NISSAN’S involvement in a project to improve the performance of environmentallyfriendly cars has received a financial boost from the Treasury.

The Government’s award of £9.5m towards the REEVolution green transport project represents the only spending commitment made by any department ahead of next month’s comprehensive review.

The North-East car maker is part of a consortium working on the project that aims to extend the range and performance of electric vehicles.

The funding was part of a £24m package for six projects supporting development of the UK’s ultra low-carbon vehicles industry.

The announcement was made at the Cenex Low-Carbon Vehicle 2010 event yesterday, by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond.

The investment comes from the Technology Strategy Board and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills as well as the cross-governmental Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

Richard Candler, Nissan’s manager of electrical design and test, hailed the announcement as giving the burgeoning industry a timely injection of funds during a period when public spending is being cut, adding: “It is very welcome.

“It may not seem like a huge amount of money in the scheme of things, but it helps to sow the seeds for future projects.

“It suggests that the Government understands the time has arrived for electric vehicles.

“It’s a wise bet by the Government as the development of low-carbon vehicles is at a crucial stage and needs some support from the public sector.”

Nissan this week showcased its electric Leaf car, which will be produced at Sunderland from 2013.

Mr Candler added: “We believe this will be the vehicle that finally convinces people that electric cars are a viable alternative.

“There are still some doubters out there, but when people drive the car it makes them realise that electric vehicles are a reality.

“We would hope that the people in the North-East, who have a vested interest in the success of Nissan’s Leaf, can help to get that message across."