I think I'll hold out and wait for the Y. From what I see of the 3, the Y seems like it'll fit me perfectly with it's added space, higher ride height and more cargo.
I am a hatch back guy too. It is so practical. I could not wait any longer for the Y so I bought the Kona. It is such a fun car to drive and has plenty of range.Also servicing is close to where I live even though it does not need much of that. I like to give people rides in my car and every body is impressed with the car. Just trying to get them excited about EVs. Its fun.
Just about to buy a 2020 Bolt. I chose the Bolt over the Tesla or Kona for a few reasons. First reason is because of rear seat and cargo space. Having kids in rear facing car seats the Bolt has the best fit compared to Tesla or Kona based on my height. Second is because of range, the 2020 Bolt has similar range to the Kona and they both have more than the base model Tesla (Model 3 Standard Plus Rear-Wheel Drive) ~415km vs 386 for the base model Tesla. Third, the Bolt felt a bit more fun to drive for me than the Kona (personal preference). I haven't driven a Tesla, but I am sure it is really fun to drive. Finally, the price (the major deciding factor). The Bolt as priced in Canada is the least expensive of the 3 cars. Note: compared to what you get in a regular gas car all 3 are expensive! The base model Tesla in Canada sells for CAD$54,990 including destination fee. The Bolt LT is CAD$47,290 including destination fee. With taxes and freight and the incentive the Bolt works out to about CAD$44,000. With taxes and freight and the incentive the Model 3 works out to about CAD$52,600, approximately $8600 more than the Bolt. For me, purchasing the Bolt is a stretch financially, so the extra $$$ for the Tesla with less range makes it a deal breaker for me. Also, the Bolt has been around for a while and is proven. If there are problems, there are lots of GM dealers around to have it serviced. These are some of the reasons I chose the Bolt over the other two. I think any EV you pick today will be a good choice for you. I highly encourage you to try them, they drive much nicer than gas cars do, are more reliable and I found they are more fun to drive. Most importantly, do it for the environment. Here in BC, we are almost 100% renewable electric power so getting rid of the gas car and moving to an electric makes a big difference.
Its too bad you didnt take the supercharger network into consideration. That was the deal breaker for us. We wanted a car with no compromises that we could road trip in Tesla was the only way to go.
I’m super satisfied with my Kona idk why people are saying there is barely any room in the back .. I ask my Lyft passengers all the time if it feels tight and they say no it’s perfect . I always get 5 stars reviews and compliments on this car plus I like how I don’t see one in every corner :)
Here in Australia I was ready to buy the Kona, the dealer gave me the final price, they put $290.00 on top of the recommended color price and $ 2995.00 delivery fee. I am going to thank them and give them a bottle of bubbly after I get my Tesla Model 3 standard range + delivered for slightly less money
The Kona is a great option if you need a higher ride height. Other than that, the Model 3 is a significantly better car to live with. Cooled seats and heads up display would be nice to haves that the Kona Ultimate has but not worthwhile buying influencer. Good luck with your Tesla!
Where I live there's ~20k USD delta between Kona and the Model 3 with less range. Plus the paint doesn't fall off and it doesn't have 100 useless assembly parts because they are still learning to make a car and there's an existing local service network (no need to put the car on a platform for 1500km if something goes wrong). Also: NO heat pump on Model 3, big no-no. I'd like the Tesla to work but right now, not an option.
@@OutofSpecMotoring Why is the more expensive, less eange, less advanced (see range loss in cold weather), peeling paint etc. Model 3 significantly better to live with than Kona? I'm buying the Kona anyway, my research is done, just curious to hear arguments to back the opinion.
@@tudormontescu6275 I worked for Tesla for 3 years and was there for the release of Model 3. In 6 months the cars were already different but you wouldn't know. They changed the stamping in the rear of the trunk that had some useless parts, the seats have been changed and little odds and ends that are internal that you wouldn't see. That's the thing with Tesla, they change things constantly, it supposedly as high as 100 minute changes a month (don't know how true that is). A Model 3 now is much better now than one built 3 years ago. I currently own a Chevy Bolt and I love the form factor, the hatchback and I don't mind the interior my Bolt was the cheapest bolt in t least a 500 file radius. I do regret not getting one with quick charging though, even though I wouldn't need it 95% of the driving I do. I wouldn't hesitate to get a Model 3 now, but I think in a year or two I'll Likely get a Model Y once the kinks are worked out like in the Model 3. If I would have stayed at Tesla (I was laid off Jan. '19) I would have bought a Model 3. I think the Kona is a neat little car too and I had looked at it before I bought the Bolt, but the deal I got on the bolt (I was a GM employee at the time), couldn't be beaten. Still, the charging network and the OTA updates from Tesla plus superior sensor suite would lead me to buy a Tesla. I got a Bolt because I was able to charge at work had an 80-mile roundtrip commute daily and it was dirt cheap. Next few years should be interesting for EVs. If I don't go Model Y in a year or two I'm looking at Polestar 2.
I drove a Model 3 and Bolt EV back to back. Other than the power, and better handling I'd take the Bolt everyday. Getting in and out ... No weird door handles... No cheap " minimalistic" interior. And the Bolt has more rear leg and head room than the M3, Kona, Niro EV. Only the 2020 Soul EV has a bit more. The Bolt is lacking in seat width a bit.. The immediate throttle is due to you not being in sport mode.. it's done on purpose to save power. Slow charging speed is it's main issue. But remember. Car came out in 2016/17. And 50kw chargers were all that was available.
kens97sto171 Power handling range supercharging network.... Tesla, but you don’t like the “minimalistic” interior, because you need to feel like you’re still inside 1999 Corolla? Really? Hmm.
@@summertyme5748 Umm no.. I want to actually SEE the information I need to safely DRIVE ... IN FRONT OF ME.. where it should be. I want the wiper controls, as a lever I can FEEL.. so not have to look at it. I want door handles that work like every other car in the world.. And please tell me what's wrong with a 1999 Corolla.. they have sold 44 Million Corollas.. maybe Tesla should follow that lead instead of trying to make cars that are so unique and wierd on the inside. People don't like wierd and different in a vehicle.. 44 Million Corollas PROVE that. I actually DRIVE for a living... So I probably have more experience with cars and what works and what doesn't than most people. 3 million miles in the last 15 years..
“In front of me” ⬅️ You need to see - the road, and you can see more of that in the model 3 than virtually any other car. As for the speedometer, you can see that more clearly in the model 3 without moving your eyes from the road than you can in a car with a dash mounted speedo underneath the steering wheel which literally requires you to take eyes off the road and look down.
@@summertyme5748 Sorry disagree... I've Driven both. Didn't like the M3 display system.. And really didn't like the controls. Nobody should be staring at the speedo anyways.. if rather have a glance down, vs to the right . Also.. the blind spot monitoring is in the center screen.. instead of in the mirrors where you SHOULD be looking when changing lanes. Mostly didn't like the lack of basic controls... Wipers, mirrors, door locks.. and door handles. But everyone prefers different things.
@@kens97sto171 I understand you need something to grasp like children with baby toys but there are many who enjoy convenience over cluster, simplified instead of the overly complex, intuitively minimalistic over a complicated menagerie of nonsense. Model 3 fits the bill quite nicely.
I like all three cars. I own a Model 3. However having a hatchback would have been nice. The main thing is to drive electric, and push your local utility to be more green in how they make your fuel. Or just buy some solar to make it yourself.
Good point! My state fights me though. My power comes from Niagara Falls, aka pretty green or blue or brown depending on rain fall. So pollution wise we're good. Then the politicians got involved and have banned Tesla showrooms in the entire state except for the socialist/communist enclaves of NYC and Long Island where there are 5 showrooms. To even get a test drive I have to go to Pittsburgh PA, [215 miles] {and I did for a Model S test drive} or Cleveland OH 189 miles. Then it is the 8.25% sales tax and 2 year license fees. Nothing for buying "green" which the same commies who want us to be green keep yelling about but are fighting Tesla every step of the way. NY is in direct violation of Interstate Commerce regulations and even discriminating against those of us in Upstate or Western NY over downstate NYC/Long Island.
I think Model Y is going to be what a lot of people want. They like the idea of a Model 3, but want a “crossover” to fit in the with their neighbors. I love my Model 3 Performance. I do wish they’d made it a hatchback like the S, but it’s pretty practical the way it is.
I liked the Kona but when I went to look at putting a car seat in the back for my kid there was just not enough room. Tried the Niro EV and it had just a bit more space back there to fit a car seat so may go that direction soon enough.
They have some good observations, but let's be honest. They are not "about the same price." In the real world, a basic Model 3 costs at least $10,000 more than a well-equipped Bolt. I don't know much about the Kona as it's not available in our area (10 states only). If this is a video about which is the best buy, compare real pricing.
@@AR-zq9hq The base Kona is the same price as the M3 Standard Plus @38K. But this tested the Ultimate Kona (46k vs Standard + 38k) so what price difference are you referring to? The price over the Bolt?
Cool to see 3 great options for real world EVs. 👍Correction in the Model 3, SR = 'Standard Range', not 'Short Range'. Another great option in this category would be the Kia Niro. All have 60kWh batteries, 200ish HP, 400km ish range.
@@eugene9000pro However, the Niro EV has almost as much cargo space and rear passenger room as the Bolt EV, which has significantly more than the Kona Electric. It's really like a hybrid between the Bolt EV and Kona Electric.
No Wonder why People line up to buy Tesla. All these car company still didn't learn especially GM. Either they have to make a better product or forget EV market. They better focus on ICE Pickup Trucks.
As of Dec 30, 2019: Tesla SR+: $39,900 starting, $42,490 as shown in this video Chevy Bolt EV: LT: $30,237, Premier $34,500, minus $1,875 federal tax credit -> $28,500 - $32,700 Hyundai Kona EV: SEL: $38,300, Ultimate $46,500, minus $7,500 federal tax credit -> $30,800 - $39,000 I think comparing the Kona Ultimate to the SR+ is fair, but not for the Bolt EV. Despite the MSRP appearing comparable, it's really not. With that said, I think the best argument for getting Kona over Tesla is price. And if that's your motivation, you should probably get the SEL trim instead of the Ultimate.
I kind of like the form factor of the Bolt and Kona, but when I saw them in person, I was shocked at how little storage they had. They felt like they had less room than a Model 3 even though it was a sedan.
Don't forget the tesla is a solid half a meter (almost two foot) longer than the Kona and the Bolt. The Kona, whilst being that small, isn't using it's space effectively because it was designed as an ICE car as well. So yeah, if price is the same, the Tesla got the others beat on almost every measure.
Lol a new windshield takes probably a day or two to get in and an hour to replace. I’m usually not a Tesla defendant but your timeline is way off. Also, 0 deductible glass insurance takes care of chips for just a few bucks per month
This was an interesting comparison video. I do take exception to one thing though. Your statement of price similarity seems way off in the real world. In the Northeast, the Bolt Premier, the higher of the two trims, can be had for a little over $29000 from at least one Connecticut dealer. The Kona is being offered pretty much at MSRP $38365. Apparently you can special order a stripped down Model 3 for $36,200 plus $1200 delivery, but that cannot be ordered online. The standard range plus starts at $38990 online. Real world pricing may change the purchase decision for many.
I tried to get a bolt for their "advertised" price, couldn't get the standard trim below $32000 after rebates and crap and that didn't even have any financing offers at the time. Their fed tax rebate is also only $3250 vs hyundais full $7500. They end up being pretty similar in price.
@@bryanhughes3751 Bought a 2019 Bolt Premier in MD in March for $33,500 OTD ($26k after Fed Tax Rebate). It was on their lot for six months and they had 20 of them. It was 500 miles away from me, but Criswell Chevy in Gaithersburg, MD ACTUALLY gave me an invoice beforehand. Gently used Bolts seem like a fantastic bargain for under $20k.
@@thelondonbroiler that's an awesome deal, I walked into my local dealer and was very upfront but they wouldn't go below $32000 on a base trim before tax rebate and that was after it was down to 3750. They tried to roll the credit into the price without telling me and I walked right out and test drove the Kona. Insulting. Wish the bolt had ACC and lane keep though, not sure why GM couldn't add them when the volt had ACC years earlier.
I agree with Nick, the Bolt and Kona are derived from sub $20k economy cars so they have a cheap look and feel. It’s just the fact. The Model 3 is at another level.
Love to but in NY State {actually Upstate or Western NY} you can't. The Politburo in Albany, have banned Tesla showrooms in the entire state except for the socialist/communist enclaves of NYC and Long Island where there are 5 showrooms. To even get a test drive I have to go to Pittsburgh PA, [215 miles] {and I did for a Model S test drive} or Cleveland OH 189 miles. I did go to Pittsburgh to test drive a Model S. Best car I have ever driven.
@@jwickerszh I don't think you get the message :) He's comparing apples to oranges here, a 40k Euro Leaf vs. a 100k Euro+ Tesla and wow, the Tesla is nicer :)
@@jwenting Well, I'm saying I would not necessarily chose the BMW .. and most of the time if I can take either I stick with my stick. If I road trip though i prefer the BMW for sure. I'm test driving the model 3 this weekend though, so I'll see if it's actually 3 times better than my VW, there are way cheaper EVs over here that I could chose though and I can't stand the ergonomic of the Tesla no dash / no buttons a priori ...
I agree with most of the pro and con statements on the Model 3, but I strongly disagree that the door handles are hard to get used to. My wife and my daughter and I found them intuitive and easy to use with one hand within the first day that we had the car.
frammis In The U. S., we worship imbeciles. I agree that the Model 3 handles are intuitive. Your thumb goes on the obvious thumb part. When the lever lands in your palm, it takes a real dimwit not to pull on it. Voila!
I am thrilled with my Kona Electric. As a matter of interest, if I exit without switching it off so that a passenger is able to have a/c and elec windows without running the 12v Batt down, the car CANNOT be DRIVEN unless the key is present. Nobody can drive off with it. The key must be present as indicated on the dash warning.
Correct. People will tell you that sport mode just remaps the accelerator but it also tones down the traction control which is pretty aggressive on the Bolt. The Bolt's motor produces the same power as the Kona and the Bolt is lighter so it's actually quicker. And it won't spontaneously explode and blow the door off your garage. ;)
Where I live, the M3 standard plus is $10k more than my Bolt. If they were the same price, it'd be a no-brainer for the Tesla--it is clearly a superior car. But $10k in savings is tough for me to ignore considering 99% of my driving is in the city.
Basically the same price? A Base Kona compared to the M3, when calculating the price difference and the interest rate, the Kona is 20000 less.. far from basically the same price. That is in Canada.
I love this review, you folks talked about things nobody else talks about, response, comfort levels, noise levels, braking oddities...thank you for this. I was not a fan of the Tesla Model 3 until after I say this review....too bad the 7500 rebate is not available on that car, or I would be all over it. Can you folks do a test drive on a Mustang Mach E. I would like to see your report.
As much as it makes me taste vomit in my mouth, I kind of like the Kona's EV design. I think with a few cosmetic mods, you could make it look pretty neat. BRB gotta go rinse my mouth out.
The Kia eNiro is the Kona with a better design and even a little bit more space. (same parent company, therefore really more or less the same car). But the eNiro is virtually not available at all with waiting times of 12-18 months, which is ridiculous.
I have the middle trim Kona Limited. I love adaptive cruise on our Forester but I couldn't justify spending an additional $4500 for it. I would have wanted the upgraded autopilot features if I got the M3 so the cost was just over the, "keep the wife happy" line. With the full $7500 federal tax credit I could justify the Kona Electric Limited over an ICE car. The M3 was just a little unjustifiable for the limited miles I drive. My previous car, a 2008 Mazda 3 had only 79000 miles on it.
A few things. You say you don't know what the "Sport Mode" in the Bolt EV does, but then you complain about pedal sensitivity. That's you're solution. Remember, in independent testing, the Bolt EV is every bit as fast as the Kona Electric. Also, accelerator response will depend on battery levels as well (I can only assume all of the vehicles had a full battery at testing). Also, you should note what the "50% faster" charging speed actually results in, time wise. You're only talking, maybe, a 5 to 10 minutes less time on a typical charging stop. Sure, it's better, but not game changing. Charging speed is not the real advantage the Kona Electric has over the Bolt EV on road trips, but rather it's the range (due primarily to the much larger battery).
@@heyheythecat Which Model 3? The Model 3 that's similarly priced to the Bolt EV (the Model 3 SR+ is still more expensive) only has ~.5 faster 0-60 mph speed.
If they had put decent seats in it and given an option to upgrade the interior from hard plastics to soft touch, the Bolt would have sold well. It is a decent car. That is hampered by being cheap on the inside. The Bolt and the Kona may be the same 0-60 but if the Bolt gives you a slight delay every time you touch the accelerator it actually feels slower.
@@onlineo2263 I never had a problem with the seats, but I understand that some people do. Not one of the dozens of people who have ridden in my Bolt EV have mentioned it, so that opinion about the Bolt EV's seats seems to be restricted to the EV community for some strange reason. Also, after riding in the Kona Electric, I saw no real difference in interior material quality (the seats did have more padding, though). As for the delay in the accelerator, that's only in "Normal." "Sport" is far more sensitive and as responsive as the Kona Electric. I let a friend who owns a Model S test drive my Bolt EV, and I had him drive it first in Normal and then with Sport. He immediately noticed and commented on the difference.
@@onlineo2263 I understand some people won't own vehicles for more than a few years, so they don't experience the aging of "premium" materials. Go sit in a Mercedes or BMW from the 90's that's been reasonably well cared for, then go sit in a Ford, Toyota, etc. with "cheaper" materials, cared for the same way, and you'll notice the "cheaper" plastic materials GENERALLY hold up better longer. The "premium" padded/soft touch materials usually don't fair well with age. How do I know? I installed, as a full time profession, thousands of aftermarket electronics and accessories on a vast amount of makes & models, for eight and a half years.
I look at my P85D as a tampon, a one use only item. Insurance company will not fix it so I'll use my crumple zone. As long as I walk away, I don't care about the car. Just get another one next week. I got the car for it's safety!!!
to fancy for my likes..i like a car, not for status.. just for reliability, economy, resilience, hp and long range miles for single charge... the bolt app is easy...the 360° camera superb...the price etc... i prefer the bolt 2020 over tesla..
The problem with the Bolt is the looks, the price and the looks. It is just plain and ugly. The Tesla is a nice looking car on the outside but is a little short on creature comforts for the price and for my liking. Of the three, I’m saving another $7,000 and getting the 2020 Ioniq. Best equipped of the bunch and, after 3 winters with a 2017 Ioniq (and a 140km round trip commute) I’ve learned that bigger range is far from necessary and far from everything.
This reminds me of the old sears catalogs of the 70s. They always had a a product and 3 versions of it. The cheapest would be called 'good,' mid price is 'better,' and the expensive was called 'best'.
The review got a point. If you read the magazine / press reviews, everyone talks like the Kona, Bolt etc are Tesla-Killers (same price range) where in reality they are not even playing in the same league - maybe not even on the same planet.
So I test drove the Model 3 and the Model S, I LOVED THEM BOTH!!! Having said that, t just as this video seemed to show and what not one review has mentioned in the RU-vid world is that the ride is rough. If you look at the "bounce" in the Tesla compared to the other cars in this review you can clearly see it. That was my only complaint!
I totally have to agree with you I just drove model 3 today and it has the same ride quality as my Scion frs 2016 which obviously isn't meant for luxury and comfort it's sports tuned suspension and the model 3 felt the same...1 of my complaints as well. I feel sometimes people seem to be going more with hype than looking at it with fresh eyes as they say.
Well.. there shold be law that allowes any EV to be charged at tesla supercharger.. and also vise versa. Ofc that non-tesla cars must pay extra to charge.. but that way ANY EV have ALL chargers ready to use ALL TIME.. which is good for overall EV market growth.
Same price, not even close, autotrader has used Bolts with 15k miles for about 24 grand, least expensive Model 3 is 41 grand and that’s used, good luck even finding a Kona
Cata Lin your not hearing me, while theoretically they’re close in price, in actually there miles apart, almost no one gets a base stripped down Tesla Model 3, and those that do, sell them on the used market for more than they paid, The Kona is deliberately constrained sales wise by Hyundai for the US market, and dealer premiums of 5k over sticker are common, an AutoTrader search shows only a few on the market, at premium The Bolt on the other hand is plentiful, discounted, and available
I'm in AZ, Hyundai doesn't even sell them here, neither the Ionic, only CA, OR and WA I think. We have such few options. Some are nice but the range sucks.
The noise that the Kona makes is called VESS which stands for Virtual Engine Sound System. This is used to alert pedestrians and cyclists etc. Who might not notice the car otherwise. It's turned off with the simple press of a button down to the left below the steering wheel making the car almost completely silent.
Thanks for this comparison. For me it’s down to the Kona or the M3. I like the Kona because it’s a SUV and sits higher and has a great traditional interior with buttons etc. The M3 comes with a supercharger network which is huge added value. The person driving the car clearly goes for the M3.
You seriously didn't know that the sport mode button on the Bolt changes the acceleration curve, you should have enabled that when you started driving. I knew that within the first day of ownership. And I had it now for a year-and-a-half and I love it. I am able to carry four by fours and all sorts of gear. I appreciate that it is a little Spartan in terms of interior quality, but it is very functional space. And when you added that a model 3 has gotten more functional space I totally saw all the bias I needed. I hope your friend will enjoy that I Taycan, a very driver focused car beyond a Tesla.
I didn’t hear them mention what version Bolt they were testing. It seems like they were using the cheaper LT version instead of the Premium Bolt. That would have been better since they were driving the Ultimate version of the Kona. Premium version is nicer and still $4k cheaper than the Ultimate Kona.
For me not having a hatchback is a dealbreaker, plus I'm not a fan of the simplistic interior layout of the Model 3. I ended up buying a Bolt and I'm mostly happy with it but now that I've driven mine for more than a year I would never consider any EV that doesn't have a one-pedal driving mode and for whatever reason no Telsa's do.
Hyundai hit a home run with the Kona, but they still have their head half way in the sand. They could never hope to produce as many Kona Electrics as Tesla produces Model 3's. Kona is a great EV, better than the M3 in some areas (range:dollar ratio, ride height + hatchback), but it serves as an example why Tesla will continue to excel in the future compared to other companies, Tesla is actually serious about maximizing their output because they are actually serious about making EVs. I don't think Hyundai was expecting the Kona to be a big success and they didn't plan ahead to make enough of them to meet the consumer demand, which is just stupidity or willful blindness.
As an American Tesla Model 3 owner, I would probably pick the Kona as my 2nd option based on the specs space wise and range wise. It's a really good car. But they are probably losing a ton of money on each sale so that's why they don't want to sell a lot of them. This transformation into automotive electrification is interesting. Tesla is dragging everyone by their hair to go this way, and we are seeing what they can do. Tesla is still the king of EV's.
I have done extensive test drives in both, and I picked the Kona because I much preferred the way that car handles, and I do not plan to every exceed the max range on any single trip (I have a petrol car for that). Plus I prefer buttons over touch screens. But with that said, I *really* wish other auto makers would follow Tesla's lead in understanding what a modern EV actually is. Charging is an important part so you do not skimp on that, and Tesla doesn't. A 70kW charger on a long range vehicle, really, Hyundai? Add a one in front of that next time. The other thing: half of a modern car is software, so you plan for the future. Tesla does that... rolling out faster Superchargers, and allowing any existing car to take advantage of them with a simple software update. Things like battery preconditioning to shave 25% off the time for mid-trip recharges. Dog mode... sounds stupid but it is such a simple yet sensible thing to add (and having the touch screen instead of buttons is a pro there too).
Nice video. You've got a problem with that Kona, though . The brakes shouldn't jump forward like that when they transition from regen to friction. Also the motor shouldn't make a high pitched whine at low speeds. If the Kona was the same price as the TM3 here in the UK, I would have bought the Tesla, but even in its base spec the Tesla is £7k more expensive than I paid for the Kona. And the Tesla is priced just over the £40k tax threshold so you have to pay £320 per year.
As a Kona owner I have not noticed the brake jumping at all... I do notice the wheels spinning out sometimes: the traction control isn't all there, and the tyres that the car comes with are rubbish. The noise at low speed is not the engine, it's generated by a speaker to warn pedestrians. Honestly, the noise doesn't bother me, but it can be turned off with a button (though it switches back on at the start of each trip)
I test drove all 3. Loved the model 3, then enjoyed the Kona for comfort and interior next, then like the Bolt last but the Bolt is 15-17k less than the other two here in Maryland. Going for 27-29k. The Kona and model 3 were 40k+
BINGO - the fact that this type of thing is left out of a comparison is nearly absurd. Yes the model 3 is the superior car if you're looking at MSRP. The bolt after credits and discounts is a helluva car IMO.
Thanks for the content, but I have a small quibble when near the end of the video you said they cost the same. Between tax incentives and trim/options, the Kona is roughly $10,000 less than a mid-spec Model 3! That's not to trash the Model 3 (I say this as someone who stood in line to pay for 2 Model 3 reservations on the first day); but rather to point out that there is a reason why you have a difference in the interior materials, the amount of glass in the Model 3, etc. Comparing a Model 3 to a Kona or a Bolt is like comparing a BMW 3-series to a Mazda 3 and a Ford Fiesta. One is an econobox, one is a fun everyday driver, and one is an entry-level luxury sedan.
Important comparison. This is depiction of what your money can buy. There is an option at three distinct price points: the Model 3, the Bolt or Kona new, and then the latter two used. It is really hard to find many used electric cars but the Tesla is holding its value artificially. This is not the time to buy one used. Maybe in 5 years the used market will be more normal for these cars. For a person who wants to spend less than 15-20k, a used Volt, Bolt or Kona are a great idea. The i3 can be purchased for 10k.
The issue is that I can get a bolt for 22500 at my dealer.. 27 for the leather one. so thats like 15,000-20,000 in my pocket... invested in the market. and i still get the EV grin.
I purchased a 2020 Bolt for this reason as well. If it weren't for the significant discounts from GM the pricing would have been too close to the Model 3. Kona EV isn't really an option for me as it is only sold in CARB states and I'm 1,000+ miles from the nearest CARB state. So my choices were M3, Bolt, and Leaf. I won't buy a Leaf due to no active thermal management on their cars. My car is used for my daily 64 miles roundtrip commute. It works great. And as the video stated, the 55kWh max charge rate is a let down, but I didn't buy the car to drive any distances over about 180 miles. We have a second car that is an ICE and use it for road trips. In a few years if we decide to get something to replace that ICE we likely will get an EV, but it won't be something that won't fast charge at least at 75kWh.
The bolt felt sluggish compared to the kona? The Bolt is 1 second faster 0-60 MPH so either something is wrong with your bolt or your friend just felt more comfortable with the kona after he warmed up with the Bolt. Fun video though. I love EV's.
Why do people always insist on comparing EVs to Tesla?? Tesla doesn't compare to other EVs! You'll be disappointed about all other EVs by doing so! Tesla competes against ice cars which is why you realize you get range anxiety with smelly gas cars when comparing to Tesla.
I disagree, a case can be made for I-Pace, e-tron, and especially Taycan to be better than Tesla in some categories. Also, we all want to see other manufacturers reach the point of Tesla ease of travel.
@@OutofSpecMotoring yes in some categories it's a given they're going to be better but overall no which causes great disappointment. I agree we all want to see that but all these years have shown there's a strong general refusal to match Tesla as we know they still hope Tesla goes under so they could put that behind them like they did with EV 1.
One big advantage that the Tesla and Bolt have over the Hyundai is that they can be easily purchased in every state, whereas the Hyundai is pretty much exclusive to mandate states like California and Oregon. [edit: From what I've heard anyway] (It is possible to have it shipped to your state, however). The Bolt probably has the best situation because it is not only available in every state, but is also much more easily repaired if you have a fender-bender or some other issue (Chevy dealerships all over the country). This is also the advantage that the Leaf has.
that acceleration delay in the Chevy Bolt is due to anti-lock braking if i remember correctly. i took one for a test drive one time and i was so disappointed in the delayed acceleration too. but when we looked it up, it had something to do with i think the anti-lock braking. it is a setting that you can turn off, but then you don't get ant-lock braking. i think this is the deal breaker for me. i've always wanted a Bolt, but that delay really does ruin it for me. :(
My next car will be a used Nissan Leaf, those can be had for less than $10,000. The great thing about used Leaf's is that they typically have low mileage because of the limited range that electric cars have. The Tesla 3 is way overpriced for my little 10 mile each way work commute.
17:50 This is the 1st time I've hear someone claim that traveling with electric is easier than with gas - I'm not buying that one, but kudos to electrics (especially Tesla) for making long distance travel at least feasible. That's a game changer!
I just drove Tesla model 3 from South Florida to North West North Carolina, its almost 800 miles. Stoped at super charger 2 times. For 20 mins and 40 mins, bathroom and food stops. Then stayed one night at the hotel with tesla charger. Which a lot of hotels have electric car chargers now, and they are free to use.
I think Kona is great since you are still able to get full govewrnment rebates I think 7500$ in US. Other E-cars are only getting half now since companies have introduced their electric cars for a while now while Hyundai just started year ago.
On the Hyundai, is the low speed noise not the artificial sound generator? I believe by law in the EU new EVs are supposed to have a sound generator, which could just be a speaker, that makes some kind of noise at low speed to make pedestrians aware of EVs moving around them. :) Model 3's have a slot under the front bumper for this device, but it's not installed on US Model 3s as it's not required by law in the US currently!
In Washington state you can buy new Bolt LT with DC fast chargers for $27,500. My daughter wants a Tesla but the best price she can get is $38,000. So, there is a sizable cost difference
@@heyheythecat - are you saying the economics of Bolt are worse then Tesla? Both EVs. both have good maintenance records, Bolt would be cheaper to insure since it is cheaper (less liability for insurer). Seems to me, economics favor Bolt
Eric G EVs are great in the winter. No need to wait for the engine to warm up before you get heat. Sure, you lose some range from the cold, but as the battery warms up, you get the range back. The heater does use a good amount of range, but if you have home charging, it shouldn’t matter.
I know, my concern is the debris that the Model 3 accumulates in the rear under cover (splash guard?) I've seen some videos with 5-20lbs of dirt knocked out at a repair shop. Although I believe they addressed this before I purchased my 2019, and I don't plan on going down too many dirt roads, although I do live up on a mountain that my Honda Insight has often not been able to climb during the winter.
@@dustingleason129 tesla dual motor version (or any other awd EV with high range) is good to go for you. just have in mind in winter u'l get less of range.
@@dustingleason129 That issue may have already been resolved. I know when I was working there they already had one revision done. They could have likely done a second revision. I was telling someone else that Teslas are constantly being improved, often things we don't even see. I haven't worked there in a year and a half, but I was there for the Model 3 launch and 6 months in they had already changed a few things, two years out and there are many more changes most people won't notice or see. Research it a bit more, I'd be surprised if that issue wasn't resolved. I might live in SoCal, but I did come in contact with a lot of people from NortheEastern states that couldn't praise these cars enough in the winter. I actually sold one to a customer in Alaska.
Not at all true, Teslas tend to break, a LOT, they are extremely unreliable, and out of warranty they are a fortune to fix, and difficult to get fixed. That tablet on that dash that you have to go through to control EVERYTHING if on any other car everyone would acknowledge is a terrible idea and a pain to live with. There are also several other questionable design features in the Mod3 that can be counted against it. Not hard at all when you look at it rationally.
In the US the Model 3 SR+ starts at $39,990. The Bolt starts at $36,620 and the Kona starts at $37,190. Even if you include the federal tax incentive the Bolt now is only eligible for $1,875 so the price difference is only $5,245.
Where I live you there are multiple new Bolt Lt's for sale for 21k and change. The cheapest Model 3's are used and low 40's.. Not even close to being in the same class of vehicle.
@@flipadavis In Canada SR+ $55,990, Bolt starts $44,998, Kona Preferred $45,999. Another incentive in BC is the Scrap It program, which will give you $6,000 to scrap your old car, which can be a great bonus if you happen to have an old beater, but Tesla won't participate in that program. That makes it up to a $17,000 advantage for the Bolt, $16,000 for the Kona. A huge difference for me is winter road tripping where the Kona is more generous in their range estimate and has a heat pump and heated steering wheel to help out cold weather range. If only we had better DCFC infrastructure on Vancouver Island!
As a driver, Nick often dont look at the road but look at his friend, or tries to find the button to press, I guess because it is a straight road ahead without a single car, but still, kinda dangerous
A bit biased, though. They really needed someone there who actually knew about the Bolt EV and could speak to it. The fact that he stated that he "didn't know what the Sport Mode did," yet the number one complaint was about accelerator pedal sensitivity says a lot.
I can buy a new 2020 Bolt from my local Chevy dealer for $11K off MSRP, for just at $29K. So the price for many working American's is a factor. One Percenters can always pay more. BTW if interested that Volt is at Jack Schmitt Chevy in O Fallon IL
FWIW I bought a Bolt instead of Tesla (Kona was not yet available) because: (1) It was ~11K cheaper [real world net price base models, which means SR+ model 3 vs LT] (2) back seat comfort [I have older children] (3) I prefer hatchback (4) not a big "fancy tech / autopilot" guy [more to break, more expensive to fix, don't want my teens within 1K miles of autopilot and/or "fart mode"] (5) local dealer. No regrets so far (25K miles), but the Tesla is very nice and otherwise this is a great video. On a side note, I have really mixed feelings about the Tesla charging network. I think it is demonstrable that Tesla is holding back the industry as a whole by maintaining "exclusive / proprietary" infrastructure. Public charging infrastructure is a constraint that could (and should) cause consumer anxiety. Tesla's "exclusive" infrastructure only serves to validate that anxiety for the consumers first dipping their toes in the water.
I'm a little confused about the claim at around 8:35 about range. The Standard Range Plus Model 3 is rated for 240 miles, while the Bolt is rated for 238 and the Kona is rated for 256 which is better... but not vastly different than the Model 3. Why did he say you'd need to pay an extra 10k over the SR+ to get comparable range?
The Kona Electric is rated at 258. In real-world driving, the Bolt EV probably does have better range than the SR+, but we have an independent rating system for a reason. We should be using that as a baseline, but so far, in my personal experience, the Bolt EV and Kona Electric typically exceed EPA rated miles while Teslas typically fall short.
Model 3 Standard Range Plus has 240 mile range. The Bolt has 238 mile range. U don’t spend another $10000 for equal range. That is a lie, pure and simple.
Depends where you live. Here, the Bolt is $10k less than the Model 3 standard plus before taxes. If all you need is a commuter or a work vehicle, it's hard to justify that extra expense even though the 3 is undoubtedly a superior car.
I got my Bolt LT with all the options for $26,250. New, 2019. I’d love to have a model 3....but for the price, the Bolt is a great value. So really...right now. The Standard Range Tesla is over $10,000 more.
@@jasonbaird1645 Before you decide try, I know it's hard in a Tesla but you can take it for a week and if you don't like it, get a full refund and buy the bolt. It is worth the extra $$$ - and even if it's your daily local driver it can do longer road trips if need be with the SC. It's faster, more efficient, great interior space, good trunk (not amazing but spacious), get's over the air updates, the autopilot while a long way from autonomous is just brilliant, especially in stop and go traffic. The screen is big, clear, responsive and modern. I think once you go Tesla you don't go back.
Bolt has higher ground clearance and has a hatchback. Model 3 is an amazing car, but I think it's held back by being basically a passenger car. If the Tesla M3 had come with a hatchback and slightly higher ride height, it would have monopolized the affordable EV segment, nobody would have bought anything else. As it stands it lacks in a few areas so some people still go for the Bolt and Kona. Tesla also doesn't agree with "right to repair" which is a turn-off for a lot of car guys and DIYers.
@@0hypnotoad0 The model Y is targeted at that market. I agree about the right to repair, but I believe there will most likely be a shift here eventually as the cars come out of warranty. Not many people are spending 35-65K to modify a car that in my opinion is the closest to perfection automobiles can currently get.
Stephen Logsdon downside For me is service network and maybe some initial quality issues several owners have reported on forums. Also I’m hearing once warranty expires repairs are astronomical as with other luxury vehicles. I did like driving the model 3 though.
Low seating position, poor ground clearance, less cargo capacity, worse visibility, less range at the same price point, etc. Objectively, there are a number of reasons someone might pick the Bolt EV or Kona Electric over the Model 3. Same for the LEAF e-Plus, Niro EV, etc. It's all about having options.
@@deanlewis8083 What repairs? You mean collisions repair? Warranty doesn't cover that. I'm not sure where you got your information, but there's not much to fail inside a Tesla. In any case, you could always sell before the warranty expires. They hold their value better than any other car. An engine is about 1/6th the price as a standard ICE vehicle and even less costly to replace as the labor is drastically less. The battery warranty is also 8 years. How much do you think a comparable battery will be in 8 years??
