To start, the all-new Nissan Leaf is no longer the strange, awkwardly proportioned oddity it once was. The new car looks right at home with the rest of Nissan’s current and handsome lineup. It’s a 5-door compact, meaning it has four traditional swinging doors for driver and passengers and a single rear lift-gate to access the cargo area.

Inside, the cabin’s interior size remains largely unchanged and still comfortably accommodates five people. The rear cargo area has been redesigned to provide a considerable 668L (23.6 cubic feet) of available space, easily handling two large suitcases or three medium-sized, airline carry-on suitcases. It also allows for easier charging cable storage.

In short, the exterior and interior are very much among the best in class and don’t feel odd or lacking. But let’s get to the point: What’s it going to be like to live with it on a daily basis? Let’s start with the most common questions:

Is it weird to drive?

Put simply, no. Everything you’d expect from a typical gas-powered vehicle is in the new Leaf –and more. Air conditioning, smartphone connectivity, navigation, touch-screen controls, power this, keyless that; it’s all there. From inside the car will work exactly like any other -only much more quietly- with one exception:

Nissan is introducing its “e-Pedal” as standard equipment on all trim levels. While there is still a normal brake pedal, the new accelerator pedal controls both acceleration and braking. Simply release the accelerator and the car will come to a smooth and complete stop. The e-Pedal functions can be easily shut off for those who prefer traditional controls.

What if I run the battery dry?

What if you run a gas tank dry? When was the last time that happened? This fear of running a battery pack dry is not a real-world problem. The 2018 Leaf’s range has been extended to a maximum 241 kilometres on a full charge of its 40 kWh battery. That is plenty for most people. The new, more powerful battery takes only 40 minutes to charge from empty and every Leaf comes with a portable charge cable (120 V/240 V in its snout). Remember: there are more outlets in the world than gas pumps.

Don’t electric vehicles cost way more than gas cars?

The 2018 Nissan Leaf is not the cheapest car on the market. That title goes to its little brother, the Micra. But for a car this well-appointed that doesn’t use any gasoline produces zero emissions, and costs on average $75 per month in electricity, it’s an incredible value. That’s less money a year than the average compact hybrid (let alone a gas-only vehicle), which typically cost about $1,300 a year.

The base S model starts at $35,998, but depending on where you live, provincial rebates of up to 14 thousand dollars are available.

So, it’s time to reconsider how you move around and time to take a long, hard and practical look at the 2018 Nissan Leaf as your next vehicle. Call to arrange an inspiring test drive today.