it's hard to agree that the LEAF is a flop, at least not at this point. Nissan seems to have engineered and built a generally very good product. However, it is flawed and there may be some truth to the argument that it was released too soon. I don't own a LEAF, no EV at all, not even a hybrid. There will come a time in the not too distant future where I will be in the market for a new automobile, and I have been following the LEAF's development(as well as the Volt)). Both, incidentally, seem like great ideas and necessary ones at that. As so many people on this board have said, the biggest hindrance to middle class folks (like me) in buying a LEAF is cost. I factor into that cost the fact that the battery will degrade over 8-10 years, to the point that many people will want to trade their car in. Right now, I own 3 vehicles, the newest one being a 2003! People keep their cars longer than they did when I was growing up(I am 57 ). If the car needs a new battery pack after 6-8 years, at the cost of $38,500 this is an overly expensive car. Yes, there is the $7500 Federal Tax rebate(and another $3500 State of PA rebate on top for me). Problem for many of us is that we just can't swing that large initial up front cost, and then wait 6-8-10 months for a rebate. Lot's of people are just making ends meet and don't have the extra cash necessary to swing the deal. Also, if the car is getting realistically 70 miles or so, under ideal driving and weather conditions, then Nissan is expecting customers to pay premium for a car with limited capabilities. Even though, by all accounts, this is a fun car to drive that suits many families perfectly, it falls short for many others. If the cost were more reasonable, a lot of people could make do with the limitations. But $38,000(or even $27,000 assuming the tax rebates) is a large ticket price for a commuter car. I am hoping that the Smyrna plant opening will allow prices to drop, and that battery enhancements will up the mileage range. If those 2 happen(and they are big ifs) then Nissan has a real shot at success here. I certainly hope that it works out for them, as the US needs this.