Nissan has delivered the first of its new Leaf electric vehicles off the production line in Europe to a British man this week.

Leo Moran, 63, from Hartlepool, took delivery of his special edition black Nissan Leaf 2.Zero this week at a dealer in Darlington, kicking off deliveries for the second-generation of what is the world's most popular all-electric car. The new car is Moran's second Leaf, and it's built just up the road from his house in Nissan's Sunderland factory. The former police officer previously owned a 30kWh first generation Leaf, and placed an order for his new car late last year.

Read also:

'I’ve driven many cars of all shapes and sizes, and many performance cars, but I can say hand on heart the Leaf is the best car I’ve ever driven,' he said. 'I’ve spent the last year singing the praises of the Nissan Leaf and now I have the new edition I cannot wait to get out and play, go on adventures and enjoy the drive.'

The new Leaf 2.Zero special version is limited to just 1,500 models, and is positioned between N-Connecta and the range-topping Tekna trim levels. It is available in two colours – Spring Cloud and Pearl Black, and the specification includes 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear heated black suede-effect bio-fabric seats, automatic air conditioning, NissanConnect EV 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with six speaker sound system, Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Intelligent Driver alertness, as well as adaptive cruise control.

'We’re thrilled to be the first dealership in the UK to present the all-new Nissan Leaf, and to a fantastic customer who really is a Leaf champion,' said Terry O’Neill, dealer principal at Bristol Street Motors, where Moran got his car.

The Nissan Leaf 2.Zero is priced from £26,490, which includes £5,000 off courtesy of the government's grant for electric vehicles.

You might also like:

Gallery: 2018 Nissan Leaf first drive