The Nissan Leafs will be used to supplement the council’s pool vehicles at various locations throughout the region while the three vans will be used by teams in Waste Services, Building Services and Community Transport and are the first electric vans on the fleet.

The vehicles will complement existing eco measures which are being taken to reduce mileage, including car sharing and video conferencing.

The vehicles were supplied by Midlothian-based Nissan dealership Alex F Noble & Son via public sector leasing specialist Automotive Leasing on a contract hire agreement. As part of the Scottish Government’s Grant scheme the vehicles are fully-funded by Transport Scotland for three years.

Tom Conn, West Lothian Council’s executive councillor for the environment, said: “We are delighted to accept the new electric vehicles to our fleet, which brings the total number of electric vehicles to thirteen. The vehicles are a great addition being environmentally friendly with zero exhaust emissions.

“The council is committed to looking after the environment and to reducing carbon emissions and the new vehicles complement the existing measures which are being taken to reduce mileage, including car sharing and video conferencing.”