The programme showed presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May driving two electric vehicles – a Nissan LEAF and Peugeot iOn – into the city, where they ran out of range while searching for a charging point. It showed the two cars being charged via cables through windows of the University.

Thanks to the forthcoming PodPoint charging posts, both cars could be charged simultaneously and free of charge if the team repeats the journey.

Councillor Fay Smith, portfolio holder for environmental services and public protection at the City of Lincoln Council, said: ‘The Top Gear programme highlighted the fact that Lincoln does not currently provide for electric cars and we're really pleased that Nissan is now funding a charging point. 

‘We're committed to reducing the city's carbon footprint, but know that we can't do it alone, so it's great that private businesses like Nissan are getting behind this and putting in the infrastructure.’