AXA was appointed following a call for tender in early 2010 and will provide a number of services in addition to conventional roadside breakdown assistance and towing. It also says that it has specially adapted its services to cater for electric vehicle needs and has implemented a number of specialised training programmes.

The services will initially be available in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.

Customer deliveries of Renault-Nissan's first 100% electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF have begun in December in the United States and Japan to be followed by selected markets in Europe.

Renault will launch its first three electric models – Kangoo Express ZE, Fluence ZE and Twizy – in the second half of 2011.