Nissan sold approximately 800 units of its Leaf electric vehicle in its first full year of sales and is looking to expand its EV network from 32 to 150 dealers before the end of this year.

It was a year ago today that Nissan began deliveries of the Leaf in the UK.

A Nissan spokesman told AM that with no earthquake to disrupt supply and a bigger marketing push the Japanese brand expects to hit four figures this year.

“Once Leaf production starts at the Sunderland factory we should see a sharp rise,” he added.

Electronics engineer Richard Todd and DJ Mark Goodier (pictured) were the first two Leaf customers in this country courtesy of Glyn Hopkin Nissan in Waltham Abbey, Hertfordshire.

Silicon chip designer Todd commented: “We've clocked up around 8,000 miles with a mixture of commuting to work and taking the children to and from their various activities.

“For me, there's been no downside to driving a Leaf - I don't think we've ever come close to running the battery flat.”