Nissan has opened order books for its electric vehicle Leaf allowing customers to put down a returnable holding deposit.

Customers can sign up on www.nissan.co.uk/leaf and secure a Leaf for £257. Deliveries for the new model will start in March priced at £23,990 (including £5,000 government incentive).

Each prospect will get to test drive the Leaf before the end of the year, at which point they will need to formally confirm their order before it goes on sale in the UK early next year.

Paul Willcox, managing director of Nissan Motor (GB), said: “Leaf is generating huge interest across the world, with more than 25,000 customers already putting down deposits in the US and Japan.

“Initial interest across retail and fleet channels could result in demand outstripping initial supply.”

British Gas and Ikea have both expressed interest in taking on the Leaf for their fleets.

The Nissan Leaf  will be priced at £23,990, taking into account the £5,000 Government incentive for electric vehicle buyers and the recently announced 20% VAT rate, both to be introduced from January. The price includes the battery.

Available in five exterior colours and one specification trim level, all models will come with air conditioning, satellite navigation and a parking camera as standard, plus smartphone connectivity that enables owners to check charging levels plus heat or cool the interior of the car remotely via their handset.

The car’s AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of more than 90mph and it can travel up to 100 miles on a full charge depending on the speed driven.