The company has 450 private hire vehicles in Nottingham, and is targeting the largest fleet of electric cars in the UK within two years.

Its environmental options, including the Toyota Prius, are GPS tracked to ensure the quickest route for a pickup, and have already contributed to carbon reductions. A further 20% cut is planned between 2013 and 2015.

DG Cars owner Amjid Javaid said: “The Nissan LEAF was chosen to be the flagship vehicle of our extensive ECO Fleet and by adding the electric cars we feel this makes a significant statement within the private hire industry not only by addressing our corporate social responsibility but offering our passengers – domestic and corporate – the ‘electric experience’ and a carbon-neutral journey too.

Councillor Alan Clark, Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for energy and sustainability, who was the first fare in the new additions, said the cars would help Nottingham to reach its 26% carbon reduction target set for 2020.

‘Cleaner transport is good news for residents, good news for businesses and good news for the environment, making journeys quieter and reducing fuel bills and CO2. We are delighted that companies in the city are also working towards a more environmentally sound Nottingham,’ he commented.