The points, located at South Mimms services on the A1, Oxford services on the M40 and Hopwood Park services on the M42, offer an 80% charge from empty in around half an hour and form part of Ecotricity’s Electric Highway motorway charging network. Recharging is offered for free to Ecotricity customers, who can register for an account online.

Jim Wright, managing director of Nissan Motor GB, said: ‘Many drivers would love to experience the convenience and cost saving benefits of a 100% electric vehicle such as the Nissan LEAF. But some still worry about the occasional journey which may be beyond the 109 mile range. By introducing fast charging infrastructure at strategic motorway service stations, Nissan and Ecotricity are removing that worry and making EVs practical to a whole new selection of buyers.”

Dale Vince, founder of Green Energy company Ecotricity, added: ‘We believe this will prove to be a game-changing moment in making electric cars a practical choice for motorists – helping to reduce carbon emissions at a time when petrol prices are spiralling upwards.’