2011 Nissan Leaf

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is the first pure-electric car offered for sale to the US mass market. This 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback runs exclusively on electric power. Leaf comes in two trim levels, base SV and uplevel SL. All use a 107-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Nissan claims a maximum driving range of 100 miles. Leaf’s charging port can accommodate a 110-volt or 220-volt household outlet.

It takes about 20 hours to charge the battery from a 110-volt outlet. Using a special in-home 220-volt charging station, a full charge takes about 8 hours. SL models are available with a “quick charge” port that can charge the battery to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes. The Leaf comes only with a single-speed transmission that functions like an automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. A navigation system is standard on all. SL models have a rearview camera and small roof-mounted solar panel, which provides a trickle charge to the 12-volt battery that powers accessory items, such as the climate system.