1 / 7 Nissan Leaf

<strong>When It'll Be Available:</strong> The Leaf will hit the market this December in limited quantities and in limited markets, but a full US market roll-out is planned for <a href="http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/feature/pricing_information#/leaf-electric-car/feature/pricing_information" target="_hplink">2012</a>. <strong>The Details</strong>: The Leaf is only available with an electric motor that features a top speed of 87 mph. This motor has three levels for recharging: 120V for level one, 220V for level two and 480V for level three. At level one, it takes 20 hours to recharge fully from empty, level two takes eight hours and level three can charge to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes. Level three charging depletes the battery’s capacity 10 percent faster, so <a href="http://www.hybridcars.com/news/13-key-questions-and-answers-about-nissan-leaf-battery-pack-and-ordering-28007.html" target="_hplink">Nissan</a> recommends against using level three as the primary charging method. Innovative features include a small solar panel mounted on the rear spoiler that can trickle charge the auxiliary battery. The Leaf’s battery will have an 8-year 100,000 mile warranty. <strong>Price</strong>: <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/30/autos/nissan_leaf_pricing/index.htm" target="_hplink">$25,000</a> <strong>MPG</strong>: <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nissans-leaf-claims-367-m_n_257448" target="_hplink">367</a> miles per gallon, according to Nissan, though many call this number too generous <strong>What They're Saying:</strong> <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/2011-nissan-leaf-first-drive-road-test-review/" target="_hplink">Autoblog.com</a> reviewed the Leaf and was very pleased with the car. "Few things stand out, and that's exactly its point. Nissan isn't out to change the driving experience, it's just changing the method of motivation. And more than anything else, that's what's going to bring electric vehicles into the mainstream," writes the blog.