The business has added two of the new longer-range Nissan LEAFs to its fleet, which already includes has six hybrids. The move follows Green Leaf Cars’ consultation with Peterborough City Council over changing its by-law to allow for electric cars to become licensed taxis.

Owner Tod Howard commented: “This is the first time we have had full electric vehicles. I love them – they’re great for our business, our customers and with no tailpipe emissions there are the obvious benefits to the environment.

“We have made 25% savings, if not more, since we have had them and have had solar panels fitted to our office to generate electricity to power the vehicles.

“Our drivers go to charging points in between jobs and wait for their next appointment. It’s so simple and cost-effective for our business.”

Darran Foot, business sales executive at Smiths Nissan, which supplied the vehicles, said: “Green Leaf Cars has embraced all-electric motoring and can see how much money the LEAF can save the company.

“Hopefully other taxi companies and drivers will follow suit. As well as being cheap to run, all-electric cars help reduce air pollution in our cities so the advantages are huge.”