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Eco mode
Eco mode
In "eco" mode, the Leaf's performance doesn't actually change much, but the gas pedal becomes harder to press down. That keeps you mindful of how much you're asking from the car's batteries.

"Eco" mode also causes the car to use "regenerative braking" more. Regenerative braking is when the car uses its electric motors to help slow the and generate electricity. That electricity recharges the batteries a little, essentially re-using energy that, in ordinary braking, just heats up the brakes.

The result of all this is that the car feels more sluggish in "eco" mode even though, in reality, it could actually accelerate just as quickly if you needed it to.

NEXT: Your mileage may vary

Last updated October 08 2010: 11:03 AM ET
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