USA EV Comparison: Nissan Leaf 40 kWh vs Tesla Model S Performance
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General Info
Since both vehicles have been discontinued, they are now only available on the used car market. You can get the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) for as low as $9999, while the Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) begins at $30883.
The Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) is a Hatchback, whereas the Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) is a Liftback.
| Property | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh | Tesla Model S Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2022-2025 | 2020-2021 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan, UK, USA | Netherlands, USA |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Liftback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $9999 | $30883 |
| GCC Score | 4.8 | 7.8 |
Range and Efficiency
While the Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025).
| Property | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh | Tesla Model S Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 149 mi | 387 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 177 mi | 397 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 148 mi | 353 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 40 kWh | 103 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 39 kWh | 98 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 26.4 kWh/100 mi | 27.8 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.79 mi/kWh | 3.6 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 5.5 | 8.9 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 250 kW, while the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) maxes out at 50 kW.
The Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11.5 kW, whereas the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) is limited to 6.6 kW.
| Property | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh | Tesla Model S Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 6.6 kW | 11.5 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 50 kW | 250 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CHAdeMO Type 1 (J1772) | Tesla (NACS) |
| Charging Score | 3.3 | 8 |
Performance
The Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) is front-wheel drive, while the Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) offers an all-wheel drive system.
The Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh | Tesla Model S Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | AWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM (front), PMSM (rear) |
| Motor Power (kW) | 110 kW | 580 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 148 hp | 778 hp |
| Motor Torque | 236 lb-ft | 841 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.7 s | 2.3 s |
| Top Speed | 90 mph | 162 mph |
| Performance Score | 3.1 | 8.1 |
Dimensions
The Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) is longer and wider, but the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) is taller.
The Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh | Tesla Model S Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.4 in | 195.7 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 79.9 in | 86.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 70.5 in | 77.3 in |
| Height | 61.5 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 116.5 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.
A frunk (front trunk) is available in the Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021), but the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) doesn’t have one.
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh | Tesla Model S Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3509 lb | 5105 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 23.6 ft3 | 26.3 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 30 ft3 | 58.1 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 2.1 ft3 |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4.5 | 5.5 |