At the time the largest UK fleet deal for the electric vehicle, the force’s 30 Nissan LEAFs have covered a combined 700,000 miles, saving £68,000 in fuel costs and reducing carbon emissions by around 200 tonnes.

These are now to be replaced with a leased fleet of 30kWh LEAFs, featuring the 25% larger-capacity battery and a longer range, supplied through dealer group West Way Nissan. The cars are used for set appointments by staff, rather than 999 emergencies.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said: “Anything that helps us save money in the current climate is most welcome and I am pleased to approve this new lease. As well as being greener, the Nissan LEAF costs a fraction of the cost per mile to run compared to a diesel or petrol car.”

Karl Anders, National EV Manager at Nissan Motor (GB), said: “Both the LEAF and e-NV200 can have a significant impact on reducing running and whole-life costs as well as well as helping organisations significantly cut their carbon emissions.”