Both the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf were just named Breakthrough Products for 2010 by the folks at Popular Mechanics. The two EVs were singled out on the magazine’s annual “Top Products” awards list.
The folks at Popular Mechanics were particularly impressed by the Volt’s range-extending capabilities, which is a feature that’s lacking in the all-electric Leaf. According to the editors, “it’s an EV early adopter’s worst nightmare: running out of juice, miles from the nearest charging station.” While the Volt’s plug-in hybrid electric powertrain was praised, PM did admit that the price of $41,000 ($33,500 after the federal subsidy) is a “princely sum for a small car.”
Although the Nissan Leaf doesn’t boast range-extending capabilities when the batteries run out of juice, the editors called it “a pure EV with space for five, a moderate price and enough range for most tasks – plus, an operating cost that’s irresistibly low.” And, since electricity is cheaper than gasoline, the magazine appreciated that the “juice needed for 100 miles runs about $3—less than half of the cost of gas for the same trip.” And unlike the electric vehicles of yore, the Leaf is truly the complete package of roominess, usability, and efficiency.
Both of these breakthrough vehicles will be arriving in showrooms before the year is out. They each offer a unique package, but it’s anyone’s guess which one will become the dominant choice for car buyers once the initial wave of early adopters subsides. Find out more about these cars on Popular Mechanics and let us know below which vehicle you think will come out on top.
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