The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has tapped Nissan Motor Co to supply electric cars for its taxis and government fleet, hoping to reduce reliance on imported oil.
Under the agreement announced on Friday, Nissan will supply its Leaf electric car and set up charging stations in Bhutan.
Bhutan, with a population of 7,20,000, produces and exports hydro-electricity. But it’s eager to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels shipped in from abroad.
The Leaf is the world’s best-selling electric car, selling a cumulative 1,00,000 so far since going on sale in late 2010, comprising 45 per cent of the global electric vehicle market.
Nissan declined to disclose the number of electric cars involved or the monetary value for the Bhutan deal.
Feasibility studies are planned for how they can cooperate more on the green technology, both sides said.
“Nissan’s global experience will be invaluable as we make progress towards an electrified national transport infrastructure,” Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, said.
