Leaf 24 kWh V Leaf 30 kWh - 450 miles

Today Jonathan and I race a 30kWh Leaf and a 24 kWh Leaf from Leicestershire to Aberdeen, a distance of 455 miles, to see what difference, if any the the extra 6 kWh's has. It's fair to say that both variants of this Leaf are fantastic and performed as ever, faultlessly.

[@michaelgoode9555]

Just re-watched this. A friend and I are seriously thinking of buying a 30kwh Leaf between us. Neither of us can justify a Leaf outright but we have worked out that we could share one. My longest journey is 90 miles so I'm relatively confident that it could do it in one shot but there are plenty of splash and dash opportunities on the way. Generally too we both like a leg stretch after an hour to 90 minutes which would fit in perfectly with charging and top ups. Started looking seriously once again. 🙂

[@titanium70rd64]

Thanks to both of you. One of my favourites videos. Very entertaining. Greetings from Germany

[@markcornwall8132]

Totally made my day seeing this guy's. Made it hard to come up with a better challenge though. You two have got to do another one of these please.

[@Jamesandkate]

mdad hdad it’s in the pipeline, glad you enjoyed it 😊👍🏻

[@raphaelamor]

Another super video. Almost bought the 30KW, but was talked into waiting for the 40, but after seeing this I might just go for the 30 afterall and save some money in the process. Thanks again guys.

[@Jamesandkate]

raphaelamor glad you liked it. The 30 is excellent, well worth it and as you’ve said, very cheap compared to the upcoming 40 😊👍🏻

[@JonathanPorterfield]

raphaelamor the 30kwh acenta James drove is for sale !

[@ross7464]

Great video thanks. I hadn’t realised that you had to watch the battery temperature in a Leaf, I’ve never given it a second thought in my i3! Really looking forward to the Twizy trip video

[@Jamesandkate]

Ross Atkin generally you don’t but over long distances 300+ it does rise in the 30.

[@georgeandrews1307]

Enjoyed the video! I have had a 24kwh and now a 30kwh , the bigger battery just makes it more usable, which you have just shown....cheers

[@Jamesandkate]

George Andrews glad you liked it 😊👍🏻

[@doubledutch13]

Great video guys, I always love the approach to Aberdeen harbour, I built the utility housing on the rhs at 32;40 and that brings back nice memories. Well done.

[@Jamesandkate]

John vanDieken thanks John 😊👍🏻

[@catielakeradio]

Loving your channel and working my way through the past episodes. Loved this episode as it felt like a popular TV show challenge. Just a nitpic that it's 'the Tortoise and the Hare'. 😉

[@TimKirkmt]

Great video James. JP was obviously dilusional thinking he could beat you in his 24kwh!! Nice dash cam footage of sunrise and winter driving generally!!

[@Jamesandkate]

Tim Kirk cheers Tim. Was great fun to make, and to race JP 😊👍🏻

[@michaelgoode9555]

Excellent piece. Thanks for that.

[@Jamesandkate]

Michael Goode 🙏🏼 glad you liked it 👍🏻

[@michaelowen7694]

Epic - and really useful for those lurking on the edge of the EV scene and wandering whether to go for the 24 or the 30.

[@Jamesandkate]

Michael OWEN thanks, glad you liked it 👍🏻

[@garethchild]

I’ve been looking forward to this video!

[@Jamesandkate]

I hope you enjoy it :-) Twizy is next week

[@ElectricMikeEV]

Great fun to watch keep up the great work guys!

[@gp2003gt]

Another great video, can't wait to see you have a go in the new Leaf.

[@JonathanPorterfield]

gp2003gt watch this space !

[@Jamesandkate]

gp2003gt it’s in the pipeline 😊👍🏻

[@garethchild]

Brilliant job, lads. Well done. I’m surprised it was so close, BTW.

[@Jamesandkate]

Gareth Child I put it down to Jonathan’s experience and excellent driving ability 😊👍🏻

[@3kids2cats1dog]

I love Jonathan's outfit. It is standard issue here in Canada. Even with heated seats and steeling wheel.

[@JonathanPorterfield]

Kenneth Chan I'm glad you like it ..I'm just laughed at by teamhare !

[@banpowel9784]

The newer heater makes a massive difference, you can now happily heat the car with very minimal drop in range.

[@tonycarter6409]

Ah just brilliant, familiar night time charging scenes, reminds me of work trips up north ;-)

[@Jamesandkate]

Tony Carter glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@grahammillman4480]

Really enjoyed this video. I think it's the best you've done so far. That said, I haven't seen the return leg in the Twizy yet!

[@Jamesandkate]

Graham Millman thanks Graham 😊👍🏻

[@PJWey]

Would love a follow up to compare how both have fared with the dreaded Leaf degradation threat

[@LovelyMerch]

Great Video and great EVing!

[@Jamesandkate]

EVstarcar thank you 🙏🏼

[@RWBHere]

That was great fun! Thanks both. The subterfuges cancelled one-another out, but Jonathan did really well with the older car. One question: Would running between 20% and 80% SOC have been quicker, along with less battery heating? Assuming that suitable charging places were available, of course.This has to be asked because of Bjørn Nyland's experiences with Tesla charging and journey times.

[@Jamesandkate]

RWBHere I’m not sure it would have helped because on a few occasions I was very close to 0% but it would be interesting to try, but I just haven’t got it in me to do it again..... just yet anyway 😊👍🏻

[@RWBHere]

Agreed, but it’s more than an interesting theory. It's down to charging rates. When the battery is near to 0% SOC it can only charge slowly, and the same applies if it is close to 100% SOC. It follows, therefore, that, if you keep your SOC between about 20% and 80%, or in the worst case, 10% and 90%, the charge rate, being faster, means that your progress down the road is faster. Assuming that you have enough charging points along the route. It will be worth trying next time you challenge Jonathan. Thanks for the video. :-)

[@BabyGonzo5]

Very good. Can’t wait for a 40kw vs 30kw.

[@JonathanPorterfield]

Kevin Hayes yes I'm looking at setting up a 30kw verses 40kw leaf soon !

[@iKaGe01]

Really well edited that. I'd much rather have been in the 30 haha

[@jameswestwood]

Love it guys. Like a TG/GT challenge but EV style. More more more.

[@Jamesandkate]

James Westwood 😊 have a few more in the pipeline

[@Kiltoonie]

Good fun, lads. I'm off on a big round trip this weekend, probably 1,000 miles , lets see how I get on!

[@bobbyrobinson3350]

Great video well edited 👍 I’m watching as I have agreed to buy my mates 2014 24kw leaf 100k miles, problem is and I know this video is 5 years old, there are lots of phrases I don’t understand but I like “free vent” is that still a thing in 2023? 😆 the car is in Derby and I live in Hartlepool 150 miles? 🙄 I’m thinking 2 charges on way home? Can you charge with a bank card or do you need 10 different charging cards? Is the charge service better 5 years on from this video? Any advice much appreciated

[@mrquordlepleen]

I really enjoyed that :-)

[@joeyy33]

Fun video. Think it’s the best EV video I’ve viewed so far.

[@Jamesandkate]

joeyy33 ahh, thank you 🙏🏼😊

[@paulyh4531]

Super vid once again was that a fox at 24 mins when you was pulling into charger ? Run past the front of car lol looking forward to the twiz after following you along last weekend with the live streams brilliant 👍😉

[@Jamesandkate]

Pauly H i didn’t notice but will check, good eyes 👍🏻 Twizy is being worked on by Kate currently, won’t be long, thanks for following 🙏🏼

[@fdk7014]

Great video! So the small 6kWh difference in battery size meant over an hour shorter trip. The new 40 kWh LEAF should cut it at least another hour.

[@JonathanPorterfield]

watch this space !

[@fdk7014]

Great!

[@reijerkok6136]

Nice video, want to do such a race too from the Netherlands to for example Berlin

[@Jamesandkate]

reijer kok that would be good, which models are you thinking???

[@reijerkok6136]

James and Kate Would be interesting to see the difference between the Hyundai Ioniq and the 2018 Nissan Leaf

[@kurriedone741]

Super video. My lease is almost up on my 24Kwh and I must admit I cannot wait. I borrowed a 30Kwh last year and I immediately noticed the difference. I thoroughly enjoyed your race. I am keen to know what is your thoughts about the Leaf 2.0? I managed to get in one in Milton Keynes last year October after your mate from Plug in Adventures shared a marketing tip (that Nissan kept extremely quiet about!)

[@michaelgoode9555]

What is the realistic range of a 30kwh leaf? I've seen stuff which seems to indicate 1 mile per 1 percent of battery but is that realistic at this time of year?

[@JonathanPorterfield]

Michael Goode realistic average is 110 miles if driven at a steady around 55mph in winter temps

[@RenaultZoeZEOwnersClub]

I think we should do a Zoe vs Leaf :P Anyway.. When can i pop over for the Twizy test drive :P

[@Jamesandkate]

Renault Zoe & ZE Owners Club tried to tag you in a post Craig saying exactly that the other day. I’m about all weekend, drop me a dm on Twitter 👍🏻

[@davidbarr5783]

As a ZE40 q90 owner I'd be really curious to see this. I do a Glasgow to Manchester round trip every fortnight and I never get 43kw out of the Ecotricity chargers. The nearest I get at peak is about 33kw before it slows down so I reckon the Leaf would be quicker on the recharging regardless if it was the 30kw against a ZE40. Leaf seems to be more efficient looking at your progress. And it was a great video. Poor JP wearing that hat and no heating. Just wonder how soon it will be that cars are rated officially in mpKwh?

[@RenaultZoeZEOwnersClub]

I would take on a 30kw Leaf with my 22kw Q lol

[@craigbrown5667]

So when is this happening!??? :)

[@glennclark762]

Just found your channel and catching up on your fantastic videos. I keep hearing about free vend. Can you explain house this works. Thanks

[@weleshboatian5159]

I would of like to has seen you use the leaf "Spy" before & after, those rapid charges. Maybe another time. Thank you.

[@Jamesandkate]

Weleshboat Ian we did, if you follow JP on Twitter he has the screen shots. Surprisingly the difference was less than we expected on this journey. Others have shown much better results 👍🏻

[@weleshboatian5159]

I sorry, but my research on Low carbon/Renewables/EV's takes 3-4 hours a day. So I do not have time for Twitter/Facebook. Thank you for answering my question.

[@sandygardner]

Quick question on your route after Hamilton Services - what made you choose to go via Kinross rather than up the A9 to Perth. ? Was it to do with the spacing of chargers? Great video! Well done, both of you.

[@JonathanPorterfield]

Sandy Gardner yes via Kinross is my preferred route . 2 rapids at Kinross with a ecotricty rapid half a mile away at the services as a back up

[@sandygardner]

Jonathan Porterfield - ah, I get it - that makes sense. Thanks.

[@gregoryosullivan]

I'd love to see Ioniq versus 30kWh Leaf.

[@Jamesandkate]

Gregory O'Sullivan the Ioniq, hands down, so long as the infrastructure is ok. CCS is still sketchy in parts

[@craigbrown5667]

You already watched this Craig!!

[@TheBiscitt]

Great video makes me want to do a road trip in my Kia Soul EV. In fact I would love to see such a comparison between the 27kWh Soul and the 30kWh Leaf, any chance?

[@ronaldmillsopp3802]

TheBiscitt what's the range of the soul ? Nice car .

[@TheBiscitt]

ronald millsopp Summertime range about 90. We have seen a drop off during winter temps to around 70 that with use of all the heating as well as affect of cold on the batteries. It is a lovely car.

[@TheBiscitt]

PS I have never driven it to turtle so there may be another 10 in the "tank".

[@Davecrazyass]

Good video. i,m looking to buy a Nissan Leaf but not sure if to go 30Kwh or 24Kwh ???

[@Ecoenergy]

Well done for doing this, but I could not be a***d with all that charging (assuming its Working) Any long journeys we just use the ice car. Keep up the good work.

[@Jamesandkate]

Ecoenergy glad you enjoyed it.next gen Leaf will be much easier 👍🏻

[@niceboy60]

I would be able to do the 450 miles and back with my diesel no hassel , to get around 900 miles it would cost me £70 of diesel , I know driving a combustion seems expensive , however Ecotricity is not free add around 14 charging Stops at a cost and you begin to have a picture . I ve notice most EV reviewers fail to mention multiple companies charging contracts & charging costs

[@LickOfPaint]

I hear ya. I’m planning to buy one but to use as the runaround, so the charging prices won’t be as steep. Wish me luck!

[@Piner5074]

Question guys, if I may, considering buying my first EV this year (used, ideally), I’ve got a 75 mile all round commute to work, and a normal 3 pin outside socket on my drive. I work nights, so would need headlights and ideally heater 😉 on that commute. The time between shifts is around 10hrs, and no charging facilities at work. Would either of these leafs work? particularly the 24kwh as it’s cheaper to buy used, or do I need at least the 30kwh, to not have to worry about range anxiety.

[@Jamesandkate]

Piner5074 you’re would need the 30 to be worry free, although with some practice the 24 would do it. My concern is the recharge time on a 3 pin/10A it’s takes a while. Could you get the grant for a home charger of at least 16A or 32A would be too top so kind as the car accepts it. Hope that helps, but feel free to ask anymore questions 👍🏻

[@JonathanPorterfield]

Piner5074 with a 24kwh leaf covering 35 miles to work you'd be fine ..even at James driving speeds ! If your at work 10 hours you've lots of time for a top up on a 3 pin plug . To fill up to 100% from 50% left would take around 5 hours on a 3 pin plug

[@JonathanPorterfield]

So you can't use a 3 pin at work ?? If that's the case then you need a 30kw leaf . 24kwh would be cutting it fine in the winter

[@Piner5074]

Jonathan Porterfield, thanks, but I can only charge at home I’m afraid, and not at work for the foreseeable future ... but I’ve done a little research, and could get a dedicated 7kw charge point at home for little cost, especially as my drive is next to the outside meter, and the internal consumer unit would be directly opposite also. I think I’d have range anxiety in the depth of winter with a 24 though, especially with a used one, what with battery degradation. I think James is right a 30kw is right, I may even wait a little longer for the next generation, and see if I can’t get a better deal on the outgoing model, thanks again for your comment though, and if my employer installs charge points in the meantime, I’ll be buying a 24 without doubt

[@JonathanPorterfield]

Piner5074 offer to pay your employer £25 for a water proof outside 3 pin plug socket ?

[@gazzrobb2366]

Why did all your blue Led lights flash at the same time ? Not seen mine do that

[@Jamesandkate]

gazz robb not sure they did, I think it was the camera

[@Samt1958]

They do that when you open the charging hatch, mine does, 2015 Leaf

[@craigcodling481]

Great video guys. 😂

[@Jamesandkate]

Craig Codling thank you

[@benfoster3304]

Do I go 24 kwh tekna or 30kwh acenta on used market

[@bigdream_dreambig]

23:50 🐱?!

[@JeanPierreWhite]

Tricky letting air out his tyres. Wouldn't have got me, I use LeafSpy Pro and would have noticed a drop in PSI.

[@inkpen1999]

Sadly, tyre pressure not available on a 2013 Acenta

[@Jamesandkate]

Jean-Pierre White Jonathan actually notices straight away, got them up to 40 PSI, experienced guy 😊

[@lookoutleo]

interesting difference between 24 and 30 , ive been offered leaf 30 on2016 with 107,000 miles for 5k what you think? its got 6.6 and chademo no heated seats

[@Jamesandkate]

Check the battery condition. The 30s are inherently bad for degradation. It sounds very cheap.

[@lookoutleo]

@@Jamesandkate on the leaf spy reading for bat sts: is AHr= 63.12 , SOH= 79.41, hx=53.41% 277 QCs 2966 L1 L2 , 22mv.what you think? i see your AHr is 60.82 , what you think

[@niallguiver2861]

Thanks for making this video. It's a shame we didn't see you both 'fess up about the tyre pressure drop and luggage load skulduggery. I think this video goes to show how these battery powered cars are only really suitable for short journeys unless you are prepared to waste a lot of time recharging - I also wonder, would you have had to queue to recharge during the daylight hours? I look forward to the tech improving to the point where EVs do become mainstream but until they are just as convenient to use as a traditional ICE car, I'll not be buying one. Please keep the videos coming as it's great to see real life examples presented by a couple of funny guys. Thanks.

[@bdeithrick]

Why Aberdeen docks all the time , do you go to shetland island

[@JonathanPorterfield]

Byron Deithrick I live on orkney !

[@hazzerhazzer2741]

What is the implications of a hot battery?

[@Jamesandkate]

hazzer hazzer reduces performance on discharge and reduced recharging rate. It’s rare, but it’s to protect the cells from overheating

[@hazzerhazzer2741]

James and Kate thank you.

[@Cybertokyofilms]

Norway don't understand miles

[@Ricey155]

Awesome watch 👍 just like a Tesla a bit like my golf trolley 🤑 passive cooling and 150mile range they have it sorted 👍 oh and 15k price. Massive EV fan and petrol hater but still believe its money lost unless your doing 20k a year. What did the trip cost with plenty of freebies ?

[@RWBHere]

Pardon the imposition here, but the point needs making for all those decent channels which face de-monetisation: Hi, folks! Check out the *Clifford Rutley* channel. channel. He needs 525 more subscribers within 4 weeks, to avoid being de-monetised by Google. Thanks. Thanks for allowing this comment, James and Kate. Too many smaller channels are being de-monetised unfairly by the new KZbin policy.

[@Jamesandkate]

RWBHere no problems, we’ll follow him now 😊👍🏻

[@RWBHere]

Thanks; he's been getting a bit despondent lately, not least because of serious health issues.

[@iainmcintyre9900]

How do you so easily tell the charger is offering ‘free vend’ ?

[@Jamesandkate]

quick look at the screen and it will offer the the type of adaptor, not the screen asking if you have the app.

[@craigbrown5667]

30kwh it is then! :D

[@subevo35]

Video a bit long.could have cut out a lot of the boring motorway stuff.did you mention the total charge costs involved.otherwise enjoyed.

[@ibez07]

this is why ev cars are not yet there,,5 charges on 1 trip is just ridiculous, 2 and a half hours of charging on a single journey is way 2 impractical , ev is the future, its not the now = affordably

[@Jamesandkate]

ibez07 I kind of understand your point but you’re looking at 2 short range older tech cars. If this was the new Leaf/Zoe it would have been halved in time over the whole journey. Also the running cost are 20% of an ICE car in fuel, add to that the servicing and repairs and it becomes much more attractive. The other point here is, very very few people drive this distance in any car, let alone an EV. That won’t suit everyone, but for us all the above and the environmental impact is just too compelling to ignore.

[@hangchhu8433]

Come on. For what?

[@constantsqueezer]

Do we really see this guy taking both hands off the steering wheel whilst drinking his coffee/tea?

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

" just like a Tesla" I know what u mean!

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

My spark EV carries 125A to nearly 80 percent... It's insane... 19 kWh batt too..

[@Jamesandkate]

Loved the 30 :-)

[@Jamesandkate]

TRY to HELP you spark EV would have been great here.

[@benfoster3304]

This was a very fair test... not

[@jurikonradi8941]

You need to learn how to adjust audio levels :)

[@jonathandelmont]

Start music nearly blew my ears off then couldn’t hear a word. Why do so many you tubers fail to do any audio mixing or checking. Stops me watching.👎