Rolling in a Nissan LEAF doesn't quite sound gangster now does it? I guess in our world of automobile choices, you have to choose between being cool or outputting zero emissions while you tool around for pennies per mile. Personally, I am torn; being cool is tempting, but I would rather not have to eat dog food because gas prices our so outrageous that I cannot afford to drive to work. The Nissan LEAF, the newest electric car on the block, will allow me to not have to go the dog food route.

The Nissan LEAF, announced today, is billed to be energy efficient, clean, and affordable. The LEAF has a power train that is fully driven by lithium-ion batteries and won't produce any carbon emissions whatsoever. The cool thing is that the batteries and the regenerative braking system allow the Nissan LEAF to travel upwards of 100 miles on a single charge. For any in-town commute or weekender need, 100 miles should do just fine. The vehicle itself should be able to achieve speeds around 70 MPH. The LEAF will also include an advanced IT system that will provide some serious technology connections including driving directions and entertainment.

The car is not in the dealerships yet, but it is not supposed cost much more than a traditional vehicle. It will not cost too much to recharge, so ultimately, this 5 person car should pay for itself in just a few years. More details are sure to hit the streets before the vehicles 2010 release in the US, Japan, and Europe.

Via Far East Gizmos