries are pretty good.
I was at first skeptical but after driving a Leaf, I now have to admit my preference for it over the Bolt!
Blasphemy on this website, I know. It handles fine and the ride is not jarring like the Bolt. If it’s slower 0-60, I sure can’t tell. Both cars fill the bill for my desire to drive an EV from now on. After owning both, I’m quite content now with the Leaf‘s fit & finish, performance, full safety suite and general value.
Anyone doing a repurchase or ”fire sale” and shopping again for a BEV shouldn’t be afraid that Leaf can’t compete, My $0.02.

 

[GABELT]

My absurd, overvalued Toyota in this market, allowed me to trade for an equal value Leaf S Plus., nearly new 2021. I won’t argue the merits of trying GM again. [ Pacifica hybrid LG fires now too! ]
There’s enough ChadeMo chargers around if needed (rarely) and 220 mile range is plenty Even IF I lose 10% thru degradation in a couple years. Statistics on 2nd generation batteries are pretty good.
I was at first skeptical but after driving a Leaf, I now have to admit my preference for it over the Bolt!
Blasphemy on this website, I know. It handles fine and the ride is not jarring like the Bolt. If it’s slower 0-60, I sure can’t tell. Both cars fill the bill for my desire to drive an EV from now on. After owning both, I’m quite content now with the Leaf‘s fit & finish, performance, full safety suite and general value.
Anyone doing a repurchase or ”fire sale” and shopping again for a BEV shouldn’t be afraid that Leaf can’t compete, My $0.02.

As I am turning in my Bolt EV to the dealership tomorrow, I too looked for a replacement EV and shopped around for what is available in today's market. I narrowed my selection to another Bolt (EUV this time) and a 2022 Leaf. I decided overwhelmingly on the 2022 EUV because I really love the features that the EUV has over the Leaf. Also, the Nissan dealer, unethically but is common practice now, installed many "dealer options" and added a premium to the MSRP. On the other hand, the Chevy dealer not only sold the EUV at MSRP without any add-on dealer options, but he also let me sit in a EUV and kick the tires he has on his lot that is awaiting a battery swap. I recognized this decision to go with the Bolt EUV means I will not get the $7500 tax credit but I believe it is well worth it.

 

[GABELT]

As I am turning in my Bolt EV to the dealership tomorrow, I too looked for a replacement EV and shopped around for what is available in today's market. I narrowed my selection to another Bolt (EUV this time) and a 2022 Leaf. I decided overwhelmingly on the 2022 EUV because I really love the features that the EUV has over the Leaf. Also, the Nissan dealer, unethically but is common practice now, installed many "dealer options" and added a premium to the MSRP. On the other hand, the Chevy dealer not only sold the EUV at MSRP without any add-on dealer options, but he also let me sit in a EUV and kick the tires he has on his lot that is awaiting a battery swap. I recognized this decision to go with the Bolt EUV means I will not get the $7500 tax credit but I believe it is well worth it.

I neglected to say I am returning my 2020 Bolt EV under the GM buyback program.

 

[Bolt Action]

The Ioniq 5 wasn't an option for you?

 

[2020 Bolter]

Even IF I lose 10% thru degradation in a couple years. Statistics on 2nd generation batteries are pretty good.

My 2013 Leaf was the first year with updated batteries (although not announced until 2014 I think), when I sold mine after 8 years and about 80k miles it had lost 7% to degradation, that is in New England. From all I had read the Lead battery issues were really only prior to 2013 and in hot climates.

 

[Shark]

I am looking to buy this year. I have it narrowed down to a leaf or a bolt maybe a bolt euv. I ruled out the ioniq based on reading the Kona forum. Hyundai has left several drivers a year with no path forward on failed batteries. Plus they have had lots of gear box failures on earlier models. Throw out the fire issue and the Bolt or the leaf seem to be the most reliable cars. I am trying to decide if chademo bothers me enough to swing it to a bolt. A relative has both a leaf and a bolt. Prefers the leaf. But uses the bolt for long distance trips.

 

[OkieBolt]

I agree. The Leaf is a very very good car and every bit an equal to the Bolt. Had a few reasons for the Bolt over Leaf. 1. The storage area was not as good for me for business use. 2. The back seat was not as wide (I have 3 kids). 3. ChadEMo. 4. It was a little slower 5. Probably the biggest was price. The deal I had on the Bolt could not be equaled by Nissan.

 

[GABELT]

The Ioniq 5 wasn't an option for you?

After looking at the Ioniq 5, I thought it was too big. The Kona was the right size but it only came with a black interior and I wanted a light interior and was more of a lower-end evictee at a premium price.

 

[BobBolt]

My absurd, overvalued Toyota in this market, allowed me to trade for an equal value Leaf S Plus., nearly new 2021. I won’t argue the merits of trying GM again. [ Pacifica hybrid LG fires now too! ]
There’s enough ChadeMo chargers around if needed (rarely) and 220 mile range is plenty Even IF I lose 10% thru degradation in a couple years. Statistics on 2nd generation batteries are pretty good.
I was at first skeptical but after driving a Leaf, I now have to admit my preference for it over the Bolt!
Blasphemy on this website, I know. It handles fine and the ride is not jarring like the Bolt. If it’s slower 0-60, I sure can’t tell. Both cars fill the bill for my desire to drive an EV from now on. After owning both, I’m quite content now with the Leaf‘s fit & finish, performance, full safety suite and general value.
Anyone doing a repurchase or ”fire sale” and shopping again for a BEV shouldn’t be afraid that Leaf can’t compete, My $0.02.

Agree that you should consider all your options but, again, I recommend to everyone to just forget about this fire business and save yourself a bunch of money.
Your reference to the Pacifica Plug In caught my eye because we have one and lived through the fire episodes there too and now that Chrysler solved that problem it is ancient history that nobody talks about anymore. The same is going to happen with the Bolt, new batteries and happy customers and life will carry on. Most people in my part of the world have no clue what a Bolt even is or know about the recall so there won't be any lasting effects.

 

[MikeyBolt]

A friend of mine looked at both a 2021 Leaf and 2017 Bolt that had already had the battery replacement. He went with the Bolt for a few reasons but the main ones were: passive battery cooling on the Leaf, the silly Chademo charging port, and he said the Leaf made more of a motor whine on acceleration which he found annoying. Can't speak to any of those myself, but that's what he told me.

Mike

 

[Shark]

Bolt fire risk is a non issue to me. Not worried about it. Size also not an issue. I have a Honda fit. So I find the bolt size appealing. Easy to park. Honestly love my fit

 

[EV Trek 37604]

Agree that you should consider all your options but, again, I recommend to everyone to just forget about this fire business and save yourself a bunch of money.
Your reference to the Pacifica Plug In caught my eye because we have one and lived through the fire episodes there too and now that Chrysler solved that problem it is ancient history that nobody talks about anymore. The same is going to happen with the Bolt, new batteries and happy customers and life will carry on. Most people in my part of the world have no clue what a Bolt even is or know about the recall so there won't be any lasting effects.

I thought they just issued a recall on the Pacifica hybrid? Was there an earlier one?
This was from 6 days ago

Don't Plug In Pacifica Hybrids Until Recall Fix Is Complete, Chrysler Says - Consumer Reports

After 12 vehicle fires, Chrysler says owners of 2017-2018 Pacifica Hybrids shouldn't park near structures or cars, or plug in to recharge. Consumer Reports has details.

www.consumerreports.org

 

[BobBolt]

I thought they just issued a recall on the Pacifica hybrid? Was there an earlier one?
This was from 6 days ago

Don't Plug In Pacifica Hybrids Until Recall Fix Is Complete, Chrysler Says - Consumer Reports

After 12 vehicle fires, Chrysler says owners of 2017-2018 Pacifica Hybrids shouldn't park near structures or cars, or plug in to recharge. Consumer Reports has details.

www.consumerreports.org

Yup looks like you are right....this is a new one.
There was an earlier one. I'm thinking it was 2020 but I would have to look it up to say for sure.
Anyway, it's been an awesome van and I'm sure they'll look after us as they always have in the past.
Coincidentally the batteries in it come from LG Chem, Holland MI.

 

[BobBolt]

Oh, and just recalling 2017 and 2018....for now....sound familiar??

 

[jwaterman]

I previously had a 2017 Leaf and I loved it. However, it soon became apparent I would need to more than occasionally travel beyond its range. Traded for a new 2020 Bolt LT and love it, still. Just ordered Ioniq 5 Limited RWD with a 3-6 month delivery. We will be a 2 EV family until we convince ourselves we can get by with one vehicle.

 

[SpicyBolt]

My absurd, overvalued Toyota in this market, allowed me to trade for an equal value Leaf S Plus., nearly new 2021. I won’t argue the merits of trying GM again. [ Pacifica hybrid LG fires now too! ]
There’s enough ChadeMo chargers around if needed (rarely) and 220 mile range is plenty Even IF I lose 10% thru degradation in a couple years. Statistics on 2nd generation batteries are pretty good.
I was at first skeptical but after driving a Leaf, I now have to admit my preference for it over the Bolt!
Blasphemy on this website, I know. It handles fine and the ride is not jarring like the Bolt. If it’s slower 0-60, I sure can’t tell. Both cars fill the bill for my desire to drive an EV from now on. After owning both, I’m quite content now with the Leaf‘s fit & finish, performance, full safety suite and general value.
Anyone doing a repurchase or ”fire sale” and shopping again for a BEV shouldn’t be afraid that Leaf can’t compete, My $0.02.

I agree the Leaf is a viable alternative to the Bolt for some, including yourself.

I'm not worried about the LG packs, now that we are all getting replacements. Another issue and one I'm not going to argue over, but matters to me, as a Union member, is that the Bolt is Union assembled in the US. Also, GM is an American automaker. And now the Bolt actually does have a pretty high domestic content too. It didn't initially.

We really like our Bolt too, and at ~$25k for a loaded LT, the price was right, so no regrets here either.

 

[Shark]

I live within 40 miles of the bolt plant. I did think about that when narrowing down my choices. Some one I run into will get a job directly or indirectly from a bolt purchase. Not # 1 but it's a consideration.

 

[NoMoPetrol]

So nice now to have choices when shopping for an EV. Another sign that the end is near for the ICE.

 

[cwerdna]

A friend of mine looked at both a 2021 Leaf and 2017 Bolt that had already had the battery replacement. He went with the Bolt for a few reasons but the main ones were: passive battery cooling on the Leaf, the silly Chademo charging port, and he said the Leaf made more of a motor whine on acceleration which he found annoying. Can't speak to any of those myself, but that's what he told me.

To me, the drivetrain on Bolt is noisier than that of Leaf, at least the '13 (I had two of them). The motor was unchanged from '13 all the way thru current.

My 2013 Leaf was the first year with updated batteries (although not announced until 2014 I think), when I sold mine after 8 years and about 80k miles it had lost 7% to degradation, that is in New England. From all I had read the Lead battery issues were really only prior to 2013 and in hot climates.

Nissan seem to have quietly improved the batteries starting with Leafs built 4/2013. Those were presumably used all thru model year '14. They never announced that but LeftieBiker at MNL gave them the nickname "wolf pack".

Then for model year '15 24 kWh, they came out with the "lizard" pack (search Update on Nissan LEAF Battery Replacement - My Nissan Leaf Forum for lizard). Those were also on '16 original S trim. BBrockman (official corporate Nissan employee) mentioned that those batteries were in testing at Update on Battery Warranty Enhancement for 2011 & 2012 LEAF - Page 35 - My Nissan Leaf Forum. Besides "lizard" pack, the term "hot battery" was also thrown around.

They also came out with a 30 kWh pack (in '16 SV, '16 SL and later the '16 "S 30" + all '17) which turned out to be not so good. The 40 kWh pack came out with model year '18 and is still available. 62 kWh came out as a the Leaf Plus (available in the US beginning Spring 2019). 40 kWh packs seem to be holding up pretty well from a degradation POV. 62 kWh is a bit too new but seem to still be holding up ok.

But yeah, the hot climates were killer on the pre-4/2013 packs. But, they still did a number on the 4/2013 thru model year '14 packs and even the lizard packs.

At Leaf or Prius? - Page 6 - My Nissan Leaf Forum, I pointed to 2013-2014 bar losers and capacity losses - Page 14 - My Nissan Leaf Forum. He wrote:
"I got my new 2013 SL (manufactured 5/2013 ) on 9/30/2013. Lost my first bar 5/2015, second bar 9/2015, third bar 5/2016 and forth bar 8/23/2016 (31,400 miles). First 21 months mostly charged L1/L2 to 80% (home and work). My drive was 55 miles round trip with about 75% highway. As capacity started to go away, I had to charge more often to 100%, however, I tried my best to keep it fully charged as little as possible (extreme Phoenix temperatures)."

For me, my 5/2013 used '13 Leaf didn't lose its 1st capacity bar until Nov 2017 at just under 50K miles (2013-2014 bar losers and capacity losses - Page 27 - My Nissan Leaf Forum). I was still at 1 bar down when I sold it in mid-2021 at ~68K miles. I was nearing a 2nd bar loss judging by Leaf Spy.

 

[finallygoingev]

My absurd, overvalued Toyota in this market, allowed me to trade for an equal value Leaf S Plus., nearly new 2021. I won’t argue the merits of trying GM again. [ Pacifica hybrid LG fires now too! ]
There’s enough ChadeMo chargers around if needed (rarely) and 220 mile range is plenty Even IF I lose 10% thru degradation in a couple years. Statistics on 2nd generation batteries are pretty good.
I was at first skeptical but after driving a Leaf, I now have to admit my preference for it over the Bolt!
Blasphemy on this website, I know. It handles fine and the ride is not jarring like the Bolt. If it’s slower 0-60, I sure can’t tell. Both cars fill the bill for my desire to drive an EV from now on. After owning both, I’m quite content now with the Leaf‘s fit & finish, performance, full safety suite and general value.
Anyone doing a repurchase or ”fire sale” and shopping again for a BEV shouldn’t be afraid that Leaf can’t compete, My $0.02.

Would be helpful to know what state you are in. I know Leaf owners in AZ, CA who had their batteries replaced due to degradation and I don't think that's workable in very hot climates. Too much risk I feel for not much discount in price.