A new sustainable transport hub is launching in the north-east of England with the help of electric cars from Nissan.

Sunderland City Council’s Mobility Hub project aims to promote more sustainable travel in the area, providing a one-stop shop for travel needs and services.

As a first step, the council has deployed a fleet of 10 Nissan Leafs, creating a zero-emission pool fleet for council business use, while 20 e-bikes will also be made available to staff.

The hope is that the hub will eventually make eco-friendly pool cars available to the public.

Councillor Claire Rowntree, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “‘Initiatives like this one will put us right at the cutting edge in taking proactive steps to minimise our carbon footprint. We’re looking forward to testing the concept with these stunning Nissan cars that we’re very proud were made in Sunderland.

“It’s a fitting start to the Mobility Hub, which we hope will be a successful new asset that – eventually – the whole city will be able to make use of.”

The cars are being supplied to the council by Evans Halshaw Nissan Sunderland in Wessington Way. The purchase of the cars coincides with the tenth anniversary of the start of Leaf production at Nissan’s Sunderland plant.

Noel Critchley, corporate sales manager at Nissan Motor (GB), said: “With a range of up to 239 miles on a single charge, plus running and maintenance costs that are a fraction of a conventional petrol or diesel car, the Nissan Leaf is a great option for anyone looking to switch to electric motoring and cut their carbon footprint.

‘‘We are delighted to be working with Sunderland council on this exciting project and look forward to continuing our partnership in the years ahead.”