Nissan Leaf

Joint venture with Gateshead College aims to turn the region into "the epicentre of electric vehicle expertise in Europe"

Market-leading all-electric car to be available in 24 European markets from next year

Rental firm brings five electric vehicles into fleet and hints scheme could be expanded across UK

Range-extended hybrid will be priced lower than Nissan Leaf and Ampera/Volt in most markets

European Investment Bank funds will support construction of first European Leaf production line and battery plant

Green-Car-Guide runs down the cars offering the highest miles per gallon and the lowest emissions

Figures suggest fuel savings and feed-in tariff payments mean solar panels pay for themselves in four to five years

Automaker also unveils cheaper and smaller battery charger

Gas and electric company leases four electric vehicles for use in fleet

Will Nichols spends a week with Nissan's trailblazing electric car