This is what it's like to live with the Nissan Leaf

[wtmusic]

"The Leaf is not a small car. It easily dwarfs our e30 3 Series BMW and the Nissan Cube it replaced. It is no surprise that it is classified as a midsize car – it is certainly neither a subcompact nor even a compact. It is also not particularly attractive, inside or out, but that's no surprise based on all the pictures that people are used to seeing. Its real-world size, however, can be a bit surprising for those expecting a car the size of a Mini or even a Volkswagen Golf.

Our real world range has been between 70-100 miles with an indicated 105-110 miles at full charge.

Top speed is just north of 90 miles per hour and it will reach its terminal velocity relatively effortlessly with no audible or tactile reluctance. Be ready for a profound impact on range driving at those speeds for any length of time, though. The biggest range killer, BTW, is not speed, not climate control, and certainly not stop-and-go driving (this is actually where an EV is completely the opposite of an ICE car – it hates steady state, but thrives in stop and go traffic jams). The biggest range killer is hills. Long uphill sections are the Leaf's nemeses."

http://green.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/this-is-what-its-like-to-live-with-the-nissan-leaf/

I would concur with this assessment except for handling, which IMO is exceptional for the price point.