Hertz said that the partnership with Nissan seals its commitment to green car rentals.

Mark P Frissora, Hertz CEO, said: 'With unique solutions like the Hertz Green Collection already available to our customers, we believe in continuously providing innovative mobility solutions to sustain the growing demand for eco-travel.'

Toshiyuki Shiga, chief operating officer of Nissan, added: 'Our partnership with Hertz is an important step towards our goal of promoting widespread acceptance of electric vehicles. Together with our Alliance partner Renault, we aim to be the leader in zero-emission vehicles which we believe are one of the best solutions for sustaining the growing need for transport across the globe.'

Nissan has billed its Leaf as 'the world's first affordable, zero-emission car'. The medium-size hatchback is designed to comfortably seat five adults and with its lithium-ion battery has a range of about 160km. The car will go on sale in Japan, the US and Europe in late 2010.

'The flexibility and environmental credentials offered by the existing Connect by Hertz fleet presents an ideal opportunity for the expansion of electric cars into the car-share market,' added Mr Frissora. 'With its performance and energy efficient technology, we're confident that Nissan Leaf will be popular with existing customers and help attract new eco-conscious motorists.'