Forty-five Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are being leased for incident commanders as part of new fleet strategy and transformation programme, the county council has announced.

NFRS said they were confident that the Hyundai Tucson will meet all the requirements of an emergency response car including a large boot for equipment and the ability to respond in all weathers and on rough terrain such as farm tracks and other off-road locations.

Each car will be fitted with blue lights and communications equipment.

Cllr Margret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: ‘We all need to do our part to reduce carbon emissions, both as organisations and as individuals, however we also need to be confident that our Fire Service has the tools to protect the county.

‘I’m delighted that the service has identified these vehicles as being able to do both, with no loss of capability while also working towards our commitment to net zero.

‘By becoming the first Fire Service in the country to make the move to electric emergency response cars, Norfolk is leading the way both in terms of environmental protection and protecting our communities.’