The department said the LEAF will serve as an administrative services vehicle under the terms of a leasing agreement, with the option to purchase at the end of the lease term.

In a statement, ACCPD said: ‘The Nissan LEAF with its electrical equivalent of 126 (city) and 101 (highway) MPGe far exceeds the efficiencies derived from the hybrid vehicles which are currently in service as administrative vehicles. It also proves a radical improvement compared to the fuel inefficiencies derived from the traditional and standard patrol vehicles.

‘In addition, the ACCPD will provide performance data to other Athens-Clarke County stakeholders to determine the suitability of all-electric vehicles in their service delivery modes.’