Nissan Motor Co. announced it will be supplying its Leaf electric car to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan as part of Bhutan's plan to use cleaner energy.
The agreement was made after conversations between Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn and prime minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay in Thimphu last year, according to The Hindustan Times.
"The Royal Government of Bhutan is pleased to launch this partnership with Nissan as we work to achieve our vision of a leading global EV nation," Tobgay said. "Nissan's global experience will be invaluable as we make progress towards an electrified national transport infrastructure."
The Leaf is currently the best-selling electric car worldwide, ABC News reported. The vehicle sold 100,000 cars since sales began in late 2010.
Bhutan is looking to reduce its dependence on imported oil, which is used to supply the nation's hydroelectric power, according to USA Today.
Bhutan's goal is to become a zero emissions nation, The Hindustan Times reported. The vision includes Thimphu as a city where transportation for its 100,000-plus citizens is powered by clean energy.
Ghosn said Nissan has not yet come up with an initial vehicle price, according to Clean Technica. Sales are expected to be helped by government investment, and Bhutan is giving the thought of exempting electric cars from taxes and import duties. The people of Bhutan are also expected to benefit from the switch from fossil fuel.
Ghosn said the deal between Nissan and Bhutan will include Nissan providing hundreds of electric cars, and eventually thousands, USA Today reported.
"Many emerging markets want to protect the environment," Ghosn said.
Ghosn said Nissan is looking to make similar deals with other places since more markets are focusing on protecting the environment through electric cars while also focusing on development, ABC News reported. Nissan and Bhutan both stated they will focus on working together more on green technology.
