With almost no alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles to speak of in North America, Nissan’s upcoming Leaf all-electric automobile, set to roll out in 2010, represents an interesting generational leap. Interesting because Nissan hasn’t built up the kind of green foundation other automakers — such as Ford with its Fusion or Toyota with the Prius — and yet it’s skipping those baby steps. Nissan’s going right for the prize: an all-electric, zero emissions vehicle that performs as well as a normal car and yet doesn’t cost and arm and a leg.

Nissan is hoping that the Leaf — with its none-too-crazy looks, 100 mile range, speed of around 90 mph, quick charging ability and purported affordable costs (Nissan says you could run a Leaf for only $13 a month) — will give it the chops to overcome EV-shy consumers in North America. One of the most impressive selling points for the leaf is it’s quick charge time. The Leaf can power 80% of its battery in only 30 minutes, making it so you won’t be stranded with a dead car in your garage charging overnight.

Check out more of the Leaf below, and see Nissan’s full press release after the jump.