The company was looking for ways to reduce its vehicle fleet carbon footprint and selected the LEAF after five weeks of company-wide vehicle trials.

The trial involved inviting 500 Microsoft UK staff members ranging from engineers and senior directors to sample a variety of vehicles.

The Nissan LEAF made the final selection list after praise from Microsoft UK staff for its comfort, driveability and wealth of standard equipment.

Microsoft UK has since welcomed the car to its scheme by installing two 32 amp quick chargers at its Reading HQ, allowing staff who have opted for the LEAF to charge it on site.

First to take delivery of a Nissan LEAF is Alex Kureen, Microsoft UK’s partner/channel marketing manager. Kureen will keep the vehicle for four years and cover approximately 7,000 miles per year commuting.

Katie Colledge-Price, Microsoft UK’s car benefits manager, said: ‘As you can imagine at a software company, when we announced the vehicle trial list we were overwhelmed with staff interest in an advanced piece of technology like the Nissan LEAF.

‘During the trial the LEAF received consistently positive feedback for how enjoyable and calming it is to drive as well as being a comfortable family vehicle. We have installed charging points at our Reading HQ to encourage staff to consider electric vehicles to help reduce our carbon footprint so we’re now looking forward to welcoming more LEAFs to Microsoft UK.’

Barry Beeston, Nissan corporate sales director, said: ‘Microsoft UK is at the cutting edge of hi-tech developments so to hear its praise for the LEAF and its technology is particularly pleasing. The LEAF represents an excellent solution to cutting any company’s carbon footprint as well as reducing running costs for the end user.

‘After a positive trial process, we now look forward to providing more LEAFs as staff at Microsoft UK see the benefits of 100% electric vehicles.’