I'm just back from the Philadelphia International Auto Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The good news is that I actually got to see and touch a Leaf, a Glacier Pearl model, which is still a rare event in this part of the country. Aside from that, it was a bit underwhelming. The Nissan display was tucked away behind VW in the main exhibit hall, and unfortunately, the LEAF was the only Nissan which one could not get into; it was locked. There were a few Nissan guides around, one of whom told me I could sign up when they started 2012 reservvations, before I told him I had already reserved. They gave a little presentation at one point, just basic information aimed at the uninformed. I was hoping to talk with someone who knew more than basic information, but no such luck. Makes me wonder whether it's worth the trip to DC next month for the Drive Electric event; today was OK since it was local, but I'd hope to meet with more knowledgeable folks after making the trip to DC.
My impression of the car was that it was better looking "in the flesh" than in photos. I like the bluish tint to the Nissan logos. It was hard to form much of an opinion, though, because I could not actually get into the car to check it out. One suggestion to Nissan: Don't keep people out of the LEAF!
Chevrolet had a Volt on display, but they didn't let anyone even touch it, much less get in. I was really impressed by how well hidden the tailpipe was. A lady gave a brief presentation describing the Volt, and when she got to the L1 charger, she said she wondered why they made it 20 ft long, as you could use an extension cord if needed. After the presentation, I explained to her the NEC issues. Before I talked with her, she was engaged in a somewhat spirited discussion about "Who Killed the Electric Car" with another guy who had watched her presentation. I got the idea that Chevy had primed their presenters with what to say to regarding the EV1...
I'm glad I went, but it would have been nice had I got to at least sit in the LEAF or the Volt. People did get to sit (with some difficulty) in a new Corvette on display; I swear those cars get lower every year! I did get some good lunch across the street at the Reading Terminal Market. BTW -- Ford had a Transit Connect at their booth, unfortunately not an EV version. If the EV revolution has started, it wasn't obvious.