Renault will launch an electric vehicle programme in Ireland next year but has admitted that the price of the cars will not include batteries. Instead green drivers will be expected to rent batteries at a cost of around €100 a month.

Head of Renault’s EV project, Thierry Koskas said, "The customer pays the battery lease of €100 per month, and for the electricity. As long as you drive 12,000km a year, or 30km a day, it will pay you."

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland says most motorist average 17,000 km per year, so an electric vehicle would make economic sense for them even with the battery lease charge.