NETHERLANDS – Malaysia's national carmaker Proton and a Dutch-based company have signed an agreement to make zero emission electric cars for sale in the U.S. and Europe by next year, according to Forbes.

Detroit Electric, the owner of the technology, says the car will have a range of up to 200 miles on a single overnight charge, longer than any existing model.

Under the agreement signed March 30, the Netherlands-based Detroit Electric will use Proton's assembly line. Detroit Electric motors, batteries, and other components will be fitted in the bodies of two Proton cars.

Approximately 40,000 of the four-door units will be produced in the first year, according to Detroit Electric Chief Executive Albert Lam, which will cost between $23,000 and $33,000, depending on the model.