Nissan has introduced its first purpose-built electric vehicle for mass consumption, the Leaf, but buyers who don’t want to wait until 2010 to get an affordable car that’s good for the environment may consider several models of used cars in New York.

The new car is expected to come as a hatchback with seating for five, powered by an all-electric motor that produces no emissions and has a range of 100 miles on a single charge.

Automakers like Nissan, Honda and Toyota have taken different routes to reducing emissions, and Nissan has released fewer cars that incorporate electric motors than its two Japanese competitors until now.

For buyers who may need a new vehicle now, looking for a used Toyota Prius in New York may make more sense, with the Leaf not likely to be available for at least a year.

A 2004 model offers fuel mileage of 60 miles per gallon in city driving, and similarly to the Leaf is a midsize car with room for five occupants, according to Cars.com