Mini vs Bolt vs Leaf Drag Race: Not Only Are These New EVs Surprisingly Fast But Unexpectedly Cheap!

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#Nissanleaf #Chevybolt #minise

[@brady783]

As a suggestion for EV racing videos, try a 60-0 regen only. See which one has the most aggressive regen mode available. It's a unique feature to the EV world. Just a thought...

[@wade7959]

That's a creative idea. I hope TFL does this one!

[@MrChadx1]

Great idea

[@dennissmith7214]

The new regency paddles on the lyric are more aggressive than the ones on the model y with its new variable rate paddles so I’m guessing that the bolt mate use the same type of regents strategy since GM usually passes the tech from platform to platform🤔…….so yeah that’s a good one I’d like to see! 🙌🏽

[@ronlaverdiere]

I tried this with my EUV. Stopped fairly well. Not panic stopping well, but certainly respectable for any non-drama stop.

[@jamesm7642]

As a current owner of a Bolt EUV and previous owner of Bolt and Fiat 500e, small EV's are great around the city because of their quick 0-30mph time.

[@natehill8069]

Same with my '19 Volt which had more torque than any of these 3 (294 lb-ft). Loved racing V-8 Mustangs and Camaros at lights. Sure they passed me eventually, but only after I was 2-3 car lengths ahead.

[@TheTaino84]

0-30mph is what really matters in daily city driving and most electric cars are fast compare to ICE cars out of the line.

[@douglasalanthompson]

As a 2 Leaf Plus household, I love this video. The entry EVs are much more capable than given credit.

[@vermontsownboy6957]

We just bought a Bolt, and are astounded how much value it presents and how well it performs. The hardest part was simply getting over our preconceived notions of 1) a GM product and 2) It's a Chevy! Truth is, dollar-for-dollar, it fairly well kicks ass! Plus the Bolt is a nice drive. The quiet and motivation is a lot of fun.

[@leeman1790]

I have a 23 bolt and 2 Chevy trucks with 300k+ miles. Does Chevy have a bad name lol?

[@Takermania70]

Very fun to watch. Keep up the great work, y'all

[@harlandurant7014]

That bolt can do better but you have to shut traction control off and try and keep the tires planted.

[@dmegahan]

TFL owning this bolt is going to sell a lot of cars for Chevy.

[@paulvail7926]

As long as they don't discontinue it.... DOH!

[@The_Cyberz]

Doubt it

[@Tim-Tiller]

I would like to see these compared on the Ike Gauntlet, see which is most efficient going up and then coming down using the highest regen setting and then overall efficiency on the Gauntlet. I’ve done a similar test with my Bolt and you would be surprised how much range you can regain coming down a long downgrade.

[@parklandsd]

Great video guys. Finally, somebody did a great drag race comparison amongst the economy ev’s out there.

[@explorervango880]

I can understand measuring to the center of the wheel on a brake test, but to be "real world" you should measure to the edge of the bumper because that is what is going to hit the car in front of you. Some cars have more in front of the wheels, but that part matters!

[@wade7959]

That makes sense. That said, it probably works fine either way...so long as you measure from the same part of the car on both ends...and I don't know if they did that.

[@QMaverick1]

The Bolt EV is the most traction-limited vehicle I've ever owned in terms of getting off the line. With stickier tires on, it's much better, but that's a lot of torque to shove through relatively skinny, up-in-the-front tires. :-)

[@moniack]

Not to even mention when it's wet out..

[@maj429]

@@moniack yeah can second this. Thing slides around when it's wet... No traction to speak of.

[@QMaverick1]

@@maj429 that is, at least in part, because the OEM tires are hot garbage.

[@maj429]

@@QMaverick1 do you happen to have a recommendation for When these tires wear out what I should replace them with?

[@lemongavine]

Hyundai Kona electric too. It even spins the tires on a dry road if You punch it while already going 25mph. Off the line, it lights up the tires like crazy. Sounds like it’s about is probably the same as the Bolt.

[@davidhoover2446]

Great video! I really liked the mix of Roman and the young guys on this episode! The older gentlemen are seasoning the young guys with their experience!

[@Jasona1976]

I own a '23 Bolt EUV and love it. Also owned an '18 Bolt....trouble free for 3 years.

[@nberkel]

Cooper SE owner here. I was a lucky one who was able to get a base Signature trim while they were still available. I remember watching the videos when you guys first picked that one up. Love driving mine still even a year later!

[@haraldweltzin5117]

Tried to buy a bolt, but the salesmen didn't want to talk to me, so bought a Leaf plus instead after over 4000 miles, like the car as a local driver

[@Hellrorin]

Bolt EV might be the cheapest. But only if you buy it cash on hand. If you try to finance it right now, the interest rates will kill you, and you pay twice as much. It costs more than my 2022 F150. Here is Oregon. I went down and was looking for a Bolt EV. A couple of things I found out. 1. Dealers are adding marketing adjustments of $7,500. " Still seen a person buy one." 2. Some people like me would not get the tax credit. " Make sure you check before buying one." Also, each state has a different EV rebate. Make sure to check. Oregon is $2,500. 3. Stick with your budget. Don't be pressured to buy one. The dealer tried that, but I just wanted away from the deal.

[@thatevchick]

Smart - that is crazy that your F150 was less. Do you have the electric one?

[@Hellrorin]

No F150 Hybrid. What I mean by that I said is that the truck cost more the Bolt EV. It's the interest rate for vehicles right now, making it cost more. The truck is 1.9%, but the Bolt EV would be 7.9%. If you go term, you pay more. I know you can refinance when it goes down. But who knows when that will be. Here is a breakdown of what I was quoted on Bilt EV. Price: 29,745 Dealer Markup: 7,500 Total: 37,245 60 months was 753.41 per month. Which put it at 45,204 84 months was 578.65 per month. Which put it at 48,606 It's close to double the cost. Remember when dealerships do market adjustment, you pay interest on that too.

[@thatevchick]

@@Hellrorin Right. That is an insane markup. Thanks for sharing all of this information. I ordered a Tesla Model Y in 2021 and really lucked out.

[@MtHoodMikeZ]

@@Hellrorin You need to find a different lender...

[@eduardovargas1133]

Ugh I absolutely loved my bolt. It was a 2017 that I ended up getting rid of in 2020. I’ve since had 2 teslas and although they are superior to the bolt in nearly every way, there was a certain peppiness to it that I just loved. The upright seating position also felt so expansive, loved it 🥹 I will say, however, i owned the bolt when my daily commute was 2 miles and never went on a single road trip w/ it beyond visiting our second home (~115 miles from my primary one) so maybe I’ve just got rose colored glasses.

[@albinflyckt7983]

Fun video! I really enjoy TFLEV 👍 great stuff.

[@nevco8774]

When it comes to practicality the Leaf featured in the video competes with Chevrolet Bolt EUV for its price and most importantly for adults in the back seat with decent length legs. At that point the price and range get surprisingly close. MINI has different versions including 5 doors ones but not in the electric world. What a pity the electric MINI is not practical with 3 doors and the range was designed to be OK only for Europe.

[@jfrenchws6]

I'm curious how the Bolt would do in the 60-0 test, in one pedal mode, and also using the regen paddle. Bet it would stop at least a few feet sooner.

[@EattheApple666]

Had '19 Bolt just got '23 EUV and love it. Great video.

[@glennkverneland833]

Excellent! Really like y'all threw the Corvette into the mix!

[@Sraaz07]

Love you Roman. Reaction time doesn't affect GPS enabled drag timers.

[@user-fm2nx2gh1v]

I had a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV for a few months. It was okay. It definitely didn't handle well at all & had absolutely no steering feel. It was a torque monster and had some fun moments, but the cars character/personality is more important to me than anything else. I guess out of these 3... I would pick the Mini Cooper SE as it is more like a go-kart.

[@johnw.graovac8030]

Would have liked to seen which car would have stopped frist the Bolt or Vette.

[@JeffWinter1]

In Ontario, Canada, that basic 2023 Bolt on the road with all taxes, fees, and EV Credits is still $43k Cdn cash. Add Financing and you're almost at $48k! No Deals Here.

[@thatevchick]

Thats exp. for a bolt!

[@kman0074]

Unless your in Quebec and get the $5k from the feds and $8k from the province.

[@maj429]

Just bought mine, out the door it was 37k. Bolt ev 2lt with dual speed charging cable and adaptive cruise ad ons, MSRP 31k. After taxes, title, destination, it was 34k. The dealer markup fee posing as a "paint protection package" was 3k extra. I balked at that but decided to get it anyway...

[@JeffWinter1]

@maj429 What province are you in? In Ontario we only get $4424 Fed EV Credit, Doug Ford took away our $12k EV Credit in 2018.

[@NorthernRetreat]

@@kman0074 The Fed $5k - 13% = $4424.78 Credit you actually get in Ontario.

[@ascendantP]

Cool test! Really enjoyed the comparison

[@GiveMeYoSammich]

I mean 30k and cheap don't necessarily go together especially nowadays, 15k and under is what most people would consider cheap.

[@jasontetkowski496]

I'd be curious to see how times compare around a road course to find out how much of a disadvantage the extra weight is. Maybe throw in a ICE Mini as well

[@darkerbrother1]

It’s going to be interesting for Chevy once the Equinox EUV hits the street. A Bolt vs Equinox Test will be must watch tv. I imagine that will make GM Lower the price of the Bolt more Since the Equinox is a little under 30K Although the Bolt is second generation EV technology and the Equinox is third generation. The Bolts range is super impressive. Can’t help but wonder if GM put a third generation battery in the Bolt after the battery recall. That alone makes the Bolt an even better bargain.

[@andrewsbbq]

Bolt and Bolt EUV aren't long for this world.

[@darkerbrother1]

@@andrewsbbq I know the Equinox EV is the Bolt EUV Replacement

[@andrewsbbq]

@@darkerbrother1 not really a direct replacement as it's much bigger than the Bolt and EUV. The Bolt needs to die because the battery limitations are confusing people with the better Ultium system.

[@JustinKelly]

GM has said the Equinox will be "about" $30k. I would be shocked if the Equinox EV starts less than $31,990. This will likely increase to the mid $40k range for top trims.

[@jamesengland7461]

GM merely put repaired batteries in the Bolts.

[@MrGMawson2438]

That Bolt is good for the price

[@Mrdsmith500]

More proof of my research into the Bolt EV before the purchase paid off. Owning my 2023 for only 3 weeks now and I love the car. Everybody loves value.

[@roguedogx]

9:09 that does actually make me wounder what the gm EV1 would do up against a modern bolt in these tests. yes the bolt would paste the EV1 on range and price, but as far as acceleration and braking, I would like to know who wins.

[@sp1nrx]

The only existing EV1s are in GM's storage....

[@thatevchick]

Looks fun! Really great video - thanks for the share like always!

[@josephhoalt6824]

That Bolt would roast the tires had you actually stomped it that’s why the Mini beat it. That was a very soft take off. 22+ Bolts aren’t as aggressive as they were in 21 model year. I have a 21 and 22 our 21 outruns the 22 every time. 22+ got a lot of refinements it isn’t as aggressive it takeoff or regen braking. I can make people motion sick in the 21 but the 22 is as I said refined in a smoother less aggressive feel

[@Lostcause1974]

I like the Leaf wheels. I also haven't kept up with the Leaf design language. I like it.

[@hoosierdude7102]

Is the quarter mile time fair, technically? Roman probably has close to a three digit weight advantage on the two little fellers…

[@sp1nrx]

Turning on Sport mode in the Bolt isn't going to give optimum results in the 1/4 mile. The traction control also needs turning off. That combination would have made a termendous difference in the test..

[@reashontaylor2258]

I had a loaner, Nissan Leaf, from the dealer while my car was getting serviced, and it was plenty fast for me. The charging at was a bummer 😕 took way too long.

[@dandreger5616]

I bought my current daily,a 2019 Silverado 1500 4X4 5.3 V8 4 door pickup brand new in 2019 for $34k.

[@zoefaith120]

Somebody needs to make a ev vette!

[@directorjustin]

I'd like to see anyone make a 2(+2) seater sports EV.

[@moatplay]

A salesperson told the the Mini EPA rating was done with the car fully loaded, five adults and a full trunk. So, the range and acceleration should be much higher, 0-60 closer to 6 sec. and range of 150 miles. I'd like to see if any of this is true. The fact that the mini beat the Bolt means that it is somewhat true.

[@ScaRlaK319]

Finally! Thank you for reviewing entry level ev's!

[@Tron-Jockey]

I am really surprised the Leaf did that well. Not sure about the Mini which can depending upon trim level, can weigh between 2800 and 3800 lbs., but the Leaf is at least 300 lbs. heavier than the Chevy Bolt.

[@aaronbritt2025]

Altitude is a killer. That 'Vette is a full 2 seconds quicker in the 1/4 mile at sea level.

[@dvader3263]

Yes, and the cool thing about EV's is that they can operate with full performance high on the Moon and Mars without oxygen.

[@markfitzpatrick6692]

Roman and Tommy loved the video. I have a 2012 leaf and love the bolt. Hope it will be my next car.

[@MrGMawson2438]

Great video guys

[@jacksonbangs6603]

I currently drive a used 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. I must say that it was a good buy on Black Friday here in Medford Oregon. I was driving a used 2015 Nissan Leaf which does make the 2020 Bolt seem loads better. I am still waiting for my recall appointment to get a new battery in my Bolt. Great video.

[@JDDevice]

If you didn't get wheel spin on the Bolt, you did something wrong. You have to turn off traction control (that massive button) and turn off regen/one pedal driving.

[@Josh-ww5kz]

Exactly. I feel as if he wasnt pressing on the pedal that much because i own one and its enough to give me a big kick when i launch

[@pernell4351]

Y’all need that again by putting flashers on the hazard lights that would increase the speed of the Nissan leaf.

[@Rubo321]

I have a chevy bolt euv now. I had tesla model 3 dual motor and bmw i3 2019 with range extender but at 31k plus all insensitives best car u can own. I have cooled seats tesla or leafe do not have that.

[@jeffmann2494]

I love my Bolt.

[@JDDevice]

Always thought the Leaf DC at 100kW

[@nortoncomando1975]

Sport Mode does nothing but remap the pedal. Full Go Pedal = Full Power. Regardless of silly switches.

[@USUG0]

indeed, more gearbox vs one fixed gear ratio than gas vs ev

[@ThorMaxx]

The value proposition for the Bolt in Canada, is much worse than the US model.

[@r5LgxTbQ]

these are limited by computer not power right?

[@78katz]

These are about to get annihilated by Tesla's massive price cuts.

[@danielsodden7728]

Not really. Tesla's are still $10,000 above these.

[@claudiuberta5688]

@@danielsodden7728 Tesla starting at 36k now after cuts and tax incentives in place.

[@evflyguy]

Still can't top the Bolt at $26k before incentives.

[@danielsodden7728]

@@claudiuberta5688 and you can get a bolt for $18,000 after those same tax incentives

[@78katz]

@@danielsodden7728 Yeah, really. They were already getting annihilated by Tesla before the cuts. The base Model 3 charges three times faster (170 kW) and actually has a really good charging network. Game over.

[@amazingjason455]

How much does driving style affect electric range? Jackrabbit starts and hard braking vs hypermiling around town.

[@MegaTechpc]

I’d imagine it affects range quite a bit.

[@davidandrew6357]

Driving Electric is not just about range (gas wins on that) or performance but about efficiency. So what about Miles per Kwh? I saw one vehicle (the Leaf?) had something like 3.7, what about the Bolt and the Mini-Cooper? I'm guessing that the Mini might do better, just as it did in performance.

[@paulvon2378]

Tesla Model 3 would have blown the Vette away. Love the Bolt EUV as well for the price.

[@aquirestudio1817]

I agree that the bolt rocks, I love my 2023!

[@itss.freddy]

You should’ve done a 20mph roll with the bolt and vette, bolt sucks of the line but when it’s going and it’s 85% and over charge it pulls hard

[@gusros779]

Would be nice to have see the last gen 500e in this race.

[@matthewlibanio8227]

I thought the Leaf with the 62kw battery had 100KW charge speed? Are you sure that's right?

[@987micim]

Leaf does have 100kW charging but due to rapidgate and the lack of 100kW CHAdeMO chargers you are essentially limited to 50 to 70kW and all the way down to the low teens if the battery is too hot

[@douglasalanthompson]

​@987micim the 23 Leaf hits a peak of 80kW on newer chargers.

[@markfitzpatrick6692]

We have delta chargers by ev go and they have 100 kw chademo

[@tforest9841]

Your Mini Cooper is cool I’ve liked it since you did the video to go get it

[@davescott1491]

Fun guys!!!

[@paulvinci4030]

3:52 23’ Nissan Leaf SV has 100kW charging.

[@MrCarnage69]

When it comes down to drag races and things of the sort where weight and time is a factor, the tfl kids need to be at the wheel or have one designated driver. When Daddy tfl is in a ride potentially the car is going to go slower. He is taller and he is probably about 40 to 60 lb bigger than Tommy. I know a lot of this programming is for entertainment value but when stats are trying to be made, consistency is king. More weight equals less speed and less mileage, especially when it comes to EV's.

[@dommm111]

The MINI is the prettiest, the Chevy seems to be the most modern and some how more spacious. The Leaf the most "reliable" due to its longevity in the market, but all of them sucks big time in drag racing 🤠

[@markmonroe7330]

So two of them priced around $37,000-38,000 and we are calling them "inexpensive". Seriously?

[@larryspiller15]

Wish they'd make the bolt 1k more expensive and upgrade the charging hardware to handle 100-150kW. It could be a person's only vehicle if it weren't for that.

[@JT_771]

Interesting 'n all, but the Bolt is the only one worth buying from this trio. The other two just don't make sense unless wildly, wildly discounted.

[@JT_771]

@@Plisken65 The Mini costs more, yet has horrible range. The Leaf costs as much, generally more, has noticeably less range and for some mind-blowing reason, still has a battery pack that isn't properly thermally managed. You get far more capability and generally for less cost with the Bolt (looking at just these three autos).

[@Agent77X]

Theses subcompact BEV are so fast!😮

[@firemanauxoneknox4287]

I agree, like my Bolt.

[@aminliranzo]

You need to match the SOC in all cars for a fair RACE!

[@agoogler1887]

Cool program guys 🤓

[@the_jarmel]

Have a beautiful day Everyone ✌️

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

The Bolt is the most practical car. If only it had 150kw charging, instead of 50kw (they messed up there), I'd say this would be the EV everyone should get, even over a real wheel drive Tesla Model 3. As it is, it's still great for 99% of drivers out there. Unless you're doing road trips all the time or using your car for Uber, it's not an issue.

[@Moggster23]

It's a shame Chevrolet left the market I live in, I think the bolt was available here for a short time.

[@douglasalanthompson]

Leaf Plus can charge at 80kW (technically 100), please correct the video.

[@brandonstewart7145]

Awesome video guys as always, would you tell me the name of the device that you are using to record your speed in the quarter mile?

[@MartinRosendahl]

Doesn't the flux capacitor activate at 88mph?

[@golfish8589]

You should have had the corvette in the race

[@FrankySilverFace]

Lol I have to comment on Brendan's artsy fartsy arm drop. 😂

[@williamerazo3921]

Who’s the guy in the leaf

[@CandycaneBeyond]

This is funny 🤣

[@MrGMawson2438]

This is going to be interesting

[@mrgurulittle7000]

I like the Nissan!

[@I-Libertine]

How did I see *that coming...?

[@rnt45t1]

The word "cheap" and $30,000 do not go together in my world. I'm not broke, and I make decent money, but I would never call a new car "cheap." A 20 year old Pontiac Vibe I bought for $1,400? yes, that's cheap.

[@DavidKeadle]

Every 20-25 years or so, consumer prices double due to inflation. This has been going on for well over two centuries in America. This is why a loaf of bread no longer costs a nickel

[@Countcho]

Its not 2000 anymore.

[@rnt45t1]

@@DavidKeadle cheap and $30,000 does not belong in the same sentence, unless proceeded by "not."

[@rnt45t1]

@@Countcho cheap and $30,000 does not belong in the same sentence, unless proceeded by "not."

[@jamesengland7461]

Your Vibe wasn't cheap at one time.

[@michaelmackey754]

Awesome

[@FrankySilverFace]

So how many feet does it take to hit 60mph? Distance is easier for me to understand. I can see feet. I can't see time.

[@daviddeister2999]

When I charge my 2022 EUV, it charges to 270 miles.

[@michaellowe3665]

It's just difficult to pay more for one of these than a WRX. AWD and much easier access to fuel on road trips seems like a better option for me. If I never drove more than 100 miles from home, that mini would be tempting. Maybe they will be cheap enough used, that they make a decent 1st car for teens.

[@bradhoots8547]

Statement is confusing. The base model WRX with automatic transmission is $32,500, and Bolt is $27,500 before tax credit, and gets $7,500 back if you qualify for it. Even a fully loaded Bolt would be $31,900, or effectively $24,400. Granted you can get a manual in the WRX, but it's only $1900 cheaper.

[@pryme2013]

@@bradhoots8547 Nearly no one buying one of these “economy” EVs will qualify for any of that 7,500 it’s not worth even mentioning. Nearly everyone looking for a cheaper EV takes standard deductions so they won’t see a dime.

[@michaellowe3665]

@bradhoots8547 pryme is correct. The $7500 credit was a scam, much like student loan forgiveness. It only applies to cars with batteries sourced in North America, which no one has and may never happen due to EPA regulations. I recently priced a WRX on the subaru website, and it came to 35k with the options I want. They quoted the prices of the ones shown in the 37k range. I can't imagine buying a WRX with an automatic transmission, but I guess a lot of people do. There is no way I'm buying a CVT in a performance car. Even if the price were the same, I often make trips to remote locations more than 300 miles away. The real range of these cars is only 80% of what they state, because they charge slowly above 80% and it will damage the battery if done frequently. ICE cars don't punish you for filling the tank. I'm not confined to interstates on trips with an ICE vehicle because there are gas stations along smaller roads. EV route planners have to take you along routes that have chargers, but there is no guarantee they work when you get there. You may be sacrificing additional time and milage to stay on an interstate when a back road is more direct. It's great technology, just not what I could use at this time.

[@bradhoots8547]

@@pryme2013 With that logic, nobody that cannot afford an economy ev and get the tax credit can afford to buy a WRX to start with, which is what the original comment was about.

[@bradhoots8547]

Sorry for the double negative. Hope it makes sense.

[@darrenmcguire2961]

Love my bolt

[@nicholasstarinsky3357]

that Chevy is $18K in NJ until March, 2023 after state instant EV discount ($4,000) and $7,500 federal tax credit (for those who qualify, to be filed in 2024)

[@Martin-dx5zs]

Did the LEAF use kickdown? Adds way more power

[@jthomp997]

Use what? And sorry if this is a joke that I'm missing cause I don't know anything about evs

[@Roddy451]

The Bolt has a speed limiter...

[@Bikerbug2020]

Okay, Roman needs to get into the Mini to offset the weight of the cars… LOL Speaking as a person in similar age group and shape.