Chevy Bolt vs. Nissan Leaf: running cost
A Chevy Bolt is cheaper to run: about $754 a year versus $778 for a Nissan Leaf at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $24 difference.
| Chevy Bolt | Nissan Leaf | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 7,200 W | 6,600 W |
| Watt range | 1,440–11,500 W | 1,440–6,600 W |
| Typical use | 37 miles a day | 37 miles a day |
| Energy per year | 4,189 kWh | 4,325 kWh |
| Cost per hour | $1.30 | $1.19 |
| Cost per day | $2.06 | $2.13 |
| Cost per month | $62.81 | $64.83 |
| Cost per year | $754 | $778 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $1,823 | $1,882 |
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What drives the difference
- Chevy Bolt: The Bolt EV/EUV uses about 0.28 kWh per mile from the battery, about 0.31 at the wall.
- Nissan Leaf: The Leaf uses about 0.29-0.31 kWh per mile from the battery, about 0.32 at the wall, and charges at up to 6.6 kW on Level 2.
Ways to cut either cost
Level 2 EV charger
Matches the Bolt's 7.2 kW onboard charger and reduces losses.
See options on Amazon Level 2 EV charger
Matches the Leaf's onboard charger with lower losses than Level 1.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a Chevy Bolt or a Nissan Leaf?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a Nissan Leaf costs about $778 a year versus $754 for a Chevy Bolt. That's $24 more.
How many watts do Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf use?
A Chevy Bolt typically draws 7,200 W (range 1,440–11,500 W). A Nissan Leaf draws 6,600 W (range 1,440–6,600 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.