This will be quickly followed by the UK, where pre-orders are set to commence from 1 September and deliveries will start in March.

Nissan has also announced that high interest in the Leaf in the Netherlands has led it to bring forward the model's launch date in the Netherlands. Sales are now expected to start in June 2011, with pre-orders opening to customers in October this year. All other market launch dates remain unchanged.

Commenting on the announcement, Simon Thomas, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Nissan International SA, said: 'Nissan LEAF will appeal on many levels; it's a completely zero-emission electric car with all of the financial and environmental benefits that will bring, but it is also a practical family size car and fun to drive. That's a powerful combination, and Nissan LEAF is already attracting significant interest from prospective customers.'

The price of the Leaf after government incentives is €30,250 in Portugal, €29,995 in Ireland and £23,990 in the UK including the battery. Running costs are anticipated at less than €1.05 per 100 km in Portugal, less than €1.20 per 100km in Ireland and less than £1.59 per 100 km in the UK.

To make a reservation, customers in the initial launch markets simply need to go to their local Nissan consumer website* and place their order, including a fully-refundable deposit of €300 (£257). "Early adopters" will also be given an opportunity to test-drive the Leaf thoroughly by December, at which point they will need to formally confirm their order. A dedicated call centre for each country has been created to assist customers with questions. Call centre details are available on each website.

*Portugal:    
http://www.nissan.pt/#vehicles/electricvehicles/leaf (from 30 July)

Ireland:       
http://www.nissan.ie/NissanLeaf  (from 30 July)

UK:              
http://www.nissan.co.uk/leaf  (from 1 September)