Ahead of its big social media push -- targeting word-of-mouth generators such as Facebook and Twitter -- that starts next week, Nissan released a video on YouTube illustrating (albeit in super basic terms) some of the technology behind its upcoming Leaf electric vehicle.

As you can see in the video (after the jump), the explanation isn't exactly edifying: We learn that Nissan's zero-emissions battery research goals are to maximize drive time and minimize charge time (um, yes, good idea); that the company is a self-proclaimed pioneer in lithium-ion technology; and, most surprising to us, a reminder that Nissan released a production lithium-ion battery-powered vehicle (in fact, the first), the Altra, way back in 1997! The Leaf is essentially a sequel 12 years in the making.

The Leaf, which is slated to roll onto lots in late 2010, boasts 100 miles of real-world driving on a charge. Charging the vehicle can take anywhere from 30 minutes (to 80 percent capacity) from a DC quick-charging station -- which would be used like filling stations -- to eight hours for home charging from a 200-volt AC plug. The 5-seater hatchback, styled much like a next-gen Versa, is expected to retail for somewhere between $25,000 and $33,000, and a tax break of $7,500 for the EV is likely to apply. Check out the video for yourself, below.