The deal, which follows similar partnerships between British Gas and Toyota, Nissan, Renault, Vauxhall and Mitsubishi, includes installation of a home charge point − comprising a 16-amp data-enabled Wall Box with 4.5m cable to help keep track of energy use – plus access to the POLAR network of over 1,800 UK-wide charge points until the end of March 2014.

Drivers can also benefit from access to Chargevision online account management and smart phone app to help keep track energy use as well as a three-year charge point warranty and three-year parts and labour warranty.

Iain Howat, head of product and pricing at Volvo Car UK, said: ‘The V60 Plug-in Diesel Hybrid has been a worldwide success and within the UK we have seen great interest from customers, both in the retail and corporate sectors. With the car offering low CO2 emissions coupled with a high power output, the new exterior design and Volvo's usual safety standards, plus this new fantastic offer from British Gas, we have great confidence in this vehicle as a complete package.’

Drivers taking up the offer will need to have off-street parking and appropriate permissions from the homeowner or landlord. A home suitability survey will be carried out by a fully trained British Gas electrician on the same day as the installation.

Other benefits from British Gas for electric vehicle users include the British Gas Off-Peak Saver Tariff, which provides 20 hours of lower rate electricity every day compared to other standard tariffs. In addition a smart meter shows in pounds and pence how much energy is costing.