[paterfamilias]

The Leaf would cost you about 30-37K before Federal Tax break.

Unless you could charge it at work, you might run into problems with the battery range, especially in the winter (less of a problem if you live in a warmer climate).

A plug-in hybrid (I think there is a Prius model, as well as the Volt) might be a better choice.

Personally, I prefer diesels - I drive a 2002 VW Golf TDI - I average about 40 MPG driving from a NYC suburb into Manhattan daily - averaging 39-40 mpg. Car is just about to turn 200,000 miles and has been fairly economical to run over the 12 years I have owned it. A new Golf TDI runs about 27K, the Jetta TDI is less. Great drivers, and nicely appointed cars, to boot.

[Dr. Sivana]

The Leaf would cost you about 30-37K before Federal Tax break.

If you look at cars.com, Nissan Leaves are selling at under $20K. Probably after the tax break, but still nowhere near the 30K you are suggesting. OP is in Atlanta, probably an ideal location as an all-electric should be okay in heavy traffic unless the AC stays on all of the time.