Those people may be intrigued to know that in Japan at least, there's an option to give it a little more performance.
We've covered the Nissan Leaf tuned by NISMO (for NISsan MOtorsport) previously, but the official Nissan tuner offers more than just visual upgrades. Customers can also purchase a reset control module, liberating extra performance from the motor with minimal effect on range.
The 136,500 Yen ($1,400) option gives drivers a little more power, improving acceleration and responses. The tuner has even tweaked the car's Eco mode, improving cruising range when in this mode.
While the performance upgrade is available individually, it's also part of a wide range of NISMO accessories available to Japanese buyers.
A full, aerodynamically-optimized body kit is available, with unique blue highlights to match the Leaf's blue badging. It's available as a fiber-reinforced plastic or wet carbon kit, the latter costing a healthy $10,225.
A sports suspension kit will set you back a further $1,080, the 18-inch alloy wheels another $450, while floor mats, blue-tinted mirrors and carbon fiber accents are also available. These, mercifully, are a little cheaper than the bodykit.
None of this is planned for U.S. sale, and even if it was you'd have to be brave to add a good $15,000 to the price of a Leaf. But we'd welcome the performance upgrade on its own, particularly if NISMO's promise it doesn't affect range too badly is true.
Maybe other tuners will take NISMO's lead and develop parts to enhance the Leaf beyond its standard specification. Could the Leaf become the electric car world's first tuner vehicle?...
[Hat tip: Brian Henderson]
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