Nah, that’s not a Leaf pun… this is a Leaf pun

It’s Leaf, Jim, but not as we know it…

Excellent punning. Yep, this really is a Nissan Leaf, but unlike any we’ve ever seen before. It’s been decked out with off-road suspension, ultra-tough tyres and LED lighting to make it look like an emergency response vehicle.

Oh… so it’s not an emergency response vehicle?

Not really, as Nissan says this is just a working prototype, but it does highlight how great battery tech is for disaster management. Designed as a first responder, the Re-leaf – a pretty excruciating pun in itself – features external 110/230v plug sockets that can power things like jackhammers, medical ventilators and water treatment devices when mains electricity has been knocked out. In fact, Leafs (Leaves?) have been powering stricken homes in Japan since 2011. It’s all thanks to V2G

(Vehicle-to-grid) and V2X (Vehicle-to-everything) tech, allowing you to plug almost anything into the car’s batteries.

Is that a massive TV in the boot? Yes, but this isn’t some Pimp My Ride flourish, as the bespoke desk pulls out to become a mobile command centre so operatives can dish out vital comms. The rear seats have also been removed and a custom bulkhead installed so tools don’t fly around the cabin when you’re racing to the rescue.

Is it wrong that I now kind of want a Leaf?

Not at all, because the Re-leaf looks undeniably awesome with its wider track, raised ride height and meaty sump guard. It’s a shame the marque doesn’t offer an AWD version with similarly beefed-up styling… including optional flashing neon light bar and giant TV in the back.