2011 Nissan Leaf compare

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is a perfect car for many commuters in urban or suburban areas with access to a garage, significantly reducing the everyday cost of transportation, but it's completely impractical for those with longer commutes.

The 2012 Nissan Leaf offers a good blend of affordability and all-around performance for city dwellers and suburbanites looking to go zero-emission, but its cruising range limits its appeal for long hauls.

Its short driving range and long recharge times limit the suitability of the 2012 Ford Focus Electric to some specific lifestyles, but it is a very high-tech car that should delight early adopter types.