Electrified cars were once fashion statements offered by a handful of automakers. They may have spewed less smog, but as a notable episode of South Park once depicted, hybrids like the Toyota Prius were responsible for a whole lot of smug in the motoring atmosphere. Hybrids and fully-electric vehicles are de rigueur nowadays.
Having a green conscience is undoubtedly a good thing. But can battery-powered cars really undo the environmental evils caused by an entire global tapestry reliant on fossil fuels? Tough one. Automakers seem adamant that this is the way forward.Nissan was certainly not the first to experiment with the format - which happened as far back as the 1800s, believe it or not. However, their Leaf is credited as the first mass-produced electric vehicle. And one that lit a flame beneath the backsides of competitors, who hurried to bring their alternatives to market after the Leaf dropped in 2010.Just a quick disclaimer before we go on: we will try avoiding references to autumn, spring or anything vaguely related to horticulture. You've heard them all before.
Technical workshops, heritage displays and liberal servings of miso soup were all part of our recent introduction to the latest Leaf in Japan.
Nissan's representatives seemed a little subdued when they took the wraps off their new car. I guess the sequel will never match the hype of the original. On paper, it looks to be better in most measures. Especially in the looks department, where it takes on a more serious aesthetic. Electric cars don't have to look quirky.
Apart from a "Zero Emissions" badge here and there, it's less shouty about its status as fuel-shunning, voltage-loving environmental champion. This is just an attractive Japanese C-segment hatchback, with five doors and a spacious boot. And a few Duracell batteries underneath.The brand forecasts a doubling-up of its first generation's sales figures - around 300,000 found homes worldwide. A sizable driving range is needed to wean us off engine-powered convenience. Denser battery packs in the new Leaf claim to offer 400km between charges, but this figure isn't guaranteed for our market. Expect more power as well: 110kW and 320Nm vs 80kW and 280Nm in the outgoing car.
Sadly, there was no driving component to the preview so Nissan's fun-to-drive promises will have to be taken with a pinch of wasabi. The current car is an enjoyable thing to pilot, it must be said, and definitely more inspiring than the tall, biscuits-for-wheels BMW i3.
• The new Leaf is likely to arrive in SA towards the end of next year.A TIMELINE OF NISSAN'S ELECTRIC EFFORTS1947 TAMA
The Tama was built by Tokyo Electro Automobile, precursor to Prince Motors, which merged with Nissan in 1966. It had a top speed of 35km/h and a range of 65km.1997 PRAIRIE JOY
In 1992 Nissan teamed up with Sony to develop lithium-ion batteries for automotive use. In 1997, the Prairie Joy EV hit the market in small volumes. It was used as a support vehicle for Japan's North Pole research centre.
1998 R'NESSA
Getting closer to the current Leaf template, the R'Nessa EV was an evolution of the technology featured in the Prairie Joy EV.2000 HYPERMINI
Dainty dimensions and seating for two, this was the brand's solution for congested cities. The Hypermini had run-flat tyres and an aluminium body. It was used briefly for a car-sharing trial in Yokohama...