As part of the scheme, the cars will be used by SBC’s social work team, one of its biggest car user groups. The vehicles, and a network of public charging points across the central borders region, were funded by a grant from the Scottish government’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Support Scheme.

The SBC administers an area covering 1,830 square miles, from 15 miles south of Edinburgh to the English border, and is headquartered at Newtown St Boswells in Melrose.

Councillor Jum Fullarton, executive member for roads and infrastructure, said:  ‘With the current fuel prices it’s a great help for our Social Work Department to be able to recharge the C-Zero at minimal cost.

‘While the C-Zeros will initially be limited to use in towns, with more recharging points we will widen the area they can operate.’