Electric Nissan Leaf priced at $33,000 in U.S.

They also partnered with Hertz, so you'll be able to rent one to really see how it does:<p><a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/02/hertz-car-rental-nissan-leaf-electric-cars-2011.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/02/hertz-car-rental-nis...</a><p>This is a good move, because a quick test-drive won't be enough to truly determine if an electric car would work for your lifestyle.

I think part of the appeal for an electric car for me is the much lower maintenance and higher reliability, if the EV1 was any indication. Perhaps that could be rolled into the justification for the price.<p>It's an electric motor, avionics (car-ionics?) and other things, not many moving parts. If you are truly paranoid about having "an engine breakdown" the motors are small enough that you can carry a spare. :)

I think GM is going to really be sweating considering the Leaf will end up being $10K+ cheaper (after rebates and credits) and will be produced in higher quantities from a brand (Nissan) that doesn't have all that negative press associated with it that GM has had over the past 18 or so months

Oh no, how many bad jokes will we have to hear regarding "Leaf" and "4/20"?