Consumer Reports NEVER recommends a new model. It's that simple. However, the Tesla rated the highest test score of any vehicle in their history of testing. That says a lot.

The Toyota Prius was the top-selling car in California for 2012. That says a lot. http://www.usatoday.com/story/driveon/2013/01/22/toyota-prius-honda-civic-california/1856721/

Not to take the wind away from the Leaf, but the Focus Electric also was awarded the top safety pick: http://blogs.automotive.com/2013-ford-focus-electric-earns-nhtsas-top-vehicle-safety-rating-126893.html

I can't seem to find any incentives (other than the usual fed credit and Cal rebate). True, the price then comes down to about $30,000, but I haven't seen anything else. Where do you find the additional incentives.

Thanks for the info. This is why I pay you so much money. Wait, this info is FREE?

I should have said "Southern California". Forty-six percent of power from Southern California Edison comes from NG. (12% coal)

NG provides the overwhelming source of power in California.

No. Certain cars have LED headlights, such as Audi. The technology is still relatively expensive, so only expensive cars have the LED's.

You can "pay" your taxes any quarter of the year. You "file" your taxes after January 1. I know of no way to take a credit in any quarter unless you are not on a calendar year tax filing. (And I don't know anyone who has elected otherwise.) I guess you are suggesting that you can take a credit on a quarterly payment at anytime after you purchase the car. I would hesitate from doing that unless you know you will not incur any interest or penalty for doing that.

It would be fantastic to file for the $7500 tax credit on a tax quarter. Unfortunately, I don't see any provision on the tax credit form for this. You may be required to PAY taxes, but I don't see any provision for FILING A RETURN on a quarterly basis. PLEASE, if I am wrong, let me know how to do this.