Under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the car manufacturer and the Department for Regional Development (DRD) and Department of Environment (DOE), joint working teams will be established to propose plans for an electric vehicle network.

The DRD and DOE have also said that they will look at purchase incentives while Renault-Nissan will share information and ideas relating to charging networks, energy supply and electric vehicle training. It will also help promote the development and use of electric vehicles in the region.

Regional development minister, Conor Murphy, said: 'This agreement is especially welcome as DRD and DOE will be submitting a bid for the "Plugged in Places" electric vehicle infrastructure initiative very soon. I think it will strengthen our bid and show that the North is an innovative and dynamic region that major companies want to work with.'

Environment minister, Edwin Poots, added: 'I see the use of electric vehicles as an important alternative to fossil fuel powered travel which will help to decarbonise transport and contribute to our climate change, air quality and noise objectives. Electric vehicles are an exciting part of our transport future and I think this agreement will help to ensure that we start to enjoy the benefits that these vehicles bring sooner rather than later.'