It makes the French car the cheapest electric vehicle on sale in the UK, with the screen price slashed by the carmaker's unique battery leasing scheme. Instead of owning the battery packs and bearing the brunt of depreciation and possible obsolescence, customers will rent the units instead.

A full list of leasing options hasn't been announced as yet, but Renault says the entry-level package at £75 per month will be based on usage of 6,000 miles and three years. Buyers will be able to add additional mileage and extend the rental period to suit their needs.

The first cars, which will be badged as a "Prime Time" edition, come with a high spec including 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, climate control, cruise control and Renault's Carminat TomTom satellite navigation. It costs £855 less than the equivalent Megane Hatch Dynamique TomTom.

Power comes from a 95bhp electric motor with 166lb.ft torque, which gives the car a range of 115 miles. Buyers can reserve a car at www.renault-ze.com for a non-refundable £20 deposit.