KEEN to demonstrate it is really behind the drive to promote electric vehicles, Worcestershire County Council has invested in two new electric pool cars and one electric van for its courier service.

The vehicles, in their new livery, were unveiled at County Hall this week and will be available for staff to use in the course of their work. The Nissan Leaf pool cars and the Nissan e-NV200 electric van will be ready for use this summer.

Cllr Anthony Blagg, cabinet member for the environment, said: "We needed to update the council's pool cars and it makes good sense to invest in electric vehicles. Not only can we charge up at County Hall but by offering two electric vehicles as pool cars we can both introduce electric vehicles to those who might not have had the opportunity to drive one and promote electric vehicles as staff go about their business.

"Electric vehicles have no exhaust emissions, meaning that they don't contribute to the growing problem of air pollution in our towns, so they are better for the environment and better for everyone's health."

Ruth Corrall, sustainable communities manager, said: "There are many benefits to driving an electric vehicle, which staff will be able to experience when they use the pool cars. The vehicles are great to drive and misconceptions around range and speed can be dispelled as soon as you try one. The vehicles will also save the council money over the long term."