Slated for availablity late in 2010, the Leaf can reach speeds of up to 90 mph, and will go about 100 miles per charge, according to Nissan.

While the sticker price is not firm, Nissan representatives said they expect it to be in the range of most new cars today, about $26,000 to $33,000.

The Leaf runs on an array of lithium-ion batteries, which are housed beneath the floor in 48 flat modules. They deliver a maximum of 90 KW to the electric motors. This was plenty of power for quick, totally silent acceleration, as we found in a quick test drive around the parking lot.

The car’s batteries can be charged three ways:

• With a fast-charging station that will power the batteries to about 80 percent in half an hour
• Through a 220-volt outlet, in about six to eight hours
• And longer through a standard 110-volt outlet

We judged it to be a sweet ride, one that is so silent that Nissan will probably want to develop some sort of noise generator to alert people and animals that the Leaf is coming.

With its commuter-friendly range, zero emissions and a high-performance lithium-ion power pack, the Leaf looks like the around-town car of the future.