The quick chargers are part of a wider initiative from Nissan to get 1m consumers switched onto electric driving, in just 100 days. The basis of "The Big Turn On" campaign is to engage the public and support their city’s bid to win a new electric driving infrastructure from Nissan.

These chargers improve the speed of charging electric cars and help improve the infrastructure for a new zero-emissions future. A quick charger, which complies with the international CHAdeMO standard, can recharge an empty battery to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes, as opposed to the standard charger type, which takes approximately eight hours.

Nissan is also helping to establish the infrastructure needed if the EV is to make a significant contribution to inner-city air quality. By the end of 2012, the company will have given away over 400 quick chargers to local authorities and partners with the ultimate aim of developing a network of thousands of chargers and creating a number of Electric Highways to link cities across Europe.

Paul Willcox, senior vice president for Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe, said: 'Nissan was the first manufacturer to mass produce an all-electric car – the Nissan LEAF. We recognise the importance of a zero-emissions future and to date, along with our Alliance partner, Renault, have invested over €4bn into electric mobility. Now it’s time to tell Europe about the benefits and demonstrate the Nissan LEAF is a real alternative today, and "The Big Turn On" is designed to do just that.'

At the same time, the campaign will bust many of the myths that have emerged around electric vehicles. The Nissan LEAF was awarded European and World Car of the Year 2011, has a 95% customer satisfaction and a 5* Euro NCAP rating. The initiative will also prove that electric vehicles are very economical to run; that Nissan LEAF is incredibly safe; and that the range between charges is easily sufficient for the vast majority of daily trips. The Nissan LEAF has a homologated range of 109 miles (NEDC), which is further than 90% of European motorists drive on a weekday.

The campaign aims to reach one million potential EV advocates in France, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, through a combination of myth-busting achievements and direct interaction via a massive digital and social movement. "Turning on" is as easy as a "click" – consumers can pledge their commitment to EV by clicking the "turn on"button via The Big Turn On website, via social media channels or by signing up for a LEAF test drive.

Added by: Luke Durkin 
New Media Editor