As the North-East positions itself as a hub for electric vehicle research and development business correspondent Andy Richardson reports from the Cenex National Low-Carbon Vehicle event in Bedfordshire, a major showcase for the sector.

THE Northern Echo’s business correspondent Andy Richardson yesterday became one of the first people in the UK to test drive the Nissan Leaf ahead of its official launch next month.

At the Millbrook test track in Bedfordshire, which is hosting the Cenex event, he was able to put the electric vehicle through its paces.

It comes as the North-East positions itself as a hub for electric vehicle expertise, with Leaf production at Nissan’s Sunderland plant from 2013 destined to create thousands of jobs.

The five-door car goes on sale in the UK in March.

Yesterday’s sneak preview on the high-speed track showcased the vehicle’s impressive acceleration and handling.

Mr Richardson said: “Nissan claims the Leaf can reach a top speed of 90mph, but on the track it hovered just under the 100mph mark, cornered smoothly and negotiated steep hills with ease.”

Previously, Nissan has allowed only prototypes of the Leaf to be made available for test drives, but this model was almost identical to the one that will soon be rolling off the production line.

As well as the Leaf, the North-East, will be home to a £8.4m national skills academy for sustainable manufacturing and an open access test track.