By the end of this year, Chicago and its surrounding area will have 280 car charging stations, with existing locations in the city centre already installed thanks to £601,000 ($1m) funding from Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! economic recovery programme.

Quinn said rising fuel prices, improving charging infrastructure and government incentives were helping to drive interest in the technology. In addition to the £4,568 ($7,500) of federal tax credit offered to electric vehicle buyers, Illinois is offering a £2,436 ($4,000) rebate.

‘Illinois is laying the groundwork for electric vehicles and a more green economy, and our efforts are paying off,’ Governor Quinn said. ‘By investing in electric vehicle technology, both the state of Illinois and Nissan are making transportation in our state more efficient, sustainable and affordable.’