As a result the carmaker has introduced a new pricing structure that has been designed for simple use.

Cars bought with leased batteries will be known as “Flex” models and will cost £15,990 (after receipt of the Government's £5,000 plug-in grant) for an entry-level Visia LEAF. The separate battery lease payment ranges from £70 per month depending on the length of the contract and mileage covered.

The same model can be bought outright, including battery, for £20,990 (with the Plug-In grant included again).

Jump up to the mid-range Acenta model and the “Flex” model will cost £18,490 including the grant and £23,490 for the car and battery with the grant.

The top-range Tekna LEAF will be offered for £20,490 without the battery with the grant included and £25,490 for the version with the battery included (again using the Government grant). This trim level offers a BOSE energy-efficient sound system with a subwoofer and seven speakers. In addition, there are 17-inch alloys and LED headlamps.

Nissan adds that all models will feature Nissan's enhanced battery warranty, which now also protects against capacity loss, with a commitment to repair or replace a battery which falls short of what might reasonably be expected.

The new LEAF also introduces over 100 improvements over its predecessor. Most notably, the car's range has been extended from 109 miles to 124 miles. And its battery is capable of recharging in about half the time of the first-generation LEAF. There’s also new interior trim, the addition of Nissan's Around View Monitor technology and new suspension settings specifically tailored for European roads.

Jim Wright, managing director of Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, said: ‘We are very proud of the new Nissan LEAF, which underlines our commitment to the future of electric motoring.

"With more than 100 improvements over the outgoing model, it really does mark the next stage in the electric motoring revolution. Built at our record-breaking Sunderland plant for British drivers using British roads, we're looking forward to it becoming our next home-grown success story.’

Pricing (after the receipt of the plug-in grant):

Battery Leasing: