The zero-emission Mitsubishi i Miev is the most eco-friendly car on the market and the only showroom-ready all-electric 4-seater produced by a mainstream manufacturer.

The multi award winning vehicle is acknowledged as the UK’s greenest conventional car and is at the cutting edge of advances in quiet, clean, low carbon technology and fuel efficiency.

It is powered by lithium-ion batteries, has a range of up to 100 miles and can be recharged from a domestic household electricity socket. With external equipment, it can be recharged within 20 minutes.

The car will be on display on Ceremonial Way at the civic centre at Noon on Wednesday 27 May, with acting chief executive Barry Rowland, councillor Gareth Kane and head of neighbourhood services Nigel Hails all present.

The city council’s fleet services team will put the vehicle through a rigorous testing and evaluation programme with a view to assessing its suitability for inclusion in the low carbon vehicle procurement programme.

The council has already purchased an electric transit ‘tipper’ which was built by Smiths Electric Vehicles in Washington, clearly demonstrating a commitment to local manufacturing expertise and innovation in transport. The vehicle will also be undergoing testing over the next few months.

The council is in preliminary discussions with regional partners over the establishment of an advanced electrical charging infrastructure.

Barry Rowland, acting chief executive of Newcastle city council, said: “As part of our commitment to tackling climate change, we are working with partners to promote this new technology. We welcome this first all-electric car as a symbol of the progress that is being made towards more sustainable transport."

David Slater, executive director of environment and regeneration, said: “In the past, Newcastle has been at the forefront of electrical and consumer innovation.

“We have a great chance to take another leap forward – and by doing so to make our city greener. We have ambitious ideas for supporting electric vehicles, and this visit by the first commercially available car will help to highlight the work we and partners are doing”

Councillor Gareth Kane, executive support member for environment, sustainability and transport, said: "Transport is a major cause of CO2 emissions. By using electric vehicles, Newcastle Council could reduce these emissions and improve air quality in the City.”