USA EV Comparison: Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh vs Nissan Leaf 30 kWh
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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 Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) for as low as $10900, while the Nissan Leaf 30 kWh (2015-2018) begins at $3500.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | Nissan Leaf 30 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2017-2020 | 2015-2018 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | Japan, UK, USA |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $10900 | $3500 |
| GCC Score | 4.6 | 4.3 |
Range and Efficiency
While the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Nissan Leaf 30 kWh (2015-2018).
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | Nissan Leaf 30 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 125 mi | 107 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 144 mi | - Range (WLTP) |
| Range (GCC) | 119 mi | 109 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 35.8 kWh | 30 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 32 kWh | 28 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 26.9 kWh/100 mi | 25.7 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.72 mi/kWh | 3.89 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 5.2 | 5.3 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Nissan Leaf 30 kWh (2015-2018) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 50 kW, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) maxes out at 40 kW.
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 7.2 kW, whereas the Nissan Leaf 30 kWh (2015-2018) is limited to 3.3 kW.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | Nissan Leaf 30 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 7.2 kW | 3.3 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 40 kW | 50 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | CHAdeMO Type 1 (J1772) |
| Charging Score | 3.9 | 2.7 |
Performance
Both vehicles are front-wheel drive.
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | Nissan Leaf 30 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 100 kW | 80 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 134 hp | 107 hp |
| Motor Torque | 214 lb-ft | 187 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 9.6 s | 10.4 s |
| Top Speed | 85 mph | 90 mph |
| Performance Score | 2.8 | 2.2 |
Dimensions
The Nissan Leaf 30 kWh (2015-2018) is longer and taller, but about the same width as the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020).
The Nissan Leaf 30 kWh (2015-2018) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | Nissan Leaf 30 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 168.1 in | 175 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 79.8 in | 77.4 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 70.8 in | 69.7 in |
| Height | 57.2 in | 61 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in | 106.3 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.
Neither car is equipped with a frunk (front trunk).
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | Nissan Leaf 30 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3459 lb | 3390 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 22.8 ft3 | 13.1 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 52.7 ft3 | 25.4 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4 | 4.6 |
