Nissan unveils the Leaf electric car

Nissan today unveiled its upcoming all-electric five-door hatchback that seems poised to rival the ever-popular Toyota Prius (read review) and the 2011 Chevrolet Volt in attracting the most eco-conscious car buyers.

The new car, dubbed “Leaf,” is set to go on sale in the U.S. late next year with a battery range of 100 miles and pricing more affordable than other electric vehicles, the company announced today.
Like the Prius and Volt, the Leaf is visually distinct from any gas-powered cars, though at 176 inches long it’s roughly the size and shape of Nissan’s compact Versa hatchback.

But unlike the Volt or Prius, the Leaf will have no gasoline fallback for when the battery is depleted. Nissan says its lithium-ion battery pack can be charged to 80 percent in half an hour with a quick charger; a full charge through a 200-volt outlet would take eight hours. The car’s power monitor will also display nearby electric charging stations.

Examiner