Nissan's Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car (LEAF)

Nissan's Zero Emission LEAF

Nissan's Zero Emission LEAF is another one of the 5 contenders for this year's Green Car of the Year Award at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. When I first saw the LEAF earlier this year in Detroit I wasn't sure what to think of it's design, mostly around the back end area. Now that I am looking over these shots, it doesn't seem so bad design wise but I can't imagine a pure electric vehicle replacing our main car...

...due to the current range limitations of somewhere between 47MPC(stop and go) and 138(ideal)... but it could make a great getting around town and short trip second car.

I wish I could just push a button to stop using gas and start using a new zero emission electric technology but unfortunately combustion is here to stay... Right now, electric isn't the right answer for every market, it maybe someday, but if you are burning coal to produce electricity driving an electric car is not going to do anything to help, except keep the noise pollution down a bit. Still the LEAF is an exciting step forward,  the first of it's kind from a major manufacturer and right now, my pick for the GCOY. I'm looking forward to seeing it again Wednesday morning.

Charging station for the LEAF at NAIAS 2010

Nissan LEAF recharging in Detroit

I remember when cars had bumpers and ran on gas.

Not so bad from this angle after all.