Nissan was a little late coming to the hybrid party and for good reason. Other than a technology share deal with Toyota it has skipped past the competition and gone straight to plug-in electrics. In 2010 it will launch the Leaf, a car that is sure to send shivers through the Tech Center at General Motors, where the much ballyhooed and long-awaited (too long?) Chevrolet Volt is being prepared for launch. The Nissan Leaf, you see, is pure electric, whereas the Volt still needs an internal combustion engine to top up the batteries.

Both companies acknowledge that the average driver doesn't travel far in a day. The range of the Leaf is just over 100 miles - enough for 70% of people's daily driving requirements, Nissan claims. Carlos Ghosn, Nissan CEO, said: "We have been working tirelessly to make this a reality - the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero - not simply reduced - emissions. It's the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey - for people all over the world... for Nissan and for the industry."

Laminated lithium-ion batteries will provide a power output of more than 90kW, driving an 80kW electric motor. If you're unfamiliar with kW ratings, that's 207 lb. ft. of torque, available from the moment you hit the "go" pedal. A quick charge will restore 80% of the Nissan's power in just under 30 minutes; charging at home with a 200v outlet will take around eight hours, while you sleep.

The good news for anyone who cares about the way his or her car looks? The Nissan Leaf's design is handsome and more mainstream than Toyota's Prius or Honda's Insight. The best news for everyone? It is intended to be the world's first affordable, zero-emission car. No prices have been announced but based on estimates from the UK, it could sell in the US for under $25,000. This reporter will go out on a limb and predict that the Leaf, if it lives up to its promises, has the potential to be the car that re-invented the automobile. It may, however, have benefited from a French Lick.