The Leaf is gaining “traction” with fleets following the introduction of a range-extending larger battery, according to Nissan managing director Jim Wright.

Last year, Nissan sold 5,200 Leafs, a figure is expects to exceed “a bit” this year. “The next volume growth will be when the next model comes,” Wright said.

However, he added: “We are getting traction now in fleet – scepticism is falling. It was ones and twos; now are 10s and 20s. And in van , it is in the 20s and 30s. A lot are in the public sector.

“I anticipate that once business understands how it can work for them, it will be a breakthrough for us in fleet.”

Wright doesn’t foresee a seismic jump in range when the next Leaf comes to market in 2017. “It will continue to be a stepped improvement,” he said.

The current model has official range of 155 miles for the 30kWh model; expect the next step to be in excess of 200 miles.

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