Among the specific targets agreed by both parties is a determination to register at least 1,000 EV sales by the end of 2011.As a first step to reaching that target, Nissan will deliver 100 Nissan LEAFs to fleet customers starting in February 2011. Deliveries to individual customers will start from June 2011 with Renault's Fluence ZE and Kangoo Express ZE electric vehicles becoming available shortly after.

Amsterdam has introduced several incentives in order to stimulate EV demand, including free electricity at public charging posts until March 2012, as well as free parking at such posts. Since March 2009, businesses are also eligible for a subsidy from the city when purchasing an EV. In addition, EV buyers benefit from national incentives, including zero registration tax and zero road tax.

The city is already developing a comprehensive charging infrastructure to support EV customers. Almost 100 charging points have been installed in public areas since November 2009. To meet growing demand for electric charging points, Amsterdam plans to install up to 2,000 additional charging points in the streets, car parks and Park and Ride sites.

Starting in 2011, Amsterdam will install a "Quick Charger" in the city which is capable of up to 50kW and which can recharge a battery to 80% of its capacity in about 30 minutes. The city will also encourage the installation of private charging posts at companies. 

As well as providing a supply of advanced EVs for purchase or lease and managing the Netherlands' EV Pilot Programme, the Renault-Nissan Alliance will establish a sales and service network for the cars in the Amsterdam area. The Alliance will also join forces with Amsterdam to run an Electric Mobility Education Programme designed to promote the positive benefits of zero-emission travel.

'Amsterdam and the Renault-Nissan Alliance are both frontrunners in electric mobility. It's not just drivers who will benefit from this agreement. In the end, the whole city will be better off with electric mobility,' said Maarten Linnenkamp, air quality program director for the City of Amsterdam.

'With this agreement, Renault aims to create awareness with the City of Amsterdam about electric mobility in general,' said Jean-Paul Renaux, managing director of Renault Netherlands. 'Renault is confident that this initiative for electric mobility in Amsterdam will be followed by other Dutch communities. We look forward to providing customers with electric cars that are as fun to drive as they are good for the environment, starting with the Fluence ZE and the Kangoo Express ZE next year.'