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Nissan has signed a contact with development agency, One North East that will help to strengthen the North East of England as the UK’s national centre for developing ultra-low-carbon vehicles. Under the agreement, One North East has agreed to install at least 619 charging points by the start of 2011, with electricity provided free of charge until the end of March 2012 or until an itemised billing service is available.

It has already installed two charging points for public use in the car park at its head office. The agency will also work with other companies in the area to create at least 200 free dedicated public parking spaces by November 2010, as well as introducing preferential access to certain roads and areas.

The agreement also sets commitments on incentives for drivers, as well as education and demonstration initiatives to be introduced over the next two years. At the same time, Nissan has also agreed to supply LEAF cars to the region in early 2011 and to give priority to orders for the car from the North East.

The forthcoming LEAF EV is billed as the world's first affordable, zero-emissions car. Using lithium-ion battery, the LEAF has a range of more than 100 miles (160kms). The LEAF will launch in Japan Winter 2010 with U.S and European launches happening in Spring 2011.