The 2012 Nissan Leaf is nearly identical to last year’s model

This second-generation electric vehicle still drives great: The Leaf's a smooth, very quiet ride, with quick pickup and confident handling.

Now, the bad news. It still won't go very far on its batteries, and it still takes too darn long to charge.

The 2012 Nissan Leaf is nearly identical to last year's model. It now includes a cold weather package — a battery heater along with heated seats, steering wheel and outside mirrors plus a 480-volt, fast charge plug-in.

Nissanis being optimistic touting the quick charge port. It sounds great — only a half hour for an 80 percent charge. Trouble is, 480-volt charging stations are nearly nonexistent in the United States. The average charge at most 240-volt public charging stations takes seven hours. (The company encourages you to install a 240-volt station at your home, at a cost of about $2,000. If you don't, your standard 110/120-volt outlet will take you an interminable 21 hours for a full charge.)