The Nissan Leaf is no less than the first purely battery-electric car designed for mass production and sale throughout the world. Though it's far ahead of the rest of the automotive industry as of its late-2010 introduction, the Leaf doesn't feel like a rush job. It's simple where you want it to be in its design and usability; and complex where it needs to be, in its provisions for scheduling and controlling battery charging and gauging its total range. It is, above all else, a serviceable family car. It just happens to need a power cord.