Nissan Leaf ALL-ELECTRIC

The LEAF is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or PHEV and is just like the automobile you presently drive, except you'll never have to visit another BP gas station.

Although plug-in hybrid electric cars have a low impact on the environment, offer considerable savings in fuel cost, and are friendlier to our environment than those vehicles relying upon an internal combustion engine (ICE), most plug-in hybrid electric vehicle have yet to meet America's driving requirements.

The primary concern has been the limited distance they can travel.

Equally valid is the concern that America's electric vehicle infrastructure is limited to certain regions. The electric vehicle is not a valid choice for everyone.

For now, the consummate electric automobile owner resides in an urban region and travels less than 50 to 60 miles per day.

For drivers falling into this category, an electric vehicle like the EV LEAF might be a perfect choice.

LEAF Performs Solely on Electricity

The LEAF performs solely on electricity. This is not an example of the tailpipe being moved to another system and produces no emissions. Therefore it actively reduces our reliance on foreign oil and fossil fuels, which is vitally important.

The price of gasoline is on the rise, and the fuel has destructive effects upon our world. We need options that are neither expensive nor poisonous.

The LEAF can travel up to 100 miles before needing to find a plug, not a filling station. Its range depends on several factors including driving speeds, outside temperatures, driving style, road conditions and passenger and cargo weight.

The electric LEAF is as environmentally friendly as possible. It's 95 percent recyclable and Nissan used many components constructed from recycled materials.

Although the car is compact, the LEAF's (106.3") wheelbase is nearly identical to the Honda Civic and its overall length is 175 inches. The roomy LEAF is more comfortable than the Chevy Volt, especially for the back seat passengers. The LEAF's back seat can hold three car seats.

The all-electric LEAF uses no gas or oil. It has no combustion engine or fuel tank. Nonetheless, following months of head scratching on how to compare a battery-powered electric automobile to a conventional ICE automobile our EPA awarded the LEAF a fuel economy rating of 99 mpg. This is almost triple the ratings for efficient ICE automobiles, such as the Mini Cooper.

Because of the automobile's passenger and trunk space, the LEAF falls into the "mid-size vehicle" class. This is the same category as a Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The EPA awarded the LEAF "best in class" for mid-sized vehicles.

With government mandates and generous financial assistance, the past unwillingness of automotive manufacturers to invest in this pioneering technology is beginning to shift. Companies around the world are beginning to reinvent and revolutionize the electric-hybrid vehicle sector.

The Toyota Prius, Chevrolet Volt, and Nissan LEAF are only the beginning.