The Government is planning to unveil a £100 million scheme to test electric cars and vans in three UK cities, with a view to expanding their use across the UK.

The plan forms part of the UK’s commitment to cut all greenhouse gases by 80% by 2050.

The electric trials will take place in Liverpool, Newcastle and Leeds and information will be collected from drivers to help form the basis of taking electric plans national.

Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Citroen and Nissan are expected to be shortlisted to supply the vehicles with an aim to get them on the roads next year.

Nice, the electric car company, welcomed the financial package, saying it was the clearest indication yet that the Government acknowledges the role all-electric motoring takes in the battle against climate change.

Evert Geursten, Nice co-founder, said: “Despite the economic downturn, the Government knows it can’t afford to postpone action on climate change.”