The probability of Nissan’s Sunderland plant becoming a base for electric vehicle production will be strengthened on Friday with the signing of a partnership agreement to promote zero-emission mobility.

Nissan and regional development agency One NorthEast will sign a memorandum of understanding, in the presence of business secretary Lord Mandelson, to undertake a four-month development programme to promote EV use, create EV infrastructure and explore the potential for EV manufacturing in the north east, and the UK.