The 2011 Nissan Leaf is nothing less than miraculous. After decades of waiting fruitlessly for commercialization of various science fiction inventions like the jetpack, the flying car and the robot maid, Nissan has finally delivered a regular, normal everyday car that runs on battery power.
Yes, electric cars have existed almost since Gottlieb Daimler built the first car and there have always been various limited-production, astronomically expensive electric playthings, but the Leaf is the first modern mass-produced fully capable car that eschews internal combustion. With a $35,430 as-tested price, the Leaf is not inexpensive, but neither is it prohibitively priced, especially with the $7,500 federal tax credit helping whittle a chunk off the bill. Even more attractive is Nissan’s $350 a month lease, which should make the car accessible to many mainstream drivers.
- 2011 Nissan Leaf SL-E Base price: $34,540 (including $820 destination)
Price as tested: $35,430
EPA MPG equivalent: 106 city/92 highway
Pros: No gas, eventual wide availability, attractive lease price.
Cons: Limited driving range, frog-eyed styling, recycled interior.
Verdict: A stunning success for tree huggers that could convert regular drivers (when they discover they can use a gas-free car for most of their driving).
Standard equipment: 80 kW electric motor, 24 kWh lithium ion battery pack, 3.3 kW on-board charger, 16-inch aluminum wheels, GPS navigation, keyless entry and push-button starting, thermostatic climate control, LED headlights, Bluetooth hands-free phone system.
Major options: Back-up monitor, solar panel, fog lights.
Safety equipment: Electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, traction control, front and side air bags, side air curtains, tire pressure monitoring.
