The 2011 Nissan Leaf offers a revolutionary new design for an electric vehicle (EV).  The name “Leaf” stands for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car.  This compact 5-door electric hatchback will go on sale in late 2010 and will retail in the U.S. for about $33,000.  The announced all-electric range is 100 miles for city driving.  The Leaf will feature an advanced IT system that allows the vehicle to connect to a global data center that will provide driver support, navigation information and entertainment 24/7.  A dash-mounted monitor will display remaining power and a list of nearby charging stations. 

Read more about this new EV at the Nissan Leaf website and see it in action in this YouTube video:

Renault has unveiled its innovative solution to the challenge of sustainable urban mobility. The Twizy Z.E. zero-emission electric car weighs in at just over 900 lbs. This 7.5 foot car is more than just a prototype and is planned to go into production in 2011. Some of the avant garde features include an open body design, seating that puts passenger behind driver, and octagonal wheel covers. See the Twizy in action in this YouTube video and read more about its specs on the Renault website.