Bhutan’s electrical grid is supplied by an abundance of renewably sourced hydro-electricity, enough that energy is its biggest export. Plans to increase the numbers of electric vehicles on the roads are aimed at reducing the amount of oil it imports each year.

Having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nissan, the government will begin the transition to an all-electric fleet by deploying LEAFs as taxis and demonstrators as a first step. There are also plans to install quick charging points nationwide, and the government is investigating tax exemptions for electric vehicles to increase uptake.

The capital, Thimphu, is also set to become a “clean energy” city, where transportation for its population of more than 100,000 is provided by environmentally-friendly power. Nissan will work with Bhutan to investigate how it can scale its operation in green energy rich markets, and feasibility studies for other technical co-operation are included in the agreements.

Tshering Tobgay, Bhutan's prime minister, said: ‘The Royal Government of Bhutan is pleased to launch this partnership with Nissan as we work to achieve our vision of a leading global EV nation. Nissan's global experience will be invaluable as we make progress towards an electrified national transport infrastructure.'